The best places to lace up for an international marathon: "
Running is a form of exercise that offers a lot of benefits. First off, it’s cheap. Running doesn’t require a lot of big, expensive equipment for you to be able to work out. Second, it’s easy to learn. Unlike other exercises with very precise moves, running is fairly easy to learn whether you’re a 10 year old or well over your sixties. Third, you can do it anywhere. If you travel a lot but hate to miss out on your work out, you needn’t worry about a thing because in any city, whether you’re at the beach or near the mountains, you can almost always find a place to run, even for a short while.
Running is also a wonderful, intimate way of getting to know a certain town or city. In a marathon, participants follow main thoroughfares, side streets and other alleyways, essentially orienting themselves with the different they are visiting. Through the course of the marathon, runners pass by some famous landmarks, and eventually lead themselves to other parts of the city that aren’t as famous to tourists, but have a character all their own.
The courses may run though parks and busy city streets, where for some runners, it may seem like a sightseeing tour on fast forward. Everything whizzes by, and you can’t stop to look more closely, at least not at the moment. With each step you take, you leave behind the spectators cheering you on, and different species of flora and fauna.
If you’re planning to join a marathon abroad, make sure you prepare well in advance to avoid any problems when you get there. You certainly wouldn’t want your full concentration to be taken away from the race, just because of lack of preparation.
If the race is being held in a country where you don’t speak the local language, it may be a good idea to sign yourself up for a tour group; this way, you won’t feel too lost when you get there. There are plenty of tour packages that offer assistance when they know you’re participating in a marathon. For example, others take care of your registration and transportation to the venue and then back again to your hotel. Some packages are even inclusive of meals and a couple of days to go sightseeing, so it’s wise to shop around for good deals. However, if tour groups really aren’t your kind of thing, you could always call your travel agent and ask them to help you register for the marathon, or locate a translator who can assist you in signing up.
In preparation for the marathon, make sure your gear is complete and is always on hand. Put them inside your carry-on luggage if you can, and avoid checking them in. It’s never a good thing to discover that the airline misplaced your luggage with all your stuff in it days before the race. You should also make sure that your registration papers are in order, and have them printed out so you can present your papers in case anyone asks you for them.
If you’re a running enthusiast, here are some of what we think are the best places where you can join a marathon. Hopefully, this list will cater to your different tastes and needs. We break down the essential details to help you sort out where you want to go on your next run. Start training and prepare your gear for these upcoming races. Ready, set, go!
WHAT: REAL BERLIN MARATHON
WHERE: BERLIN, GERMANY
WHEN: SEPTEMBER
WEATHER: AN AVERAGE OF 40 UP TO 60 F
COST: 60 UP TO 100 EUROS
X-FACTOR: CATERS TO INLINE SKATERS
The Real Berlin Marathon is the best occasion for inline skaters to test their speed, strength and stamina against other skaters. Almost 8,000 skaters join this big event, which takes participants through a course around Berlin. It is a flat course where participants are expected to move fast, passing through a number of tourist attractions in this world famous city.
Part of the course will pass through the old East Berlin. Participants who won’t be keeping their eyes on the road can look up at the grand architecture in this part of the city. After that, they are expected to make their way to West Berlin, which displays a more contemporary, modern look.
The marathon will begin and also end at the city center, near the Pariser Platz.
A lot of amateur skaters often join the Real Berlin Marathon. In fact, around 95 percent of the people who sign up for the marathon are amateur. That means this is also the perfect opportunity to see how far those trusty roller blades can take you.
WHAT: WALT DISNEY MARATHON
WHERE: ORLANDO, FLORIDA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
WHEN: JANUARY
WEATHER: AN AVERAGE OF 50 UP TO 70 F
COST: US 135 DOLLARS
X-FACTOR: APPEALS TO THE INNER CHILD IN YOU (LOOK, THERE’S MICKEY!)
The Walt Disney Marathon is sure to delight the inner child in each and every one of the participants here. The race course will take contestants around the entire compound of Disney World.
The course is easy and also flat, so don’t expect this to be for hard core runners. Contestants in the race will have to make their way around the entire park. Things get a bit medieval after that, as contestant pass through Princess Castle. Next, they will have to run around the different resorts and at the last leg, the Epcot Center.
As you pant and sweat and command your legs to move forward, beloved Disney characters come to life and stand at the ready to cheer you on and keep you going. If you feel you’re losing the drive to win look at the sidelines and watch Mickey cheer!
For an added bonus, personalized bibs are handed out to people who sign up for the marathon. If you’re the lucky runner to finish the entire marathon, organizers will hang a Mickey Mouse medal on your neck. How’s that for a Disney experience?
WHAT: BIG SUR INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
WHERE: CARMEL, CALIFORNIA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
WHEN: MAY
WEATHER: AN AVERAGE OF 40 UP TO 60 F
COST: AROUND US 135 UP TO 165 DOLLARS
X-FACTOR: A VIEW LIKE NO OTHER
Compared to the Disney marathon, the Big Sur International Marathon is more suited to runners who are accustomed to difficult courses. The course for this race is a bit difficult; runners will have to conquer the rolling hills by the coast. Did we mention that this goes on for 26 whole miles?
This marathon is ideal for runners who are looking for a challenge. True, the 26 mile journey to the finish line may seem a bit arduous, but no one can argue about the breathtaking view that contestants will behold as they trudge along the highway following the Pacific Coast. Just think about how vast the ocean is and how small the race course is compared to the expanse of the pacific.
Beautiful nature scenes await the brave people who sign up for this race. Meet the humongous Redwoods and the ranches that are usually found in the rural areas in northern California. See the red, juicy strawberries along mile 23; imagine their taste as you eat them with champagne to help keep your stamina going. At mile 25, with just a little way to go, cheer your spirits with some bagpipes.
Better sign up early if you’re planning on joining this marathon. Organizers are limiting the number of runners to 4,500.
WHAT: VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON
WHERE: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
WHEN: APRIL
WEATHER: AN AVERAGE OF 40 UP TO 50 F
COST: AROUND 30 UP TO 100 POUNDS
X-FACTOR: THERE’S A GOOD CHANCE YOU’LL SPOT A TOP RUNNER
The Vigrin London Marathon follows a course by the famous River Thames. It is a flat course, and contestants are expected to pass by quite a number of the city’s famed landmarks. If you’re among the runners, wave hello to the Queen as you pass by Buckingham Palace. Ding dong! Check the time on your watch and compare it to Big Ben’s. Also run by the Navy Hospital; and watch as the people go round and round the London Eye.
Over the years, the Virgin London Marathon has slowly but steadily gained popularity among runners not only in the United Kingdom, but also from lots of countries abroad, even outside Europe. Admittedly, part of its popularity is because many elite runners sign themselves up and join the common Harry’s and Henry’s in the race.
Part of its appeal is the weather in London, which is really ideal for running. The skies are overcast, effectively blocking out the sun and sparing runners from sunburns; while the cool autumn air infuses runners with energy and fresh oxygen to keep them going.
Another thing that can be considered noteworthy is that a lot of the people who sign up for the Virgin London Marathon register through various fundraising groups. Not only do they maintain themselves healthy by running a marathon, they are also helping others by raising funds for various cause-oriented groups.
WHAT: ALPHA BANK ATHENS MARATHON
WHERE: ATHENS, GREECE
WHEN: NOVEMBER
WEATHER: AN AVERAGE OF 50 TO 60 F
COST: 90 EUROS
X-FACTOR: RELIVE HISTORY THROUGH A RACE
The course for this race will start in Marathon, one of Greece’s rural towns, and a fitting place to commence your journey. Runners will have to learn how to negotiate the rolling hills by the countryside. But after that, it’s the course is flat all the way to Athens City.
The marathon is held in November, and runners should keep in mind that during this time of year, Greece usually gets showers here and there, so expect rain or heavy clouds to follow your path.
The Alpha Bank Athens Marathon is a race and history lesson all rolled in one. Contestants who sign themselves up will be the lucky ones to trace the route that was believed to be the course that Phidippides ran through.
This course is also special because it is the exact same course that was used in the Olympics six years ago, back in 2004. Pretend to be an Olympic athlete as you trace the blue line on the road!
Another awesome part of the race, if you’re able to finish it, is standing inside the Olympic stadium. Feel like a god as you take your finishing steps inside the massive structure made of marble. Savor the sweet taste of victory as you view the Parthenon off in the distance.
If you’re a foreigner and are not familiar with the registration process here in Greece, there are a couple of groups that can help you out with your papers. What’s more, they’ll find a way to include some sightseeing, too.
WHAT: ROCK N’ ROLL SERIES
WHERE: VARIOUS CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
WHEN: DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION
WEATHER: DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION
COST: US 95 UP TO 130 DOLLARS
X-FACTOR: JIVE TO THE MUSIC AS YOU RUN TOWARDS VICTORY
This is quite a unique race held in a number of cities all across the United States. The courses are flat and ideal for beginners who want to make sure they have lots of fun before they subject their bodies to a serious amount of pain for the next few hours.
The Rock n’ Roll series usually draws big crowds who don’t lose energy cheering on the contestants and giving them the urge to win. Aside from rowdy spectators, a number of local bands playing live, upbeat music will also be there to keep your blood pumping and your heart rate up. Forget about your aching joints and muscles as beautiful cheerleaders flash their pearly white smiles and shout out cheers that will motivate you to push forward. This is definitely one race where you can be sure that there will be someone out there who will cheer you as you make your way through the course.
Depending on the city, marathons are held in different times of the year. Currently, the following cities are participating: Las Vegas, Arizona, San Diego, New Orleans, Denver, Nashville, Seattle, and San Antonio.
If you happen to live in the U.S., why not push your limits and try to enter a race or two! The marathon organizers will award you with a unique, special medal if you are able to complete two or more races in a single year. As long as you make it through two finish lines (half marathons included), that medal can be yours.
WHAT: NIKE WOMEN’S MARATHON
WHERE: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
WHEN: OCTOBER
WEATHER: AVERAGE OF 50 UP TO 70 F
COST: US 135 DOLLARS (FULL MARATHON); US 115 DOLLARS (HALF MARATHON)te
X-FACTOR: THIS MARATHON MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN
The course of the Nike Women’s Marathon will take contestants through San Francisco’s outskirts. Ladies (and gents) will run past the Fisherman’s Wharf, and continue to and around the Golden Gate Park. No need to worry about steep hills in this race, although a couple of inclines can be found throughout the course, specifically around miles 13, 7 and 10.
This race caters mainly to women, although the men are still very much welcome to join in if they want to (note: husbands, join the wife if she asks you; she’ll think it’s sweet.).
Along the way, there are things that can always brighten up a girl’s day like a nice pedicure to dress up her tippy toes, a relaxing massage to untie the knots in her body and an aid station supplying chocolate.
At the end of the race, what better way to greet the finish line than by running into the arms of handsome, burly firemen handing out medals? And these aren’t just any kind of finisher’s medals, they’re actually necklaces specially ordered from Tiffany! They sure know how to please ‘em, don’t they?
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