F.A.Q.

JINSHANLING GREAT WALL MARATHON / FAQ

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 14, 2024.

WHEN IS REGISTRATION CLOSING?

The deadline to register for the race is 2-weeks before the race date, for the 2024 race registration will close on April 3, 2024. Due to event planning and logistics, we are not able to accept registration entries after this date. Sorry, no exceptions.

Register to secure your spot!

RACE SCHEDULE

4/15 - SATURDAY
  • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Check-in
4/14 - SUNDAY
  • 7:00 AM - Late check-in
  • 8:30 AM - Opening ceremony
  • 9:00 AM - Race starts
  • 1:00 PM - Awards ceremony

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

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?

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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE RACE ENTRY?

  • Run 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon course
  • Official race shirt
  • Collectible finisher medal
  • Chip timing for Full & Half Marathon
  • Official finisher certificate for Full & Half Marathon
  • Bath towel
  • Volunteer support
  • Support up to 7-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:

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

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.

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

WILL THERE BE AID-STATIONS ON THE COURSE?

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.

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 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!

ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?

Yes. Due to the extreme challenge of the course, it is advised that participants are between the ages of 18 to 65 and in fit condition.

ARE THERE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS?

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.

There are also COVID-19 health requirements for traveling to China and the race. Currently, China requires proof of dual negative COVID-19 test results for a Health Declaration Certificate (HDC) QR code before boarding any plane to China. The tests must be completed no more than 48-hours prior to departure and submitted to the local Chinese embassy or consulate.

Please check your local Chiese Embassy website for up-to-date requirements.

Jinshanling Great Wall Map

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.

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!

CAN I CHANGE MY RACE DISTANCE?

Yes. Distance change requests are available, the cut-off for all changes is 4/9/2023. Submit a change request from the contact page.

Request Distance Change

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.

Package participants can receive 50% of the package fees minus the entry fee for a refund, must submit a request before 1/15/2023, no refunds for requests after 1/15/2023. Sorry, no exceptions.

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

Submit Cancellation Notice

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. 

2016 GREAT WALL Marathon
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2013 PHOTOS
Run The GREAT WALL
2014 PHOTOS
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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.

Your Bucket List Adventure To Run
The Great Wall of China Awaits