The race

Daytime temperatures will be warm and humid, meaning runners should wear light, moisture-wicking clothing. Sunscreen is crucial (30 SPF+) and sunglasses and a running hat highly recommended! 

It is possible to desposit bags with personal items at the start / finish area for use before and after the race. Mark your bag clearly with your name and bib number. The luggage area will be manned during the race.

Great Wall Marathon organizers are not responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings. 

All distances have a cut off time of 8 hours. All runners with a net finishing time slower than 8 hours will receive a FNT (Finished No Time) on the result list. 

At 14.00 the gate leading to the wall will be closed (KM 35). Marathon runners who have not yet reached the gate at this time will not be allowed to finish. 

At 16.00 the Great Wall Marathon ends. Runners still on the route will be picked up by a race official and driven back to the finish area.
 

Full Marathon: 42.195 km / 26.2 mi.

Half Marathon: 21.097 km / 13.1 mi.

Fun Run: 8,5 km / 5.5 mi.

Note: Marathon runners must be 18 years old and Half Marathon runners must be 16 years old. The fun run does not have an age limit. 

Distance changes can be made up until 10 days before the race starts. If you want to change your distance while on tour, contact a race director after the briefing on Inspection Day. Distance change is NOT permitted on Race Day.

The Great Wall Marathon generally takes place on the third weekend of May each year.

2026: May 16th 

Registration closes one month before the tour package begins, but spots fill up fast! To secure your place and preferred accommodation, we recommend booking early. 

The start/bib number can be found in your race goodie bag. All runners will receive two bib numbers and both must be worn during the race. The large bib must be attached to the front of your body and the small one on the back. They are color coded according to the distance you are running. 

• Full Marathon: Black
• Half Marathon: Red
• 8.5 km: Green

Please do not bend or fold the bibs as the timing chip inside may break. Marathon and Half Marathon bibs are marked with your wave number. On race day, please go to the start wave corresponding to the wave number on your bib. 

Watch race recaps from previous and past years here:

Race recaps

Route Map

Elevation Map

Surface: Expect to run on gravel, asphalt and bricks. 

Medical Team Availability
Danish english speaking doctors will be on-site during the race. They have the authority to stop runners if they deem it necessary for health reasons. All decisions by the medical team are final.

If you need to drop out, head to the nearest drink station for a cooling drink and we will transport you back to the finish area, but expect some wait time, due to the conditions of the race route. 

Prepare for high heats by hydrating well before the race and cool down at waterstations. Sunscreen is crucial, and sunglasses and a cap are highly recommended! 
 

Final details on starting times will be announced in the runner's guidebook that you will receive upon your arrival in Beijing. The Great Wall Marathon is timed with a bib-chip timing system. 

Results will be posted throughout at the Yin & Yang Square during the race. Final results can be found on our website after the race has ended.