China's 5 most scenic marathon events
China is a runner’s paradise -- you’d have to be brain dead not to get a thrill out of chugging through the country’s best scenery.
So why not catch a ride on your endorphins and get the workout of a lifetime?
Whether you’re up for a mini-marathon or a truly insane feat of human endurance, China’s destination runs are the ultimate excuse for your next vacation.
1. Toray Shanghai International Marathon (东丽杯上海国际马拉松赛)
Where: Shanghai
Next event: December 4, 2011
The run: Participants in past races have complained that the course was boring, and organizers apparently took notice, livening up the route by sending runners through Shanghai’s most iconic districts.
The scenery: The 2011 course is more scenic than ever. Participants will race pass the Bund and old town and, instead of the Fuxing Lu Tunnel, cross Huangpu River on Nanpu Bridge, allowing runners to enjoy the Lujiazui skyline and the former Expo site on both sides.
After arriving om the Pudong side, the half-marathoner will head straight to the Oriental Sports Center, while the full marathon route will cut through the Expo Park then circle around the aforementioned sports center.
How to get there: This year’s starting line is at Chen Yi Square on the Bund, reached by Metro Line 2 or Line 10 Nanjing Dong Lu Station.
Toray Shanghai International Marathon opened for application from September 3. Apply through the official website.
Maximum applicant number is 6,000 for full marathon, 8,000 for half-marathon and 11,000 for healthy run. Registration will close when the quotas are reached.
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2. Great Wall Marathon (长城马拉松)
Where: Jixian, Tianjin Municipality (天津蓟县)
Next event: May 19, 2012
The run: This run is very much geared toward the international set, with participants from more than 50 countries. It’s often included as part of vacation packages for foreign tourists, but a healthy contingent of expats and locals also participates each year.
China residents who wish to avoid being hauled along to a tour of the Ming Tombs or a “cloisonné factory” should contact organizers directly to make arrangements.
The scenery: In case you still haven’t made it up for a glimpse of this legitimately awesome bucket-list destination, now’s your chance.
The views may best be enjoyed prior to the race, since you’ll be watching your feet on the Great Wall itself as you pick your way up and down thousands of steps.
Full-marathoners will traverse the wall twice, in between passing through typical northern Chinese villages and rice fields.
How to get there: Depart for Jixian from Beijing. Take any of the standard Shanghai-Beijing flights, or better yet, check out the high-speed rail.
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3. Shangri-La Challenge (香格里拉挑战赛)
Where: Zhongdian area, Yunnan(云南中甸)
Next event: May 22-27, 2012
The run: This is a three-day, 70-kilometer mountain race through the Dêqên Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Yunnan. It’s based in Zhongdian, renamed Shangri-La in 2001, after the fictional haven in British author James Hilton’s 1933 novel, “Lost Horizon.”
All participants must carry their own equipment and food for the duration of the challenge.
The scenery: The race begins in the small Tibetan mountain town of Geza. From here, runners descend through forests of fir and spruce to Shudu Lake, where they spend their first night.
Herds of yaks and goats graze beside the lake, and other wild animals, such as musk deer, bear and leopard also call the area home.
After a 300-meter climb, participants reach the course's highest elevation, at more than 4,000 meters.
Thankfully, it’s all downhill from here, through picturesque villages, for the remaining 45 kilometers.
How to get there: Fly out of Shanghai via Kunming to Dêqên Shangri-La Airport, also known as Diqing (迪庆).
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