The 2020 Shanghai International Marathon kicked off at 7 am on Sunday. (Photo: people.com.cn)

It’s the only Platinum Label road race worldwide to run as usual this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: people.com.cn)

This year's event only included the full marathon of 42.195 kilometers with 9,000 participants – less than one-fourth of the event's usual number of participants. (Photo: people.com.cn)

No foreign elites were invited in accordance with the epidemic control regulations. (Photo: people.com.cn)

This year's route starts from the Bund Bull Square and ends at the West Bund Art Center, which covers famous scenic spots in Shanghai including People's Square, Nanjing Road and Jing'an Temple. (Photo: Global Times)

Jia Erenjia and Li Zhixuan won the crown for male and female runners respectively. Jia sets the Shanghai International Marathon’s new record for a Chinese male runner at 2:12:44. (Photo: shine.cn)

Li Zhixuan crossed the finishing line with a result of 2:26:39. (Photo: shine.cn)

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Shanghai International Marathon was listed as a Platinum Label Road Race by the World Athletics in March. (Photo: people.com.cn)