Kiwi woman’s powerful reason for taking on Great Wall of China marathon

Published: 4 May 2026

When Canterbury physiotherapist Jessica Douglas-Withers laces up her shoes on 16 May, she won’t just be tackling 21 kilometres of one of the world’s toughest half marathons - she’ll be taking thousands of steps for heart health

Jess is heading to China to take on the Great Wall of China Half Marathon, a course famous for its punishing 5,000-plus stone steps and breathtaking views. But for her, the real goal goes far beyond the finish line. 

She’s using her marathon journey to raise awareness about heart disease and the power of prevention during the month of May - and hopes her story inspires others to join the Heart Foundation’s MyMarathon challenge to support the same cause.

A family history she can’t ignore

Her family knows all too well about the devastating consequences of heart disease. Her paternal grandfather died suddenly from a heart attack, while her maternal grandfather also suffered a heart attack. 

“I’ve seen the impact it had on my dad to have lost his own father. It’s something that’s stayed with my dad his whole life. It’s made us very aware of what our family history means for our own health. 

“He lost his father earlier than expected to a heart attack, we’re conscious it puts him in a category of people at an increased risk.”

Taking on one of the world’s toughest races

Despite being reasonably fit, Jess’s goal while tackling the gruelling race is simple: to finish. 

“It’s the elevation and thousands of stairs that’ll be the hardest part,” she says. “This is a level of fitness I’ve never reached before. But I love a challenge, and pushing myself physically feels even more meaningful knowing it’s for such an important cause.” 

As she pounds the ancient steps, Jess will be thinking of the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders affected by heart disease. 

“Growing up in rural New Zealand, I saw people losing their lives to heart attacks far too young, and the ripple effect that has on families and entire communities,” she says.  

“So many of them were fit, active men. Farmers, runners, people who didn’t sit behind a desk all day. If they’d known their risk or had more support, maybe some of those lives could’ve been saved.”

Prevention starts with movement

Every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from heart disease, and one in 23 Kiwi adults live with the condition. 

As a physio, Jess spends her days talking about movement and she’s passionate about how critical it is for heart health. 

“Movement and fitness are what I preach every day. Heart health is a massive part of that. 

“That’s what’s really cool about the Heart Foundation, they’re the fence at the top of the cliff rather than the ambulance at the bottom. 

“My maternal grandfather also suffered a heart attack, but he made an amazing recovery.  

“The amazing thing is after he had a heart attack, he did all his cardiac rehab and ended up healthier, fitter and stronger. Prevention is better than a cure. While it didn’t prevent his [heart attack], the education and support that he got afterwards increased his health overall.”

MyMarathon

MyMarathon invites Kiwis to walk or run 42km throughout the month of May, at their own pace and in their own neighbourhoods, all while raising funds to support heart research and lifesaving education. 

You can run it in a day, pound it out in a week or walk it in a month-long commitment to better heart health. 

“You don’t need to run thousands of stairs or fly across the world. Anyone can take part in MyMarathon,” Jess says. 

“Prevention is massive. If MyMarathon encourages even one person to get active, understand their risk, make a heart‑healthy change, or donate to aid heart research, then it’s absolutely worth it.” 

You can sign up to take part in MyMarathon here. 

To donate to Jess’ heart fundraiser click here.