The Details
Day 1: Saturday, April 28
Arrive in Beijing and Meet the Team
Welcome to Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. This evening, enjoy a Peking duck welcome dinner at a local restaurant and meet your new running mates.
Day 2: Sunday, April 29
Beijing Sightseeing & Activities
This morning, enjoy a private Tai Chi Lesson at the Temple of Heaven, a perfection of Ming architecture and one of the symbols of Beijing. Built in 1420 and twice the size of the Forbidden City, the Temple was the site of sacrifices from the emperor for good fortune and harvests.
Hop on a pedicab ride through Beijing’s hutongs. “Hutong” is a Manchurian term referring to the network of small winding alleyways that once covered Beijing, creating small neighborhoods within the city. A brief stroll through the hutongs concludes with a visit to one of the local families there. After lunch, visit the extraordinary Forbidden City, which houses the Imperial Palace, the most complete and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. Then drive to Tiananmen Square (literally “Gate of Heavenly Peace”) for a stroll on the largest public plaza on earth in the heart of the city.
Day 3: Monday, April 30
Day of Leisure and Race Preparation
Today you have a chance to rest and stretch for the big race tomorrow. No activities are booked but can be easily arranged upon request.
Day 4: Tuesday, May 1
Great Wall of China Marathon
Wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your challenge! Your local guide will transfer you to Badaling, the site of the marathon course.
This section of the Great Wall was built during the Ming dynasty to defend the capital of Beijing from invaders. It is the most visited section of the wall. Participate in the full or half marathon, or 10K or 5K fun runs!
Return to Beijing to celebrate your amazing accomplishment.
Day 5: Wednesday, May 2
Transfer to Xian
Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely morning, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, the capital of the empire for over a thousand years and eastern terminus of the Silk Road. En route to your hotel, we will stop to view the impressive city walls: the best preserved, oldest, and largest ancient city defense system in China.
Day 6: Thursday, May 3
Xian & the Terracotta Warriors
This morning, pay a visit to the Tomb of Qin Shihuangdi, the first emperor, and see the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Theories abound, but legend has it the warriors are meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Be enthralled by the mysteries of this infamous man and learn about the dynasty he created.
After sightseeing, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Day 7: Friday, May 4
Shanghai Sightseeing
Explore the biggest city in China on this full-day tour. Walk through the old Chinese quarter to the Yu Yuan garden, built in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty. The architecture of the surrounding Old Town has been restored to the original Ming style.
After lunch, stroll along the river promenade on the westbank of the Huangpu River, known as “the Bund,” and visit the Shanghai Museum. Finally, enjoy a farewell dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund, where you can recap your amazing adventure and spend one last evening with your teammates.
Day 8, Saturday May 5
Departure
Wave goodbye to China and transfer to the airport for your departure. You also have the option to explore this dynamic country in more depth with a customized extension trip in the region.
