Ironman Shanghai 70.3 starts with swim segment in the scenic lake at Bright Tian Yuan. Athletes will begin with a self-seeded rolling start from a floating platform at the dock. The single-loop swim follows a counter-clockwise route through the tranquil waters of the lake.
The cycling portion consists of two identical loops on Chongming Island’s well-maintained roads. Cyclists must stay on the right side of the road throughout the course. The route begins as athletes exit north gate #1 of Bright Tian Yuan, turning right onto the inner road before making a left at the Beiyan Highway intersection.
For the final segment, athletes will complete a two-loop run course that circles the picturesque lake in Bright Tian Yuan. This well-marked course offers beautiful views and ample support stations to help participants finish strong.
Late May in Shanghai brings warm and increasingly humid conditions as the city transitions from spring to summer. Temperatures typically range from 19°C to 26°C (66.2°F to 78.8°F), making for comfortable mornings and warm afternoons.
The region experiences significant rainfall during this period, with approximately 120mm of precipitation spread across about 14 rainy days throughout the month. This means there’s roughly a 45% chance of encountering rain on any given day. Participants should be prepared for possible showers, though many days remain clear.
Humidity levels average around 75%, creating somewhat muggy conditions, especially in the afternoons. Morning humidity tends to be higher, gradually decreasing throughout the day. This combination of warmth and humidity can make physical exertion more challenging, so proper hydration is essential.
Wind speeds are moderate, averaging 14 km/h (8.7 mph), which can provide some relief from the humidity but generally won’t significantly impact cycling performance.
The water temperature in lakes around Shanghai, including at Bright Tian Yuan on Chongming Island, typically reaches approximately 22°C (71.6°F) by late May. This temperature is considered comfortable for swimming, especially during physical exertion, though some athletes may still prefer wearing a wetsuit for optimal performance rather than thermal protection.
