Experience the Magic of Winter on the Great Wall
Great Wall of China Marathon 2027 – Winter Edition

Beijing is the only city on Earth to have hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. In winter, this ancient capital transforms into a breathtaking world of soft snow, crisp air, and quiet romance.

In January 2027, we invite a select group of runners from around the globe to discover that beauty in the warmest possible way — at the very first Great Wall of China Marathon Winter Edition.

Only about 30 runners worldwide will be accepted for this intimate, unforgettable experience.

1. A Special Race-Day Breakfast
For the first time in 25 years and across 33 previous editions of the Great Wall of China Marathon, we will gather all international runners for a shared breakfast on race morning.

Join us at the official Mercure Hotel. Breakfast is available for our runners from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, 3 January 2027 — whether you would stay overnight at the hotel or not. We depart together at 8:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. start.

Come fuel up with a proper, substantial breakfast. You will need it for running on the snow-dusted stones of the Great Wall!

2. Discover the Great Wall Beyond
This is not a traditional full marathon. Instead, you will explore and experience the endless majesty of the Great Wall on carefully chosen routes ranging from 5K to 10K and Half Marathon.

Should heavy snow fall or deep accumulation make conditions unsafe, the distance will be limited to 5K for everyone’s safety.

Event details and schedule

3. Your Warm Down Jacket
While our May and autumn races offer classic short- or long-sleeve race shirts, for this winter edition we have something special prepared for you: a stylish, high-quality down jacket in your size — the kind popular among young Beijingers.

It will protect you from the sharp winter wind and snow both before and after your run, keeping you as warm and ready as the athletes of the Winter Olympics.

A CamelBak (or similar hydration pack) is mandatory for all registered runners. Trekking poles (Alpenstock) are allowed, and non-slip shoes are highly recommended. Short-sleeve shirts and shorts are not permitted — arms and legs must be fully covered.

Self-driving and spectator access (friends or family) is limited.

4. Celebrate New Year Amid Snow & Ice Festivals
Race day is Sunday, 3 January 2027. Arrive a few days early — ideally by 31 December — and welcome the New Year together with hundreds of millions of Chinese people in the capital.

Beijing comes alive with glittering snow and ice festivals at the Summer Palace, Shichahai, Purple Bamboo Garden (just across the street from the Mercure Hotel), and more. Skate, play, and celebrate with locals while exploring a city steeped in thousands of years of history and culture.

5. Exclusive Hotel Privileges
As with our spring and autumn events, registered runners enjoy preferential rates at the official Mercure Hotel:

Twin room (shared by two runners): only 350 CNY per person for the night of 2 January 2027
Single rooms available upon request

You pay the hotel directly upon arrival, regardless of how many nights you stay. We will hold your room and arrange early check-in plus late check-out until 2:00 p.m.

All registered runners can collect their race packets in the lobby of the Mercure Hotel from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on January 2, 2027. If you are unable to pick yours up during this time, we will leave it at the hotel’s front desk for you.

Special Early-Bird Offer
Register via ACTIVE.COM between 14–30 November 2026 and receive one night of free twin-room accommodation on 2 January 2027!

If you have never experienced Beijing in winter, take a moment to rewatch the stunning Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. See athletes from your own country and region, and catch a glimpse of the beauty, energy, and spirit that await you on the Great Wall in January 2027.

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1WT411D7xm/?spm_id_from=333.337.search-card.all.click

**Come run the wall in the snow.
Come feel the warmth of Beijing in winter.**

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Official Site:
http://www.greatwallmarathon.com.cn/
greatwallmarathon@yahoo.com
run@greatwallmarathon.com.cn
WeChat: greatwallmarathon