Great Wall Marathon
18 May 2024
18 May 2024
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.
In order to register for The Great Wall Marathon, all international runners must sign up for one of the tour packages.
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!
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 2024 - 6-day package
15 - 20 May | 6 days | 1695 USD
3 nights in Jixian & 2 in Beijing 
Great Wall Marathon 2024 7-day package
14 - 20 May | 7 days | 1895 USD
All nights in Beijing 
Dansk Rejsepakke: Great Wall Marathon 2024 - 7-dages pakke
14 - 20 May | 7 days | 2595 USD
3 nætter i Beijing, 2 nætter i Lao Ying Pan plus flybilletter
Maratón de la Gran Muralla 2024 Paquete de 7 días
14 - 20 May | 7 days | 2225 USD
Todas las noches en Pekín, con un guía hispanohablante.
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
Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
19 May | 1 day | 85 USD
See Beijing's most renowned sights: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
Acrobatic Show
15 May | 3 hours | 60 USD
Sit back and be stunned by one of China's traditional performing arts: Acrobatics!
Qing Tombs
17 May | 1 day | 100 USD
Take a trip to the impressive, yet rarely visited, necropolis of the Qing Dynasty.
Summer Palace
19 May | 1 day | 85 USD
Join a tour to see the giant pandas, the Summer Palace, and more.
Ming Tombs
17 May | 6 - 7 hours | 85 USD
Visit a valley outside of Beijing where the tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors are nestled.
Extensions
Avatar Mountains
20 - 25 May | 6 days | 1790 USD
See otherworldly rock formations, caves, and mountains - including the mountains that inspired the movie Avatar!
The Terracotta Army
20 - 22 May | 3 days | 900 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!
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.
Fast Facts
Read below to learn some key figures, such as what records there are to beat and the geographic composition of the race.
Standing Records
| Distance | Category | Time | Year | Record Holder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.1 KM | Women | 1:48:55 | 2011 |
Melanie Newton, AUS
|
| 21.1 KM | Men | 1:33:14 | 2002 |
Keith Matiskella, USA
|
| 42.2 KM | Women | 3:32:12 | 2013 |
Silvia Serafini, ITA
|
| 42.2 KM | Men | 3:09:18 | 2013 |
Jonathan Wyatt, NZL |
Key Figures
5,146 Great Wall steps to climb in the marathon event
Over 25,000 runners since 1999
15,000+ bottles of water are carried on foot to the wall on race day
2019 Statistics
In total, 68 countries were represented at The Great Wall Marathon 2019.
The average time for the marathon was 5:59:33 for men and 6:29:23 for women.
Two runners at the age of 74 finished the marathon! The youngest marathon runner was 18 years old.
The oldest runner in our 8.5K Fun Run was 78 years old, whereas the youngest was 8 years old.
Mr. Henrik Brandt (DEN) is the only person to finish every Great Wall Marathon since 1999.