About This Race
The 100K distance at Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB represents the event's longest and most demanding route, threading through Zhangjiakou's rugged terrain where ancient fortifications meet remote mountain wilderness. Runners typically need 12 to 15 hours to complete this journey, navigating technical stone staircases on multiple Great Wall sections before descending into isolated valleys and traversing high grassland plateaus. The course requires not just physical endurance but sustained mental focus as fatigue accumulates over terrain that shifts from historical pathways to unmarked mountain trails. This distance suits experienced ultrarunners ready to move beyond standard 50-mile events. The extended nature of the course reveals landscapes and perspectives unavailable on shorter routes, with solitude deepening as runners venture farther from the start. Careful pacing becomes essential as the combination of technical footing and extended effort compounds difficulty over the final third of the race.
The route incorporates multiple sections of the Great Wall, where uneven stone steps and steep gradients demand careful foot placement even when fresh. Between wall segments, the course drops into valleys and crosses exposed ridgelines before reaching grassland transitions that mark the outer portions of the route. Technical challenges persist throughout, with ancient stone giving way to mountain singletrack that requires sustained attention to footing.
Location
Practical Info
September in Zhangjiakou typically brings daytime temperatures between 15-25°C with cooler conditions at elevation and after sunset; occasional rain possible with reduced visibility on exposed ridges.
Zhangjiakou offers various accommodation options, though booking well in advance is recommended given the event's UTMB series status and limited inventory near race weekend.
Best For
Notable Features
The 100K course provides the most comprehensive tour of the region's Great Wall segments, connecting historical sections through backcountry that few visitors ever see. Runners experience transitions from fortified ridgelines to remote valleys where the wall's original builders sourced materials, creating a journey through both constructed and natural heritage. The extended distance allows for atmospheric changes across a full day and into evening, with potential for both sunrise and sunset segments depending on individual pace.