The 2020 race takes place on Sunday, April 12, 2020.

The deadline to register for the race is 1-month before the race date, for the 2020 race registration will close on March 12, 2020. Due to event planning and logistics, we are not able to accept registration entries after this date. Sorry, no exceptions.

4/11 – SATURDAY

• 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Check-in and race brief

4/12 – SUNDAY

• 5:30 AM – Bus pick up and depart
• 8:00 AM – Late check-in at Great Wall
• 8:30 AM – Opening ceremony
• 9:30 AM – Marathon starts
• 9:40 AM – Half Marathon starts
• 9:50 AM – 10K starts
• 4:00 PM – Awards ceremony
• 5:00 PM – Bus return to Beijing*
• 7:30 PM – Arrive in Beijing

*Buses will begin to depart earlier as they fill up. Make sure to get on the correct bus, some are returning to the hotel of the package holders. 

*2020 Check-in location to be announced closer to race date. 

For 2019 international registered participants and expats, you will have packet pick up and race brief in Beijing at the Dongfang Hotel.

WHAT: 2019 Great Wall Packet Pick-Up
WHEN: April 20th 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
WHERE: Dongfang Hotel – 11 Wanming Road, Xicheng District, Beijing China 100050
SUBWAY: Line 7 to Hufangjiao station, Exit C

LAST MINUTE PICKUP
For those who are not able to make it to the early packet pickup on April 20, you can pick up on April 21 at the start line. Bring your passport ID when checking in.

RACE ONLY – Runners and spectators who are riding the event shuttle buses. PACKAGE HOLDERS – Take the bus from the Jianguo hotel.

DATE: April 12, 2020
TIME: 5:30 AM (Don’t be late)
LOCATION: Parking lot in front of National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, 16 E 3rd Ring Rd N, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing Shi, China
SUBWAY: Line 10 to Agricultural Exhibition Center exit A or D1. (Subway does not start until 5:00 AM, must catch the first train to be on time!)

Please take the same bus when returning, especially important for PACKAGE holders to return to the hotel.

NOT USING SHUTTLE BUS? 
If you are not using the shuttle bus and are arranging transportation or driving to the race on your own, see driving directions below. Please contact us and let us know that you will not need a seat on event buses so we can adjust bus seating accordingly.

Shuttle bus transportation

1. Run 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon course
2. Official race shirt
3. Collectible finisher medal
4. Chip timing for Full & Half Marathon
5. Official finisher certificate for Full & Half Marathon
6. Bath towel
7. Volunteer support
8. Support up to 7-course aid-stations
9. Medical first aid
10. Finish line water & food
11. Event insurance
12. Race photos
13. Special award for top finishers
14. A bucket list race experience!

Race time limits are as follows:

• 9-Hours – Full Marathon by 18:30
• 6-Hours – Half Marathon by 15:40
• 3-Hours – 10K by 12:50

The top 3 male and female runners of the Marathon and Half Marathon will receive top finisher prizes, including but not limited to placement trophy, runner gear package with new running shoes, runner pants, and shirt, plus prize pools for top 3 finishers as follows:

MARATHON

1. ¥2000 RMB
2. ¥1000 RMB
3. ¥500 RMB

HALF MARATHON

1. ¥1000 RMB
2. ¥500 RMB
3. ¥300 RMB

*Final prizes subject to change for race day.

The Jingshanling Great Wall Marathon is trying to be as green as possible have minimal environmental waste. Please help us by bringing your own water bottle or hydration pack for the race. You can refill water on the course stations.  Below you will find a list of recommended items for running the race.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

• Carry at least 1-liter water bottle or hydration pack
• Minimum 500 calories of emergency food such as gels or energy bars
• Cell phone
• Course map or electronic map downloaded to phone
• Trail running shoes
• Gloves
• Running hat, visor, sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal medicine/salt capsules
• Elastic bandage
• Whistle
• Garmin/GPS tracking
• Camera (optional)
• Mind of a champion!

POST RACE ITEMS

• Water
• Recovery drink, we highly recommend coconut water!
• Refuling food or snacks
• Change of clothes
• Cash

Yes. There are multiple stations on the course ranging from 3 to 7 stations depending on which course you run. Half and Full Marathon runners will hit a few stations twice. Study the course page for details.

April is peak Spring season and the typical weather is cool mornings with warming during the day. Expect temperatures ranging from 11ºC-24ºC (52ºF-75ºF). We recommend checking the weather forecast a week before the race so you can dress appropriately.

For your safety and the safety of all participants, we do not recommend wearing headphones while running a race. However, if you do, we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so you can hear other runners and instructions from event personnel. It is important for you to be aware of other people coming up behind you. The important thing is paying attention to everyone’s safety and maintaining basic race etiquette with other runners.

Yes, there are multiple Great Wall Marathon events that take place every year. Of the other races that take place on the Great Wall, this race is known to be the most challenging and rewarding for participants. Featuring the most varied terrain and course with sections of the wall in their original, crumbling condition which requires extra careful attention by participants as they traverse the ancient history of the Great Wall of China. Additional sections of the course take runners off the wall onto trails and pathways through the natural mountain and scenery surrounding the Great Wall. This gives runners new perspectives and a greater variety of scenery to enjoy!

Yes. Due to the extreme challenge of the course, it is advised that participants are between the ages of 19 to 68 and in fit condition. For the 2020 race, participants should have a date of birth between January 1, 1951 to December 31, 2000.

Yes, you must be in good health and fit condition to participate in this challenging race. The organizing committee reserves the right to refuse entrants who are at risk of including those with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or other potential health risks.

Drinking is forbidden for all participants before the race. Smoking is forbidden at the Great Wall. Please respect the national park and do not litter the environment.

Yes. A China travel visa is required for foreigners to enter the country. If you haven’t applied for your visa, we recommend that you do so right away. It is best to apply early rather than risk missing out.

When applying be sure to provide in advance your flight itinerary and hotel details.

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 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.

Yes. For those who are driving or arranging transportation on their own, take the Beijing-Chengde Expressway (G45 Daguang Expressway) and exit at the Jinshanling Great Wall Exit. Turn right and follow the signs on the front to reach the Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area entrance. Park at the scenic parking lot. 3.

No. The race takes place on an international landmark in China. Participants are not allowed to have any activity or promote politics, religion, race, or human rights issues. Please respect the China requirements and laws.

No. Unless there is severe weather on the days before and on the race day, the race will be held whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing or anything in between. The weather only adds to the adventure to make for a great bucket list race experience!

Yes. Distance change requests are available, the cut off for all changes is 3/11/2020. Submit change request from the contact page.

No. Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and entries are NON-TRANSFERABLE. Sorry, no exceptions. Due to race logistics and planning, 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. Packet pick-up must match entry name and ID.

Package participants can receive 50% of the package fees minus the entry fee for a refund, must submit a request before 1/12/2020, no refunds for requests after 1/12/2020. Sorry, no exceptions.

Please submit a cancellation request from the contact page to let us know you will not be attending.

Can’t find the answer to your question? Contact us with your question and we’ll respond as soon as we can.