Gear up for the 2026 Huairou Great Wall Marathon and Zayed Charity Run

The 2026 Huairou Great Wall Marathon and Zayed Charity Run, to be held in Huairou district of Beijing on Sept 27, will further consolidate friendly exchanges between China and the United Arab Emirates, deepen people-to-people ties, and deliver tangible outcomes within the framework of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

"The Zayed Charity Run and Huairou Great Wall Marathon have forged deep cooperation," H.E. Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the UAE's ambassador to China, said at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday. "They translate the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership into tangible results, and this joint charity race serves as a vivid example of our friendly ties."

Hosted by the people's government of Huairou district, the event is supported by the embassy of the UAE in Beijing, organized by the Athletic Association of Beijing and the Huairou District Bureau of Sports, and co-organized by the Zayed Charity Run.

The ambassador added that the event showcases China's natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and thriving sports sector. It also opens broad prospects for deeper bilateral cooperation across diverse fields.

Wei Xiaoping, deputy district chief of the people's government of Huairou district, said the Huairou Great Wall Marathon has won people's affection and broad acclaim among runners from home and abroad. It features profound cultural heritage, picturesque race routes and professional, thoughtful event services. Lin Xiaoyu, Party secretary of the Huairou District Bureau of Sports, said 15,000 people are expected to participate in the race, featuring marathon and half-marathon events.

Runners taking part in the full marathon will pass by major landmarks such as Huairou Science City, Yanqi Lake, Hongluo Temple and Mutianyu Great Wall, getting an immersive experience of Huairou as a city defined by openness, inclusiveness, technological innovation and ecological livability. The marathon medal's border uses traditional Chinese meander patterns and simplified Great Wall designs, while its lower frame follows the outline of Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing. The design combines traditional cultural heritage with Huairou's old and new landmarks.

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the race will go to charitable causes. Beijing Huairou Hospital is among the key beneficiaries. The Zayed Charity Run was launched in 2001 to pursue noble humanitarian goals. It mainly supports treatment for chronic conditions including kidney disease, cancer and heart disease, and aids children's hospitals and medical research.

Li Yiqian contributed to this story.