What a great event....people from around the world are in China to run/walk the Great Wall of China Marathon. THe day is overcast and cool - ideal for the task at hand. We were able to inspect the Wall earlier in our stay - this allowed us to take photos, assess the steepness and feel comfortable with the route.
On race day I walked, fast pace, up the mountain, up the steps, across the walkways, down steep steps and up rocky paths, down slippery stone walkways with ropes for security, around the walls of the fortress, through the village to the finish line - placing 6th overall with a time of 2 hours and 3 minutes. Of course, the race winner completed the marathon in 3 hours - breaking previous records. This race is considered one of the most gruelling becasue of the steps and the steep regresses. What a thrill when your name and country are called as you sprint to the finish and get your medal.
Beijing is a wonderfully clean and friendly city. We have been fortunate enough to experience Tianamen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo and the pandas, pearl factory, silk market, the Olympic sites, traditional tea ceremony, rickshaw ride to a local family for lunch in the neighbourhood "Hutong" and a feast of Peking Duck.
This was an amazing experience all round.....I would like to try a half marathon next time.
