The definitive source for all things race-related: everything you need to know before, during, and after race day.
Race Information
Find all the important practical information about the race.
Race History
Take a look at the evolution of this remarkable race - the original race on The Great Wall!
Route & Elevation
Familiarize yourself with the race's twists, turns, and many, many stairs.
Fast Facts
Get the details on race statistics, records, and fun facts.
Results
Check here for current and past years race results.
Race Videos & Photos
Check out some spectacular moments from the race and inspection day.
Like all Albatros Adventure Marathons, The Great Wall Marathon is designed to be more than just a race. It's also about enjoying time together with family, friends and other running-minded spirits. Spectators welcome!
In order to register for The Great Wall Marathon, you must sign up for one of the tour packages.
Ways to Enter
Get details on international, regional, and local entrance options.
Accommodation
Check out the hotel options for your stay.
Packages
Great Wall Marathon 2021 6-day package
12 - 17 May | 6 days | 1460 USD
3 nights in Jixian & 2 in Beijing 
Great Wall Marathon 2021 7-day package
11 - 17 May | 7 days | 1560 USD
All nights in Beijing 
Dansk Rejsepakke: Great Wall Marathon 2021 7-dages pakke
11 - 17 May | 7 days | 2195 USD
3 nætter i Beijing, 2 nætter i Lao Ying Pan plus flybilletter
Maratón de la Gran Muralla 2021 Paquete de 7 días
11 - 17 May | 7 days | 1980 USD
Todas las noches en Pekín
Mikkeller Running Club - 6-day package
12 - 17 May | 6 days | 1495 USD
All nights in Beijing - with a group united by beer! 
Travel partners
The most comprehensive list of travel partners who offer Great Wall Marathon packages with flights.
Looking for extra awe and adventure? Add excursions or an extension to your package for the ultimate China experience.
The Great Wall Marathon is more than just a marathon - it's a journey through China! While it’s hard to top the post-race exhilaration of a Great Wall Marathon finish, we’re certain these immersive add-ons are the perfect complement to your experience. You can see top sites or visit the lesser-traveled areas, get to know the country, and interact with the local cultures. Live it up!
Excursions
Ming Tombs
14 May | 6 - 7 hours | 70 USD
Visit a valley outside of Beijing where the tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors are nestled.
City of People
16 May | 1 day | 65 USD
Join a tour to see the giant pandas, the Summer Palace, and more.
Qing Tombs
14 May | 1 day | 95 USD
Take a trip to the impressive, yet rarely visited, necropolis of the Qing Dynasty.
Acrobatic Show
12 May | 3 hours | 35 USD
Sit back and be stunned by one of China's traditional performing arts: Acrobatics!
City of Emperors
16 May | 1 day | 70 USD
See Beijing's most renowned sights: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
Extensions
Avatar Mountains
17 - 22 May | 6 days | 1590 USD
See otherworldly rock formations, caves, and mountains - including the mountains that inspired the movie Avatar!
Made in China
17 - 23 May | 7 days | 1690 USD
Take in the Terracotta Army before heading south to the rice terraces in Longsheng and dreamlike scenery of Yangshou.
The Terracotta Army
17 - 19 May | 3 days | 595 USD
Visit the bustling city of Xi'an - home to the famed terracotta sculptures, an expansive city wall, and more.
From history and attractions to culture and customs, get to know to China.
Travel to China
Dive deep into China - read about its history, religion, economy, and attractions.
Map of China
Take a look at a map highlighting our destinations in China.
Destination Guide
Find short and sweet answers to help you travel in China - everything from currency to toilets and more.
Climate & Weather in China
Check out what weather to expect on race day, as well as average weather in select Chinese cities.
Photos of China
Browse a collection of photos from our incredible Chinese destinations.
Passports & Visa
Read general guidelines to obtaining a visa for China.
Curious about other people's experiences or still have questions regarding the race, booking, or traveling?
FAQ & Contact
Get all the answers to your questions right here.
Reviews
Read the thoughts of runners who have conquered the wall!
The one-stop shop for all your media-related needs. You can also follow along live on 16 May 2020!
Blog
Read our stories and get inspired.
Media Resources
Check here for press guides, media galleries, and contact information.
Press Releases
Read the latest news on The Great Wall Marathon.
Partners & Sponsors
Read here about our wonderful sponsors, partners, and suppliers - and how you can be one of them.
Great Wall Marathon Live
Follow along for live updates on Race Day!
5,164 steps into history!
Since its inception in 1999, the Great Wall Marathon has become revered as one of the world's most challenging marathons.
Run the most demanding marathon of your life along one of mankind's greatest monuments.
Since the inaugural Great Wall Marathon in 1999, the field has grown steadily to a sellout event with 2,500 runners from over 60 nations. The Great Wall Marathon event offers three distances: A marathon, half marathon and a 8.5km Fun Run.
BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR GREAT WALL MARATHON 2021 ENTRY!
As you all know, it was with great disappointment that we had to cancel the Great Wall Marathon this year, however we are looking forward to a brighter future in 2021. We are happy to announce that we can now offer the Great Wall Marathon 2021 packages.
FREE CANCELLATION BEFORE DECEMBER 31 2020
As the current situation regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing, we hope to give our runners some peace of mind by offering a full refund on all cancellations made by the 31st of December 2020, this includes all 2021 races.
Race info
The Great Wall Marathon is widely considered one of the world's most challenging marathons.
Tell me moreWhat others before you thought
Great, fantastic, awe-inspiring, unforgettable and undeniably difficult. It’s all there.
Read it allNewsletter
Receive fresh-off-the-press news about the Great Wall Marathon and the other marathons by Albatros Adventure Marathons!
"
Beautiful, painful, and difficult. The most brutal race I have ever run. Loved it!
" Michael Olsen
2014 Great Wall Marathon finisher