An Aerial View of the Great Wall Marathon
Is there any greater symbol of China than the Great Wall? Comprised of multiple walls and fortifications, the idea for the Great Wall was conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century BC as a way to prevent invasion from nearby nomadic peoples.
The Wall’s best-known section was built between the 14th and 17th centuries during the Ming Dynasty. While it never fully prevented invasions, it became more of a psychological barrier and symbol of the country’s enduring strength.
In 1998, Albatros Travel founder Søren Rasmussen came up with the idea to host a marathon on the Wall. A year later, 292 participants ran the first Great Wall Marathon.
The race begins at the Yin and Yang Square in the old Huangyaguan fortress. While the race is filled with amazing views, it is far from leisurely. Among the many obstacles on the course, runners face a 2.9-mile ascent after entering the Great Wall, and its 5,164 historic steps.
Because the race is so grueling, the accomplishment is that much greater.
“So many steps. Everyone is cramping up up there, but man, what an experience,” said Phil Howard from the United Kingdom. “What a view from the top and what a euphoria coming down the hill at the end. It’s great. I’m glad to be done. I’m ready for a beer.”
The 2017 edition of the race was the 18th. There were 2,049 runners who participated, with 511 hailing from the United States and 187 from the United Kingdom.
“The wall is not easy – it’s super beautiful, but not easy,” said Hugo Montanari from France. “When we went through the villages all people the children give you high-fives and that’s super.”
Marcin Joachim Swierc had the fastest time among men competitors at 3:14:34, while Anna Sofie Nelsson ran a 4:11:21 to lead all women runners.
“It was overwhelming and it was really hot,” said Randa van der Kaooster of Holland. “I felt it was going up and up all the time. But it was just great.”
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
- Post ID: 1328537
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload