{"id":3166,"date":"2023-04-03T06:57:20","date_gmt":"2023-04-02T20:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marathontoursandtravel.com.au\/events\/the-great-wall-marathon\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T18:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T08:56:00","slug":"the-great-wall-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/the-great-wall-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Wall Marathon, Half & 8.5K"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":646,"template":"","event_types":[47,18,14,11],"event_locations":[33],"event_distances":[45,16,8],"event_course_types":[22],"event_seasons":[17],"class_list":["post-3166","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-8-5k","event_types-adventure","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-marathon","event_locations-asia","event_distances-adventure","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_seasons-spring"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":642,"event_logo":8349,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"off_sale","event_status_labels_available":"limited-space","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Join Waitlist","url":"#booknow","target":""}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Enquire Now","url":"#booknow","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":{"title":"Enquire Now","url":"#booknow","target":""},"event_overview":"

Run 5,164 Steps into History<\/h2>\r\nWith breathtaking views, and challenging climbs, the Great Wall Marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Since its inception in 1999, it has been revered as one of the world's most challenging marathons. In 2022, Runners World UK listed it as one of the best races in the world (hand-picked by a panel of athletes and experts).\r\n\r\nRun the most demanding marathon of your life along one of mankind's greatest monuments.\r\n\r\nExclusive access:<\/strong> Once packages are ready, Seven Continents Club\u00ae? Members will first receive exclusive access to choose their preferred package. The remaining available packages will then be sent to the other pre-registered customers to choose and secure before packages and entries open online for general sale.\r\n\r\nSeven Continents Club\u00ae? membership not only allows you first choice but provides you with the many benefits and discounts on our events. Get all of the details and join the club\u00a0here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nPlease note the sale of race entry only is not permitted. Packages can be sold with or without race entry. If you have any questions, please\u00a0contact us<\/a><\/strong>.","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Meals as stated in the itinerary","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":"English-speaking guide\r\n"},"transfers":{"detail":"Ground transportation as per the itinerary\r\n\r\n","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"Add on Day Tours or extended itineraries\r\n"},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"Select from standard and deluxe accommodation options \r\n\r\n"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Add On Guaranteed Race Entry\r\n"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":""},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":""}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":642},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":644},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X0dQkXEp7-8"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":643},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":645},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":646}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"Beijing Deluxe Package","package_duration":"6 Nights","package_dates":"12th - 18th May 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 12","day_content":"
\r\n\r\n(Please note: This package is not<\/span> hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff)<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK)<\/em> at your convenience and make your own way to your hotel in Beijing. Transfer to the hotel is not included, but look out taxi and shuttle details will be provided before your travel. After checking into your hotel, check out the notice board to find your tour guide's name and number.\r\n\r\nEnjoy your first evening in Beijing at leisure.\r\n\r\n(No meals included today)<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/div>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 13","day_content":"Today our day begins at the historic heart of Beijing\u2014Tiananmen Square\u2014before stepping into the majestic world of the Forbidden City. After a morning immersed in imperial history, you'll enjoy a classic Beijing experience with a delicious lunch featuring the city\u2019s famed Roast Duck. The afternoon unfolds with a visit to the serene Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing, followed by an intriguing stop at a local silk exhibition hall to explore the artistry behind one of China\u2019s most treasured crafts.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you could join the optional excursion to the Acrobatic Show where you can watch an inspiring display of breathtaking stunts and gravity-defying performances by a troupe of talented acrobats.\u00a0<\/em>(\u00a365 per person, booked in advance)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 14","day_content":"
\r\n
\r\n\r\nFollowing an early breakfast, we will kick off with the 3.5km route inspection.\u00a0Before checking out the race route, you will receive a race briefing and introduction.\r\n\r\nAll runners must walk the 3.5 km section of the Wall, which forms part of the Great Wall Marathon 2026 course. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with this section to incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk, though good physical condition is required.\r\n\r\nAfter the walk, a sandwich lunch will be served.\r\n\r\nFollowing lunch, enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 15 ","day_content":"
\r\n
\r\n\r\nToday is yours to enjoy at your own pace before tomorrow\u2019s race! Explore the local area or join an optional tour to the Ming Dynasty Tombs. (\u00a385 per person, booked in advance)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included and lunch included with excursion)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16 - RACE DAY","day_content":"
\r\n
\r\n\r\nRACE DAY!\r\n\r\nWe will depart early for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run. The race begins at 07:30AM. After the race, enjoy a sandwich lunch and a 20-minute massage.\r\n\r\nTonight, dinner is at your leisure.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nToday is your recovery day! Sleep in, relax, or join the optional Hutongs by Rickshaw tour through Beijing's historic hutongs.\u00a0(\u00a369 per person, lunch included, must be booked in advance).<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn the evening, all participants will be collected from their hotels for the Celebration Dinner.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and dinner included \u2013 lunch included on optional tour)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nDepending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Beijing. Please note that departure transfers are not included in this package. The hotel front desk can assist with arranging a taxi to the airport, please check in with them in advance.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>"}]},{"package_title":"Beijing Comfort Package - On Request","package_duration":"5 Nights","package_dates":"May 13 \u2013 18, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 13","day_content":"(Please note: This package is not<\/span> hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff)<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK)<\/em> at your convenience and make your own way to your hotel in Beijing. Transfer to the hotel is not included, but look out taxi and shuttle details will be provided before your travel. Enjoy your first evening in Beijing at leisure.\r\n\r\n(No meals included today)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 14","day_content":"
\r\n
\r\n\r\nFollowing an early breakfast, check out of the Beijing hotel and transfer to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 km section of the Wall, which forms part of the Great Wall Marathon 2025 course. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with this section to incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk, though good physical condition is required. After the race briefing, your tour leader will arrange a transfer to your hotel in Jizhou, located 45-60 minutes from Huangyaguan Great Wall, where you will spend the next two nights.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 15","day_content":"Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace before tomorrow\u2019s race. Explore the local atmosphere of Jizhou, Tianjin, or join the optional excursion to the Qing Dynasty Tombs. These impressive tombs house five of China\u2019s emperors, 14 empresses, and 136 concubines, covering an enormous area. Despite being more impressive than the Ming Dynasty graves, the Qing tombs are less frequently visited. Lunch is included with the optional tour.\r\n\r\n(\u00a395 per person, booked in advance)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and dinner included \u2013 lunch is included with the Qing Tombs tour)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16 - RACE DAY","day_content":"RACE DAY!\r\n\r\nAfter an early breakfast, depart from Jizhou at 05:00AM. You must check out of your hotel room as we will return to Beijing after the race. The race begins at 07:30AM. After the race, enjoy a sandwich lunch and a 20-minute massage. Buses will transport runners back to Beijing between 12:00PM and 16:30PM. Check into your hotel and relax with your fellow runners for the evening.\r\n\r\n(Boxed breakfast and sandwich lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"Today is your recovery day! Sleep in, relax, or explore the Silk Market for some shopping. You may choose from two optional excursions (must be booked in advance)<\/em>:\r\n