Weekend marathon to close key roads in Nanshan

The 2025 Shenzhen Nanshan Half Marathon will take place this Sunday, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Temporary traffic controls will impact roads along the route and in surrounding areas from Saturday through race day, local traffic police announced Thursday.

Thousands of runners fill the streets of Nanshan during the Shenzhen Nanshan Half Marathon on Dec. 15, 2024. Photos courtesy of event organizer

Authorities are advising residents to avoid driving near the event zone that day and to use the Metro instead. Bus services on several major roads, including Shahe West Road, Wanghai Road, and Shennan Boulevard, will be temporarily adjusted. Commuters are encouraged to monitor official transit updates to plan their travel accordingly.

Featuring standard men’s and women’s half-marathon events, the 21.1-kilometer course will highlight the urban scenery of Nanshan District. The route will start near the east gate of Shenzhen Talent Park at Shahe West Road and Houhai Second Bridge and finish at Haide Third Road beside the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center.

Runners make their way through Nanshan District during the 2024 Shenzhen Nanshan Half Marathon, passing urban landmarks along the scenic course.

Runners will pass by several of the district’s iconic landmarks, experiencing what organizers describe as a unique blend of “technology, culture, mountain, sea, and cityscape.”

Since its launch in 2015, the race has grown into one of China’s premier running events. It expanded to 20,000 participants in 2024, placing it among the country’s largest half marathons. The event’s popularity is evident from last year’s registration, which drew over 80,000 applicants — the third-highest number nationwide for a half marathon.