Running a marathon is a unique experience. Every step takes you through beautiful landscapes, people cheering you on, pain, ups and downs, more pain, and then you finally see the finish line – it’s over, you accomplished a marathon! Now, imagine how remarkable this experience would be if you combined it with some of the most exotics landscapes in China? Well, the marathon season is here so choose your destination and put on your running shoes!

Beijing Great Wall Marathon

The Great Wall Marathon is on 21 May. This could be an epic way to discover the Great Wall and its surrounding villages. By the end of the course you will not only have accomplished this amazing challenge, but also climbed 5,164 steps in one of the most unique marathons you can think of!

The marathon takes place near Beijing and all runners are invited. You can choose among three distances: Full Marathon, Half-Marathon and the 8.5K Fun Run.

Shangri-La Ultra Trail – for the fittest of the fit

Shangri-La Marathon

Also in May 2016 you can experience the ultramarathon and marathon in Shangri-La. Shangri-La is located in Yunnan Province and is considered to have the highest-quality air in all of China. Shangri-La Marathon organizes two Ultra Trails for the trail-addicted runners of 100K and 55K, as well as 45K and 24K. You will be running in the Meili Snow Mountains, which is part of the vast chain of the Himalaya.

For the 100K Ultra Trail runners the terrain is difficult and diverse with ascents ranging to 17,350 ft (5,288m). The 100K Ultra Trail will take you running on glaciers as well as through forests and alongside waterfalls – the landscapes here are simply stunning!

Starting line in Tian’anmen Square for the Beijing marathon

Beijing and Shanghai Marathons

Who said you couldn’t visit a city running? Both the Beijing and Shanghai Marathons will guide you through the heart of these incredible cities.

Beijing International Marathon will take you from the starting line at Tian’anmen Square to an Olympic ending line in the Olympic Park, where the Olympics Games took place in 2008.

Views of The Bund at the International Shanghai Marathon

Shanghai International Marathon starts at The Bund (Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu), goes around the city heading south, passing Longhua Temple & Pagoda, and finishing at the Shanghai Stadium.

Even though the official dates for both International Marathons have not yet been confirmed, in 2015 they were in September and November respectively. But don’t worry – if you are not planning your trip during these months but still want a challenge there are other marathons and races planned for different dates in both cities.

The Hong Kong marathon is usually held during the cooler months of winter

Hong Kong Marathon 

The next Hong Kong marathon will take place on 12 February 2017 so you can save the date. It features various categories for all levels: Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, 10K Wheelchair Race and 3K Wheelchair Race.

Starting in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the marathon will lead you to Tsing Yi Island and then back to Kowloon from where you will be treated to fantastic views over Victoria Harbor. You will then cross to Hong Kong Island for the last few miles along Hennessy Road until the finish line in Victoria Park.

If you are planning a trip to China and want to add these running experiences to it then please contact us.