Great Wall of China Autumn Marathon 2027: course, dates & entry

Distance: 42.2 km
Terrain: Mountain
Climb: 1000 m
Race day: 18°C (65°F)

The Great Wall of China Autumn Marathon offers one of the most challenging and unique marathon experiences in the world, combining trail running with sections along the historic Great Wall. The race starts and finishes near the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall at approximately 650 m elevation, creating a demanding course that features dramatic elevation changes throughout the route. Runners tackle steep climbs and descents on a mix of paved roads, rural trails, and the ancient stone steps of the Great Wall itself, with some sections requiring participants to climb hundreds of steps in quick succession. The course reaches its highest points of roughly 1,100–1,150 m elevation during the major climbs around the early and middle portions of the race before descending back toward the valley roads and villages surrounding the wall. Unlike typical road marathons, the terrain is highly variable and technical, making pacing difficult and turning the event into a true endurance challenge rather than a speed-focused race.

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