5164 steps later... here you are at the end of the race! For a unique experience in the heart of China, the Great Wall Marathon offers an unusual race. Reserved for experienced runners, this marathon has a time limit of 8 hours. For all the others, other races are also proposed and give the possibility to practice much shorter distances. Ni Hao Wanli Changcheng!
Practical information
date: May 16, 2015
registration date: it is advisable to register as soon as possible
maximum number of participants: nearly 2,000 runners take part each year in all the events (5 km, 10 km, marathon) including 800 for the marathon
rate: around 200 us $
registration: online on the event site.
The course
The Great Wall of China Marathon is an experience to be lived. Launched in 1999, the legendary event is held every May along the Great Wall in Tianjin, China. Today, several hundred athletes from all over the world come to the mythical site to climb and descend the 5,164 stone steps that mark the course. A great way to take part in an unusual race while exploring one of the most mythical historical sites in the world. Of course, the Great Wall of China Marathon is for experienced runners and requires an adapted preparation. The first part of the race, which is about 9 km long, is mainly made up of climbs and descents with several hundred steps.
The second part leads the runners through typical villages and through rice fields as far as the eye can see. Given the difficulty of the event, a team of doctors is on the spot and has the mission to exclude from the race certain runners who would be in too great a physical difficulty
The Great Wall of China Marathon must be completed in 8 hours. Riders who obviously cannot achieve this performance may cut the 32nd kilometre and complete the race in 6 hours.
756 runners completed the marathon course in 2013. For runners who don't want to go for the marathon, two races of 10 km and 5 km are also organized.
For more information, visit the event website
