Do run the Conquer the Wall Marathon!
After looking forward to it for months, last Saturday, I ran the Conquer the Wall Marathon. As there’s only one review on Reddit and it’s quite negative, I feel obliged to let you all know my experience. Pictures in the end of the post (:
In short:
Extremely hard and extremely unforgettable. The elevation and endless stairs make it feel more like an ultra than a marathon, so don’t expect too much actual running. But the course is incredible, with a huge part actually on the Great Wall, amazing scenery, not too many contestants, and a great atmosphere. Organization was solid, volunteers were super friendly, and the whole experience felt unique. Brutal race, but absolutely worth it if you know what you’re signing up for.
In long:
Let me start of by saying it’s an ultra. The elevation is crazy, but that can’t be a surprise if you sign up for it. It’s what they’re proud of and they should be. It’s hardcore, straight up, straight down, barely ever flat, high steps, low steps, jumping and climbing. Expect pain! During and after the race. It’s five days ago and I almost walk normal again, but the knee-pain from descending is mostly a problem with me. The website says the elevation is 2830 meters / 9387 feet. My Garmin said it was even a little more. So no personal records, and honestly not that much running. But what can you expect if you’re on the Great Wall?
Busses drive the contestants from Beijing to the start. It’s about a 3 hour drive, so you leave in the middle of the night, as the race starts around 6am. We organised a hotel in the start/finish town called Jinshanling, where we traveled to along with other runners a day before. It was right at the line and saved us quite some sleep, as we were able to get up at 5am instead of 2am. Highly recommend!
It was fabulous that a big part of the race was actually on the wall. I read somewhere that the Albatros Great Wall Marathon (wayyyy more expensive) covers around 8k. My estimate is that I was on there about 28 kilometers? Another 10km was right next to the wall as there were sectors that were closed. The other 4km were a flat loop near a village. In general, you run up and down the same part of the wall, so no loop. My finish time was just over 9.5 hours, which I think meant I was just in the top 33% of the race. In the 42k quite a few didn’t finish or cut off a part of the race. You’re allowed to and still finish, but they will change your distance in the results. As this happens a lot, the exact results are not in yet. They have a quite a few changes to manage. Winning time was around 6.5 hours, and you can take up to 12 hours I think. They have to get everyone off before it gets dark.
There aren’t too many contestants, which I loved. Approximately 360 over four distances: 150 in the full, 150 in the half, 40 in the 10k and 20 in the 5k. I had a little bottle neck situation right after entering the wall, but for the rest of the race there was a lot of freedom to move around and have my own pace.
About the organisation:
- We had a medical emergency and they helped us out very well. We felt seen and taken care of, before, during and after the race.
- There were quite some medics on the wall, but they could’ve been more spread out.
- Aid stations were well-equiped and around often enough. Also located smartly; in an emergency they could get you out of these places. Could have been more toilets there and along the course though!
- The course changed a little because the Chinese government didn’t want the runners in the town called Gubeikou. Not everyone was aware of this. It was shared in the group chat that not everyone is in I guess. In course directions were very good.
- The pre-race briefing allowed us to ask many questions, they take their time.
- They make you sign a waiver. I read in the previous review that it’s quite an irresponsible race. I can understand the thought, but it all comes down to expectation management.
- There was a post-race dinner the day after the marathon, which was nice but not many runners attended.
- I have 25 professional photos of my run for free. Volunteers (extremely friendly by the way) also made videos and photos but I haven’t seen them yet.
- The finish ribbon is up for everyone.
- We received a bag and a t shirt. This years design was really cool, and the medal is stunning.
I promise you I’m not part if the organisation, as this story is so positive hahah. I must admit we were extremely lucky with the weather. It was max 25 degrees (Celsius) and cloudy almost the entire day. Tomorrow it will be sunny and around 35 degrees. I can’t even imagine how much heavier that would make it.
Pictures: https://imgur.com/gallery/conquered-wall-hz8aeUi
And I have some videos, feel free to ask!
Long story short: you’re going through hell, but it’s heaven on earth!