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Great Wall of China Marathon: 5,164 Steps to a Unique Experience
José Eduardo Garcia and Iris Oliveira share the challenges and charms of a marathon through ancient landscapes and vibrant culture.
The Great Wall of China Marathon is a challenge that goes far beyond 42km. With 5,164 steps and rustic sections, the race offers unparalleled cultural and athletic immersion. José Eduardo Garcia and Iris Oliveira shared their impressions of this iconic run and the unique aspects of traveling to China.
José Eduardo Garcia, known for his impressive 156 marathons in 25 countries and as an ambassador for Marathon Maniacs in Brazil, alongside Iris Oliveira, his adventure partner, participated in a special episode of Stemma China. The focus? The unforgettable Great Wall of China Marathon, a race that tested their limits and offered a unique perspective on the Asian country.
The idea of running on the Great Wall came from Iris, who had long dreamed of this race. José, always seeking new experiences, accepted the challenge. For foreigners, registration for the Great Wall of China Marathon has a specific requirement: it must be done through a tourism agency, such as Kema or Turismo Sob Medida in Brazil. According to José, prices are standardized and comparable, even with international agencies.
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The Wall's Challenges: Steps and Variations
The race is famous for its 5,164 steps. Carlos Guieiros, co-presenter, highlighted the origin of the race, conceived by a Danish agency in 1999. Although the name suggests running the entire Wall, only about 7 km of the total 42 km course are actually on the Wall, divided into two 3.5 km sections. The remainder winds through local villages, providing a cultural experience and interaction with residents.
The sections on the Wall are not just stairs; there are flatter parts, but the terrain is rustic and uneven. The staircases are a challenge in themselves, requiring climbing and extra caution, especially on steep and unpredictable descents. The timing of the race, held in mid-year, also adds a complication: temperatures can reach almost 30 degrees Celsius, making the run even more demanding.
Traveling to China: Visa, Communication, and Customs
Preparing for the trip to China involved some peculiarities. Although Brazilians are currently exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days, José and Iris had to go through a bureaucratic and lengthy process to obtain a 10-year visa in 2023. The trip was made with Air France, connecting in Paris to Beijing.
Upon arrival, the tourism agency facilitates airport reception and kit delivery directly to the hotel. One of the biggest difficulties, according to them, was the language barrier. Even in Beijing, English communication is rare, requiring the use of translation apps for simple tasks like ordering food in restaurants. The local cuisine, with its sweet seasoning, also proved challenging, with José and Iris opting for McDonald's on the eve of the race to avoid risks.
The issue of connectivity and payments also stands out. Access to social media networks like WhatsApp, Instagram, and even Google is blocked in China. International cell phone plans might work, but local Wi-Fi restricts access. Regarding payments, the country is practically cashless, dominated by apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. International credit cards are rarely accepted, and cash is also seldom used.
Race Day: Overcoming Challenges and Experience
The race logistics involve a 1.5-hour bus transfer from Beijing to the starting line, which takes place around 9 AM. Before the start, there is a cultural presentation and a technical briefing, the latter in English, as the organization is European. The course is divided into an initial asphalt section, followed by a long climb to the Wall, the challenging sections on it, and passages through villages, with the return section on the Wall being even more difficult.
For José Eduardo, the Great Wall of China Marathon was a test of personal resilience, as he was recovering from a stress fracture in his pubis. Even without ideal preparation, he decided to go to complete the race. From kilometer 15, José and Iris continued together, walking and running, savoring every moment. He finished in just over 6 hours, within the 8-hour limit, focusing on the experience rather than performance.
Recommendations and the Future in Shanghai
The Great Wall of China Marathon is highly recommended by José and Iris for any runner seeking a unique experience. It's not a race for personal bests, but rather for interacting with a historic monument and absorbing the culture. It is one of the few races where you can literally run on one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The future holds new challenges for José, who is close to completing the six largest marathons in the world and has his sights set on Shanghai, which is expected to become the ninth Major. Demand for Shanghai will be high, driven by Chinese interest in running and the impact of athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, who has significant media influence and partnerships with Chinese brands like Huawei. José Eduardo, with his philosophy of high-volume training without specific programs, continues his journey, seeking new marathons and inspiring other runners.
Finally, José Eduardo drew a comparison between Japanese and Chinese culture for runners, demystifying the idea that they are similar. While the Japanese are helpful and disciplined (respecting traffic signs and seeking to assist tourists), the Chinese are more direct, with a chaotic traffic culture and little English fluency, even in tourist areas of Beijing. These cultural differences further enriched the travel and race experience.
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