Great Wall Marathon, Half & 8.5K
Run 5,164 steps into history!
With breath-taking views and challenging climbs, the Great Wall Marathon 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The course winds along the stunning Great Wall at Huangyaguan, passing through local villages where residents cheer you on, providing the motivation needed for the hilly terrain and the demanding final ascent of 5,164 steps.
But this experience goes beyond the race itself. It’s an adventure shared with fellow running enthusiasts, friends and family. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, discover this incredible country, meet its people and savour the local cuisine.
That’s why the marathon is part of an entry package, combining the classic sights of Beijing with the breath-taking natural landscapes beyond the city.
We will beat any price in GBP, so you can feel confident booking at the best possible price. Get in touch with our team for more details.
Meals Included
Meals as stated in the itinerary
Guide
English-speaking guide
Transfers
Airport arrival transfers and ground transportation as per the itinerary
Trip Extension
Optional 3-day Terracotta Army & 6-day Avatar Mountains Extension
Accommodation
Select from standard and deluxe accommodation options
Entry
Guaranteed race entry is additional
Celebration Party
Group celebration dinner
Excursions
A collection of comprehensive sight seeing tours to choose from
Coopah
2 week free trial for Coopah training plans
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday 13 May 2026
(Please note: This package is not hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff)
Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) 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.
(No meals included today)
Thursday 14 May 2026
Following 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.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Friday 15 May 2026
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace before tomorrow’s 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’s 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.
(£95 per person, booked in advance)
(Breakfast and dinner included – lunch is included with the Qing Tombs tour)
Saturday 16 May 2026
RACE DAY!
After 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.
(Boxed breakfast and sandwich lunch included)
Sunday 17 May 2026
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):
- The “City of Emperors” tour takes you to the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Silk Exhibition Hall (£85 per person, lunch included)
- Alternatively, the “Hutongs by Rickshaw” tour (£69 per person, lunch included) offers a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s historic hutongs. In the evening, all participants will be collected from their hotels for the Celebration Dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner included – lunch included on optional tours)
Monday 18 May 2026
Depending 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.
(Breakfast included)
(Itinerary subject to change)
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Tuesday 12 May 2026
(Please note: This package is not hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff)
Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) 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.
Enjoy your first evening in Beijing at leisure.
(No meals included today)
Wednesday 13 May 2026
Today our day begins at the historic heart of Beijing—Tiananmen Square—before 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’s 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’s most treasured crafts.
Alternatively, 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. (£65 per person, booked in advance)
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Thursday 14 May 2026
Following an early breakfast, we will kick off with the 3.5km route inspection. Before checking out the race route, you will receive a race briefing and introduction.
All 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.
After the walk, a sandwich lunch will be served.
Following lunch, enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Friday 15 May 2026
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace before tomorrow’s race! Explore the local area or join an optional tour to the Ming Dynasty Tombs. (£85 per person, booked in advance)
(Breakfast included and lunch included with excursion)
Saturday 16 May 2026
RACE DAY!
We 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.
Tonight, dinner is at your leisure.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday 17 May 2026
Today is your recovery day! Sleep in, relax, or join the optional Hutongs by Rickshaw tour through Beijing’s historic hutongs. (£69 per person, lunch included, must be booked in advance).
In the evening, all participants will be collected from their hotels for the Celebration Dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner included – lunch included on optional tour)
Monday 18 May 2026
Depending 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.
(Breakfast included)
(Itinerary subject to change)
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Extensions
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The Terracotta Army | 18 May – 20 May 2026
Embark on a captivating 3-day tour of Xi’an, a dynamic city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks like the Terracotta Army.
Get the bullet train to Xi’an, check into your 2-night stay at the Grand Dynasty hotel and enjoy an evening stroll throughout the historical Muslim quarter and local food market. The following day, visit the Terracotta Army and enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dancing Show. After a final night in Xi’an, take the bullet train back to Beijing where guides will help you finding an airport transfer marking the end of the tour.
Included
- Bullet train to/from Beijing – Xi’an
- 2-night accommodation
- 3 x breakfast, 1 x lunch, 1 x dinner
Prices from £889
Avatar Mountains | 18 May – 23 May 2026
Discover the breathtaking beauty of China’s Avatar Mountains on a 6-day guided adventure
From the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to the mystical Tianmen Mountain and the charm of ancient Fenghuang Town, this immersive tour blends natural wonders with cultural gems. Enjoy seamless travel, comfortable 4-star accommodation, and expert guidance. Whether you’re chasing cinematic landscapes or authentic village life, this unforgettable journey has it all.
Included
- Domestic flights & second class train ticket
- 5-night accommodation
- 6 x breakfast, 3 x lunch, 3 x dinner
Prices from £1,485
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Packages & Rates
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The Great Wall Marathon 2026
For international participants, race entry is only possible in conjunction with a multi-day tour package. The packages include all the ingredients for a fantastic getaway: accommodation, social events, sightseeing, select meals and transportation per the itinerary. Packages also generally include ample amounts of free time, during which you can choose to join organised excursions or explore the region at your own pace. Enjoy the sights and sounds of modern Beijing, discover the cultural legacy of ancient dynasties in one of the world’s oldest civilizations and run the most challenging race of your life at The Great Wall Marathon 2026!
Qingsongling & Beijing | Five-Night Package: 13 May – 18 May 2026
This package is NOT hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel but by local representatives.
Included:
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Two (2) nights in Qingsongling & three (3) Nights in a central hotel in Beijing (standard rooms)
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Activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- English speaking guide
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A comprehensive information packet and guidebook for the Great Wall Marathon 2026 event, which includes detailed maps and day-by-day descriptions.
We reserve the right to change the hotel booked if necessary, but we will always ensure that the replacement is of the same or higher standard. While it is never in our interest to alter hotel arrangements, unforeseen circumstances may require us to do so.
Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- Visa for China
- Airport transfers.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- All activities that are listed as optional. Please note these must be booked in advance.
- Gratuities and tips
- Personal expenses
- Beverages
- Race entry (Can be purchased at an additional cost)
- Anything not mentioned under ‘inclusions’
Beijing | Six Night Package: 12 May – 18 May 2026
Please note: This package is NOT hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel but by local representatives
Included:
- Six (6) nights at a hotel in Beijing (standard rooms)
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Activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- English speaking guide.
- Comprehensive information pack and guidebook.
We reserve the right to change the hotel booked if necessary, but we will always ensure that the replacement is of the same or higher standard. While it is never in our interest to alter hotel arrangements, unforeseen circumstances may require us to do so.
Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- Visa for China
- Airport transfers.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- All activities that are listed as optional. Please note these must be booked in advance.
- Gratuities and tips
- Personal expenses
- Beverages
- Race entry (Can be purchased at an additional cost)
- Anything not mentioned under ‘inclusions’
A China Tourist Visa is required of all travellers to China. Marathon Tours & Travel has partnered with G3 VISA Global services to offer you a discount on VISA services which will help streamline your Chinese VISA procurement experience. Details will follow after booking your package.
2026 RatesAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Arcadia International Resort / Dongfang Hotel or similar - 5 Night Package £1,265 £1,599 XinQiao Hotel or similar - 6 Night package £1,635 £2,195 Optional ExtrasRace Entry Rate Per Person Marathon £115 Half Marathon £115 Fun Run £59 Optional ExcursionsRate per person Qing Tombs (15 May) - 5 Night Package Only £95 City of Emperors (17 May) - 5 Night Package Only £85 Acrobatic Show (13 May) - 6 Night Package Only £65 Ming Tombs (15 May) - 6 Night Package Only £85 Hutong by Rickshaw (17 May) £69 Optional Extension TourDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Xi'an Terracotta Army - 4 star hotel (TBC) £889 £1,005 Avatar Mountains - 4 star hotel (TBC) £1,485 £1,749 -
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Hotels
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QingsonglinArcadia International Resort Hotel | 5 Night Package
Arcadia International Resort Hotel or similar
Just 5 km from the Great Wall, Arcadia International Hotel offers a 4-star stay with breathtaking views and classic comforts. Relax in the outdoor swimming pool, unwind in the elegant tearoom, or savoury authentic Chinese cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
It is possible to request to change to another hotel of the same standard – contact our sales team for more information.
Please note that, in general, the standards in Chinese hotels are different than those of Western hotels. This may be apparent in aspects such as stiff mattresses or limited restaurant offerings.
BeijingDongfang Hotel | 5 Night Package HotelDongfang Hotel or similar
Nestled just 3 km from the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, Dongfang Hotel offers a comfortable stay in a prime location, with the nearest metro station just 150 meters away! Guests can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and a continental breakfast at the on-site restaurant, unwind in the cozy lounge, or pick up essentials at the mini market.
It is possible to request to change to another hotel of the same standard – contact our sales team for more information.
Please note that, in general, the standards in Chinese hotels are different than those of Western hotels. This may be apparent in aspects such as stiff mattresses or limited restaurant offerings.
BeijingXinQiao Hotel | 6 Night Package HotelXinQiao Hotel or similar
Located in the heart of Beijing’s Dongcheng District, Beijing Xinqiao is just steps from Chongwenmen Metro Station (Lines 2 & 5), placing famous landmarks like the Forbidden City and Wangfujing shopping street within easy reach. The 700‑room hotel offers spacious, air‑conditioned rooms with hot spring‑fed thermal water, plus a modern fitness centre, sauna, spa and tennis court—perfect for warming up before or recovering after running the Great Wall Marathon.
It is possible to request to change to another hotel of the same standard – contact our sales team for more information.
Please note that, in general, the standards in Chinese hotels are different than those of Western hotels. This may be apparent in aspects such as stiff mattresses or limited restaurant offerings.
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Event Information
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Race Date: 16 May 2026
Race Time: 07:30AM
Course: This demanding course includes 5,164 steps on the Great Wall at Huangyaguan, which includes steep up and down portions. More than six kilometres of the full marathon are run on the Great Wall. All other races are on the Great Wall for about three kilometres. Most of the course runs through the small farmlands and villages of Tianjin Province. Many runners/walkers opt to carry a camera during their event and not be concerned about their finish time. For many, this is an experience of a lifetime, not a race!
Temperature: Expected temperatures range from 16°C to 35°C degrees. Humidity is high while running in the valleys.
Entry: All entries include a pre-race inspection tour of the course, race t-shirt, pasta dinner, transportation from your hotel to the start, return transportation back to your hotel and a sandwich lunch after the race.
Your entry is guaranteed after receipt of a completed tour application form and deposit by check.
Time Limit: The course time limit is eight hours. There is also a six hour cut-off at 34K for the Marathon. Runners must reach this point within six hours to continue.
Difficulty: Difficult. The wall section consists of steps of varying height, width and some steps are made of brick. Precaution should be taken when running this part. A few places on the wall section see no steps at all, but instead a ramp of rocks and concrete. These ramps can be slippery and extra attention must be paid to your footing! In some of the villages the surface is gravel and dirt roads. More information on Race website here.
For more information click here
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Registration & Booking
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On Request Bookings
Request Bookings will confirm that you have accepted our Booking Conditions. Your booking is not, however, guaranteed until our partner company confirms availability. Please expect confirmation of place within 1-3 days of making your booking. Your card payment details will still be required for the deposit to secure your space, though please be advised this information will be held securely, and the card will only be debited upon confirmation of booking.
Conditions of Sale
Request bookings will confirm that you have accepted our Booking Conditions. Your booking is not, however, guaranteed until our partner company confirms availability. Please expect confirmation of place within 1-3 days of making your booking. Your card payment details will still be required for the deposit to secure your space, though please be advised this information will be held securely and the card will only be debited upon confirmation of booking.
Payment Schedule
- 35% deposit per person due at the time of booking
- 20% payment is due, your stored card will be deducted on 17 November 2025.
- Remaining balance is due, your stored card will be deducted on 17 February 2026.
Cancellation terms
The following cancellation terms override our general T&C’s
- Between initial booking date and 16 November 2025 35% is not refundable.
- Between 17 November 2025 and 16 February 2026 55% is not refundable.
- After 17 February 2026 100% is not refundable.
Disclaimer
Albatros Adventure Marathons reserves the right to change the itinerary and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions.
How to Book
To make your booking, click on the book now button, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.
Please read all the important information. If you have any questions please contact us.
Travel advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for China’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
Run China Visa-Free: Up to 10 Days of Adventure Without a Visa!
China’s 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy allows travellers from 55 eligible countries, including the UK, USA, Australia, and most of Europe, to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third country. With over 60 entry ports and expanded regional access, this policy makes it ideal for marathon participants heading to events like the Shanghai Marathon, Xiamen Marathon, or The Great Wall Marathon!
To qualify, travellers must:
- Be ‘on their way’ to a third country (not returning to their country of origin).
- Enter and exit China through designated international airports or cruise ports.
- Stay within approved regions (Shanghai, Beijing, Fujian (including Xiamen), and 21 other provinces are included).
- Have a valid passport, confirmed onward ticket, and register at accommodation within 24 hours of arrival.
The 240-hour period begins at midnight following your arrival day, and overstaying is not permitted. You cannot extend your stay or engage in paid work under this policy.
Example:
If leaving from the UK to run Xiamen Marathon you could fly:
- London Heathrow → Paris → Beijing
- Then return: Beijing→ London Heathrow
This route qualifies because you would be arriving in China from France, not directly from the UK, and then would be transiting onward to a third country (the UK in this case). It’s a simple and effective way to enjoy the race and explore Xiamen, visa-free!
Alternatively, you could enjoy a Post-Race Extension to Hong Kong:
- London Heathrow → Beijing
- Then continue: Beijing→ Hong Kong
- Before returning: Hong Kong → London Heathrow
This route also qualifies because you would be transiting onward to Hong Kong, which is considered a separate region for visa purposes. This route would allow you the opportunity to enjoy both the race and a relaxing extension in Hong Kong before returning home, visa-free!
Extension
The following packages require a minimum of 10 guests each. If minimum requirements are not met, prices are subject to increase.
- Twelve Night Three City with Yangtze River Deluxe Package
- Seven Night Beijing & Xi’an Deluxe Package
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover. Make sure that you are insured for existing medical conditions, any activities you plan to do and any equipment that you plan to take. Travel insurance covers you if anything doesn’t go to plan before you travel as well, so we recommend sorting it at the time of booking. For more information, click here.
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and/or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited, and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Race Rules and Terms of Participation
Our itinerary and details regarding the race are based on current information available at the time this package was released for sale. Whilst we expect the details to remain correct, changes are possible and will be confirmed nearer to the trip after the race organisers have confirmed final instructions. All race rules and procedures need to be followed.
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Seven Continents Club ®
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The Seven Continents Club (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!
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