Faq
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1.What is the running distance on the Wall, and what is the distance between each set of steps? |
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All runners (both full and half marathoners) will be running approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) on the actual Great Wall of China. The 5164 steps going up and down like a roller coaster are more or less continuous all along the wallĄŁ |
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2.What type of terrain? |
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The terrain is both flat and hilly. Though, the longest part in the valley is done on flat ground. The road and path going up to, across and back down the Great Wall is steep, and most runners will plan to do it by a combination of walking and running in order to avoid acidy leg muscles. On inspection day, every participant will receive advice on how to plan his race. It is very important to plan this race, and then race that plan. Be aware of getting too excited by the amazing sceneries and the sensation of actual being running the Great Wall Marathon |
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3.What will the weather be like? |
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Probably sunny with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. On the Great Wall, the wind will make the air feel cool and refreshing whereas the valley gets quite hot and humid. Temperatures at start (7 am) are expected to be comfortable 15 degrees Celsius. |
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4.What type of running gear should I bring? |
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Wear normal running shoes, shorts and a light colored running sing let. On your head, do not wear a baseball cap (as it builds up a lot heat on your head) but a shade is very recommendable. Wear sunscreen with high factors, as the Chinese sun is potent. |
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5.What if I change my mind, and want to run the half marathon instead? |
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All runners can change their mind with respect to the distance. Deadline for such changes will be on inspection day (May 14th), after having walked the Great Wall section of the course. |
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6.Will there be showers and massage available afterwards? |
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There will be free shower and change facilities available after the race. Massage service needs to be paid. |
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7.Will there be souvenirs available afterwards? |
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GWM T-shirt, fleece-jacket, cap, key ring, post card, badge etc. will be supplied on the Y& Y Square. You can also order with GWM office by email. |
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8 Well-prepared runners should be able to complete The Great Wall Marathon in 5-6 hours. The Great Wall Marathon requires careful planning as every section requires a different strategy. It is recommended to leave your watch at the hotel, in order not to focus on kilometer averages. Even though we start the race early, most runners will experience the sun and heat as they run. It is recommended to wear light/light-colored running gear during the race. The surface is even throughout the course and no special footwear is required to race the Great Wall Marathon. On inspection day, it can be useful to wear hiking boots (for ankle stability) to prevent sore joints from walking up and down steep steps. It is recommended to wear a shade but avoid baseball caps or the like. Runners will need to keep their heads cool and shade out of their eyes. Baseball caps and like hats builds up heat and can be dangerous for runners spending hours in the sun. The Great Wall Marathon? & Half Marathon must be completed in 8 hours. To ensure that nobody has to struggle the Great Wall in vain, there will be a 6 hours cut-off at Kilometer 32 where runners re-enter the Great Wall section of the course. |
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9.Will the marathon runners get lunch (or anything to eat) after completing the event? |
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There will be a small lunch (Subway Sandwich) ready after the event. It is recommended to eat small and simple after an event like The Great Wall Marathon? as the stomach on most runners has stopped working properly due to the strenuous efforts during the race. |
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10.Will there be bottled water and bananas during the race or some type of purified water? |
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At every 4 kilometers, bottled (and totally safe) water is served. Carbo drinks and bananas are served at selected drink stations, and it is possible to deposit personal provisions along the course. Totally 15 water stations. |
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11.What, and how often, will the runners be drinking? |
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As it is quite warm in the valley, all runners must remember to drink a lot of water (also in the weeks before the race, as their bodies has to get used to absorbing large amounts of water). Drinks are supplied at every 4 kilometers. The type of drinks supplied is water and, at selected stations, electrolyte. |