Great Wall Marathon

On May 20, 2017 I ran my 17th marathon on the Great Wall of China. The course is majestic and tough, but it's tougher due to the lack of support for runners. There's ample water on the course. However with temperatures reaching 95-100 F, multiple runners dropped to the ground with intense muscle cramps due to lack of sodium. On the route they have one electrolyte drink with little sodium content and it's watered down. As this is extremely UNSAFE, please BRING YOUR OWN NEEDED ELECTROLYTES AND FOOD. I did have gels of course, but I highly recommend bringing your own electrolyte beverage as well for the entire 26.2 milese, as theirs is insufficient. Also, there is no ice and a lack of shade on the course. Find a way to lower your body temperature. Never in all my years of running have I heard people yell 'MEDIC!' so often, only to have them run water to you. The first aid can only be found at the square and wall, you are without first aid support during the 20ish miles thru the villages. I'm happy I ran the Great Wall Marathon, however I wish someone told me to run it as if it were a training day and bring everything I need to support myself. I hope this review helps future runners of the Great Wall Marathon stay safe while on the course, it's not meant to deter runners, it's simply advice needed for future runners.

Over all it was a great experience and certainly a one-of-a-kind marathon. It is fairly well organized but here are a few things that need correcting. Firstly there should be plenty of water available at the start for pre race hydration but I certainly couldnt find any. So make sure you bring a big bottle of water with you. Secondly we were not told ahead of time that the half marathon would be starting with the second corral of marathon runners. This caused quite a bit of congestion on the wall. Thirdly and maybe its just my own feeling but the kilometer markings did not stand out enough and at times I felt confused as to where I was on the route. Lastly please do something about the awful post race refreshments. Just charge an extra ten dollars for entry and have decent refreshments ready like fresh oranges, grapes, beer,soda,etc. the usual fare. Aside from these small annoyances it was a great place for a marathon and I highly recommend it.

For my very first run this has been an excellent journey to enjoy with other runners from all over the globe. To see so many people ready to participate in what I think is one of the best organized events was the tip of more runs to come. Thank you to those that committ to a very successful event. Go 2013 GWM