About The Great Wall Marathon ^® CNN:Marathon runners reach a Great Wall
No runner should enter The Great Wall Marathon^® believing that this is an easy course. However, no one shall think this is an impossible challenge reserved exclusively for a running elite. It takes a lot of training and willpower to succeed but on average, 25% of the earlier "combatants" has premiered as marathoners on the Great Wall. Don't be scared; just make sure to come prepared.
Physically, The Great Wall Marathon^® course can be divided into two sections.
- The first section which covers approximately 9 kilometers takes the runners up to, across and down the Great Wall of China. This part of the course is marked by steep ascents and descents of up to 10% and consists of thousands of steps. Runners are advised to run slowly going up and down the mountain, as well as to walk when passing the steepest parts of the Great Wall.
Full marathoners will complete this section of the course twice, whereas half marathoners will only pass it once.
- The second section of the course, which takes the runners through picturesque villages and rice fields, is done on flat asphalt and gravel roads. All roads are in good condition and do not require special footwear. Full marathoners should be aware for a long ascent when going towards the turning point (letter L on the course map). This ascent may seem easy compared to the road leading to the Great Wall section, but after running approximately 21 kilometres it may come as an unpleasant surprise.
There will be a drink station for approximately every 5 kilometres serving bottled water. Electrolyte drinks and bananas will be served at selection drink stations. For runners with other requirements to nutrition and drinks, personal provisions can be placed at selected drink stations.
A team of specialized medical doctors and officials will supervise the marathon. These persons have undisputed authority to exclude runners who, according to their judgment, should not continue running.
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-coloured 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 steeps.
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-enters the Great Wall section of the course.