I am all about maximising my time and my money, so when I heard about The Great Wall Marathon it went straight on my bucket list.
A holiday to China combined with the opportunity to run a marathon, a marathon that just so happens to take place along the Great Wall of China? Sign. Me. Up.
I was surprised I hadn’t heard about it before actually, because it was first run back in 1999, making it over 25 years old. The race has grown from 350 people to 2,500 annually, and it always sells out.
Albatros Adventure Marathons, part of the Albatros Travel Group, run the event. Their approach is to pick up bog-standard marathons and place them in some of the most historically significant and naturally beautiful places on the planet.
The Great Wall of China certainly fits that description, and this is how the race works.
The Race
The race is designed to be challenging – in fact, it is widely accepted as being one of the most challenging marathons in the world, but it is also designed to immerse anyone taking part in China’s culture and history. For this reason, the route has been designed to pass some of the most breath taking sights as runners complete the race.
The route begins and ends in Ying and Yang Square at the fortress of the Huanyaguang section of the Great Wall in Tianjin province. The race route takes you along a section of the Great Wall itself, and threads through local villages where locals like to come out and cheer on the runners.
There is plenty of nature along the route too, most of it on or up hills offering incredible views.
Look at this chart showing the elevation at various points in each race:
Now can you see why this is such a difficult route? Even the fun run is mostly up hill!
Those taking part in the full marathon will end up climbing 5,164 steps as they ascend the tower towards the end of the race. Just what you need after running 20 odd miles!
Of course, water stations (and banana stations) are dotted along the route, and there are medical teams on hand too.
For Experienced Runners and Newbies Alike
One of the brilliant things about the Great Wall Marathon is that it is accessible to runners of all abilities. You can sign up for one of three races depending on your level:
- Full marathon of 42.2 km
- Half marathon of 21.1 km
- Fun run of 8.5 km
Runners of all races will set of from the same place and at the same time (albeit in waves), and even follow the same route to begin with. The only difference is when you stop.
It’s not just for adults either – kids as young as 12 can take part in the fun run, and 16 year olds can do the half marathon. All runners completing the full marathon must be at least 18 years old though.
How to Sign Up
If you want to take part in the Great Wall Marathon, you will need to register for one of the tour packages. Residents of China can take part without a tour package, but I’m guessing anyone reading this will not be a Chinese local.
As I said, this is about experiencing China as much as it is about running a marathon, so the only way to do it is to essentially book a holiday. There are various packages available, ranging from $1,600 to $2,500. Flights are not included, but each package does include accommodation, social events, sightseeing and plenty of free time.
You will see urban Beijing as well as more rural areas, and there are some optional excursions you can book on top if you want to immerse yourself deeper in Chinese culture and history. Things like the Ming and Qing Tombs, the Forbidden City, or the Temple of Heaven.
The race will take place in the middle of your trip, giving you time to adjust to a new time zone, settle in and prepare before the big day. It also leaves enough time to enjoy yourself afterwards.
The next race takes place on:
- 17th May 2025
It’s an early start too, as the first wave sets off at 7.30am. Breakfast, lunch and transport from the hotel is provided, as is a 20 minute massage after completing your run!
If you have missed out this year then don’t be disheartened. It’s an annual event so you have plenty of time to prepare for the next one, and preparation will be key for a tough race like this one.