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.
Next raceSaturday, May 16, 2026
LocationTianjin, China
Boston qualifierNo
The Great Wall Marathon quick facts
- AIMS-listed marathon, with the course noted as not measurable to standard road-race rules.
- Official registration and race-result links both resolve.
- Great Wall stair sections make the race far tougher than its distance suggests.
What is the 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.
The Great Wall Marathon course route
The course includes steep Great Wall steps and village roads around Huangyaguan, creating a race where hiking strength matters as much as running speed.
Weather for the The Great Wall Marathon
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 The Great Wall Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, May 16, 2026 | — | — |
The Great Wall Marathon FAQ
When is the The Great Wall Marathon?
The 2026 The Great Wall Marathon is on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
How do I register for the The Great Wall Marathon?
You can register for the The Great Wall Marathon at great-wall-marathon.com.