Travelling Fit is proud to be the official Australian sales representatives for the Tenzing Hillary Everest Half Marathon and has been sending people to this beautiful part of the world to run for over 17 years.
We are pleased to be able to offer a lodge option during the trek up to Everest Base Camp prior to the Half Marathon event.
It is also possible to include one of three extraordinary extension tours leading up to race day which include:
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is an International High Altitude running event being held at Mt. Everest Base Camp every year on May 29. The race commemorates the historical ascent of Mount Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953.
Participants will climb Kala Patthar, a view spot at 5,643 m prior to the race. Glorious views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and other mountains are visible in a panoramic structure from Kala Patthar. Competitors will spend two Nights at Everest Base Camp, prior to race start, where only expedition climbers are allowed to camp.
The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon is the highest marathon in the world, starting at 5,356m above sea level from Expedition Base Camp right at the edge of Khumbu Icefall with a backdrop of Everest, Lhotse and Lola Pass.. The course is mostly downhill and is a trekking trail. The trails of this course descend through Gorakshep, Lobuche, Thukla and heads down towards Dingboche where runners will make a loop at Biber. From here, the tracks will descend through Pangboche, Tengboche, Laubisasa, Kyanjuma and finish in Namche at 3,550m.
Check out the Everest Marathon Route and Map and Everest Marathon elevation profile to learn more about what to expect!
Entries are only applicable in conjunction with a marathon package.
There are no qualifying times required for this event BUT each participant will require a Health Certificate from their doctor stating that you are physically able to participate in a marathon at high altitude and on this type of terrain.
All non-runners must have previous hiking experience on varied mountainous terrain.
The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon will commence at 7:00am from Base Camp. The exact time will be confirmed at Base Camp.
There is cut off time of 4:00pm for the Marathon runners at Thyangboche.
Those who do not cross Thyangboche after 4:00pm must stop overnight at the local lodge in this village and continue the Marathon event the next morning at 6am.
For those who do not finish on the first day, there will be a penalty of 3 hours added to their total timing.
There will be Race officials at all checkpoints checking your progress and marking your time.
Race Packets include the official Tenzing Hillary Everest race event T-shirt and your Race Number which will be distributed at the briefing in Kathmandu.
There are no official pace setters for this event.
Water and electrolytes will be supplied along the course and light food provided at Dingboche.
It is possible for runners to have their personal drinks/food out on the course, this is also recommended.
Extra clothing is to be given to the Sherpas/Porters which will ensure their safe arrival at the finishing point.
All transport required on this tour is included in the price of the package.
Not Applicable.
All finishers will receive a Certificate, Medal and a race T-shirts.
The Average Temperatures in May are as follows:
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon covers the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles).
This challenging race is renowned for being the world’s highest marathon, starting from Everest Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 5,364 metres (17,598 feet), and finishing in Namche Bazaar.
The event also offers a Half Marathon (21.0975km) and Extreme Ultra Marathon (60 km).
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is considered one of the most challenging marathons in the world, due to the extreme conditions and terrain it encompasses.
Factors that contribute to its difficulty include:
High Altitude
Rugged Terrain
Climate and Weather
Preparation and Acclimatisation
The cost to participate in the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon can vary depending on the package you choose, which typically includes not just the race entry but also a comprehensive trekking and acclimatisation program leading up to the event.
These packages are designed to ensure participants are well-prepared for the high-altitude conditions and can include accommodations, meals, guided treks to Everest Base Camp, and various other support services necessary for the duration of the trip, which is often around 3 weeks.
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is held annually on May 29th. This date commemorates the first successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
It’s important to note that participants usually need to arrive in Nepal weeks in advance of the race date for acclimatisation and preparation.
Preparing for the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, the world’s highest marathon involves comprehensive planning and prep due to its unique high-altitude and rugged terrain challenges:
Acclimatisation: Spend several weeks before the marathon acclimating to high altitudes. This can include training in high-altitude areas or using altitude simulation techniques.
Physical Training: Focus on endurance, strength, and trail running. Incorporate long runs, strength training, and trail runs on varied and rugged terrain into your training routine.
Mental Preparation: Familiarise yourself with the marathon details and route. Practice visualisation and positive thinking to build mental resilience.
Nutrition and Hydration: Adapt your diet for high-altitude conditions, emphasising carbohydrates and hydration. Experiment with your nutrition and hydration strategy during training.
Gear: Invest in appropriate clothing for cold and windy conditions and trail running shoes with good grip. Train with the gear you plan to use on race day.
Health Check and Insurance: Get a health check to discuss high-altitude risks and ensure you have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Pre-Marathon Trek: Participate in the pre-marathon trek to Everest Base Camp to help with acclimatisation and familiarise yourself with the local conditions.
Travelling Fit is proud to be the official Australian sales representatives for the Tenzing Hillary Everest Half Marathon and has been sending people to this beautiful part of the world to run for over 17 years.
We are pleased to be able to offer a lodge option during the trek up to Everest Base Camp prior to the Half Marathon event.
It is also possible to include one of three extraordinary extension tours leading up to race day which include:
PACKAGE FLYERS
The half marathon is the shortest distance in the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon event.
The half marathon is an exciting yet adventurous run which starts exactly on the half point of the Full Marathon. Starting from Dingboche, the tracks of the half marathon end at Namche Bazar.
Mostly downhill, the track is a trekking trail and very scenic. This is the best way to experience the Everest region if you are not up for the Marathon or Extreme Ultra distance.
Entries are only applicable in conjunction with a half marathon package.
There are no qualifying times required for this event BUT each participant will require a Health Certificate from their doctor stating that you are physically able to participate in a marathon at high altitude and on this type of terrain.
All non-runners must have previous hiking experience on varied mountainous terrain.
The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Half Marathon will commence at 8:00am from Dingboche. The exact time will be confirmed at Dingboche.
There is cut off time of 4:00pm for the Half Marathon runners at Thyangboche.
Those who do not cross Thyangboche after 4:00pm must stop overnight at the local lodge in this village and continue the Half Marathon event the next morning at 6am.
For those who do not finish on the first day, there will be a penalty of 3 hours added to their total timing.
There will be Race officials at all checkpoints checking your progress and marking your time.
Race Packets include the official Tenzing Hillary Everest race event T-shirt and your Race Number which will be distributed at the briefing in Kathmandu.
There are no official pace setters for this event.
Water and electrolytes will be supplied along the course.
It is possible for runners to have their personal drinks/food out on the course, this is also recommended.
Extra clothing is to be given to the Sherpas/Porters which will ensure their safe arrival at the finishing point.
All transport required on this tour is included in the price of the package.
Not Applicable.
All finishers will receive a Certificate, Medal and a race T-shirts.
Travelling Fit is proud to be the official Australian sales representatives for the Tenzing Hillary Everest Half Marathon and has been sending people to this beautiful part of the world to run for over 17 years.
We are pleased to be able to offer a lodge option during the trek up to Everest Base Camp prior to the Half Marathon event.
It is also possible to include one of three extraordinary extension tours leading up to race day which include:
PACKAGE FLYERS
The 70KM Ultra-Marathon (70th Everest Ascent Anniversary Celebration Trail) is for extreme adventurous runners.
Starting from Everest Marathon, tracks of the ultra-marathon start from Everest Base Camp and end at Namche Bazaar like the full marathon.
However, the 70KM Ultra Marathon moves towards Bibre to Chhukung from Dingboche and to Nha La from Phortse and descends via Mongla towards Namche Bazaar, making it an ultimate adventure run.
Entries are only applicable in conjunction with an Extreme Ultra Marathon package.
There are no qualifying times required for this event BUT each participant will require a Health Certificate from their doctor stating that you are physically able to participate in an Ultra-Marathon at high altitude and on this type of terrain.
All non-runners must have previous hiking experience on varied mountainous terrain.
The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon will commence at 5:00am. The excact time will be confirmed as Base Camp.
The Extreme Ultra Marathon has a cut off at Pangboche checkpoint of 11.30 am. Runners who do not make it on time will be disqualified.
There is a second cut off at Machhermo of 5.00 pm. Runners who are not able to make this cut off must stop overnight at the local lodge and continue with the event the next morning at 6am.
For those unable to complete it in the first day, a 3 hour penalty will be added to their overall time.
There will be Race officials at all checkpoints checking your progress and marking your time.
Race Packets include the official Tenzing Hillary Everest race event T-shirt and your Race Number which will be distributed at the briefing in Kathmandu.
There are no official pace setters in this event.
Water and electrolytes will be supplied along the course and light food provided at Dingboche and Nha-La.
It is possible for runners to have their personal drinks/food out on the course, this is also recommended.
Extra clothing is to be given to the Sherpas/Porters which will ensure their safe arrival at the finishing point.
All transport required on this tour is included in the price of the package.
Not Applicable.
All finishers will receive a Certificate, Medal and a race T-shirts.
The Average Temperatures in May are as follows:
Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. Voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, Bhutan remains accessible only to the privileged few.
Nestled between Tibet and India it is a country of raw natural beauty; from stunning mountain scenery to tropical plains. This pristine scenery is home to exotic wildlife and is one of the last refuges of species like the Black-Necked Crane, the Golden Langur and even the Royal Bengal tiger. The Bhutanese people with their Buddhist beliefs have a strong sense of identity and of the interdependence between man and nature. This is expressed in the national policy of Gross National Happiness and concern for the environment.
Travelling Fit are offering a choice of 2 packages:
7 Day / 6 Night – Culture Tour, staying in Punakha, Thimpu and Paro
A tour that captures the wide variety and rich culture of Bhutan. The Paro Valley with its surrounding pine clad mountainsides; Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan; and the Punakha Valley, a lower lying valley with a semi-tropical climate. This tour can be combined with the Great Wall Marathon by clicking here.
9 Day / 8 Night – Paro, Thimphu and Druk (Thunder Dragon) Trail Trek
Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the world and as part of this 9-day package it offers a fully supported 4-day trek on the famous Druk (or Thunder Dragon) Trail. With much of the hike up and around 4,000m it also helps you acclimatize for the race (which has an average altitude of 2,300m). The 9-day itinerary also takes in a visit to the famous Tigers Nest and an overnight stopover in the capital Thimphu.
PACKAGE FLYERS
The race route starts at Udumwara, underneath the cliff that the Tiger’s Nest is built into. The route is approx. half road surface and half farm trails, and on the full marathon there is a 4km section of single track.
The first 8km are on road surfaces and slightly downhill alongside the Paro Chu (river). At 8km the half marathon splits off to the right and makes its way up and behind Paro Dzong (Fort). The full marathon carries straight on with a long and gradual climb alongside the Wang Chu (river) on farm tracks above rice fields.
At 18km the marathon route crosses the river and returns towards Paro on the other side on a gentle downhill gradient to 25km. Here, the route has the toughest climb, for about 4km on road, rising above the Paro National Museum, then on single track for 1km to the highest point of the race at 2,560m.
Dropping back down to the Paro Chu the marathon and half marathon re-join beneath Paro Dzong to cross the famous wooden bridge. The last 10km for both distances are on a gradual but long uphill climb on a mix of road and wide farm track, rising above Paro Chu, with views of the river and rice fields, before dropping into the finish back at Udumwara.
The total height gain on the marathon is 995m and for the half 450m. The altitude at the start is 2400m and the lowest point, in Paro Town, is 2200m.
The entry fee for the Thunder Dragon Marathon Bhutan is included in the price of the Marathon package.
There are no qualifying times for the Thunder Dragon Marathon
The Thunder Dragon Marathon starts at around 8.30am. Note that the exact time will be confirmed during the tour.
The cut off time for the Thunder Dragon Marathon is 8 hours but has some flexibility depending upon the weather conditions.
All Runners who do not achieve the cut off will be picked up and driven to the finish line.
Final details about the timing will be announced in your participant guide.
The Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon will be manually timed.
Your race pack will be given to you upon your arrival
There are no official pace setters for this event
There will be water stations at approximately every 5km along the routes. Water will be served in bottles.
Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas.
There are no provisions for runners to leave personal refreshments along the course
Transfers to and from the race is included in the price of your package.
Not Applicable
All race competitors receive the Thunder Dragon Race T-shirt, Thunder Dragon head scarf and an excellent medal.
There are wooden race trophies for the first three international men and women in the marathon and half marathon as well as the first M40, W40, M50, W50, M60 and W60, which are awarded at a prize-giving dinner on Sunday night.
A competitor can only win one trophy.
The expected temperature on race day is 23 degrees Celsius
Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. Voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, Bhutan remains accessible only to the privileged few.
Nestled between Tibet and India it is a country of raw natural beauty; from stunning mountain scenery to tropical plains. This pristine scenery is home to exotic wildlife and is one of the last refuges of species like the Black-Necked Crane, the Golden Langur and even the Royal Bengal tiger. The Bhutanese people with their Buddhist beliefs have a strong sense of identity and of the interdependence between man and nature. This is expressed in the national policy of Gross National Happiness and concern for the environment.
Travelling Fit are offering a choice of 2 packages:
7 Day / 6 Night – Culture Tour, staying in Punakha, Thimpu and Paro
A tour that captures the wide variety and rich culture of Bhutan. The Paro Valley with its surrounding pine clad mountainsides; Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan; and the Punakha Valley, a lower lying valley with a semi-tropical climate. This tour can be combined with the Great Wall Marathon by clicking here.
9 Day / 8 Night – Paro, Thimphu and Druk (Thunder Dragon) Trail Trek
Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the world and as part of this 9-day package it offers a fully supported 4-day trek on the famous Druk (or Thunder Dragon) Trail. With much of the hike up and around 4,000m it also helps you acclimatize for the race (which has an average altitude of 2,300m). The 9-day itinerary also takes in a visit to the famous Tigers Nest and an overnight stopover in the capital Thimphu.
PACKAGE FLYERS
The race route starts at Udumwara, underneath the cliff that the Tiger’s Nest is built into and the route is approx. half road surface and half farm trails.
The first 8km are on road surfaces and slightly downhill alongside the Paro Chu (river). The course then makes its way up and behind Paro Dzong (Fort).
Dropping back down to the Paro Chu the Marathon and half Marathon re-join beneath Paro Dzong to cross the famous wooden bridge. The last 10km for both distances are on a gradual but long uphill climb on a mix of road and wide farm track, rising above Paro Chu, with views of the river and rice fields, before dropping into the finish back at Udumwara.
The altitude at the start is 2400m and the lowest point, in Paro Town, is 2200m.
The entry fee for the Thunder Dragon Half Marathon Bhutan is included in the price of the Marathon package.
There are no qualifying times for the Thunder Dragon Half Marathon
The Thunder Dragon Half Marathon starts at around 8.30am. Note that the exact time will be confirmed during the tour.
There is no cut off time for the Thunder Dragon Half Marathon.
Final details about the timing will be announced in your participant guide.
The Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon will be manually timed.
Your race pack will be given to you upon your arrival
There are no official pace setters for this event
There will be water stations at approximately every 5km along the routes. Water will be served in bottles.
Some stations will also server energy drinks and bananas.
There are no provisions for runners to leave personal refreshments along the course
Transfers to and from the race is included in the price of your package.
Not Applicable
All race competitors receive the Thunder Dragon Race T-shirt, Thunder Dragon head scarf and an excellent medal.
There are wooden race trophies for the first three international men and women in the marathon and half marathon as well as the first M40, W40, M50, W50, M60 and W60, which are awarded at a prize-giving dinner on Sunday night.
A competitor can only win one trophy.
The expected temperature on race day is 23 degrees Celsius
Thunder Dragon Marathon
Travelling Fit has been an Official International Travel Partner for the Great Wall Marathon since 2001, and we are pleased to be able to offer you a host of Travelling Fit exclusive packages for the Great Wall Marathon and Half Marathon
The Travelling Fit Exclusive Packages are organised by Travelling Fit, meaning we have more control of what goes on whilst in Beijing. It also gives you, the client, the opportunity to travel with other like-minded Australians travelling with us as part of a unique group.
We have our own private coaches, our own private guides and our own private tours, meaning you get a tailored experience rather than a generic holiday.
For personalised Travelling Fit fully hosted tours (recommended) please refer to the Exclusive Travelling Fit Packages. In summary, the exclusive packages are as follows:
Please note that hotels in China are not always to Western Standards
Important Notes:
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Great Wall Marathon is not just a race; it is a moment that will live with you forever! Nowhere else can a marathoner run over one of the world’s most famous landmarks, through picturesque villages and alongside China’s own rice fields.
Sounds like the marathon of a lifetime right? It is! Having run the Great Wall Marathon ourselves, we can highly recommend it. We can even do better than that, we can help you book a travel package that will save you money and give you peace of mind so you can concentrate on the marathon itself. Below is a description of the Great Wall Marathon course:
No matter what race type you choose, all runners complete the same 8.5km to start the race.
Commencing at Yin and Yang Square within the ancient Huangyaguan fortress.
Participants commence the race along Jinwei Highway, travelling south for the first kilometre.
The route then takes a turn onto Changcheng Highway, leading runners into a challenging 4 km ascent towards the entrance of the Great Wall. This uphill path tests endurance early in the race.
Upon reaching the 5 km mark, the course transforms as runners meet the iconic steps of the Great Wall. A captivating 3 km stretch on the wall itself includes a loop around the fortress walls, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into China’s rich history.
The course then introduces a dramatic change at the 7 km point with the ‘Goat Track’, a 700 m steep descent back towards Yin and Yang Square.
After rounding the fortress walls at the 8 km point, fun runners end their race in Yin and Yang Square while the half marathon and full marathon runners continue south towards Duanzhuang village.
The next 4.5 km follows a picturesque route along the river towards Duanzhuang village. This stretch offers a scenic run, with views of the river and surrounding landscapes. It’s a chance for participants to appreciate the rural tranquillity of the region.
As they approach the 13km mark, the course takes the runners across the river. This is where the half-marathon runners and full-marathon runners route splits into 2.
Half-marathon runners turn left to complete a 4 km loop through Duanzhuang village while full marathon runners continue south towards Xiaying.
After the split at 13 km, marathon runners head south to Xiaying, transitioning from village energy to the tranquillity of the countryside.
At 16 km, the route exits Xiaying, leading east on Maying Highway towards Dongjiafen village. The landscape is dotted with traditional homes and local farms, providing a rich cultural experience.
As runners arrive at the 20 km mark, they commence a 6 km loop passing through the village of Qingshanling. This steep section is challenging, however, it offers a deeper insight into the local community and their way of life.
Exiting the loop at 26 km, runners face a challenging climb up to Chedaoyu village, testing endurance and strength. Once at the village, a steep descent begins back towards Duanzhuang village. Both the full-marathon and half-marathon participants reunite just before the village at the 29 km and 16 km marks respectively.
Once the half marathon and full marathon routes reunite, the runners cross a bridge back to Jinwei Highway. From there, they begin to run back towards Yin and Yang Square.
This is where half-marathon runners finish their race and head straight for the square. For marathon runners however, they turn right and begin to mentally prepare navigating the great wall portion of the run once more.
This time in reverse, runners start by ascending the ultra-steep ‘Goat Track’, before descending 5km down the Great Wall towards Yin and Yang Square where their finish line finally awaits.
The entry fee for the Great Wall Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
There are no qualifying times for the Great Wall Marathon.
The Great Wall Marathon starts at 7:30am (to be confirmed). Please note that those runners that are staying in Beijing will need to check with their tour leader as to specific wake up times in order to ensure that they do not miss their bus to the start.
The cut-off time for all distance events is 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 (6 hours after the last runner in wave 4 has crossed the start line) the gate leading to the wall will be closed. Runners who have not reached the gate at this time will not be allowed to finish.
At 16:00 (8 hours after the last runner in wave 4 has crossed the start line) the Great Wall Marathon ends.
Runners still on the route will be picked up by a race official car and taken to the finish area.
The Great Wall Marathon will be timed using BibTag technology to ensure that all finishers are accurately timed.
T-Shirts and Race information (including race numbers and your Great Wall personalised BibTag) will be handed out to you by your tour leader once you reach your hotel.
There are no official pace setters in this event.
There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometres along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas. All stations provide bottled water.
Marathon runners will be offered energy gel after 26km and 35km.
No personal drinks are able to be left out on the course
It is possible to deposit bags with personal items for use after the race. Luggage can be stored in the designated luggage area at the Yin and Yang Square.
Please mark your bag clearly with your name and bib number. To avoid unnecessary queuing on the morning of race day, please mark your luggage before entering Yin and Yang Square.
Although the luggage area is manned, depositing personal belongings in the area is entirely each runner’s responsibility and the Great Wall Marathon organisers are not responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings.
Transport to the Great Wall and from the Great wall is provided as part of your overall package.
There is no Expo as part of the Great Wall Marathon although there will be various stalls setup at the start/finish area to purchase merchandise.
All competitors will receive the official race t-shirt. All finishers will receive a Medal as they cross the finish line and Certificates will be emailed to all competitors after the conclusion of the event.
The average May temperature in Beijing is between 16°C/61°F and 35°C/95° however the temperature out at the Great Wall will be cooler.
Light-coloured clothing, short-sleeve technical shirts are a good choice as sweat is not absorbed (like cotton), sun block is a must (use SPF30 or above), a running hat with visor is also advisable as it can help keep the sun out of your eyes.
The Great Wall Marathon elevation gain is challenging, with steep climbs early in the race and again towards the later stages.
The two most substantial elevation gains during the Great Wall Marathon are both around 243 metres and occur during the first 7 km of the race and around for around 700 metres at the 36 km mark. Marathon runners also experience an elevation gain of around 200 metres from the 16 km – 23 km mark and around a 50-metre elevation gain during between the 27 km – 28 km portion of the race.
8.5k run/walk
Half Marathon run/walk
The Great Wall Marathon offers a full marathon distance, which is 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles).
Additionally, the event typically includes shorter race options, such as a half marathon and an 8.5km run/walk.
The 2025 Great Wall Marathon will be held on Saturday the 17th of May.
The Great Wall Marathon is traditionally held in May each year. However, the exact date can vary.
To find the specific dates for future Great Wall Marathons, it’s best to visit the official event page on the Travelling Fit website or contact the team directly.
The Great Wall Marathon is renowned for being one of the most challenging marathons in the world, due to the steep ascents and descents, uneven steps, and the varying width of the Great Wall itself.
Runners face thousands of steps along the course, some of which are very high and uneven, adding a significant level of difficulty to the race.
The weather can also add to the challenge, as May in China can be quite warm, contributing to the physical exertion required.
Preparation for this marathon typically involves specific training, including stair climbing and hill workouts, to adequately prepare for the unique conditions of the course.
Runners can expect to encounter over 5,164 steps during the race.
These steps vary in size and steepness, presenting a challenge even to experienced marathoners.
The registration process for the Great Wall Marathon is straightforward however you need to register through an approved travel partner.
We can help you find a travel package that suits your budget and needs.
Travelling Fit has been an Official International Travel Partner for the Great Wall Marathon since 2001, and we are pleased to be able to offer you a host of Travelling Fit exclusive packages for the Great Wall Marathon and Half Marathon
The Travelling Fit Exclusive Packages are organised by Travelling Fit, meaning we have more control of what goes on whilst in Beijing. It also gives you, the client, the opportunity to travel with other like-minded Australians travelling with us as part of a unique group.
We have our own private coaches, our own private guides and our own private tours, meaning you get a tailored experience rather than a generic holiday.
For personalised Travelling Fit fully hosted tours (recommended) please refer to the Exclusive Travelling Fit Packages. In summary, the exclusive packages are as follows:
Please note that hotels in China are not always to Western Standards
Important Notes:
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Great Wall Half Marathon is not just a race; it is a moment that will live with you forever! Nowhere else can a marathoner run over one of the world’s most famous landmarks, through picturesque villages and alongside China’s own rice fields.
Sounds like the marathon of a lifetime right? It is! Having run the Great Wall Half Marathon ourselves, we can highly recommend it. We can even do better than that, we can help you book a travel package that will save you money and give you peace of mind so you can concentrate on the marathon itself.
The Great Wall Marathon Route starts with the first section, covering approximately 9 km, takes the runners up to, across and down the Great Wall of China. This part of the course is marked by steep ascents and descents of up to 10% and consists of thousands of steps. Runners are advised to run slowly going up and down the mountain, as well as to walk when passing the steepest parts of the Great Wall.
The second section of the course, which takes the runners through picturesque villages and rice fields, is done on flat asphalt and gravel roads. All roads are in good condition and do not require special footwear.
The entry fee for the Great Wall Half Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
There are no qualifying times for the Great Wall Half Marathon.
The Great Wall Half Marathon starts at 7:30am (to be confirmed). Please note that those runners that are staying in Beijing will need to check with their tour leader as to specific wake up times in order to ensure that they do not miss their bus to the start.
The cut-off time for all distance events is 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 (6 hours after the last runner in wave 4 has crossed the start line) the gate leading to the wall will be closed. Runners who have not reached the gate at this time will not be allowed to finish.
At 16:00 (8 hours after the last runner in wave 4 has crossed the start line) the Great Wall Marathon ends.
Runners still on the route will be picked up by a race official car and taken to the finish area.
The Great Wall Half Marathon will be timed using BibTag technology to ensure that all finishers are accurately timed.
T-Shirts and Race information (including race numbers and your Great Wall personalised BibTag) will be handed out to you by your tour leader once you reach your hotel.
There are no official pace setters in this event.
There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometres along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas. All stations provide bottled water.
No personal drinks are able to be left out on the course
It is possible to deposit bags with personal items for use after the race. Luggage can be stored in the designated luggage area at the Yin and Yang Square.
Please mark your bag clearly with your name and bib number. To avoid unnecessary queuing on the morning of race day, please mark your luggage before entering Yin and Yang Square.
Although the luggage area is manned, depositing personal belongings in the area is entirely each runner’s responsibility and the Great Wall Marathon organisers are not responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings.
Transport to the Great Wall and from the Great Wall is provided as part of your overall package.
There is no Expo as part of the Great Wall Marathon although there will be various stalls setup at the start/finish area to purchase merchandise.
All competitors will receive the official race t-shirt. All finishers will receive a Medal as they cross the finish line and Certificates will be emailed to all competitors after the conclusion of the event.
The average May temperature in Beijing is between 16°C/61°F and 35°C/95° however the temperature out at the Great Wall will be cooler.
Light-coloured clothing, short-sleeve technical shirts are a good choice as sweat is not absorbed (like cotton), sun block is a must (use SPF30 or above), a running hat with visor is also advisable as it can help keep the sun out of your eyes.
8.5k run/walk
Marathon
The Great Wall Marathon offers a full marathon distance, which is 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles).
Additionally, the event typically includes shorter race options, such as a half marathon and an 8.5km run/walk.
The 2025 Great Wall Marathon will be held on Saturday the 17th of May.
The Great Wall Marathon is traditionally held in May each year. However, the exact date can vary.
To find the specific dates for future Great Wall Marathons, it’s best to visit the official event page on the Travelling Fit website or contact the team directly.
The Great Wall Marathon is renowned for being one of the most challenging marathons in the world, due to the steep ascents and descents, uneven steps, and the varying width of the Great Wall itself.
Runners face thousands of steps along the course, some of which are very high and uneven, adding a significant level of difficulty to the race.
The weather can also add to the challenge, as May in China can be quite warm, contributing to the physical exertion required.
Preparation for this marathon typically involves specific training, including stair climbing and hill workouts, to adequately prepare for the unique conditions of the course.
Runners can expect to encounter over 5,164 steps during the race.
These steps vary in size and steepness, presenting a challenge even to experienced marathoners.
The registration process for the Great Wall Marathon is straightforward however you need to register through an approved travel partner.
We can help you find a travel package that suits your budget and needs.
Travelling Fit is pleased to announce that we have a direct relationship with KNT, Japan, to provide Australian runners entries to the Tokyo Marathon 2025.
Travelling Fit has been sending runners to Tokyo since 2007 and we are pleased to say that we are offering a four-night Marathon package inclusive of guaranteed race entry and accommodation at the Keio Plaza Hotel, ideally located within a short walking distance to the race start.
There are two packages to choose from. The Deluxe Package includes the post-race celebration party at the Keio Plaza that will be shared with other international runners from around the world.
Exclusive Optional Tour for Travelling Fit clients:
Half Day City Tour on Friday including lunch and a stop at the Expo for race registration – $248 per person
NOTE:
The land arrangement is operated by KNT, Japan.
We will close the tour bookings once the maximum number of entrants has been reached.
The Tokyo Marathon 2025 is a large-scale international marathon race with a total number of runners capped at 37,500.
The new course that was introduced in 2017 for the Tokyo Marathon has the Marathon start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku with the new finish line at Tokyo Station / Gyoko-dori Ave (near the Imperial Palace).
From the start, the course will take runners through Kanda, Nihombashi, Asakusa Kaminarimon, Ryogoku, Monzen-nakacho, Ginza, Takanawa and Hibiya and runners will cross the finish at Tokyo Station / Gyoko-dori Ave (near the Imperial Palace).
Guaranteed entry into the Tokyo Marathon 2025 is included in your marathon package.
There are no qualifying times for the Tokyo Marathon 2025 but all runners MUST be at least 19 years of age on race day.
The Tokyo Marathon 2025 will commence at 9.10am.
There is a 7 hour cut-off for the Tokyo Marathon 2025.
Please note that the 7 hour time limit is based on the gun time for the first wave and not the net time..
The race will be timed using timing chip technology.
Note that bibs cannot be picked up on race day.
Pace setters will be present, wearing orange coloured bibs to enable runners to spot them along the course.
These pace setters will be targeted to complete the event in the following times:
Note: these times are subject to confirmation and may change.
Personal clothing can be placed in the baggage deposit bag you will receive at registration.
Your bag will be available for collection at the end of the race.
Starting at the 5km water will be available every 2-3kms and sports isotonic drinks every 5kms.
Food such as bananas, bread and sweets will be available from the 22km mark.
Note: these are subject to confirmation and may change.
The Keio Plaza Hotel is within walking distance of the Starting Area.
Bus transfers from the finish area back to the hotel are included in the price of your package.
The Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2025
Location (to be confirmed):
Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls
3-11-1 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, Japan
IMPORTANT: If you choose to go on the exclusive Travelling Fit Optional Half Day City tour on Friday 28 February, please note that this tour will make a stop at the expo for approximately 1hr 30min before heading back to your hotel.
Opening Days:
| Thursday 27 February | 10:00am – 9:00pm (visitors must enter the expo before 8:30pm). |
| Friday 28 February | 10:00am – 9:00pm (visitors must enter the expo before 8:30pm). |
| Saturday 01 March | 10:00am – 6:00pm (visitors must enter the expo before 5:30pm). |
All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and the certificate will be sent in the mail.
The average October temperature in Tokyo is between 2 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Take part in a historic run, in remarkable settings. The start of the race will make you see parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site that most never will before heading into the lunar-like landscape of the Jordanian desert.
The Petra Desert Marathon is part of a six-day tour package with great opportunity to explore one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
Before and after the marathon, you’ll get the pleasure of tasting delicious Jordanian cuisine, meeting welcoming people, and immersing yourself in their rich history and culture.
With a grand celebration dinner under the stars, a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea and the opportunity to extend your trip on an Adventure tour, you will be flying back home with a suitcase full of memories from this friendly country.
Be sure to check out the additional activities and extension tours on offer.
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Petra Desert Marathon is a challenging adventure marathon set in the beautiful desert region of Jordan. From the lunar-like mountain landscape to the arid desert, runners navigate challenging terrain in the dry, desert heat. The route is run on a mixture of gravel and paved roads. The surface in the desert sections is sand with loose rocks.
From the start line in the Street of Facades, the route goes through the ancient city of Petra and right away you will find yourself surrounded with tombs, caves and monasteries carved in the mountainsides.
A 2km uphill section on paved road leads runners out of the Petra Archaeological Park boundaries and via the main road towards the desert on hilly tarmac road.
After 6 kilometres, the route leaves the asphalt road and continues into the desert. Half marathon runners take the direct way to the river bed gorge “Siq Al Bard” while marathon runners have to do a loop around the hill top “Al Musirh”. Leaving Siq al Bard at Little Petra, the route is back on the tarmac road heading towards the village of Ammarine
Just before the village, half marathon runners continue straight through the village while marathon runners turn left on the road leading to Wadi Araba to do a 8km back tracking stretch running past incredible rock formations that only few tourists visit.
When passing the 30km mark, full marathon runners find themselves back at Ammarine village and merge again with the half marathon course. From here, the route goes uphill to a mountain ridge for the next 5 kilometres, but the strenuous efforts are rewarded with an astonishing view over most of the marathon route, the mountains covering Petra and on clear days even Israel can be seen. On this mountain ridge the surface becomes gravel for the next 3 kilometres.
The final 4 kilometres are steep downhill running on paved roads towards the finish line.
Note: The Petra Desert Marathon is a hilly course with an ascent of roughly 1,200m and a descent of 1,100m.
Have you thought about extending your stay? Check out our amazing optional tours to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
The entry fee for the Petra Desert Marathon is included in the package
There are no qualifying times required for the Petra Desert Marathon
Marathon runners must be minimum 18 years old on race day.
The Petra Desert Marathon has a scheduled start time of 06:30am.
All runners have 7 hours from start time to complete their race, regardless of distance. Runners still on the route after the time limit will be picked up by a race official or medical car and driven back to the finish area.
Five hours after the start, however, the marathon route closes at the 31km mark (10km mark for the half marathon) meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point at 11:30 will not be permitted to finish the race.
Timing is done with AMB Chip. The chip will be in the race pack that runners receive the day before the race.
The chip must be attached around the ankle with the velcro strap that follows or in the shoe lace.
The chip must be handed back to the timing staff at the finish line.
At the race briefing the night before the race, runners will receive their race packets.
Inside this bag you’ll find your start number, race t-shirt, information on the route, and your timing chip/velcro strap.
There are no official pace setters for the Petra Desert Marathon
There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometres along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas. All stations provide bottled water. Marathon runners will be offered energy gel after 26km and 35km.
It is possible to have personal supplies delivered to selected drinks stations. Marathon runners can get personal supplies at four stations.
The personal supplies can be food, drink, sunscreen or other personal necessities.
Personal supplies must be handed over to the race officials at the race briefing the day before the race – remember to clearly mark your supplies with your start number and the number of the drinks station you want it deposited at.
Personal supplies deposited at the drinks stations will not be returned.
Personal belongings can be dropped off at the Visitors Centre and will be brought to the finish area. Any personal belongings you want available at the finish area should be packed in a bag or backpack and clearly marked with your name and start number. The bag must be handed over to the race officials at Petra Visitors Centre before 5:30 on race day morning.
The walk from the Visitors Centre to the start line can be chilly and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the walk. This jacket or sweater can be dropped at the start line and will be brought to the finish area. Again we ask you to clearly mark all your belongings with name and start number.
The Petra Desert Marathon organisers cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items or valuables.
It is possible to have personal supplies delivered to 4 of the drinks stations.
The personal supplies can be food, drink, sunscreen or other personal necessities.
Personal supplies must be handed over to the race officials at the race briefing the day before the race – remember to clearly mark your supplies with your start number and the number of the drinks station you want it deposited at.
Personal supplies deposited at the drinks stations will not be returned.
After the event, water and a sandwich lunch are given to all participants. Checked-in bags can be picked up at the bag check-out area.
All runners must meet at the Petra Visitor Centre (within walking distance from your hotel) and from there you walk 2.5 kilometers through the Siq and past the Treasury to the start line at the Street of Facades.
The finish line is located near the Petra Visitor Centre where you will make your short way back to your hotel.
There will not be an Expo.
All runners who complete the marathon within the time limit will receive a medal after crossing the finish line.
The official race event shirt will be included in your race pack.
The temperature in late August/early September is around 30 degrees Celsius and can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (86-104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Night time temperatures can be as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit)
Take part in a historic run, in remarkable settings. The start of the race will make you see parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site that most never will before heading into the lunar-like landscape of the Jordanian desert.
The Petra Desert Marathon is part of a six-day tour package with great opportunity to explore one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
Before and after the marathon, you’ll get the pleasure of tasting delicious Jordanian cuisine, meeting welcoming people, and immersing yourself in their rich history and culture.
With a grand celebration dinner under the stars, a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea and the opportunity to extend your trip on an Adventure tour, you will be flying back home with a suitcase full of memories from this friendly country.
Be sure to check out the additional activities and extension tours on offer.
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Petra Desert Marathon is a challenging adventure marathon set in the beautiful desert region of Jordan. From the lunar-like mountain landscape to the arid desert, runners navigate challenging terrain in the dry, desert heat. The route is run on a mixture of gravel and paved roads. The surface in the desert sections is sand with loose rocks.
From the start line in the Street of Facades, the route goes through the ancient city of Petra and right away you will find yourself surrounded with tombs, caves and monasteries carved in the mountainsides.
A 2km uphill section on paved road leads runners out of the Petra Archaeological Park boundaries and via the main road towards the desert on hilly tarmac road.
After 6 kilometres, the route leaves the asphalt road and continues into the desert. Half marathon runners take the direct way to the river bed gorge “Siq Al Bard” while marathon runners have to do a loop around the hill top “Al Musirh”. Leaving Siq al Bard at Little Petra, the route is back on the tarmac road heading towards the village of Ammarine
Just before the village, half marathon runners continue straight through the village while marathon runners turn left on the road leading to Wadi Araba to do a 8km back tracking stretch running past incredible rock formations that only few tourists visit.
The final 4 kilometres are steep downhill running on paved roads towards the finish line.
Have you thought about extending your stay? Check out our amazing optional tours to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
The entry fee for the Petra Desert Half Marathon is included in the package.
The entry fee for the Petra Desert Half Marathon is included in the package.
There are no qualifying times required for the Petra Desert Half Marathon
Half marathon runners must be minimum 16 years old on race day.
Petra Desert Half Marathon has a scheduled start time of 06:30am.
All runners have 7 hours from start time to complete their race, regardless of distance. Runners still on the route after the time limit will be picked up by a race official or medical car and driven back to the finish area.
Five hours after the start, however, the marathon route closes at the 31km mark (10km mark for the half marathon) meaning that runners who haven’t passed this point at 11:30 will not be permitted to finish the race.
Timing is done with AMB Chip. The chip will be in the race pack that runners receive the day before the race.
The chip must be attached around the ankle with the velcro strap that follows or in the shoe lace.
The chip must be handed back to the timing staff at the finish line.
At the race briefing the night before the race, runners will receive their race packets.
Inside this bag you’ll find your start number, race t-shirt, information on the route, and your timing chip/velcro strap.
There are no official pace setters for the Petra Desert Half Marathon
There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometres along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas. All stations provide bottled water.
It is possible to have personal supplies delivered to selected drinks stations. Half Marathon runners can get personal supplies at one aid station.
The personal supplies can be food, drink, sunscreen or other personal necessities.
Personal supplies must be handed over to the race officials at the race briefing the day before the race – remember to clearly mark your supplies with your start number and the number of the drinks station you want it deposited at.
Personal supplies deposited at the drinks stations will not be returned.
Personal belongings can be dropped off at the Visitors Centre and will be brought to the finish area. Any personal belongings you want available at the finish area should be packed in a bag or backpack and clearly marked with your name and start number. The bag must be handed over to the race officials at Petra Visitors Centre before 5:30 on race day morning.
The walk from the Visitors Centre to the start line can be chilly and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the walk. This jacket or sweater can be dropped at the start line and will be brought to the finish area. Again we ask you to clearly mark all your belongings with name and start number.
The Petra Desert Marathon organisers cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items or valuables.
It is possible to have personal supplies delivered to 1 of the drinks stations.
The personal supplies can be food, drink, sunscreen or other personal necessities.
Personal supplies must be handed over to the race officials at the race briefing the day before the race – remember to clearly mark your supplies with your start number and the number of the drinks station you want it deposited at.
Personal supplies deposited at the drinks stations will not be returned.
After the event, water and a sandwich lunch are given to all participants. Checked-in bags can be picked up at the bag check-out area.
All runners must meet at the Petra Visitor Centre (within walking distance from your hotel) and from there you walk 2.5 kilometers through the Siq and past the Treasury to the start line at the Street of Facades.
The finish line is located near the Petra Visitor Centre where you will make your short way back to your hotel.
There will not be an Expo.
All runners who complete the half marathon within the time limit will receive a medal after crossing the finish line.
The official race event shirt will be included in your race pack.
The temperature in late August/early September is around 30 degrees Celsius and can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (86-104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Night time temperatures can be as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit)
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