The Great Wall Marathon – The Race Of A Lifetime
By Team EtchRock in All,Challenges,EtchRock,Running
As you know by now, at EtchRock, we love a challenge! Today we are going to be taking a look at one of the most common challenges that people undertake, the marathon. The fabled 26.2 mile race is on many a challengers bucket list and the big events are some of the most sought after in the running calendar. The problem with the big name events, the ballot system. Due to high demands, these races fill up extremely quickly and many are left disappointed without a place.
So what are your options if your mind is set on a marathon? Have you ever considered the possibility of travelling a little further in pursuit of you 26.2 mile goal? How about running a marathon in a far away place to somewhere you have never visited and combining your race with a holiday? What if I told you there was a marathon on one of the most historical landmarks on earth that is growing both in popularity and numbers?
The marathon we are talking about today is the Great Wall of China Marathon! The race is widely considered one of the most difficult 26 mile races around due to the huge amount of steps that cover the wall. We got the chance to talk to Shawn Crafford who is the marathons Western Ambassador about how he got the role and the race itself, here’s what he had to say!
The Great Wall Marathon Starting Line
My name is Shawn or known by my other connections on twitter as Jon boy. I am a passionate runner who unfortunately due to a groin sprain or sports hernia is out of action for a few weeks. All the more reason to tell you all about this epic challenge on The Great Wall of China which is next held on May 1st 2016. The course that we will be running is about an hour away from Beijing International Airport and starts at the base of the wall. The climate in this area is a monsoon season during May so the temperature will be in the high 20 -30 Celsius range. A far cry from the April London marathon weather!
The director of the Great Wall Marathon, named Mr Zhu, approached me in the middle of August. He was very keen to have me represent the marathon as the first Western ambassador in the 14 years of the marathon, I was honored but also pretty skeptical as it was something completely alien to me. So after much deliberation and communication between the director and I about everything being above board, I accepted!
I am really excited about the chance to represent the little town Ballyjamesduff in Ireland that I now call home and also the rest of the running community. Even though I may not compete (fingers crossed I will!), I will still be there to meet all of you lovely runners and tourists if you decide to join me in China! Mark Pattenden a friend that I have met since becoming ambassador to The Great Wall, is the first amputee to attempt the Wall which in itself is no mean feat! I will be there supporting him every step of the way!
Mark will be the first amputee to take on the Great Wall Marathon!
The initial build of The Great Wall started way back between 206bc and 221bc by the 1st Emperor Quin who believed that unity was essential. That unity is still very much alive the evidence is in how the Chinese people live their lives everything is family related and unified. To have to the opportunity to race on one of the most historic landmarks on earth and indulge in a completely new culture is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
In conclusion if you’re interested in a unique challenge that will definitely test your mettle as well as your mindset, join Mark, myself and all the crazy athletes out there for an experience of a lifetime! If you’re keen to do something different and push your limits, why not The Great Wall? That’s one huge tick off the bucket list!
If you are interested in taking part you can contact Shawn on his Twitter page or email him at: crafford.shawn@gmail.com. Due to China’s exclusion of western social media, Shawn will be able to take you through the booking process and give you a more in depth itinerary of the event. You can check out both of his websites here and here.
Are you inspired to run the Great Wall? Are you ready to tackle your biggest challenge yet? Let us know if you are planning to take part on our Facebook page!
Visit EtchRock.com to get started and find your next challenge!