On September 27, 2025, "Gravel Shanghai," a running event by Salomon, was held in Shanghai, China.
The theme is "Gravel Running," a new running style proposed by Salomon. It is an urban running event centered on the concept of "rediscovering the city on your own feet," without being bound by the surface conditions of paved or unpaved roads.
The rules are simple. You are free to run.
The main feature of this event is that it is not a predetermined course. The map handed out before the start of the race shows 16 checkpoints, including cafes and stores. The time limit is 2 hours. The minimum time limit is two hours, and you must visit at least six checkpoints to complete the race, and a score is assigned to each point. You are completely free to choose which route to take and in which order. Strategy and a bit of fun are the keys to victory, rather than speed.
The event started and finished in Xintiandi, one of Shanghai's most popular areas. The area is a sophisticated district where historical stone buildings and modern commercial facilities coexist, and a pop-up store of "Salomon" was also open, attracting many runners and visitors.
About 500 people participated in the event. From Japan, our own "Hui-Nam Running Club ♡" and Ryotaro Otani, who presides over the "Trailing Running Club," were invited, and the "Mental Athletic" team from Italy also participated, making for a rich international flavor.
The fun of an "exploratory run" through the city.
The streets of Shanghai are well maintained, and there are not many unpaved roads. Even so, Salomon's aim in setting up gravel running in this area was to change the "running mindset," not the "road surface.
The actual run is a true "exploration" experience, with skyscrapers lining the streets and people and cars passing by in a dynamic urban environment, and the sensation of running through the city on your own route. The detours and unexpected discoveries add a sense of adventure to the run.
Shanghai's ever-changing running scene.
According to local staff at Salomon, the number of runners in Shanghai has skyrocketed over the past few years. Rather than running for speed or records, casual runners are becoming the mainstream, running to refresh after work or to socialize with friends. With the construction of promenades along the west bank of the Huangpu River and along the Suzhou River, the field for runners is expanding.
While the trail run is still small, more and more people are venturing out to the suburban Hangzhou area. At a time when urban runners are looking for new ways to enjoy themselves, "Gravel Shanghai" is an event that truly captures the spirit of the times.
Experience the Gravel concept from the feet up.
Many runners were wearing Salomon's Aero Glide 3 Gravel.
The Aero Glide 3 Gravel is based on a thick-soled road model and has an outsole with lugs (protrusions) and a V-shaped pattern similar to those of trail shoes. The Aero Glide 3 Gravel provides a firm grip on a wide range of surfaces, from pavement to cobblestones to off-road terrain, and supports a stable ride. This is the perfect pair for enjoying varied surfaces in the city.
A new style of "running and exploring.
The "Gravel Shanghai" event was not about speed or distance, but about the fun of "editing" the city on your own feet. When the runners returned to the finish line, their faces were filled with a sense of elation, as if they had completed a different kind of exploration than a race.
In Japan, "gravel running" themed events will be held this fall in 13 stores in 6 cities across the country. Although the scale and purpose of the event will differ from the one in Shanghai, you will be able to experience the fun of the "new way of running" advocated by Salomon. If you are interested, please check the official website for details and consider participating.
Photo_Taru
Text_Issey Enomoto
