{"id":885,"date":"2023-03-27T15:58:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T19:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa.marathontours.com\/events\/bhutan-thunder-dragon-marathon-and-half-marathon-2\/"},"modified":"2026-10-04T23:34:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T03:34:21","slug":"dragon-challenge-china-and-bhutan","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-us\/events\/dragon-challenge-china-and-bhutan\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dragon Challenge – China & Bhutan"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"wds_primary_event_locations":0,"footnotes":""},"event_types":[106,104,101],"event_locations":[18],"event_distances":[11,12],"event_course_types":[16],"event_seasons":[27],"class_list":["post-885","events","type-events","status-publish","hentry","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-marathon","event_types-trail","event_locations-asia","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_seasons-spring"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":1605,"event_logo":"","event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#ffcccc"},"event_status":"available","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","target":"_blank"}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"anchor","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"https:\/\/forms.marathontours.com\/booking?tc=TDC","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel's Dragon Challenge Package please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0CALL 617-242-7845<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\nMake it a tour of a life-time by combining China\u00a0and\u00a0Bhutan!\u00a0Compare two historic\u00a0cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan.\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall Marathon and Half-Marathon<\/strong>\u00a0is widely considered one of the world's most challenging marathons.\u00a0Despite the arduous course on the iconic Great Wall of China, runners will be rewarded by the breathtaking surroundings and views. As the route leads participants through the lower valley and into the villages, onlookers will be cheering and the festive atmosphere is a real energy boost!\r\n\r\nThe Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon<\/strong>\u00a0highlight\u00a0all of the aspects of Bhutan that make it so special. Running through the beautiful Paro Valley, the route takes in fantastic mountain scenery and features many iconic landmarks, such as the Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tigers Nest), Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten or shrines. It is a true Himalayan mountain and cultural experience.\r\n\r\nThe Dragon Challenge\u00a0 is two (2) challenging races separated by 1800 miles and eight (8) days!<\/strong>","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Meals as outlined on the Itinerary","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":"English-speaking guides"},"transfers":{"detail":"Airport transfers included ","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":""},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"Excellent accommodation options "},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":""},"celebration_party":{"detail":"","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Guided tours per the Itinerary"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":"Services of Marathon & Travel staff"},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":"Travel 1800 miles in eight days"},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":"Earn the Dragon Challenge Medal!"}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":1322},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":328},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xHTcqiqjPUk"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":1323},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":1320},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":1324}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"The Dragon Challenge","package_duration":"13 Nights","package_dates":"May 12 - 25, 2027","package_days":[{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 12","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 13","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 14","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 15","day_content":"Great Wall Marathon RACE DAY!<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0It 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\u00a0is available after the race.\u00a0\u00a0After your race, be sure to visit the pop-up shops and massage tent, located outside the walls of Yin Yang square, for post-race massage.\u00a0 Buses will return runners and supporters to their hotels. \u00a0Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.\u00a0(breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n "},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 16","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 17","day_content":"After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 18","day_content":"We will have an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (approx 2 1\/2 hours). Afternoon sightseeing in Punakha; visit the Devine Mad Monks Temple (Temple of Fertility) and the remarkable Punakha Dzong, past home to the King of Bhutan. Overnight Punakha. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 19","day_content":"Today begins your acclimatization adventure in Bhutan with a spectacular hike to Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The recommended trek covers approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) and takes about eight hours<\/strong>, featuring significant elevation gain and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. This challenging yet rewarding experience offers an authentic taste of Bhutan's mountain landscapes while helping prepare your body for race day.\r\n\r\nFor those seeking a shorter option, you may hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten<\/strong> and return to Punakha for lunch one of two ways 1) the path by which you just came or 2) optional river rafting excursion.\u00a0 River rafting is weather dependent, and cost will depend on the number of guests interested \u2013 payment will be made on site.\r\n\r\nOvernight in Punakha.\u00a0(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n "},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 20","day_content":"After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu<\/strong>, Bhutan's charming capital city (approximately 2\u00bd hours). Upon arrival, stretch your legs with a hike to Buddha Point<\/strong>, home to the towering Buddha Dordenma statue and sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. Continue exploring the city's cultural highlights, including the Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan's unique national animal, the impressive Thimphu Dzong, the fascinating Postal Museum, and local artisan workshops showcasing Bhutan's treasured handicrafts and traditional crafts.\r\n\r\nOvernight Thimphu. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 21","day_content":"After an early breakfast, return to Paro and embark on one of Bhutan's most iconic experiences: the hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger's Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside high above the Paro Valley, this sacred monastery rewards hikers with stunning views and an unforgettable glimpse into Bhutan's spiritual heart.\r\n\r\nOn the return journey, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples, offering a peaceful setting to reflect on the day's adventure.\r\n\r\nOvernight Paro.\u00a0 (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 22","day_content":"Today you will have some free time for shopping in Paro. Be sure to check out the local crafts and food.\u00a0 Race day briefing.\r\n\r\nOvernight Paro.\u00a0(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 23","day_content":"Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon RACE DAY!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter an early breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the start of the race.\u00a0 The Marathon is scheduled to start at 8:00 am with the Half Marathon following. Before the start of the race, runners gather for a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony. Surrounded by colorful prayer flags and the majestic Himalayan landscape, participants receive well wishes for a safe and successful journey ahead. Led by Buddhist monks, this Bhutanese tradition will prepare you to take on one of the world's most extraordinary marathon experiences.\u00a0 After crossing the finish line, enjoy lunch, local awards and cheer on other runners before returning to your hotel to prepare for the celebration dinner and culture show.\r\n\r\nOvernight Paro.\u00a0(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 24","day_content":"We will enjoy a final day in Paro before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. We will arrive in Bangkok late in the evening and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel for a night\u2019s rest before saying goodbye to our new friends.\r\n\r\nOvernight in Thailand.\u00a0(Breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 25","day_content":"For those departing on an evening flight, the hotel can securely store your luggage, allowing you to enjoy a few more hours exploring Thailand or relaxing poolside before your journey home.\r\n\r\n(breakfast included) <\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"

The Dragon Challenge Tour | Thirteen-Night Package: May 12 - 25, 2027<\/h3>\r\nChina Features:<\/strong>\r\n