The 2022 Shanghai Marathon kicks off on Sunday morning after a two-year suspension due to the pandemic. Around 18,000 runners participated in this year’s event, double the number two years ago. Photo: VCG

Shanghai has implemented strict epidemic control measures as it battles its latest Covid outbreak. Before the marathon, all runners had to stay in the city for at least seven days and pass a Covid test for three straight days. Photo: VCG

Runners pass the Oriental Pearl TV Tower from across the river. Starting from the Bund’s Golden Bull Plaza, this year’s 42-kilometer (26.2 miles) course ended at the riverside West Bund Art Center in Shanghai’s Xuhui district. Photo: Yin Liqin/China News Service, VCG

Runners pass by the intersection of Jiangning and Beijing West roads in Jing’an district. Photo: VCG

Runners pass by an onlooker standing on the sidewalk. Photo: VCG

One participant pushes a stroller. Photo: VCG

Runners prepare to cross the line. Photo: VCG

Yang Shaohui (left), 30, won the marathon with a time of 2:16:04. Zhang Deshun, 26, came in first among women with a time of 2:28:17. Both runners are from Southwest China’s Yunnan province. Photo: VCG