Name: Mathias Guillin
Age: 40
Nationality: French
Occupation: Engineer/ Photographer
Running level: First timer
Distance/Time:10 kilometers/1:36


Why did you decide to run the 10k in the Great Wall Marathon?

I said it as a joke that I would run it... then I had to go for it. I had seen pics from a friend who did it last year and was impressed by the originality of it and the beautiful landscape.

Did you train a lot?

I trained with my girlfriend and sometimes alone irregularily...once or twice a week from 40 minutes to 1 hour, sometimes I went up down stairs or on the stairs machine at the gym a few times...obviously not enough considering how my legs hurt today ;-)

How would you describe the race course?

Very enjoyable. I didn't notice the time pass when I was on the Wall. But after I reached the flat area again, I found it quite long until the finish line and I ran only 10 kilometers.

Highlights of the experience?

Seeing the Wall disappearing into the distance in the mist and hundreds of runners covering it.

Would you recommend the half or full marathon to friends?

Sure! It's a great experience to enjoy with friends. Actually I started the race with my girlfriend, and as we have different running rhythms, I met some others along the way so that there was often someone I knew near or in sight. This was a nice feeling.

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

The long downhill run was a leg killer... the change of rhythm is hard to manage, but it makes the run less boring. The last part around the village seemed like it was never going to end!!!

What surprised you?

The Wall and its steepness! I had heard that the stairs were uneven and some were high but I didn't expect them to be that high and that steep. In some areas, if you miss your step, you are airborne a few seconds before touching the ground again and it would hurt. It reminded me of the stairs on the Mexican pyramids. They were designed so that the body that they sacrificed at the top would fall down the stairs all the way down without stoping. This means that they were very steep and the ones on the GW were similar in some areas...

Did the event meet your expectations?

Oh yes! I enjoyed it and found it quite well organized even if there are few things that could be improved. For example, the program change for the start... According to the GWM website, the starts were supposed to be in different phases, but actually we all started together... big mix of people at the beginning.

Was it as difficult as you expected it would be?

It was actually easier. The part on the Great Wall passes fast because it is changing all the time, up, down, stairs, tower, lots of people so you don't get bored as when you run on a flat road. The part on the Wall makes the run more interesting.

How much of it did you walk?

It's hard to say.  There were quite a few bottle necks that forced you to stop or walk. At some moments a welcome rest, but I'd prefer a more regular pace and less traffic.

Did you have injuries before or after the race?

Just sore muscles because of not enough stretching and training, but nothing bad.

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

Locally, a small hostel. Good thing to do to avoid waking up in the wee hours on saturday morning and doing the 3 hour trip from Beijing.

Would you do it next year?

Yes, I am already thinking half marathon, with better preparation :-)

How would you do things differently next time?

I wish I had a better camera on the way to take better shots ! :-)  And definitely need to be better trained.

Image: Mathias Guillin tackles the Great Wall, while listening to his tunes.

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

For more photos from the Great Wall Marathon 2009, go here and here.

For more 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: Sabina Leopaldi
Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Andrew Wilcox
Great Wall of China Marathon 2009 Interview: Brandon Frerking