The Great Wall Marathon

The Great Wall Marathon (Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon), officially known as the China · Tianjin Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon, was founded in 1999 and has successfully held 22 editions as of 2025, making it one of China’s oldest international mountain marathon events. The entire course is set along the Huangyaguan section of the ancient Great Wall in Jizhou District, Tianjin, guiding runners through historic fortress gates, rugged mountain terrain, river valleys, and traditional rural villages. The route uniquely combines a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with dramatic natural landscapes. A defining challenge of the race is its extreme elevation profile: marathon runners must conquer 5,164 stone steps, delivering one of the most demanding and unforgettable marathon experiences in the world.