For this short break idea we have collated a list of marathon events around the world form the for north to the deep south with a mix of weather conditions. This list offers a world of inspiring locations famous for their long distance races and their breathtaking attractions.
Athens Classic and Boston Marathon
This is the father of all marathon running and I would suggest that all lovers of marathon running try this run at some point in their career. Legend has it that in 490BC the Greek army overwhelmed its Persian invaders at the Battle of Marathon and a soldier called pheidippides was reportedly dispatched to take news of the victory to Athens, 25 miles away. The story said he delivered his message, then died. It was the birth of the marathon; the event is now over 2,500 years old. The legend and event is today celebrated through the running of today’s Athens Classic Marathon (www.athensclassicmarathon.gr).
In terms of age the Athens Classic is followed by the Boston Marathon, it has been running since 1897. To get in you have to meet its strict qualifying time and attracts a very competitive field – it’s not be best choice for fun-runners.
North Pole Marathon
From the classic to the very bizarre, the North Pole Marathon takes place at the top of the world – literally. The world’s most northerly marathon, it’s entirely ice-bound, with temperatures ranging from -20C to -40C. The course consists of a 5km loop round a camp of heated tents and unlike others the others this one does not come cheap (something over 9 thousands pounds).
Australian Outback
From the top of the world to down under the Australian Outback Marathon is run against the backdrop of Uluru (or Ayer’s Rock). The Australian Outback Marathon is one of the world’s newest marathons. It caters for all ages and offers a marathon, Half Marathon, 11km and 6km courses which is mainly bush trails, access roads and tracks as well as unsealed roads. The event more of a tourist’s marathon because it’s only available to non-residents and comes as part of a package and includes accommodation - see for more info: www.australianoutbackmarathon.com.
New York City Marathon
From a humble event in Central Park over 40 years ago, the New York City Marathon has grown into a running event attracting thousands of people from around the world. The event now only finishes in the park and is run through all five New York boroughs; starting at Staten Island the runners go through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx to Manhattan and finished in Central Park. The race is mostly flat but watch out for the bridges – getting across the opener, for example, involves a 180ft climb. Overall the event is known for the excellent support of the crowd, with over 2 million spectators and 40 bands lining the street cheering the runners along (www.nycmarathon.org).
Rio de Janeiro City Marathon
Sandwiched between beaches on one side and mountains on the other, Rio is a spectacular race route. Starting in the southwest of the city, it head east and rarely strays from the shoreline, past Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, where you’ll try not to get distracted by men playing beach football and women sporting the worlds smallest bikinis. The course is mostly flat, and the atmosphere created by around 100,000 spectators does justice to this carnival city.
Swiss Alpine Marathon
This is one of Europe’s highest marathons with it start at 4,500ft above sea level and might only be suitable for experienced marathon runners. The run is breathtaking in every sense, but don’t let the serenity of the snow capped mountains and flowers filled valleys fool you. This is a rough race from where it starts in Bergun, then climbs over 4000ft in the first 10 miles to reach Keschhutte, the race’s highest point, with mountain tracks making up part of the route.
Get a free leg message at the top, then a three mile decent five some respite before another climb to the race’s second highest point at 15miles. After that, it is downhill all the way to the finish at Davos.
Dingle Marathon
The Dingle Marathon takes place in the Republic of Ireland and offers a mixture of Ultra, Full and Half Marathon. The scenery is some of this marathon’s but it is not easy; the route takes you around some of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline along with cliff-top views of its sandy beaches and the Skellig Islands. The area is famous for the movies Ryan’s Daughter by David Lean and Far And Away starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
Stockholm and Berlin Marathon
Tickets for the Stockholm Marathon are sold out about six months before the event, so you must be quick to get in. The route involves a two-lap course around the waterfront, a stretch o the royal island park of Djurgarden , the old town and finish in the Olympic stadium to the cheers of up to 15,000 spectators.
About seven years older than the London Marathon the Berlin Marathon started when the Berlin Wall divided the city and it was restricted to West Berlin. Following the collapse of the Iron Curtain the city was reunited in 1990 and the route now involves both sides. The race is fast and flat and mainly attracts runners chasing a personal best.
London Marathon
The London Marathon was founded by former athletes (Chris Brasher and John Disley) and is one of the five world major marathons along with the New York, Berlin, Boston and Chicago Marathons. There is a mixture of participants from the first timers to the elite marathon runners. The event holds the Guinness world record for the largest annual fund raising event in the world.
See also: Run the Jamaica Reggae Marathon