Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the questions most frequently asked about running the Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon.
WHAT IS THE RACE DATE?
The race is set to take place on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
WHEN IS REGISTRATION CLOSING?
The deadline to register for the race is 3-weeks before the race date, for the 2025 race registration will close on March 31, 2025. Due to event planning and logistics, we are not able to accept registration entries after this date. Sorry, no exceptions.
RACE SCHEDULE
4/19 - SATURDAY
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Check-in
4/20 - SUNDAY
- 7:00 AM - Late check-in
- 8:00 AM - Opening ceremony
- 9:00 AM - Race starts
- 12:30 PM - Awards ceremony
PACKET PICKUP
Check-in and packet pick-up are available on Saturday and Sunday at the Jinshanling Great Wall Visitor Center by the race start line.
HOW TO GET TO THE RACE?
Participants will need to travel to Beijing and then to Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area. Participants flying in will need to arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Then from there, you can arrange transportation to the hotel.
From Beijing to the Jinshanling Great Wall it is approximately 145 km or a 2-hour drive. If driving on race day, please plan your trip with enough time to drive and arrive early for the race to allow time for check-in, pre-race prep, and the start of the race.
All participants need to drive or arrange transportation on their own to the race location. 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.
The main entrance of the scenic spot. Please park your vehicle in the scenic parking lot.
LOCATION
The race will start and finish near the Jinshanling Great Wall Visitor Center. Check-in will be at the visitor center on Saturday and Sunday.
电话 TEL: 0314-8830222
地址 ADDRESS: 河北省承德市滦平县巴克什营镇花楼沟村
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE RACE ENTRY?
- Run 10K or Half Marathon course
- Official race shirt
- Collectible finisher medal
- Chip timing
- Official finisher certificate for Half Marathon
- Bath towel
- Volunteer support
- Support up to 8-course aid-stations
- Medical first aid
- Finish line water & food
- Race photos
- Special award for top finishers
- A bucket list race experience!
IS INSURANCE REQUIRED?
The event has general insurance coverage. However, it is strongly recommended that all participants obtain personal injury insurance coverage for the event on their own.
WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF TIMES?
Race time limits are as follows:
- 6-Hours - Half Marathon finish by 14:30
- 3-Hours - 10K finish by 11:30
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE RACE?
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
TOP FINISHER PRIZES
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.
*Final prizes subject to change for race day.
WILL THERE BE AID-STATIONS ON THE COURSE?
Yes. A total of 8 stations have been set up on the course for half marathon and a total of 4 stations have been set up for the 10-kilometer course. Stations will provide water, drinks, energy supply, food, etc.
A total of 5 medical stations have been set up throughout the course; the flow of rescuers is guaranteed throughout the whole process. There are medical service volunteers along the track to assist in medical rescue and maintain the order of the competition. Participants can ask them for help at any time.
In the competition, the person in charge of the medical security department has the right to issue instructions to terminate the participants's competition and collect their bib number according to the physical condition of the participant. If the participant does not follow the advice of the on-site medical staff and insists that all the consequences and responsibilities arising from the competition shall be the participant's responsibility. If the participant loses consciousness, he will automatically entrust the organizing committee. All means will be taken to provide first aid, including but not limited to CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation, AED external defibrillation, vehicle rental, or Aircraft for rapid transportation.
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?
Yes. Due to the extreme challenge of the course, participants must be between the ages of 18 to 65 and in fit condition on the day of the race.
WHAT TYPE OF WEATHER IS EXPECTED?
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.
CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES?
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.
IS THERE GEAR CHECK?
Yes. Before the race, participants can deposit their gear bag according to the bib number section in the designated area at the starting point. After the race, they can collect their bag in the service area with their bib number.
It is not recommended to store valuables in the bag. If they are damaged or lost, it is the participant's responsibility.
ARE THERE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, you must be in good health and fit condition to participate in this challenging race.
The organizing committee recommends that the participants have the necessary physical examination within one month before the competition to determine whether it is suitable to participate in high-intensity sports competitions, physical examination items mainly include but are not limited to blood pressure, heart rate, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, cardiopulmonary, liver and kidney function, etc.
Those with the following physical conditions are prohibited from participating in the competition.
- People with congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease
- People with hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases
- People with myocarditis and other heart diseases
- Coronary artery disease and severe arrhythmia
- Diabetes with high or low blood sugar
- Those who have a cold two weeks before the race
- Those who drink a lot of alcohol or don't get enough sleep the night before the race
- Those who have not recovered from infectious diseases
- Pregnant women during pregnancy
- Other diseases that are not suitable for exercise
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.
Please check your local Chinese Embassy website for up-to-date travel health requirements.
DO I NEED A TRAVEL VISA?
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.
LOCAL LODGING OPTIONS
In Beijing there is a wide variety of lodging options, too many to hand-pick, here is a link to CTrip.com for the greater Beijing area.
Staying near the Jinshanling Great Wall has limited options, here are a few recommended lodging options close to the race venue. Book your rooms early as they do sell out in advance. Visit CTrip.com to search for additional lodging options.
Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel
(金山岭长城大酒店)
Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel is located in the natural scenic area of Jinshanling Great Wall. It is a popular hotel for guests to stay in Jinshanling Great Wall.
The hotel is full of mood and warm atmosphere. There are more than 70 rooms of different styles, which are full of local characteristics in simplicity. At the same time, we provide local specialties, complete hardware facilities, and different guest room styles, creating a comfortable and convenient place for you to live.
Jinshanling Four Seasons Mountain Danqiu Hotel
(金山岭四季山丹丘酒店)
The hotel is located at the intersection of Simatai and Jinshanling, close to the Jinshanling Great Wall and only a 5-minute drive from Jinshanling Great Wall. At the foot of the Great Wall, there are 2 bedrooms and all kinds of guest rooms.
The hotel has an exclusive parking lot. The hotel lobby is a cafe and a convenience corner, and it is also a travel social space.
CAN I DO PROMOTION AT THE RACE?
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.
WILL THE RACE BE CANCELED DUE TO RAIN?
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!
IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER GREAT WALL RACES?
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!
CAN I CHANGE MY RACE DISTANCE?
Yes. Distance change requests are available, the cut-off for all changes is 4/8/2025. Submit a change request from the contact page.
I CAN'T MAKE IT, CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTRY?
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.
Please submit a cancellation request from the contact page to let us know you will not be attending.
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
Can't find the answer to your question? Contact us with your question and we'll respond as soon as we can.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that event information here represents what is planned for the event. Locations, schedules, adjustments, and changes may apply depending on conditions, availability, late participation entries, and improvements. The event strives to improve for the best experience.