Great Wall
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Races
Great Wall
Huanghuacheng. One hundred three kilometers on and beside the Great Wall. Stone steps, watchtowers, and mountain connectors.
66 mi+13,930 ft-15,377 ft22 hours1,033 ft to 2,514 fttech 6/10Checkpoints per race bookGreat WallUTMB IndexWSER qualifierSeptemberRunning Stones · 3 stones
Distance66 mi
Gain+13,930 ft
Loss-15,377 ft
Altitude1,033 ft to 2,514 ft
Technicality6/10
Air45°F to 85°F
- Start2,480 ft
- High2,514 ft
- Low1,033 ft
- Finish1,033 ft
Geometryderived
Steepest drop1,260 ft-10.3% over 2.3 mi
Night miles22 misunset near 19:00 local
The cruxUnrestored wall sections with steep stone steps near Huanghuacheng (near mile 42)
Course DNA
The Course
Great Wall runs 103 km through Huanghuacheng, China. +13,930 ft gain and -15,377 ft loss. Surfaces skew 60% wall trail / 30% mountain path / 10% road. Unrestored wall sections with steep stone steps near Huanghuacheng. High point near 2,514 ft. Low near 1,033 ft. September temps run 45°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 32.
The Work
Train for 13,930 feet of climbing across 103 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 22 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 6/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 42.
Kit
September in Huanghuacheng, China: plan for 45°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 22 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 60% wall trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 32.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 32. Unrestored wall sections with steep stone steps near Huanghuacheng near mile 42 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Great Wall finish lines.
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Sources (1)
- Qualifier: utmb_stones: https://utmb.world/utmb-world-series