At 8:00 AM on May 1, the 2013 China Great Wall International Marathon kicked off at the Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area in Chengde, Hebei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 500 athletes from over 40 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea, participated in the event.
The race included four categories: 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, and full marathon.
According to the organizers, the marathon is one of the key events in Jinshanling’s efforts to establish itself as a global destination for hiking and fitness. Running a marathon around the Great Wall allows participants to enjoy its majestic scenery while blending sports with the culture of the Great Wall.
Located at the border between Luanping County in Hebei Province and Miyun County in Beijing, the Jinshanling Great Wall is one of the most representative sections of the Great Wall. Renowned for its steep terrain, expansive views, rigorous fortifications, and magnificent architecture, it has earned the reputation of “the finest stretch of the Great Wall, peerless at Jinshanling.”