Great Wall Marathon Ultra is a 50km ultra marathon in Huangyaguan, China. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 3,000m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 47/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 12h. Surface: mixed. Established 1999.
Great Wall Marathon Ultra
Huangyaguan, Tianjin, China
"50km on the Great Wall of China. 5,164 ancient stone steps and one of the world's most iconic running courses."
Run on one of the Seven Wonders of the World — a 50K featuring 5,164 steps on the ancient Great Wall of China.
The Course
Run on and around the Great Wall of China. The course includes 5,164 stone steps on the ancient wall itself, plus village roads and mountain trails. The Wall sections are brutally steep with uneven steps varying from ankle to knee height.
mountainous
loop
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Great Wall Marathon Ultra is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
22°C
14° – 30°
55%
20%
Northern China late spring — warm and generally dry. The Wall sections are exposed with no shade.
Stats & Records
1999
200
08:00:00
Entry
USD 400
August
months
Lore & Trivia
The Great Wall Marathon Ultra extends the famous Great Wall Marathon into ultra territory — running along and on the Great Wall of China in Tianjin province. The Wall's ancient stone steps — steep, uneven, and relentless — create one of the most unusual race surfaces in the world. Runners climb watchtowers, traverse Wall sections that are crumbling and wild, and run through rural Chinese villages where the race is the biggest event of the year.
- ▸ The course includes 5,164 steps on the Great Wall — many are uneven and centuries old.
- ▸ The Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall dates to the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577 AD).
- ▸ International runners make up 90% of the field, coming from 50+ countries each year.
- ▸ Many runners describe the stairs as the hardest part of any race they've ever done — quads are destroyed by the descents.
- ▸ Established in 1999.
Running up the Great Wall steps is like climbing a StairMaster designed by sadists — 5,164 steps in the first 10km.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Great Wall Marathon Ultra? +
Great Wall Marathon Ultra is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 3,000m of elevation gain. The course is loop on mixed terrain.
How hard is Great Wall Marathon Ultra? +
Great Wall Marathon Ultra is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 47/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 12 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Great Wall Marathon Ultra? +
Average temperature is 22°C (range 14°C to 30°C) with 55% humidity and a 20% chance of rain. Northern China late spring — warm and generally dry. The Wall sections are exposed with no shade.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Great Wall Marathon Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the average finish time for Great Wall Marathon Ultra? +
The average finish time is 08:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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