John and Bryn take Shanghai Marathon

After difficult races earlier in the year in Berlin and Melbourne, I (John) travelled to Shanghai for my final marathon of the season.

Race morning conditions were ideal. The weather was cool, there was no wind, and the city felt energised with more than 23,000 runners and large crowds lining the course. Access to the start area was slow due to the volume of people, and it took close to ten minutes to move a short distance to my allocated start zone.

The opening kilometres were congested, with limited space to settle into rhythm. Once the field began to spread, the race became more manageable and allowed for more consistent pacing.

Physically, the race felt noticeably different to earlier marathons this year. My hamstrings, which had caused issues previously, felt stable throughout. 

The second half was steady and measured. While fatigue was present, it remained manageable, and I was able to maintain form through to the finish without the breakdown experienced in earlier races this season. I finished in 3:36, which was my strongest marathon performance of the year.

Completing three marathons in a single season delivered mixed outcomes, but finishing the year with a controlled and healthy race was encouraging. The Shanghai Marathon reinforced the value of patience, consistency, and adjusting expectations based on preparation and circumstance.

Running alongside me was fellow runner, mate and travel companion Bryn, whose approach to the race was very different. Bryn came into the marathon off a significantly compromised build, averaging approximately 60 kilometres per week in his build and managing a calf strain less than two weeks out from race day. As a result, performance was not the priority.

Bryn completed the marathon in 3:05, and although a long way from his personal best of 2:27, he achieved his goal for the event. His focus was on experiencing the atmosphere and culture of Shanghai, particularly in the context of the city’s candidacy to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. For Bryn, simply completing the distance and being part of the event was the success.

At this stage, both of us are healthy and moving well, and looking ahead to future racing opportunities in 2026.