FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions – Conquer The Wall Marathon – Great Wall of China Marathon
Below you’ll find answers to the questions most frequently asked.
Conquer the Wall Marathon is held on May 09, 2020.
Registration and tour package deadline: May 4th 2020
Yes! We will be doing a rolling race briefing on May 7th and 8th from 10am to 5pm. Our race directors will explain the course, course markings, areas to use caution, aid stations, will help you decide where it would be best to place your drop bags, as well as advise you on travel to and from Jinshanling.
If hotel options aren’t available at this time, that means we’re still talking with the hotel ensuring we get you the best deal possible, or we’ve run out of rooms we can secure. Please feel free to contact us with questions about hotels at any time.
Yes. Almost all non-Chinese nationals will need a visa to enter China. There are different visa categories and you will most likely need a tourist visa (L). Please contact your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate for more information. The procedure normally requires submitting a visa application form, paying a fee and providing the Chinese authorities with an authorized flight itinerary, and the hotel you are staying at from your travel agent. This process takes about one to two weeks. Note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after entry. For more information please visit the Chinese Embassy website.
All runners need to attend the Course Information meetings to be held on May 7th and 8th at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel from 10am to 5pm. (Runner’s HQ)
At this time you will be able to ask questions and collect your race kit, BIB, timing chip, shirt(s) and goodie bag. Let us know if you can’t collect your kit at this time and we will make other arrangements for you. There is a lot to cover in the Course Information meeting, so take the time to read the Runners Handbook before the meeting to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Yes. The course time limits will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. There is a 10-hour time limit for all races, start time is approximately 6:00 AM with a 4:15:00 PM CUT-OFF time. Participants must maintain a pace faster than the course time limits in order to complete the race.
- FULL MARATHON: START 6:00 AM
- HALF MARATHON: START 06:05 AM
- 10K: START 06:10 AM
- 5K: START 06:10 AM
Yes. There is no age limit for the 5K and 10K races. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the full marathon, 14 years old for the half marathon. Younger runners must have special approval from the Race Director. Please contact the Race Director for more information.
Round-trip transportation from Beijing to the Great Wall on race day is included with your race entry fee. Buses will depart to the Great Wall from the Renaissance Hotel at 4:00 am in the morning and return at the end of the day. Guest and spectators can purchase a Spectator Pass which will allow them to join the runners on the bus rides.
Yes! If transportation is needed, they can register for a Spectator Pass and ride the buses on race day with the runners and race staff.
The course is almost run fully on the Great Wall of China; there are sections where you will need to exit the wall due to dangerous areas. For more information please see our Course Information section for complete details.
Yes. Conquer the Wall Marathon is not your everyday marathon. This is an adventure marathon and an extremely 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. We added a new Training plan through Lamai Fitness, so be sure to check this spot again for updates. Updates will be posted on our Facebook page as well.
Yes. Water and aid stations are strategically positioned along the courses. We will also provide food and water at the finish line. Proper hydration is essential when running any distance. One of the greatest dangers for runners is completing the race in a dehydrated state. We encourage runners to plan on staying properly hydrated throughout the event.
Yes. We actually recommend water bottles or a hydration pack on our runner’s checklist. We encourage the eco-friendly option of using a runner’s water bottle or hydration pack. Each aid station will include fresh water to refill your water bottles or hydration pack.
Yes. There will be an official gear check bag and the drop bag area near the start/finish. For details, please refer to the Race Information page.
No. The course is challenging with over 2,000 steps, loose stones, gravel, missing steps, and crumbling walls along with trees and grass in some areas. Unauthorized bicycles, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs, strollers, or dogs are not permitted on the race course due to safety concerns.
No. The marathon will be held whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing or anything in between. The average temperature the second week of May is 21.8°C / 71.2°F . The temperature has been as high as 27.3°C / 81.1°F and as low as 15.1°C / 59.2°F. The area of the race has very little rainfall: an average of only 6 rainy days in May and plenty of sunshine. Generally, the morning will be cool (sometimes chilly), but it will warm up quickly through the day. With more than 30km of the 42km being run on the wall, there will be very little shade, so a running hat and/or sunscreen is highly recommended. Sunrise on race day is about 5:15 am – 45 minutes before the start of the race. We anticipate beautiful weather. However, if there is lighting we will stop or delay the race for safety concerns. We recommend runners check the weather forecast a few days before the race so you can dress appropriately.
Yes, race change requests are available. And, must be submitted no later than May 1st online. We are unable to guarantee any change request after May 1st, except for requests made at the Course Meeting. Submit your change request from our Contact page.
No. Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and entries are NON-TRANSFERABLE. Sorry, no exceptions. And once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. You may not give or sell your number to anyone else. You MAY transfer your application to the following year. Submit a cancellation or transfer request on our Contact page.
There are quite a few Great Wall Marathon events put on the Great Wall of China annually. Conquer the Wall Marathon, takes place on rarely visited sections of the Great Wall called Jinshanling and Gubeikou. Another Great Wall Marathon takes place on the Huangyaguan portions of the Great Wall on the 3rd weekend of May. There are many marathons around the world that claim to be adventure marathons. Yet so few live up to the title. Conquer the Wall Marathon has no equal. Our event 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 has begun to reclaim. From the excitement of the start line to the solitude of an ancient landscape, Conquer the Wall Marathon will leave you with an experience that will last forever.