The beginning of your running journey. You will leave today in the direction of Beijing.

Today you will arrive in Beijing. The airport staff at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) will be available throughout the day and evening and will help you find a cab or give directions to the shuttle bus. Look for the sign "The Great Wall Marathon" and our representatives in the arrivals hall will assist you if needed. Please read the arrival and departure information under Important for more details. After checking into your hotel (Hotel Qianmen), check the hotel bulletin board to confirm the name and phone number of your guide. Goodie bags will be distributed by the guide. If you have not received your goodie bag today, you will receive it on inspection day. The rest of the day is free to explore Beijing. Meals: not included

Today is inspection day! This is your time to inspect the route, including a leisurely stroll along the Great Wall of China, and to talk to race officials about the upcoming event. Our day begins early in the morning as we board our bus and head to the Great Wall for the route inspection. Breakfast will be served in the form of a breakfast box, if your hotel cannot serve a breakfast buffet for our early departure. Remember to check out of your hotel before leaving Beijing and take your luggage with you, as you will be taken to your hotel in Jizhou (Eagle Land Hotel) after the route inspection. All runners are expected to run the 3.5 km of the Huangyaguan section of the wall which is part of the course of the marathon, half marathon and 8.5 km Fun Run. Non-runners are also welcome, but good fitness is required. A sandwich lunch will be served. After lunch, we will check into our hotel in the city of Jizhou The afternoon is free to explore the area around your hotel. Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Today is a good day to relax before the big race day tomorrow. Enjoy the local atmosphere or go on the optional excursion to the Qing Dynasty Tombs (€125 pp) The excursion includes lunch. Recharge your carbohydrates at dinner tonight with additional rice and noodle dishes. Meals: Breakfast and dinner included (lunch is provided for those participating in the optional excursion)

Today is the big day! After an early breakfast, we will leave our hotel and head to the competition site, located at the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall. Don't forget to check out of your hotel room as we will leave for Beijing at the end of the day. After an aerobics warm-up and speeches by local officials, the race starts at 7:30 a.m. A sandwich lunch is provided for everyone. Between 12 and 4:30 p.m., buses will be ready to take the runners back to Beijing. After the race, a 20-minute massage is included on site. You will again stay at hotel Qianmen. Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Today is a rest day. You can sleep in, relax, do a little shopping or fill your senses with the sights and sounds of Beijing. Please note, these must be purchased prior to your arrival in China. Enjoy the classic highlights of Beijing by visiting the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven (€110 pp) or visit the cozy hutongs on the back of a rickshaw (€90). In the evening, we all gather for the big celebration dinner. All participants will be picked up at their hotels and taken to the party location tonight. Meals: Breakfast and dinner included (lunch is provided for those going on optional excursion)

The last day of your running trip! You will head to Beijing airport on your own for your return trip. We wish you well home and hopefully you will be a medal and experience richer.