Running 42.2kms is a feat in itself, but add 5164 stairs as part of the course, and you are talking about one of the toughest marathons in the world, the Great Wall Marathon in China.
This year, a former Stratford woman, Amanda Craig, challenged herself to complete this gruelling race and says she loved the experience and would recommend others to give it a go. Amanda was one of the 2444 runners who laced up their running shoes and braved the 30 degree heat on May 21 to compete.
Amanda says the race started with a 5km climb to get to the wall itself (much of the course is made up of steep ascents and descents, making the touch course even tougher for participants).
"I managed to utilise my strength here and pass a number of other runners."
Amanda is no stranger to tough challenges. The personal trainer and swim instructor has completed a number of stair climbs in Australia through the years.