Four Margaret River women have conquered the Great Wall of China, completing marathon events along the wall last weekend.
Mandy Carey, Marcelle Egberts, Sarah Kissell and Lynda Jones arrived in China last week ahead of the run and were anticipating a tough battle to overcome the wall.
“All of us were runners, but not over very long distances, and we're all new to the marathon distance,” said Ms Carey of the group.
Personal trainer Sarah Kissell, who recently completed a half marathon event in Busselton was struck by illness for most of the trip, forcing her to take on the half marathon on the Great Wall while her compatriots tackled the full 42 kilometres.
“I’m disappointed but it was a fantastic experience and it was amazing to be over there with the girls, they did incredibly well,” Ms Kissell said from back in Margaret River.
Runners taking part in the events faced steep climbs, through farmland and a mammoth 5,164 historic steps on the Great Wall.
Ms Carey said the warm weather provided an extra challenge for runners.
“It was so difficult and so hot but we did it,” she said after the race.
“It’s been such an experience and the amount of support we’ve had from back home has been fantastic.
"The next day we all walked 20 kilometres sight seeing around the place and decided we'd become Chairman Mao's foot soldiers!”
The ladies conducted the run in aid of local cancer charity River Angels, in line with the fundraising efforts by the AMRzons football team.
“River Angels is a local support network and we want to help our community as much as we can.”.
To support River Angels and donate to the cause, visit facebook.com/Great-Wall-Great-Run-with-AMRzons