{"id":58,"date":"2023-04-02T15:27:20","date_gmt":"2023-04-02T20:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa.marathontours.com\/events\/the-great-wall-marathon\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:50:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T15:50:14","slug":"the-great-wall-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-us\/events\/the-great-wall-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Wall Marathon, Half & 8.5K"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":66,"template":"","event_types":[246,6,106,104],"event_locations":[18],"event_distances":[244,11,12],"event_course_types":[16],"event_seasons":[27],"class_list":["post-58","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":62,"event_logo":67,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"off_sale","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Available Soon","url":"mailto:marcie.clawson@marathontours.com?subject=China%20Information%20Request&body=Dear%20Marcie%2C%0A%0A","target":"_blank"}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"https:\/\/forms.marathontours.com\/booking?tc=GWM","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel\u2019s Great Wall Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0CALL 617-242-7845<\/a><\/p>\r\nWith breath-taking views, and challenging climbs, the Great Wall Marathon is a once in a lifetime event. Since its inception in 1999, it has become revered as one of the world\u2019s most challenging marathons. In 2022, Runners World UK listed it as one of the best races in the world (handpicked by a panel of athletes and experts).\r\n\r\nRun the most demanding marathon of your life along one of mankind\u2019s greatest monuments and climb 5, 164 steps into history!","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":"Bilingual tour guide"},"transfers":{"detail":"Airport arrival transfers and ground transportation as per the itinerary","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"Multiple package options available"},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"Select from deluxe and comfort accommodation options "},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Guaranteed race entry is additional"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Group celebration dinner","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Our comprehensive tours include a range of sightseeing per the itinerary."},"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":62},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":64},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xHTcqiqjPUk"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":63},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":65},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":66}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"Three City (Beijing | Xi\u2019an | Shanghai) with Yangtze River Cruise Deluxe Package","package_duration":"12 Nights","package_dates":"May 13 \u2013 25, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 13","day_content":"(Note: this package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 10 participants)<\/em>\r\n\r\nArrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. \u00a0Scheduled\u00a0transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times. \u00a0If\u00a0your flight does not correspond to the transfers included,\u00a0a\u00a0private\u00a0transfer\u00a0can be\u00a0booked\u00a0at\u00a0additional\u00a0cost. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel."},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 14","day_content":"Following breakfast, we will travel 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 of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.\u202f It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).\u202f\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 15","day_content":"This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the\u00a0man-made\u00a0lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you to rest before race day.\u00a0\u00a0Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner.\u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16","day_content":"RACE DAY!\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run.\u00a0\u00a0A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and\u00a0lunch\u00a0from Subway is available after the race.\u00a0\u00a0You will also\u00a0have the opportunity to\u00a0get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"After breakfast we will take a bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing\u00a0Chairman\u00a0Mao\u2019s Mausoleum.\u00a0\u00a0Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China\u2019s architectural masterpieces.\u00a0\u00a0Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900\u2019s. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner.\u00a0(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport for a 90-minute flight to Xi\u2019an. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an English-speaking local representative who will coordinate the transfer\u00a0and check in to our hotel, The Hilton Xi\u2019an. \u00a0You will have time to\u00a0find\u00a0a local\u00a0restaurant to enjoy\u00a0lunch. \u00a0The group will\u00a0meet later in the afternoon to\u00a0tour the enormous Ming Dynasty city wall\u00a0on bike.\u00a0\u00a0Built\u00a0in 1370,\u00a0the Xi\u2019an City Wall spans over\u00a013km\u00a0and is one of the\u00a0best-preserved\u00a0city walls of the Ming Dynasty.\u00a0Big Wild Goose\u00a0Padgoda, built in 652AD to house\u00a0Buddhist\u00a0texts\u00a0from India\u00a0will be a stop on this\u00a0half day\u00a0tour. If you would prefer not to join in on the bike ride, our guide offers the opportunity to go to a local museum to explore the art & culture of Xi\u2019an.\u00a0 Tonight, we enjoy the famous dumpling banquet at\u00a0Defachang\u2019s. \u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0snack\u00a0on plane\u00a0and dinner included)\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\nNote:<\/strong> You must be under 65 years of age (or sign a waiver) to participate in the bike ride.<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 19","day_content":"After breakfast we will visit the famous life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years and the Horse Museum.\u00a0After\u00a0lunch at a local\u00a0restaurant,\u00a0we make a stop at Wild Goose Pagoda (built 652AD during the Tang Dynasty) before returning to the hotel for\u00a0the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening\u00a0enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner\u00a0Banquet &\u00a0Show where actors will take you back in time to an era when Xi\u2019an, then\u00a0Chang\u2019an, was capital of China.\u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and Tang Dynasty Dinner Show included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 20","day_content":"After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. We will be greeted by\u00a0our\u00a0English-speaking\u00a0guide and explore Chonqing\u2019s Shapingba District.\u00a0 Known as \u201cLittle Chongqing\u201d, it features traditional architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a lively atmosphere with over 1,700 years of history.\u00a0 After exploring the local shops and teahouses, tasting the spicy cuisine (if you choose) and witnessing some traditional performances we will enjoy a true local specialty, a hot pot lunch, together.\u00a0 Chongquing People\u2019s Auditorium is next on our list.\u00a0 This striking architectural wonder, build in 1954, stands as a symbol of the city\u2019s history and culture.\u00a0 Dominating the skyline, this grand building with intricate details is one of Chongqing\u2019s most photographed landmarks. \u00a0After boarding the cruise ship Century Victory,\u00a0later in the afternoon,\u00a0you will have time to unwind in your well-appointed cabin (Deck 5 with VIP restaurant) and enjoy\u00a0a\u00a0delicious dinner buffet. Our ship will\u00a0depart from the\u00a0port around 10:00 PM.\u00a0(breakfast, lunch and dinner included \u2013 VIP restaurant)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 21","day_content":"Join us for early yoga or Tai Chi on the sunshine deck before breakfast, or sleep in. As we travel down the\u00a0Yangtze River\u00a0we will see dramatic landscapes along the gorge. After breakfast, take the excursion to Fengdu Ghost City where you will learn about the culture of ghosts and the integration of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with Chinese traditions.\u00a0A variety of onboard activities & lectures will be available during the afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0Optional Evening show \u201cThe War Fire of Three Kingdoms\u201d (sign up on the cruise ship in advance for\u00a0additional\u00a0cost)\u202f(breakfast, lunch and dinner included \u2013 VIP Restaurant)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 22","day_content":"As we continue down the\u00a0Yangtze River, we will see more dramatic landscapes, including the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, carved by the mighty\u00a0Yangtze River.\u00a0Optional shore excursions can be added today\u00a0after\u00a0breakfast or\u00a0spend the morning at your\u00a0leisure.\u00a0After\u00a0lunch, a\u00a0three-hour\u00a0excursion on\u00a0Shennv\u00a0Stream is included. We will board smaller sampan boats for a short cruise down the gorge to see the famous hanging coffins.\u202f(Breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and dinner included \u2013 VIP Restaurant)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday May 23","day_content":"After breakfast, join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest hydro dam & water conservancy project in the world.\u202f We will disembark in Yichang after our tour, have lunch and visit the local bungee jump site at Xiling Gorge Happy Valley & Riverside Park.\u00a0 You will have time for some shopping and dinner (on own) at Wanda Plaza before heading to the airport for our late flight to Shanghai.\u00a0This evening,\u00a0we\u00a0check\u00a0into the\u00a0Conrad Shanghai.\u00a0(breakfast, lunch &<\/em>\u202flate snack<\/em>\u202fon plane included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 24","day_content":"After a sumptuous breakfast buffet\u00a0you will\u00a0visit the Yu Garden, a must see in Shanghai.\u00a0This classical garden, dating back to\u00a01559 (Ming Dynasty), is known as the \u201cGarden of Happiness\u201d. \u202fEnjoy a dim sum lunch and visit the Bund\/Waterfront, a \u201cliving museum\u00a0of building architecture\u201d\u00a0that illustrates the colonial history of the 1800s. \u00a0You will find\u00a0Gothic,\u00a0baroque\u00a0and neoclassical architecture side by side along this stretch of 52 buildings. \u00a0Finally, we visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the 2nd\u00a0tallest building in the\u00a0world. \u00a0Enjoy\u00a0a\u00a0spectacular view\u00a0of the river and the many landmarks of Shanghai\u00a0from the\u00a0comfort of the\u00a0observation deck.\u00a0Our full day tour\u00a0is\u00a0topped off\u00a0with\u00a0a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.\u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and dinner\u00a0included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 25","day_content":"After breakfast, say goodbye to China and take the transfer to the airport or take part in the optional half-day tour to Zhujiajiao Water Village from Shanghai.\u202f This town is the best-preserved among the four ancient water towns in Shanghai.\u00a0 Unique old bridges cross bubbling streams and small rivers shaded by willow trees.\u00a0 The houses and shops will transport you to a world of antiquity, leisure and tranquility, different from the bustle of the modern city of Shanghai.\u00a0 This tour includes a boat ride and lunch and returns to the hotel at 1:00PM. Guests wishing to extend their time in Shanghai can book a post-night at the Conrad and enjoy another day exploring Shanghai or, alternatively, make your way to the airport for your return home. \u00a0Please note that, if you opt to visit Zhujiajiao Water Village, you should plan your international departure after 5:00PM.\u00a0 (breakfast included - lunch included on half-day tour)\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/em>"}]},{"package_title":"Beijing & Xi\u2019an Deluxe Package","package_duration":"7 Nights","package_dates":"May 13 \u2013 20, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 13","day_content":"(Note: this package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 10 participants)<\/em>\r\n\r\nArrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. \u00a0Scheduled\u00a0transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times. \u00a0If\u00a0your flight does not correspond to the transfers included,\u00a0a\u00a0private\u00a0transfer\u00a0can be\u00a0booked\u00a0at\u00a0additional\u00a0cost. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel."},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 14","day_content":"Following breakfast, we will travel 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 of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.\u202f It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).\u202f\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 15","day_content":"This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the\u00a0man-made\u00a0lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you to rest before race day.\u00a0\u00a0Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner.\u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16","day_content":"RACE DAY!\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run.\u00a0\u00a0A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and\u00a0lunch\u00a0from Subway is available after the race.\u00a0\u00a0You will also\u00a0have the opportunity to\u00a0get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"After breakfast we will take a bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing\u00a0Chairman\u00a0Mao\u2019s Mausoleum.\u00a0\u00a0Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China\u2019s architectural masterpieces.\u00a0\u00a0Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900\u2019s. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner.\u00a0(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport for a 90-minute flight to Xi\u2019an. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an English-speaking local representative who will coordinate the transfer\u00a0and check in to our hotel, The Hilton Xi\u2019an. \u00a0You will have time to\u00a0find\u00a0a local\u00a0restaurant to enjoy\u00a0lunch. \u00a0The group will\u00a0meet later in the afternoon to\u00a0tour the enormous Ming Dynasty city wall\u00a0on bike.\u00a0\u00a0Built\u00a0in 1370,\u00a0the Xi\u2019an City Wall spans over\u00a013km\u00a0and is one of the\u00a0best-preserved\u00a0city walls of the Ming Dynasty.\u00a0Big Wild Goose\u00a0Padgoda, built in 652AD to house\u00a0Buddhist\u00a0texts\u00a0from India\u00a0will be a stop on this\u00a0half day\u00a0tour. If you would prefer not to join in on the bike ride, our guide offers the opportunity to go to a local museum to explore the art & culture of Xi\u2019an.\u00a0 Tonight, we enjoy the famous dumpling banquet at\u00a0Defachang\u2019s. \u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0snack\u00a0on plane\u00a0and dinner included)\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\nNote:<\/strong> You must be under 65 years of age (or sign a waiver) to participate in the bike ride.<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 19","day_content":"After breakfast we will visit the famous life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years and the Horse Museum.\u00a0After\u00a0lunch at a local\u00a0restaurant,\u00a0we make a stop at Wild Goose Pagoda (built 652AD during the Tang Dynasty) before returning to the hotel for\u00a0the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening\u00a0enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner\u00a0Banquet &\u00a0Show where actors will take you back in time to an era when Xi\u2019an, then\u00a0Chang\u2019an, was capital of China.\u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and Tang Dynasty Dinner Show included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 20","day_content":"After breakfast, say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight\u00a0home\u00a0to Beijing and home or elsewhere. Flight details will be provided later but international flights home from Beijing should not be booked before 5:00PM.\u202f(breakfast included).<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/em>"}]},{"package_title":"Beijing Deluxe Package","package_duration":"6 Nights","package_dates":"May 13 \u2013 19, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 13","day_content":"(Note: this package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 10 participants)<\/em>\r\n\r\nArrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. \u00a0Scheduled\u00a0transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times. \u00a0If\u00a0your flight does not correspond to the transfers included,\u00a0a\u00a0private\u00a0transfer\u00a0can be\u00a0booked\u00a0at\u00a0additional\u00a0cost. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.\r\n\r\n "},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 14","day_content":"Following breakfast, we will travel 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 of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.\u202f It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).\u202f\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 15","day_content":"This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the\u00a0man-made\u00a0lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you to rest before race day.\u00a0\u00a0Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner.\u00a0(breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16","day_content":"RACE DAY!\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run.\u00a0\u00a0A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and\u00a0lunch\u00a0from Subway is available after the race.\u00a0\u00a0You will also\u00a0have the opportunity to\u00a0get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"After breakfast we will take a bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing\u00a0Chairman\u00a0Mao\u2019s Mausoleum.\u00a0\u00a0Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China\u2019s architectural masterpieces.\u00a0\u00a0Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900\u2019s. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner.\u00a0(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"After breakfast we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a tea house, and Lama Temple with lunch enjoyed at a local restaurant.\u00a0 We return to the hotel briefly before departing for a Peking Duck dinner and Chinese acrobat show.\u00a0(breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 19","day_content":"After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport. There will be several scheduled group transfers back to the airport corresponding to flight times starting at 7:00 AM and concluding at 3:00 PM.\u202f Private transfers may be arranged if the times do not correspond to your flight at additional cost. Consider extending your time in China by joining one of our longer tours to explore Xi\u2019an, Chongqing, the Yangtze River and Shanghai.\u202f(breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>"}]},{"package_title":"Beijing Comfort Package","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 hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff.)<\/em>\r\n\r\nArrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK)\u00a0or Daxing Airport (PKK) at your leisure and make your own way to the New World Hotel Beijing.\u00a0\u00a0Transfer to\u00a0your hotel is not included but\u00a0a guide will be at the airport to help you navigate taxis,\u00a0or hotel shuttle or the express train.\u00a0 Information will be\u00a0provided in advance of travel. Check into your hotel and\u00a0enjoy an evening in Beijing.\u00a0(no meals included today)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 14","day_content":"Following\u00a0an early\u00a0breakfast,\u00a0you\u00a0will check out of our\u00a0Beijing\u00a0hotel and transfer\u00a0to 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\u00a0the 3.5\u00a0km of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.\u202f It is\u00a0very important\u00a0to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may\u00a0participate\u00a0in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is\u00a0required).\u202fAfter\u00a0the race briefing, your tour leader\u00a0has arranged a transfer to your\u00a0new hotel in\u00a0Jizhou,\u00a0located\u00a045-60 minutes\u2019 drive from\u00a0Huangyaguan\u00a0Great Wall, where you have the afternoon at your leisure and will\u00a0spend two nights.\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 15","day_content":"Today is yours to enjoy before your race tomorrow. Take in the local atmosphere of\u00a0Jizhou, Tianjin, or go on the optional excursion that takes visitors to Qing Dynasty Tombs. Covering an enormous area and housing five of China\u2019s emperors, 14 empresses and 136 concubines, the Qing tombs are more impressive than the famous Ming dynasty graves but are visited by relatively few.\u00a0\u00a0Lunch is included in this optional tour ($130\/pp\u00a0purchased\u00a0in advance).\u00a0(breakfast\u00a0&\u00a0dinner\u00a0included\u00a0\u2013 lunch is included with Qing Tomb tour)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16","day_content":"Today is the big day! After an early breakfast, check out of your Jizhou hotel as all participants will leave for Beijing after the race.\u00a0The race starts at 7:30 AM and departure from the hotel is approximately 5:00AM. Sandwich lunches will be provided for everyone after the race and 20-minute massages will be offered.\u00a0Buses will take runners back to Beijing between 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM.\u00a0Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening\u00a0with your new running friends.\u202f\u202f(boxed breakfast and sandwich lunch included)\u00a0<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"Today is your recovery day!\u00a0\u00a0Sleep in,\u00a0relax\u00a0or do a bit of shopping in Beijing center. You may choose one of the two optional excursions (must be booked in advance):\u00a0City of Emperors\u00a0will take you to the Forbidden City, the Temple of\u00a0Heaven\u00a0and the Pearl Market\u00a0($115\u00a0per person\u00a0\u2013\u00a0includes lunch).\u00a0Or\u00a0opt for\u00a0Hutongs by Rickshaw\u00a0($95 per person \u2013 includes lunch)\u00a0where you will be offered a unique glimpse into the city\u2019s rich history and traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional lunch after\u00a0your\u00a0rickshaw tour through the old hutong area,\u00a0showcasing\u00a0the historic way of life in Beijing.\u00a0\u00a0In the evening, all participants will be picked up at their hotels and taken to the Gala Dinner venue.\u00a0\u00a0(breakfast and dinner included)\u00a0(lunch included on optional tours)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"Depending on your departure time, you might be able to do some last-minute shopping or take in more of Beijing\u2019s sights. Please note that your departure transfer is not included in this package.\u00a0 The hotel front desk will help to arrange a taxi to the airport. Please check in with them in advance.\u202f(breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>"}]}],"event_extensions":"Highlights of Hong Kong Pre-Race Extension | 3-Night Package: May 10 \u2013 13, 2026<\/strong>\r\n\r\n(Please note: This package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff and a minimum of 10 guests for this extension is required.\u00a0 Itinerary subject to change.)<\/em>\r\n\r\nSunday, May 10<\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at your leisure. \u00a0Private transfers to New World Hotel Millenium Hong Kong will be arranged based on flights.\u00a0 Check into your hotel and explore Kowloon on your own.\u00a0 Meet other guests for a casual welcome reception tonight. (no meals included today \u2013 welcome reception with light bites included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nMonday, May 11<\/strong>\r\n\r\nStart your day with a buffet breakfast before our adventure begins with a first stop at Victoria Peak.\u00a0 Enjoy fantastic views as we make our way up to the viewing deck via Victoria Peaks\u2019 historic tram. Located in one of Hong Kong\u2019s most luxurious neighborhoods, the Sky Terrace is 428 meters above sea level and offers an unrivaled panoramic view of this amazing city.\u00a0 Afterwards, enjoy an authentic Dim Sum lunch before returning to the hotel to enjoy some rest or shopping along the waterfront.\u00a0 Dinner tonight is on your own but join afterwards for a memorable boat ride on the Aqua Luna and witness a light show like no other as the Hong Kong skyline is lit up by the famed Symphony of Lights show. (breakfast, Dim Sum lunch included) <\/em>\r\n\r\nTuesday, May 12<\/strong>\r\n\r\nEnjoy a full day at leisure or take one of our two optional tours (at additional cost): #2 - Dragon\u2019s Back Hike.\r\n\r\n#1 - Lantau Island, 360 Ngong Ping Village, Big Buddha and Po Lin Temple excursion\r\n\r\nThis excursion begins with a scenic cable car ride that takes you to the mountainous terrain and the pristine nature of Ngong Ping Plateau, introducing you to the \u201cwild\u201d side of Hong Kong.\u00a0 Climb the stairs to the top of the iconic Tian Tan Buddha \u201cBig Buddha\u201d and afterwards enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery.\u00a0 Afterwards, return to the hotel for some relaxation, dinner on your own or venture to the iconic \u201cnight market\u201d in Kowloon.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can choose to hike Dragon\u2019s Back, one of the most famous hiking paths in Hong Kong.\r\n\r\n#2 - Dragon\u2019s Back Hike.\r\n\r\nDragon\u2019s Back Hike: Located in the southeastern corner of Hong Kong Island, the curving Dragon\u2019s Back Mountain ridge trail cuts across Shek O Peak in the Shek O Country Park.\u00a0 The hiking route ascends gently up a forested hillside providing dramatic panoramas of the lush countryside and craggy coastline.\u00a0 It ends on the other side of the hill, beside the white sandy beach of Big Wave Bay.\u00a0 The partly paved trail features sections with exposed rocks and tree roots, offering a wealth of photo opportunities.\u00a0 Leave the city and immerse yourself in nature and get a few steps in while you are at it.\r\n\r\nWednesday, May 13<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Beijing and the next part of our adventure.\r\n\r\n(breakfast included)<\/em>","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"Three City with Yangtze River Cruise | Twelve Night Deluxe Package: May 13 \u2013 25, 2026<\/strong>\r\n\u00a0(minimum of 10 participants required)<\/em>\r\n\r\nFeatures:<\/strong>\r\n