A crucial first stop for any participant in the Shanghai Marathon is the pre-race expo. According to information from a recruitment post for a booth, the 2025 Shanghai Marathon Expo is scheduled to take place from Thursday, November 27th to Saturday, November 29th.

The designated venue for this essential event is the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, specifically in Halls 1 and 2. This is where runners will typically collect their race packets, browse merchandise from various brands, and immerse themselves in the pre-race atmosphere. Knowing this location is the first step in planning your accommodation strategy.

Choosing a hotel in close proximity to the marathon expo can significantly ease your pre-race logistics. The Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center is located at 850 Bocheng Road in the Pudong New Area. Staying in this part of the city means you can avoid lengthy commutes to pick up your race number, giving you more time to rest, prepare, or explore the expo's offerings without stress.

While the notes do not specify hotels, focusing your search on accommodation within the Pudong district, particularly around the Expo Center, is a logical starting point. This allows for convenient access on the expo days, which run from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. A nearby hotel simplifies the process of dropping off any merchandise or goodie bags before you continue with your day.

If staying near the Expo Center isn't feasible or desirable, don't worry. One source highlights that Shanghai's transportation is very convenient, which opens up a wide range of accommodation options across the city. The extensive metro system makes it possible to travel efficiently from various districts to key locations.

This flexibility allows you to choose a hotel based on other preferences, such as being in an area known for its unique character or post-race relaxation spots. You could stay in a district that offers pleasant scenery for a light shakeout run or a relaxing walk. Some areas mentioned for their pleasant ambiance for a city walk include:

• Xuhui Binjiang (the West Bund)
• The North Bund滨江, which offers views of the Lujiazui skyline
• The historic streets of the former French Concession, such as Wukang Road

While these areas are not explicitly recommended for marathon logistics, their accessibility via public transport makes them viable options for runners who also want to experience more of what Shanghai has to offer during their stay.

Your trip to Shanghai for the marathon can also be an opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural and recreational resources. If you have some downtime, consider these options mentioned in the provided notes:

• Museums: The Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Natural History Museum are noted as being free to visit, though they require booking in advance, typically three days ahead. A weekday visit is recommended for a better experience.
• Parks and Gardens: For a relaxing walk or some fresh air, the city has numerous parks. 共青森林公园 (Gongqing Forest Park) in Yangpu is described as particularly beautiful, while Chenshan Botanical Garden is a good option for a less crowded visit on a weekday.
• Fitness Facilities: If you need access to facilities like a swimming pool for a low-impact recovery session, one note suggests using the "上海体育" (Shanghai Sports) WeChat mini-program. It provides information on booking public sports venues, some of which offer discounted "public welfare" time slots.