Conquer The Wall Marathon – 2026 Year Of The Horse

A Brief History Of The Great Wall

The Great Wall was built over many dynasties, as separate fortifications were connected and rebuilt to protect China’s northern borders. Over centuries, expansion and restoration created a network of walls, watchtowers, and passes that stretches for thousands of kilometers.

Sections like Gubeikou and Jinshanling, which are part of the race, mostly date back to the Ming dynasty, when brick and stone replaced earlier earthen walls. Today, these areas mix restored parts with older, rougher masonry, giving runners a true sense of the Wall’s history underfoot.

The Race And Its Challenges

Conquer the Wall features a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10k, and a 5k, all run on the Wall itself. The course covers older unrestored and newly restored sections along Gubeikou and Jinshanling, with constant climbs and descents.

The full marathon includes 20,518 steps over 26.2 miles, most of them uneven, steep, and close together. With narrow staircases, exposed ridgelines, and rough stone, this is a technical course where your footing is just as important as your fitness.

“Some sections of the Great Wall have not been repaired since 1570. The Gubeikou section of our course is remote and relatively isolated on the Great Wall. The Jinshanling section of the wall features relentless stairs. Much of the wall along the race course is still in its original state, though in ruins. You’ll encounter loose stones, gravel, missing steps, crumbling walls, trees, and grass in some areas of the wall. Runners must use extreme caution, as there are sections of the race course where they must exit the wall and run on the trail alongside it to avoid 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.”

Getting To The Marathon

Most runners stay in Beijing, where race organizers and partner tour operators arrange transportation to the Great Wall sections used on race day.

Gubeikou and Jinshanling are several hours’ drive from central Beijing, so runners should plan for an early start on race day. For visitors from out of town, booking transport with the official event or tour partners is the easiest option.

Training Required

“This is going to hurt. Come to terms with that phrase and be comfortable with that fact. The Conquer the Wall Marathon will be an incredible experience wrought with adversity-whether that comes in the form of hot weather, the terrain underfoot, mental state, or training in preparation for the event.

Whether walking or running the event, you will face one challenge or several. Take comfort in the fact that everyone out there is undergoing similar pain. By coming to terms with that ahead of time, you will decrease the likelihood of panic if your race plan falls apart.”

Since the route has many stairs and is technical, regular flat-road marathon training is not enough. Runners need a strong aerobic base and should train specifically for long stair climbs and descents, including hill repeats, stair workouts, and strength exercises for quads and calves.

Even runners in the 10k or 5k will benefit from stair training, since short sections on the Wall can be tough. Adding hikes on uneven trails, practicing with your race-day gear, and preparing for heat or sun will also help.

Click here to better prepare for the marathon.

Costs And Packages

This event has limited spots and usually sells out, so entry fees are on the higher side. Many international runners choose race packages that include registration, ground transport, guided sightseeing, and sometimes accommodation.

Besides race fees, travelers should also budget for flights to Beijing, visas if needed, hotel stays, daily meals, and optional city tours. Choosing private tours or luxury hotels will increase the total cost of your marathon weekend.

Where To Stay

Beijing has many hotels, from business options to luxury brands, and some are directly connected to the event. For example, the Pan Pacific Hotel is an official sponsor, so runners can stay there and have logistics handled with the race organizers.

Staying in a central hotel makes it easy to visit top sights like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Olympic Village between races. If you prefer quieter nights, consider hotels a bit farther from the busiest shopping and nightlife areas.

Beijing As Part Of The Trip

Before or after the race, you can enjoy classic Beijing experiences. The city’s main attractions include imperial landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Ming Tombs. Food is also a highlight with Peking duck, often served in restaurants with imperial roots, is a favorite post-race meal. Between museum visits and walks through hutongs, runners can explore markets, modern malls, and see the mix of historic courtyards and new glass-and-steel buildings.

Is Conquer The Wall For You?

Conquer the Wall is for runners who enjoy a challenge and want to push their limits. With more than 20,000 steps, tough terrain, and a limited number of spots, it’s truly a unique, bucket-list event.

If you’re ready to train for steep stairs and long hours on your feet, the reward is clear: a tough race on one of the world’s most famous landmarks, plus a chance to enjoy a city break in Beijing.

The last day to register is 5 May, 2026.

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