3 crazy themed races coming to Shanghai this spring
Photograph: Spartan Race China via Facebook
Despite traffic jams, constant construction and the fact that we share the city with 26 million other people, Shanghai can be a pretty runner-friendly place once you know where to look. It's also playing host to themed runs and races this spring ranging from intense and muddy to totally whacky. Time to start breaking in your trainers now.
Spartan Race Shanghai
Photograph: Spartan Race China
Spartan Race is the world's largest obstacle course race, with over 240 races in 25 countries around the world this year. Serving up 25 obstacles across stretches of rugged terrain, Spartan Race is not your everyday running race – expect to run, climb, push, pull, throw and crawl through walls, hills, trees, mud, barbed wire and other challenging but fun obstacles.
📍Sunland Green, 628 Qifan Lu, near Laiyang Lu. Sat 11. Time tba. 439-589RMB. Extract the QR code above to register.
The Color Run
Photograph: courtesy The Color Run
The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is an untimed paint race all about healthiness, happiness and individuality. Throughout the race, Color Runners are doused in different coloured powders from head to toe. Participants wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in a rainbow of colours. Now the largest running series in the world, The Color Run has been experienced by over 6 million runners worldwide in more than 40 countries.
📍 Sunland Green, 628 Qifan Lu, near Laiyang Lu. Sat 1 Jun. Time tba. 228-498RMB; free (children under 1.2m). Extract the QR code above to register.
The Crazy 5K Inflatable Run
Photograph: courtesy 247tickets
First started back in 2015 in the United States, the Crazy 5K Inflatable Run is a five-kilometre fun run event with ten gigantic inflatable obstacles and three interactive areas. Unranked, the focus of this run is all about having fun and unleashing your inner child. Complimentary face-painting session will also be available on site. Two sessions available: 8.30am-1pm and 1-6pm.
📍Auto Expo Park, 7575 Boyuan Lu, near Moyu Nan Lu. Sat 18. 8.30am-6pm. 220RMB; 900RMB (group of five). Extract the QR code above to register.