The 2026 Shanghai Suzhou River Half Marathon, known as the Suhe Half Marathon, commenced at 7 a.m. on March 28, with 7,000 participants running along the banks of the Suzhou River, often referred to as Shanghai's mother river. This historic waterway, which has witnessed a century of urban transformation, provided a vibrant and lively backdrop for the runners' spring celebration.

Since its inception three years ago, the Suhe Half Marathon has gained recognition among participants for its strong local character and accessible route design. Now in its fourth edition, the event features a straighter course and an even richer atmosphere, solidifying its reputation as the "hometown marathon" for many runners.

The course improvements this year have made it an ideal setting for achieving personal bests. The starting and finishing points were set at Changshou Road and the Half Marathon Suzhou River Park, respectively, resulting in a more direct route with fewer turns. This optimization provided excellent conditions for runners to push their limits.

In the men's division, winner Gao Chengliang crossed the finish line with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 54 seconds, a standout performance on the enhanced course. Among the women, Zhao Na, competing in Shanghai for the first time, not only won but also set a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 39 seconds. Reflecting on her achievement, Zhao noted the favorable course conditions, describing the route as generally flat with comfortable temperature and humidity levels.

The success of elite runners inspired amateur participants to challenge themselves as well. Kong Mengyang, a three-time participant, shared his excitement after the race, highlighting the straighter course compared to previous years and his improvement by over a minute. Another regular participant, Ye Qing, who traveled from Zhoushan to take part, achieved a PB of 1 hour and 27 minutes, expressing optimism for even better results under ideal weather conditions.

Sheng Wang, a seasoned marathon runner who finished second in the men's division, praised the Suhe Half Marathon as exceptionally runner-friendly. Although he did not set a personal best this time due to recent races and academic commitments, he emphasized the high quality of the event and the enthusiastic support from local residents.

As part of the Shanghai Marathon series, the Suhe Half Marathon maintains high standards in event organization and runner support. Aid stations were strategically placed every 5 kilometers, offering water, energy drinks, and nutrition, along with ice stations and cooling sprays to help participants perform at their best. A comprehensive medical support system, including 22 medical stations, 15 ambulances, and over 200 volunteer responders, ensured runner safety throughout the course.

The event also benefited from the energetic assistance of 882 student volunteers, who helped with registration, guidance, and post-race services, adding to the event’s lively and supportive atmosphere. Participants frequently mentioned the encouragement from spectators as a key motivator, with many noting that the cheers from local residents helped them maintain their pace.

Beyond the race itself, the Suhe Half Marathon offered participants a unique opportunity to explore Shanghai’s urban culture. Scenic sections along the Suzhou River and Changfeng Park left a lasting impression on runners. For Zhao Na, the event served as an introduction to the city, while Ye Qing described it as a memorable travel experience combined with sightseeing.

Additional amenities, including discounts at local hotels and shopping centers, along with post-race services such as photo stations and medal engraving, enhanced the overall experience. These efforts reflect Putuo District’s ongoing commitment to developing the area into a world-class waterfront destination, integrating recreational spaces with urban life.

For local runners like Kong Mengyang and Sun Dawei, who often train along the Suzhou River, the event held special significance. As Kong noted, the familiar training route became the stage for a new personal achievement, adding a deeper meaning to the race. The Suhe Half Marathon not only celebrates athletic accomplishment but also highlights the city’s warmth and appreciation for its running community.