Thousands of runners line up at the starting line in the early morning. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of the Shanghai morning dew as thousands of us gathered at the starting line, grouped in A, B, C and D categories of the 2025 Shanghai Jing'an Half Marathon, each runner brimming with quiet determination.
The city was still waking, bathed in the soft glow of the rising orange sun. It was the perfect day to smash a personal best.
As the horns blared, I surged forward, pounding my feet against the pavement in a synchronized rhythm with surrounding runners. The early kilometers were a blur of energy — spectators cheering "jiayou", or push harder as a way of motivation, the towering buildings stretching above, and the hum of shared ambition filling the air.
I weaved through the crowds of runners, tree-lined streets, the morning light flickering between branches, casting golden patterns on the road.
Douglas poses in front of the camera, ready to begin his race. [Photo by Douglas Dueno]
Then came the long and dimly lit tunnels, where the sound of our breathing and footfalls echoed off the walls, others bellowing, "Woohoo, yeah". Emerging from the darkness back into the open city felt like breaking through a barrier — not just physical, but mental.
At the 15th kilometer mark, fatigue crept in. Still, I found strength in those around me — runners of different ages and sizes pushing through their struggles, their expressions mirroring my own resolve. We were strangers, yet connected by the same purpose.
As I rounded the final stretch, the last sign marking 200 meters came into view, and with it, a surge of adrenaline. My legs ached, my lungs burned, but I pushed harder. The clock loomed overhead — I was on track for my best time yet.
Shanghai half-marathon medal. [Photo by Douglas Dueno]
With one last stride, I crossed the finish line, feeling both tired and incredibly joyful. I immediately noticed how well-organized the event was. The hydration stations were set up perfectly, the volunteers were friendly and always ready to help, and the clear signs made it easy to follow the route. Everything was planned with care, so I could focus on the race.
As for the race, I felt that the route itself was both beautiful and challenging, taking me through some of Shanghai's most intriguing streets and landmarks in the northern part of the city. Each twist and turn revealed new layers of Shanghai's vibrant character, including newly renovated areas that reflect the city's rapid development and commitment to urban revitalization and green development.
Douglas Dueno is a foreign expert at China Daily Website.
