42.195 km

Distance

1,050 m

Elevation Gain

5:15:00

Average Finish Time

2,800

Total Finishers

1999

Established

Mountainous

Profile

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Course & Elevation

This legendary marathon follows the historic Great Wall of China from Huangyaguan through mountainous terrain with dramatic ascents and descents along ancient wall sections. Runners experience the iconic guardrail climbs on the wall itself, with sections winding through restored fortifications and steep valley passes. The course is both culturally significant and physically demanding, offering unparalleled views of one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements.

Surface: road Profile: Mountainous

Weather

Temperature 22°C

Humidity 65%

Rain Chance 35%

Late spring weather with warm afternoons and cool mornings. May can bring occasional rain, with clear skies offering stunning views of the wall and surrounding mountains. Runners should prepare for variable conditions due to elevation changes.

Related Guides

The Race

Huangyaguan

Race Lore

Born in the Running Boom

1999 Origin

The Great Wall of China Marathon was founded in 1999, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 27 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Huangyaguan, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

The Course Record

2015 Record

The fastest time ever recorded at the Great Wall of China Marathon is 02:43:19, set by Luo Jun in 2015. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Huangyaguan.

The Hills That Break You

Course

With 1050m of elevation gain, the Great Wall of China Marathon is not a course for the faint-hearted. The climbs are where races are won and lost — where the gap between training and undertrained reveals itself without mercy. Locals say the course doesn't beat you; it just waits for you to beat yourself.

Only the Committed Finish

Drama

The Great Wall of China Marathon carries an "extreme" difficulty rating for good reason. The combination of terrain, conditions, and distance creates an event where finishing is a genuine achievement. Drop-out rates are high, preparation requirements are serious, and the line between adventure and misadventure is thin.

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Course Record

02:43:19

Luo Jun (2015)

Registration

Registration Opens January

Registration Closes April

Entry Cost ¥880-¥1,280

Official Website →

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Fun Facts

▸ The only marathon where athletes run on the actual Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site built over 2,000 years ago.
▸ Established in 1999, it was one of the first marathons to introduce international participants to the Great Wall and has become a bucket-list race for global runners.
▸ The course includes the famous Juyongguan Pass, one of the most strategic and heavily fortified sections of the wall, with runners climbing over 1,050 meters in elevation.
▸ Approximately 68% of participants are international runners from across the globe, making it one of Asia's most internationally diverse marathons.

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