About
Conquer the Wall Marathon
Conquer the Wall Marathon – a Great Wall Marathon venue without equal in the world
Congratulations on taking what is destined to be one the greatest adventure running experiences in your life and running Conquer The Wall, Great Wall Marathon!
Conquer the Wall Marathon is the longest running international Great Wall Marathon on the Great Wall of China. A locally organized event held annually every May, offering a full selection of runs including a full marathon (42.2k), 32k, half marathon (21.1k), 10k, and 5k distances.
There are many marathons around the world that claim to be adventure marathons, yet so few live up to the title. The Conquer the Wall Marathon has no equal and is an event that separates the tourists from the adventurers. It will test you like no other race. More than 20,000 unrelenting stone steps, and no less than 30km of running experience on one of the oldest and most recognizable structures in the world.
At times you will find yourself in remote, crumbling sections of an ancient landscape where time has stood still – areas that mother nature is beginning to reclaim. From the excitement of the start line to the solitude of an ancient landscape, the Conquer the Wall Marathon will leave you with an experience that will last forever.
Great Wall History
Known to the Chinese as the “Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li”. The Great Wall of China’s formidable defensive structures were built to ward off invasions of the Celestial Empire by barbarians. The course traverses through portions of the Great Wall featuring prestigious pathways on the most picturesque parts of the Great Wall giving marathon runners breath-taking panoramic views and memories that will last a lifetime.
Portions of the Great Wall were initially built from 1368 to 1389 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and in 1567 and 1570 rebuilding of the wall was mainly directed by General Qi Jiguang (1528-1588). Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Great Wall left from the time when Qi Jiguang directed the rebuilding of this section of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall Challenge
Some sections of the Great Wall have not been repaired since 1570. The Gubeikou section of our course is a remote and relatively isolated section of the Great Wall. The Jinshanling section of the wall has been restored with relentless stairs. Much of the wall on the race course is still in its original state and in ruins. You’ll encounter loose stones, gravel, missing steps, crumbling walls, trees and grass in some areas on the wall. Runners must use extreme caution as there are sections of the race course where you must exit the wall and run on the trail alongside the wall to avoid extreme hazards. Each section of the course will offer different challenges and we suggest you review the course information to be better prepared for the race.
Prepare for an Adventure Marathon
Conquer the Wall Marathon is not your everyday Great Wall Marathon. This is an adventure marathon with a challenging course. Runners should be physically fit and in shape as this marathon can be extremely strenuous. We suggest using the training program to help condition your body to make your race experience unforgettable.
Participating in this prestigious event offers a one of a kind experience creating everlasting memories to share with your friends, family, and loved ones. This event does sell out, book your reservation for Conquer the Wall Marathon today!
Thank You
Organizing a marathon event on the Great Wall of China is a huge undertaking that is accomplished with the help of our staff and volunteers. It is with great honor and appreciation and we thank the Great Wall authorities, local government, local communities, and all our volunteers, without whose support, this race would not be possible.
Run where few have ventured. Follow in the footsteps of the Ming Dynasty. Their destiny will become yours. Run in the breathtaking splendor of the majestic sunrise and create your own journey through time.