Two of the fastest marathon courses on earth, two very different races. Here's every stat, side by side, to help you pick.
Indicative — based on GPX data. Both courses normalised to start at 0m.
✓ marks the better number on that stat.
Tokyo is a World Marathon Major with a deep net descent (250m) and a 2:02:16 course record; Shanghai is a non-Major with a flatter net profile (75m of gain) but a considerably slower 2:05:35 mark, likely reflecting shallower elite depth rather than tougher terrain.
Both are ballot-entry, but Tokyo's global demand makes its lottery far more competitive than Shanghai's. If Majors status and the fastest course matter, Tokyo wins clearly; if an East Asian marathon with easier entry odds and its own strong city-skyline route appeals, Shanghai is a solid alternative.