The Great Wall Marathon of Huairou 2025 and Zayed Charity Run successfully concluded on September 21. As an A1-class event certified by the Chinese Athletics Association, the race was hosted by the People's Government of Huairou District, Beijing, co-organized by the Athletic Association of Beijing and the Bureau of Sports of Huairou District, Beijing, with support from the Zayed Charity Run as a supporting co-organizer and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China.
Featuring four categories – Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, and Loving Family Run – the event attracted a total of 15,000 participants from 26 countries and regions, covering all age groups. Runners of different nationalities and ages injected vitality into the race.
The Great Wall, a giant dragon winding through the landscape of China, has witnessed the millennia-long evolution of its passes. As a crystallization of the wisdom of ancient Chinese people, it was built with bricks and stones as barriers. Today, this unadorned and resilient spirit has been redefined along the 42.195-kilometer racecourse. Every runner challenged their limits, sweating profusely and marching forward with indomitable spirit toward the finish line.
As China's first marathon named after the "Great Wall" – a world-class cultural landmark – the Marathon of Huairou has been renowned at home and abroad for its profound cultural heritage, picturesque racecourse scenery, and professional and meticulous event services since its inception in 2015. This year’s event marked a milestone upgrade, serving as the first entry of the UAE’s Zayed Charity Run into China, signifying that China-UAE cooperation in sports and cultural fields reaches a new height.
During the race, the "human Great Wall" of runners intertwined with the millennia-old Great Wall amid green woods. Participants got to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Beijing's suburbs and the ancient charm of Huairou Great Wall Cultural Belt through running. Mutianyu Great Wall, the finish line of the full marathon, not only added a unique historical and cultural symbol to the event but also became an important landmark embodying humanistic feelings and charitable spirit. At the moment of crossing the finish line, runners, sweating and challenging themselves, stood in harmony with the majestic Great Wall, forming a touching picture of dialogue between sports and civilization.
Race Results (Marathon Category)
→ Men’s Group:
Champion: EKAI MARK (Kenya), Gun Time: 2:19:21
Runner-up: KIPKOECH KIRUI (Kenya), Gun Time: 2:22:24
Third Place: Cao Tianxiang (China), Gun Time: 2:23:18
→ Women’s Group:
Champion: BEYENE WORKINESH TSEGAYE (Ethiopia), Gun Time: 2:37:12
Runner-up: KIPSU GUT DAISY JEPKORIR (Kenya), Gun Time: 2:39:23
Third Place: Gao Mingzhi (China), Gun Time: 2:50:04
Mutianyu Great Wall not only served as a key venue but also co-hosted the "Al Bait Al Emarati" Cultural Fair. Attendees experienced UAE’s characteristic henna hand-painting art, fashion apparel, and energetic Ayala dance, and tasted authentic Emirati cuisine. Additionally, Mutianyu assisted the organizers in safety assurance and order maintenance, ensuring the smooth running of the event. By supporting the hosting of this major sports event, the Mutianyu Great Wall Company demonstrated its high-quality service standards to all organizers and participants.
Under the autumn sun, the ancient Great Wall witnessed Chinese and foreign runners measuring history with their steps and conveying great love with their sweat. This running feast integrating culture, nature, and public welfare not only showcased Huairou’s capability as an international conference and event hub but also wrote a new chapter of the interaction between sportsmanship and humanistic feelings.
In the future, Mutianyu Great Wall will further leverage its comprehensive advantages of "professional venue + high-quality supporting facilities + diverse services" to actively expand cooperation in cultural and sports events. Whether it is large-scale outdoor events such as marathons and trail races, or cultural performances and brand activities, Mutianyu Great Wall will provide a high-standard platform, relying on its flexible spatial layout, complete facility support, and in-depth integration with the surrounding "mountain-water-city" ecological resources.
