Race Report 2017

Copenhagen, Denmark – (Friday, 16 June 2017) – Upon the heels of another successful year, Albatros Adventure Marathons, founders of the original Great Wall Marathon, have opened registration for the next edition, which will run on 19 May 2018.

Every year since 1999, enthusiastic and adventurous runners from around the globe have stood shoulder to shoulder awaiting the start of The Great Wall Marathon. “Only a few weeks ago, we welcomed a diverse field of runners from 59 countries to a jam-packed event.  We witnessed runners from as young as age 8 in the 8.5K Fun Race up to age 84 in the half-marathon, some even tackled the grueling marathon route barefoot, and three proposed marriage. The fastest men’s marathoner came within five minutes of breaking the course record of 3:09:18, which was set by three runners from New Zealand, USA, and Greece who tied for the first-place finish in 2013,” commented Rune Nortoft, Race Director.

Conquering the demanding terrain, elevation changes, and thousands of steps along the Great Wall is an aspiration of many runners across varying experience levels. Now, it is time for the next group to mark their calendars for The Great Wall Marathon 2018!

A race for all runners
The Great Wall Marathon is held in the picturesque and rural Huangyaguan in Tianjin Province, China. Three distances are available – marathon, half-marathon, and 8.5K Run Race. Along each route, runners should expect many staircases, rolling trails, historic cobblestone paths, unpaved terrain, and steep ascents and descents. 

 The courses showcase China’s natural surroundings and typical countryside villages with supportive locals lining the route, both of which give runners a well-deserved break. Marathoners will face the Great Wall two times for a total of 5,164 steps on the Great Wall. Half-marathoners and Fun Race Runners take on the Great Wall one time. 

Race capacity is limited to 2,500. During recent years, The Great Wall Marathon has sold out well in advance of the standard registration period. “If you are committed to the challenge, our best advice is book early and gradually introduce your training regimen over an extended period. While we always maintain a waiting list, cancellations are rare,” added Nortoft.

Registration & Travel
For both runners and their supportive fans, entry to The Great Wall Marathon is part of a multi-day tour, giving all the chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind race on the Great Wall and explore Chinese culture. Race entry, accommodation, transportation and sightseeing excursions are included. In 2018, a 7-day tour (15-21 May) or 6-day tour (16-21 May) is available for international runners. Race-only entry is available for residents of China.

The standard registration period is open until 19 March 2018. Late registration is available for an additional fee until 19 April 2018. After this date, no new entries will be accepted.

Groups
Group registration is possible. For friends and families to sports clubs, fundraisers or incentive travel programs, guaranteed group fares and tailor-made amenities can be arranged for group of 10 or more, who travel together to The Great Wall Marathon. 

Injury Cancellation Policy
If an entrant unfortunately becomes injured, necessitating cancellation of his/her entry in The Great Wall Marathon 2018, the runner may do so before 15 December 2017. Presentation of an official doctor’s note in English, which documents the injury and inability to participate, is the only prerequisite for withdrawal.

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About: Albatros Adventure Marathons, a division of Albatros Travel, organizes five annual races, each characterized by locations of exceptional natural beauty and historical significance. These remarkable courses will challenge even the most experienced runner — The Great Wall Marathon, The Big Five Marathon, The Petra Desert Marathon, The Polar Circle Marathon and The Bagan Temple Marathon. The concept offers race entry along with a tour package. It is the aim of Albatros Adventure Marathons to provide a lifetime experience while creating responsible tourism, raising awareness for these remarkable areas and giving back to the local communities.

Media Contact:
Steen Albrechtsen, Press Manager
Tel. +45 36 98 98 98  
SA@albatros-travel.dk