The Great Wall Marathon
The Great Wall Marathon sends runners over thousands of stone steps at Huangyaguan, making finish time less important than survival pacing in China.
Quick facts
- AIMS-listed marathon, with the course noted as not measurable to standard road-race rules.
- Registration and race-result destinations are published by the event.
- Great Wall stair sections make the race far tougher than its distance suggests.
About the Great Wall Marathon
This iconic China destination race is one of the world's best-known nonstandard marathons, with the Great Wall stairs as the central challenge.
Course
The course includes steep Great Wall steps and village roads around Huangyaguan, creating a race where hiking strength matters as much as running speed.
Race-day weather
Mid-May can be warm on exposed stone and rural roads. The stairs add effort spikes, so fluids and controlled climbs are central to finishing well.
Past Great Wall Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, May 15, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Results available | Open results |
| 2025 | Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Results available | Open results |
| 2024 | Saturday, May 18, 2024 | Results available | Open results |
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The Great Wall Marathon FAQ
When is The Great Wall Marathon?
The 2027 Great Wall Marathon is on Saturday, May 15, 2027.
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