From 310kg to the Great Wall: The Incredible Weight Loss Journey of Julio Mamute

Julio Mamute Completes Great Wall of China Marathon Challenge

On October 25, Brazilian runner Julio Mamute crossed the finish line of the Great Wall of China Marathon, marking a significant milestone in a transformation journey that began when he weighed over 310 kg. The event, which Mamute described as the most grueling physical trial of his life, required him to navigate 4 km of rugged, stone-filled trails before tackling a 700m stretch of steep, uneven stone steps at the Great Wall. VnExpress reported that the endeavor spanned an eight-hour struggle, serving as a tribute to his late father, whose lifelong dream was to visit China.

From Bed-Bound to Global Endurance Events

Mamute’s physical trajectory represents a departure from his condition just a few years prior. At his heaviest, he was confined to his bed and dependent on a CPAP machine for sleep. The turning point occurred on November 13, 2023, following the birth of his nephew. Physical limitations, including an inability to exit a car with a cane, prompted him to begin an underwater exercise program. According to records cited by G1 (Globo), Mamute’s weight gain began at age 11, escalating to 180 kg by age 18 and exceeding 310 kg during the Covid-19 pandemic.

His approach to weight loss evolved through several phases. After unsuccessful attempts with medical interventions—including Ozempic, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and a gastric balloon that eventually required emergency removal—Mamute pivoted to swimming. He credits the aquatic environment with allowing him to reduce the load on his joints, ultimately accounting for approximately 100 kg of his weight loss and the resolution of a fatty liver condition.

From 310kg to the Great Wall: The Incredible Weight Loss Journey of Julio Mamute

The Psychological and Physical Hurdles of Long-Distance Running

The transition from swimming to long-distance running introduced new challenges. In 2024, following the deaths of his father and an uncle, Mamute experienced a relapse that saw him regain 30 kg. He countered this period by integrating faith, family support, and a charitable food-donation program into his routine. He also turned to the study of neuroscience to address the mechanics of compulsive eating, viewing his physical progress as a component of habit reformation.

Mamute has since participated in several international races, including a 15.8 km run in São Paulo and a 10 km event at the Europe Marathon in Portugal in April 2026. His strategy emphasizes consistency over speed, utilizing his platform to document the process for a following that has reached approximately 5 million users across social media channels.

Future Objectives and Competitive Schedule

The Great Wall challenge is one of several events on Mamute’s current calendar. He is scheduled to participate in a race organized by the Barcelona Fire Department in November, followed by the São Silvestre street running event in São Paulo. His long-term objectives include reducing his body weight to below 100 kg, undergoing surgery to address excess skin, and completing a full marathon from Marathon to Athens in November 2028.

This progression mirrors the high-intensity periodization often utilized by endurance athletes to manage physical stress and prevent injury. While his primary focus remains on personal transformation, his continued participation in competitive circuits highlights a significant shift in his physical capability compared to the sedentary baseline of his past. Mamute continues to frame his journey through the lens of life-saving necessity, stating, “I run to save my life. I run to live.”

Disclaimer: The analytical insights and data provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.

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