Over 12,000 runners gathered at the Shanghai International Circuit in Jiading District on the first day of the New Year for the 2026 Run The Track, wishing for a year of health and fitness.

About 6,870 took part in the 21-kilometer half marathon – almost four laps around the 5.4-kilometer track, while the rest, including family runners, participated in the 5k fun run.

Chen Yujin was the first male runner to cross the finish line, clocking 1:08:08. The women's crown went to Zhang Cao who completed the distance in 1:22:46.

As one of Shanghai's signature running events, Run The Track has raised curtain for the 165 international and national sports competitions the city plans to hold in 2026.

Eight medical spots and six ambulances were arranged along the route to ensure runners' safety. 36 pacers and 348 volunteers provided service to the event.

According to the organizers, 97.9% runners managed to complete their race.

Run The Track was first held in Shanghai in 2015. The Shanghai International Circuit, which hosts the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix, is shaped like the Chinese character "shang," meaning up.

Runners hope running along the track will bring them good luck and help them achieve higher personal goals in 2026.

A New Year's market was set up near the circuit, offering food, handcrafted goods and trendy products to runners and other visitors.