WELCOME TO CHINA
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:
- Exclusive Package 1 – Great Wall Marathon – 6 Days/5 Nights – Beijing
- Exclusive Package 2 – Great Wall Marathon – 7 Days/6 Nights – Beijing
Please note that hotels in China are not always to Western Standards
Important Notes:
- Budget Packages 1 & 2 are NOT hosted by Travelling Fit but by local representatives with no dedicated Australian representation.
- Packages Include
- ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE:
- Guaranteed Race Entry (Runners Only)
- 5 or 6 Nights’ Accommodation:
Check in: Tue 13 or Wed 14 May
Check out: Mon 19 May - Breakfast Daily
- Great Wall Marathon Course Inspection including lunch and transport
- Light Lunch on Race Day
- Celebration Dinner post Marathon Event
- All other meals as per your itinerary
- TRAVELLING FIT EXCLUSIVE PACKAGES – ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS:
- Return airport Transfers to/from Beijing (13 or 14 May and 19 May only)
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Pre-Marathon Group Dinner Asian Style
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Tour including traditional Peking Duck Lunch – Exclusive Package 2 only
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Supporters can join the Travelling fit representatives to cheer on the runners.
exclusive to Travelling Fit supporters - Travelling Fit Representative on site and available for questions
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Personalised Travelling Fit Running Top
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Invite to Travelling Fit’s Great Wall Marathon Closed Facebook Group
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients
- Return airport Transfers to/from Beijing (13 or 14 May and 19 May only)
PACKAGE FLYERS
PACKAGE PRICES
The Course
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.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry fee for the Great Wall Half Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Great Wall Half Marathon.
Start Time
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.
Cut-Off Times
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.
Race Timing
The Great Wall Half Marathon will be timed using BibTag technology to ensure that all finishers are accurately timed.
Race Packets
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.
Pace Setters
There are no official pace setters in this event.
Aid Stations
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.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
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
Transport to the Great Wall and from the Great Wall is provided as part of your overall package.
Expo
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.
Finishes T-Shirts, Medals and Certificates
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.
Weather Conditions
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.
Other Events
8.5k run/walk
Marathon
Great Wall Marathon FAQs
How long is The Great Wall of China 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.
When is The Great Wall Marathon?
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.
How difficult is the Great Wall Marathon?
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.
How many steps are there in the Great Wall of China Marathon?
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.
How do I register for the Great Wall Marathon?
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.
