Name: Brandon Frerking
Age: 31
Nationality: American
Occupation: Marketing
Running level: Intermediate
Distance: Half Marathon
Time: Don't know

What appealed to you about this marathon?

It was in China, unique, and got to see a wonder of the world.

How did you train for the marathon?

I did something athletic once a week.

How would you describe the race course?

Aside from the single file spots – great. I would recommend that they stagger the start times by 20 minute blocks. (6 min mile first; 7 min mile second, 8 min mile third).

What were your favorite moments?

Eating dinner in the hutong in Beijing (after the race), the race atmosphere, staying at the hostel near the race course and eating a long big dinner, laughing because of Lucious/Sophie, bus rides.

What was the most challenging aspect of the run for you?

Keeping my knees healthy.

What surprised you about the GW Marathon?

The lack of Chinese people participating in the marathon.

Did you stay in Beijing for the night before the race or did you stay at hotel locally?

Local hostel was the ONLY way to go.

Do you have any funny stories or experiences to share?

The whole weekend was great – car ride, laughing, sleeping, eating, dinners, cheese, etc…

Top image: Brandon enjoys his first hard-earned beer after finishing the race.

Check out CTn's Feature Story: China's Great Wall Marathon: Feel the Love.

To view more images from the Great Wall of China Marathon 2009, go here and here.

For interviews and reviews of the marathon, half marathon and 10 k:

Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Sahibi Noureddine
Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Anne Halvorson
Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Mathias Guillin
Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Sabina Leopaldi
Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Andrew Wilcox