The Great Wall Marathon® is a tough, beautiful and definitely extraordinary experience. The 5164 steps of the Great Wall section will put your physique to the test, and the breathtaking surroundings of Tianjin Province will compete with your tired muscles for attention. This is a tough but fabulous marathon and there are no words to describe how you feel on the Wall on the second visit if you are doing the full marathon - once completed you really will have conquered the 'Wall', physically an…
The Great Wall Marathon® is a tough, beautiful and definitely extraordinary experience. The 5164 steps of the Great Wall section will put your physique to the test, and the breathtaking surroundings of Tianjin Province will compete with your tired muscles for attention.
This is a tough but fabulous marathon and there are no words to describe how you feel on the Wall on the second visit if you are doing the full marathon -Â once completed you really will have conquered the 'Wall', physically and metaphorically.
The Great Wall Marathon® is the ideal way to combine an unusual running event with exploring one of the world's most astonishing sights.
Why not make it a tour of a life time by combing our 6-night Great Wall Marathon and the 6-night Himalayan Kingdom Marathon tours and compare two great cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan. We throw in a free night in a 5-star hotel in Bangkok between the two tours for those booking both together.
How to Run in the Great Wall Marathon
The Great Wall Marathon is an International event that attracts 3000Â runners mostly travelling from outside of China.
The portion of the Great Wall used for the event is fairly remote from Beijing but our travel options place you in Jinxian for the nights before the race, a provincial town just 30 min drive away and is well worth a visit to sample a more rural China.Â
To gain entry to the Great Wall Marathon (unless you have a Chinese work permit) it is necessary to join one of the organised tour options offered to us by the Chinese Tour Operators - once you are on the tour you are in the race. Â
2:09 Events have been the UK's appointed travel company for the GWM for 22 years and know the event exceptionally well. We have selected the modern and very comfortable 4-star Radisson Blu Beijing as our base and will have our own representative at this hotel as well as the English speaking Chinese guide to make sure all goes smoothly.
Don't under estimate the value of being on a private tour with a UK guide, you'll see why when you watch 3,000 others all trying to find where to go and when in a location as busy as the race venue on race day - and you'll feel part of a family enjoying the event together.
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Double up with the Himalayan Kingdom Marathon
Or make this a double Adventure with the Thunder Dragon Maraton or Half Marathon in Bhutan - double up on a full Great Wall Marathon package with fights and we will fly you to Bangkok for 1 night before going on to Bhutan for the 6-Night Thunder Dragon Marathon package. Â
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RADISSON BLU HOTEL****
The Radisson Blu Beijing hotel lies near the city’s commercial and diplomatic centers and sits adjacent to the China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) with direct access by gate 6. Guests can also easily reach the NCIEC, and the Beijing International Airport is only a 30-minute drive away. All visitors will enjoy the hotel’s proximity to historical sites, such as the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and the comforts and amenities offered by its 360 rooms and suites, like 24-hour room service. Three on-site restaurants offer diners a variety of culinary options, while the hotel bar serves tasty snacks along with beer, wine and cocktails. This Beijing hotel offers many other services including a fitness center with indoor pool, off-site catering, a staffed business corner and a beautiful indoor/outdoor event space.
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EAGLE LAND HOTEL*****
Designed in Spanish style, 20 minutes’ drive from Jixian Railway Station, Tianjin Eagle Land International Hotel is a 5-star accommodation located in Tianjin. Situated in the north of Yanshan Mountains, the property is next to Cuiping Lake. There are several popular attractions around this property, such as Panshan Mountain, Huangya Pass and the Eastern Qing Dynasty Tombs. This property features guest rooms with mountain and lake views. Guests can relax in the hot tub, swim in the indoor pool and play golf. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
Tianjin Eagle Land International Hotel is a 20-minute drive from Dule Temple, a 30-minute drive from Mt. Panshan Scenic Area and a 40-minute drive from Eastern Qing Dynasty Tombs. The nearest airport is Beijing Capital International Airport, 80 minutes’ car journey away.
Featuring a private balcony with stunning views, each room comes with a minibar, a flat-screen satellite TV, an in-room safe, an iron and a seating area with sofa. A bathtub, shower facilities and soft bathrobes are included in the en-suite bathroom.
All sorts of guest services are provided at the property including room service, car rentals, concierge service and daily maid service. Business facilities are available for those who want to hold conventions and meetings. By simply sitting on the sun terrace and enjoying the beautiful views, guests can surely feel relaxed.
Guests can enjoy western, Cantonese, Hunan and local cuisines in the 2 on-site restaurants.Â
We have two escorted Travel options of 5 or 6 night duration and we have based ourselves at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel, a fine modern hotel that we used in 2017.Â
We will have our own 2:09 Events representative as well as the designated English speaking Chinese guide at the hotel.
We recommend the 6 night package as the extra night in Beijing before going up to the Wall/Jixian district makes for a less rushed trip.
TRAVEL OPTIONÂ 1: 5 Nights: Beijing & Jixian
Tue 14 May: Departure from UK
Depart from the UK on your own flights and join the tour in Beijing.
Wed 15 May: Arrival + at Leisure
Arrive in Beijing this morning.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by a local English speaking guide who will supervise the transfer to your hotel in Beijing, the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel. Transfer time approx 30 mins depending on traffic.
It may not be possible to check into your room for early morning arrivals but you will be able to leave luggage safely with the front desk until such time as your room is ready.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Thu 16 May - GWM Site Visit - Overnight Jinxian
Leave your hotel at 6.45 this morning for the 3hr drive by coach to the section of the Great Wall used for the race. Assemble in Ying & Yang Square for the briefing followed by a chance to walk part of the 'Marathon' section of the Wall. Once you have walked back to Ying and Yang square pick-up your lunch box and relax.
After the race inspection transfer to your hotel for 2-nights, the 5-star Jixian Eagle Land Hotel in the Provincial town of Jixian. Time to discover Jixian independently - the main square is fascinating in the evening with large groups performing traditional Chinese dance.
Breakfast, lunch and Dinner included.
Fri 17 May: Jixian - Day at Leisure - Optional Excursion 1
The day is at leisure in Jixian and you may like to book on to the Optional Excursion Tour 1 visiting a local out door market and the historic Qing Tombs with Chinese lunch included. Pasta Party in the evening.
Breakfast and Dinner (lunch if on Optional Tour 1) included.
Sat 18 May: Race Day
Depart from your hotel at 5.30am for the coach drive to the race base at Ying & Yang Square.
After the races collect your lunch box then transfer back to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Beijing. Evening at leisure.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Sun 19 May: Beijing - Day at Leisure - Optional Excursion Tours 2 & 3
The day is at leisure today or you might like to choose from the following two Optional Excursions:
Optional excursion 2: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Silk Exhibition Hall - lunch included.
Optional Excursion 3: Summer Palace, Giant Panda and Pearl Exhibition Hall - lunch inluded.
MARATHON PARTY TONIGHT
Breakfast and Dinner Included (lunch on optional excursions).
Mon 20 May: Departure Day
After breakfast check out of your hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport.
If you are travelling on one of the excursions you will have an individual transfer to the airport or railway station to continue your travel in China.Â
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TRAVEL OPTION 2: 6 Nights Beijing & Jixian
Mon 13Â May: Departure from UK
Depart from the UK on your own flights and join the tour in Beijing.
Tuesday 14 May: Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by a local English speaking guide who will supervise the transfer to your hotel in Beijing, the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel. Transfer time approx 30 mins depending on traffic.
It may not be possible to check into your room for early morning arrivals but you will be able to leave luggage safely with the front desk until such time as your room is ready.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Wed 15 May: Forbidden City-Temple of Heaven-Silk Exhibition Hall
Full day excursion included today including a visit to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Silk Exhibition Hall. Lunch included.
Breakfast and lunch included today.
Thu 16 May - GWM Site Visit - Overnight Jinxian
Leave your hotel at 6.45 this morning for the 3hr drive by coach to the section of the Great Wall used for the race. Assemble in Ying & Yang Square for the briefing followed by a chance to walk part of the 'Marathon' section of the Wall. Once you have walked back to Ying and Yang Square pick up a lunch box and relax.
After the race inspection transfer to your hotel for 2-nights, the 5-star Jixian Eagle Land Hotel in the Provincial town of Jixian. Time to discover Jixian independently - the main square is fascinating in the evening with large groups performing traditional Chinese dance.
Breakfast, lunch and Dinner included.
Fri 17 May: Jixian - Day at Leisure - Optional Excursion 1
The day is at leisure in Jixian and you may like to book on to the Optional Excursion Tour 1 visiting a local out door market and the historic Qing Tombs with Chinese lunch included. Pasta Party in the evening.
Breakfast and Dinner (lunch if on Optional Tour 1) included.
Sat 18 May: Race Day
Depart from your hotel at 5.30am for the coach drive to the race base at Ying & Yang Square.
After the races collect your lunch box then transfer back to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Beijing. Evening at leisure.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Sun 19 May: Beijing - Day at Leisure - Optional Excursion Tours 3
The day is at leisure today or you might like to join the following Optional Excursion:
Optional Excursion 3: Summer Palace, Giant Panda and pearl Exhibition Hall - lunch inluded.
Breakfast and Dinner included today (lunch if on Optional Excursion)
MARATHON PARTY TONIGHT
Breakfast and Dinner Included (lunch on optional excursions).
Mon 20 May: Departure Day
After breakfast check out of your hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport.Â
If you are travelling on one of the excursions you will have an individual transfer to the airport or railway station to continue your travel in China.
Or make this a double Adventure with the THUNDER DRAGON Marathon Bhutan - double up on a full Great Wall Marathon package with fights to Bhutan for the 6-Night Himalayan Kingdom Marathon package. Note: you should book flights from Beijing to Bangkok and stay overnight for 1 night in Bangkok before picking up the included fight to Paro fo the Thunder Dragon Marathon.
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GREAT WALL MARATHON - THUNDER DRAGON MARATHON TWIN CENTRE HOLIDAY
This fabulous trip combines running the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon with the Thunder Dragon Marathon in Bhutan - a chance to see to experience two very divergent cultures; the hustle and bustle of China with the tranquility of the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. China is one of the most populated countries in the world, and Beijing one the biggest cities, after your run on the Great Wall transfer to Bhutan, which is the size of Switzerland but with a population of just 750,000 and run in the beautiful Paro Valley, where the population is a mere 7,000.
Mon 20 May: Depart Beijing on a flight to Bangkok and overnight at the 4-star Airport Novotel.
Tue 21 May: It is a short walk to the airport terminal for your early morning flight to Paro (Bhutan). Arriving late morning you will be met by our local guides for the drive over to Punakha, which lies in a magnificent valley, via Dochu La Pass where, if it is clear you can see many 6000m peaks (drive time approx 3hrs). Afternoon sightseeing in Punakha; visit the Devine Mad Monks Temple (Temple of Fertility) and the remarkable Punakha Dzong, which is the past home to the King of Bhutan. Overnight Punakha. Lunch, dinner.
Wed 22 May: Today we start our acclimatisation activity with a hike to Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. This hike is approx 20km at moderate difficulty with about 1hr that is a bit more challenging, The descent is fairly gentle, and in total it will take around 8hrs. Overnight in Punakha. Breafast, lunch, dinner.
Thu 23 May: Drive to the Capital City Thimphu (2 1/2hrs). Hike up to Budha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin Reserve (National animal), Thimphu Dzong and craft workshops. After lunch drive on to Paro (1hr) visiting the National Museum with the chance to hike part of the marathon route before visiting Paro Dzong.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Paro.
Fri 24 May:Â Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang Monestary. Overnight Paro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sat 25 May: Free time for shopping in Paro. Race day briefing. Overnight in Paro.
Sun 26 May: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Early breakfast before the 8am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show at Olathang Hotel. Overnight Paro.
Mon 27 May: Fly out to Bangkok. Overnight at Airport Novotel.
Tue 28 May: Join the BA flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow (included if you booked the Great Wall Marathon with fligh option), or check in for your independently booked flight home.
Based on standard class hotels in Bhutan - all meals in Bhutan included - bed and breakfast in Bangkok. Upgrades to superior hotels in Bhutan available on request.
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ADD-ON TOURS IN CHINA
You can extend your stay in China and visit other areas of the country - the most popular is to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Army but you can visit other regions - full details on the following pdf but briefly:
See the PDF for detailed itineraries for these add-on tours:
Tour 1: Xi'an 4 days by Train
Tour 2: Xi'an 3 days by Air
Tour 3: Shanghai + Suzhou 4 days by First Class Train
Tour 4: Shanghai + Suzhou 4 days by Second Class Train
Tour 5: Yangtze Cruise + Xi'an by Air & 5-star Boat
Tour 6: Yangtze Cruise + Xi'an by Rail & 4-star Boat
Tour 7: Xi'an + Guilin + Hong Kong by Air
Tour 8: Lanzhou/Xining + Lhasa + Xi'an
Tour 9: Xi'an + Guilin + Shanghai
Tour 10: Xi'an + Shanghai
THUNER DRAGON ADD-ON
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| PRICES PER PERSON IN £'S | TWIN OR DOUBLE ROOM | SINGLE ROOM |
| 5 NIGHT PACKAGE |  £1299 |  £1459 |
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| 6 NIGHT PACKAGE |  £1379 |  £1679 |
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A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
Additional Optional items:
GREAT WALL & THUNDER DRAGON MARATHON ADD-ON TOUR
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| THUNDER DRAGON ADD ON TOUR | TWIN | SINGLE | Â |
| 6 NTS BHUTAN | £2535 | £2855 |  |
ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT FOR THUNDER DRAGON ADD-ON £300
Flights UK-Beijing-Bangkok-UK are not included. Overnight in Bangkok is needed - we recommend the Airport Novotel.
Flights Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok are included.
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Add-on Tours (PRICES PER PERSON - FULL ITINERARY ON THE PDF IN DOWNLOAD SECTION)
| TOUR OPTION | ITINERARY | TWIN | SINGLE |
| TOUR 1 | XIAN 4 DAYS BY TRAIN | £392 | £429 |
| TOUR 2 | XIAN 3 DAYS BY AIR | £629 | £729 |
| TOUR 3 | SHANGHAI + SUZHOU FIRST CLASS RAIL | £579 | £729 |
| TOUR 4 | SHANGHAI + SUZHOU SECOND CLASS TRAIN | £545 | £689 |
| TOUR 5 | YANGTZE CRUISE + XIAN BY AIR & 5-STAR BOAT | £1174 | £1599 |
| TOUR 6 | YANGTZE CRUISE + XIAN BY RAIL & 4-STAR BOAT | NA | NA |
| TOUR 7 | XIAN + GUILIN + HONG KONG | £1309 | £1639 |
| TOUR 8 | LANZHOU/XINING + LHASA + XIAN | £1529 | £1699 |
| TOUR 9 | XIAN + GUILIN + SHANGHAI | £1329 | £1588 |
| TOUR 10 | XIAN + SHANGHAI | £869 | £1069 |
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For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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