The two most substantial elevation gains during the Great Wall Marathon route are both around 243 metres and occur during the first 7 km of the race and around 700 metres at the 36 km mark.
Marathon runners also experience an elevation gain of around 200 metres from the 16 km – 23 km mark and around a 50-metre elevation gain during between the 27 km – 28 km portion of the race.
There is also approximately 30 metres of elevation gain during the 31 km – 36 km mark
Check out the graph below for more information about the elevation gain and loss throughout the race for marathon, half-marathon and fun run.
Preparing for the great wall marathon elevation gain
Training Tips
There are a variety of training and nutrition preparation strategies you can use to best prepare for the Great Wall Marathon. Some of these include:
Hill Training: Incorporate hill runs into your training regime. The Great Wall Marathon includes significant elevation changes.
Step Training: Regularly train on stairs or steep inclines. This will prepare you for the thousands of steps on the course.
Cross-Training: Engage in activities like cycling or swimming to improve overall fitness without over-stressing your running muscles.
Strength Training: Focus on leg strength and core stability. Exercises like squats, lunges, and planks are beneficial.
Practice with Gear: Train in the gear you plan to race in, especially your running shoes, to ensure comfort and prevent blisters.
Hydration Strategy: Learn to hydrate effectively during long runs. This is crucial for race day, considering the marathon’s length and climate.
Nutrition Plan: Experiment with different energy gels and foods during training to find what works best for you.
By following these training tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the unique challenges of the Great Wall Marathon.
Gear recommendations:
For experienced runners, you might already have everything on the following list. For new runners however, we recommend the following for the Great Wall Marathon:
- Running shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Hydration pack or belt
- Energy gels or snacks
- Blister-preventing socks and blister plasters
- Personal first aid kit
- GPS watch or tracker
Looking to compete in the next Great Wall Marathon?
If you’re looking to compete in the next Great Wall Marathon, registration is generally straightforward however you need to register through an approved travel partner. A reputable travel partner like Traveling Fit can help you find a travel package that suits your budget and needs.
