Finding places to run in Shanghai can be a hassle--traffic is dangerous and you can't seem to find a quiet place to sweat and de-stress.

Well, you may not know it, but Shanghai actually has quite a few running organizations and groups for people looking for a partner to exercise with, and for people who just want to bike or run at a few locations in and outside of Shanghai.

Running Groups

The SISU cycling and running club and Happy2Run are two family-oriented organizations that work together to arrange trips and excursions for their members and weekend runs around Century Park. Joining is free, but of course participation fees apply to the individual excursions such as marathons, duathlons etc.

If you’re not sure you can get fit by yourself, then look to the Shanghai Triathlon Club (STC) for some like-minded support. A group of serious runners and athletes who train together for triathlons, duathlons and Ironman competitions around China, this group welcomes beginners to join and run with them, or if they so choose, reach marathon goals together.

Upcoming events

If you're interested in reaching a new running goal or just having a fun filled day, then check out the RSA 8K Run Series run taking place on April 12th in Jinqiao, Pudong, starting at the Pinghe International School (No.261 Huangyang Rd).

The registration deadline is March 31st so click here for more information.

If you want to get out of Shanghai and do some running, then check out the Yangzhou Jianzhen Half- Marathon to be be held on April 26th.

Yangzhou is a couple of hours outside Shanghai by bus, and Happy2Run is organizing a trip there for the race, click here for more info or email Yangzhou Jianzhen Half-marathon to register.

Running Routes

For finding places and routes to run in Shanghai, check out Run the Planet to read about routes suggested by fellow Shanghai runners.

Myckel Bohdt of Happy2Run suggests running in Century Park Pudong, along the Jinqiao Waterway and in the French Concession in the mornings and evenings.

Alison Carroll, fitness buff and nutrition enthusiast, gave us some tips for healthy eating when training for a marathon or race: + If you are running around 25 miles a week then make sure to eat about 1g of carbs for every kg of body weight every day--getting enough minerals is also important because they provide natural energy. + Plain oatmeal is a good high energy food, and lean protein like tuna, chicken and egg whites will help you build muscle while you are training. + Limit alcohol and dairy products--the lactic acid in dairy can limit the amount of time you can run. + Eat loads of crunchy salads, light on the dressing. We like the Wagas, Blue Frog and Element Fresh salads.