Introduction
The Great Wall Marathon, held every year at the end of May in China, is considered one of the most challenging and beautiful marathons in the world. With its 5164 steps and unforgettable scenery, this race is more than just a marathon. I have just recently started running marathons so when a friend of mine suggested to go to China and run on the Great Wall, I immediately agreed. Visiting The Great Wall and running the marathon at the same time sounded amazing!
This event is organized by Albatross Adventure Marathons (http://albatros-adventure.com). This Danish company has been organizing this event since 1999, it arranges the registration, the possibility of a multi-day tour package ( 6 or 7 days) as well the options of a fun run, half marathon or marathon, as well as the supporter option for people that don’t run. Registration, hotels, meals, and transportation come in at around 1500 dollars which are good value for money in my opinion.
I decided to signup for the marathon and invited my parents to come with me and visit China. What an adventure that was!
Getting there and before the race
From Dubai, the options to fly to China (Beijing) are immense and relatively cheap. The organizers collected us from the airport and dropped us at the hotel (options from 3 to 5 stars). This journey took us around 13 hours from door to door. The following day we were taken to a town close to the Great Wall; Huangyaguan, a 3 hour drive through rural China. The weather was nice (slightly warm with temperatures around the 26/28 degrees) and the landscape was beautiful. Day 2- “Inspection day” this was used to walk on the Great Wall for 3km and assess the steps and the gradient of part of the distance we have to run. Once finished I was both surprised and expectant. Surprised with the steepness and amplitude of the steps, and expectant to know how I would perform. This would definitely be an extra challenge and difficulty compared to the usual marathons. My training in Dubai was done by running in warm/hot and humid weather coupled with going up the stairs in high buildings (yes 50 floors up and down!), I felt I was really prepared for it. My plan was to divide the marathon in 5 segments and project times for each; so that I could see how I was doing.
The race
2 days passed until the race. They were used to relax and tour around this beautiful and historical part of China. The hotel was great, there were people from all over the world participating in the marathon. Everyone was friendly and shared all their stories.
On the day of the race, we were woken at 3:30am. We arrived at the starting square at 6am, the set up was amazing. There was a local band, villagers and all the race tents waiting for us. The first Marathon wave started at 7:30am, there were a total of 4 waves, one every 10 minutes. The temperature was approximately 18 degrees, but the sun was just behind the hill. The first part of the race (around 14K) was on the Wall and was incredible, a really great atmosphere and fun with a steep gradient and many, many steps. They were old and uneven… but the views were breathtaking. After completing the first part, the route takes you to the old villages where people mostly children cheer you and take photos.
The temperature was rising and the gravel and the hilly road made this part of the race (at least for me) the most difficult of all. Once completed and back to the main square, we re-enter The Great Wall for the last time and for the final 14k. At that point, and due to the fact that the finish line was closer, I realized I was ahead of my planned timings so I took the time to take some photos and enjoy the amazing views. Obviously, this marathon is not the place to attempt your personal best. Therefore my goal was to complete it and to enjoy every moment.
Conclusion
As is mention on most websites, this marathon is a very challenging, hard and beautiful race. The organization is exceptional, the views are unique and the fan support is very good. It should be on every marathon runner’s bucket list! ■
Words + Photos by: Raimundo Tamagnini
