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The Paris Half Marathon, a tour of eastern Paris kicks off the European distance running season. Well over 40,000 runners start at Pont de Sully (Île Saint-Louis), and finish at the beautiful Place de la Bastille, just round the corner from the start. It's a great way to see the city and if you're not ready for the full marathon this is the perfect alternative. There is a big percentage of first timers in this one so if you're new to halfs this could be a great first option. The Destination One of the largest cities in Europe, Paris has the well-deserved reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food, and design. It's located in the north of France on the river Seine and has a population of 2.2 million people living in the central city and 12 million people in the whole metropolitan area. It's the most popular tourist destination in the world with 45 million tourists annually, who come to see the likes of the world's most visited tourist sites, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, and Lido. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paris is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, amongst many others. If it's quality cuisine you're after, look no further. The city has more Michelin restaurants than any other city in the world apart from Tokyo. History The first event was held in 1993 Race Organiser Amaury Sport Organisation, a subsidiary of the Amaury Group, media and sport group that owns the newspaper L’Equipe. 500,000 competitors take part in mass events organised by A.S.O. and its British subsidiary, Human Race, every year. They also organise the Paris Marathon. When? The race is held annually in March Distances Half marathon Is there an Expo? There is an event village on the Friday and Saturday before the event where runners must collect their race bibs. There's all the usual extras like talks from the experts, presentations and lots of booths selling running gear and souvenirs. How many runners? 40,000-45,000 Course The Paris Half Marathon starts on the Boulevard Saint-Germaine, before a turn across Pont de Sully (great views of Notre Dame Cathedral), to run south along the famous River Seine. At 4km it's past Bibliotheque Francois Mitterrand, the building with tall, angular towers symbolising four open books, and across pont de Tolbiac, to cross the Seine again. It's then into the Bois de Vincennes, the largest park in Paris. Created by Emperor Napoleon lll, the park was a part of the forest that surrounded the ancient Roman town of Lutetia and you'll see plenty of it as you're running through it from 5km to 15km. It's 2,500 acres and is a tenth of the whole of Paris. It's a huge place that also includes the city's zoo. It's then out of the Park, along the Avenue Daumesnil and back along the Seine for the last 6km to the finish at le Rue de Lyon at the Place de la Bastille, right near the start. The finish area at Bastille What's unique? Great architecture, the River Seine and as usual with a race like this it is very special to be able to run through a major city with no traffic around. Do charities benefit? There is an official charity programme, primarily for UK and US charities and you can get a bib from one of them. Alternatively if you have your own bib just set up a fundraising page and try and raise some much needed funds for your favourite charity. Our verdict It's a great weekend in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Half of the race is in the Park, where crowds are much thinner so don't be expecting wall to wall support the whole way round. How to register Online via the website. It's a 'first come first served' event, so don't leave it too late. There is no ballot. Packages are available from a number of tour operators. You will need to provide organisers with a medical certificate from your doctor. This needs to be uploaded to the account you set up when you register, or taken to the expo when you collect your number. Race website https://www.harmoniemutuellesemideparis.com/en

Here is everything you need to know about the Barcelona Marathon With nearly 30,000 running the last edition of the event, the Barcelona Marathon is growing rapidly. It takes place in one of Spain's most fascinating cities, in March every year and goes past some of Europe's most well known landmarks, like the football stadium, Camp Nou and the Casa Batloi, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and considered one of his masterpieces. And then there's Gaudi's other landmark, the unfinished Cathedral that you'll also see en route. Barcelona Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, Spain, an intriguing city of art, culture and beauty, with a population of 1.6 million. Famous architect, Antoni Gaudi's works are everywhere, there are museums and famous landmarks around every corner and then there is the huge range of cafes, tapas bars, wine bars and cocktail lounges; with seemingly something for everyone. The Rambles is the place to be seen - it's the heart of the tourist centre of the City. Take a tram trip up to the top of Tibidabo and enjoy the stunning sights of the city. Check out Barceloneta beach, another great place to soak up the atmosphere. Football (soccer) is at the absolute heart of Barcelona. Camp Nou stadium is the home of all conquering FC Barcelona, with their local rivals RCD Espanyol playing nearby. The city is dominated by the works of Gaudi. His most famous is Sagrada Família, Barcelona's Roman Catholic basilica; its unfinished Cathedral. The most visited monument in Spain, work began in 1882, with a recent target for completion set for 2026. Six new towers will soon be added , bringing the total to 18. The tallest of the new towers will be 564 feet (172 meters) high, making the cathedral the tallest religious structure in Europe. In addition to the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí left his mark on his city and his era with masterpieces, the Casa Mila and the fabulous modernist garden of Park Guell, being two of the most famous. History The Marathon was started by a Catalan chemist, Ramón Oliu, after he had run the New York Marathon in 1976. Because there were no marathons in Catalonia at the time, Oliu decided to organize the first one in 1978. He held it in Palafrugell because he couldn't get a permit to hold it in Barcelona, and he named the race "Catalunya 78" as a result. It was held in Palafrugell again in 1979 for the same reason, but was subsequently moved to Barcelona in 1980. The marathon eventually became known as the "Marathon Catalunya" After a number of intermediate name changes, the name was eventually changed to "Zurich Marató de Barcelona" in 2012 reflecting the support of a new sponsor. In 2023 the event was awarded a Gold Label by World Athletics. This is a distinctive label given to an event by the sport's governing body, based on a number of factors, such as facilities for the general runner and the quality of the elite field. Race Organiser The Marathon is organized by a Promotion Committee made up of four institutions and entities: The City of Barcelona, the Marató de Barcelona Platform, the Catalan Athletics Federation and Barcelona Tourism. The event is coordinated by the Institut Barcelona Esports, and its Executive Organization is carried out by ASO (Amaury Sport Organization, who own the Paris Marathon and Paris Half Marathon) and RPM SPORTS. In addition, the Zurich Marató Barcelona Senate, a consultative body made up of 24 renowned figures in the world of athletics and the organization of sporting events in Catalunya, will act as an observer of the race and of its organisation. When is the Barcelona Marathon? The race is held annually in March. Distances Marathon only but there are build up events leading up to it from January onwards. Is there an Expo? Yes. It's on Friday and Saturday. You'll need to pick up your bib there. How many runners? 27,000 Plenty of hydration opportunities! The course The Barcelona Marathon is a full urban lap that routes its way through the heart of the city. The route starts and finishes at Plaça d'Espanya, at the foot of Montjuïc, in the Sants-Montjuïc district. The marathon course passes C amp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, back to Plaça d'Espanya, past the Sagrada Familia (a real highlight!), and near the beach in northeast. The route then heads around the old city, back to the beach and returns to Plaça d'Espanya. It has many straight sections, separated by sharp street corners. The route is mostly flat but has some inclines around the 25–27 km and 39–41 km markers. There is plenty of support from locals and friends and families of runners. What's unique? Seeing Gaudi's work, without the traffic. The Sagrada Familia is unbelievable. Do charities benefit? Since 2020, the Z Zurich Foundation has aimed to contribute to the development of solidarity in running in Spain and this year renews its commitment by donating 1 euro for each participant who reaches the finish line in the marathons, half-marathons and Women’s races that the company sponsors in Spain, a total of 17 events in which the amount raised will go to various charitable causes chosen according to each race. Through this action, the Z Zurich Foundation plans to donate up to 750,000 euros to non-profit organisations over the three years of this charity project. Runners can also raise funds for their preferred charities, but this is uncommon and is generally limited to runners from the UK and US. There is history everywhere Our verdict The Barcelona Marathon, is as you'd expect from an ASO event, a really well organised big city centre event. It gives runners an opportunity to see the City from a unique perspective and without the massive crowds associated with the likes of London and Berlin. It showcases the best that Barcelona has to offer and it's relatively straightforward to get registered, pick up the bib etc. Do you agree? Add your comments below if you've done this one. How to register Online via the website. It does not sell out yet, but don't leave it too late. Race website https://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en/

Starting in the heart of Sydney and heading to the finish at Bondi Beach the 8.7 miles of the City2Surf 70,000 runner event are pretty special. Being involved in something of this scale is an experience in itself and with a course like this you are guaranteed a day you'll never forget, one way or another. There's also a 'Heartbreak Hill', not quite on the scale of Boston, but still pretty steep! The Destination Located on Australia's east coast, Sydney is the country's most populated city, with 658 suburbs across the Greater Sydney area, home to over 5 million people. It is capital of the state of New South Wales and often known as the Harbour City. Its the traditional home of the Gadigal people of the Eora Aboriginal Nation. It's most famous landmarks are the Sydney Opera House, with its distinctive white "sails," and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and they are amongst the most photographed attractions anywhere in the world. The Harbour is a constant flurry of activity from the famous ferries that criss cross daily, to thousands of leisure craft and the multiple cruise ships that call the city home in the summer. There is so much to see in Sydney, that if you're visiting for City2Surf you'll need to give yourself plenty of time. There's world famous Taronga Zoo overlooking the harbour and nearby Luna Park amusement park. You can climb the Harbour Bridge and once you've done that The Rocks is a must see destination close by. The Australian Museum, near the start of the race, in Hyde Park is also well worth a visit. Darling Harbour entertainment complex needs at least a day and includes the Sea Life aquarium and much more. There are many restaurants there and throughout the city where you can spend way too much time! Across the Harbour by ferry is beautiful Manly, the start of the city's Northern Beaches. Head a few kilometres north to Palm Beach, home of the famous TV show 'Home & Away'. The city's other famous suburb, Bondi, is where you'll finish the race so save plenty of time for that and the other Eastern Suburbs hot spots. History The first City2Surf was held on 5 September 1971 and was initially a 9.4-mile-long (15.1 km) run. It was inspired by San Francisco's Bay to Breakers and was originally organised by the Amateur Athletic Association of NSW and the NSW Women's Amateur Athletic Association. The first race had 1500 starters, mainly from the local running clubs. Ownership passed to Fairfax Media and over time it grew significantly thanks to the coverage from the group's newspapers and online channels and it became part of Sydney's social scene, Participation has peaked at over 80,000 runners in past decades . In 2018 Fairfax Media was sold to Nine Entertainment which included The Sun-Herald City2Surf. A year later it was taken on by Ironman, although it still gets significant marketing support from Nine's news team. The course winds through some of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs Race Organiser The event was long run by Fairfax Events before being acquired by Ironman Group in 2019 following the Fairfax–Nine merger. When? The race is held annually in August Distances 14km (8.7 miles) Is there an Expo? There is a three day expo where race bibs are collected. If you entered before a certain date bibs are posted. There are a number of exhibitors, but it's not on the scale of some of the big marathon events. How many runners? Around 70,000. Course It all starts in Hyde Park and you have to be there to believe the complex logistics involved in getting this many runners from the City to Bondi. From 7.40am to 9.40am there are a series of wave starts, based on expected finish times. Many runners will have finished before others have even started. From the start at the intersection of Park Street and College Street it's downhill on William Street, heading east through the Kings Cross Tunnel, opened in 1975. Just before 2km there are stunning views across Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay at 4km. Runners continue along New South Head Road winding through Rose Bay. This exclusive suburb in Sydney’s east is located 7 km to the east of the Sydney central business district. It enjoys views of both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is home to the many sea planes that offer scenic flights of the city. It's then up the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” just before half way. The views from here are incredible and go some way to taking runners' minds off the challenge! From here it's on to another of the city's most expensive suburbs, Vaucluse, where the course turns and heads south onto Old South Head Road, toward Bondi There are even more breathtaking ocean views on this stretch of the course. From Dover Heights there is a 2km downhill section before turning into Bondi a kilometre before the finish. The last few hundred metres through Bondi along Campbell Parade, before the run parallel to the beach on Queen Elizabeth Drive is a real highlight. There are enough aid stations on route, with plenty of water available. The end of the event is extremely busy and as complex as it is to get all runners away on time the same applies at the end. There is a free bus service to get everyone back into the city, but they are extremely busy so it's best to enjoy Bondi and wait until it all quietens down. Finishing alongside Bondi Beach is a real highlight! What's unique? The views of Sydney and the run along Bondi Beach on traffic free roads Do charities benefit? There are a number of charities that have spots. The event has raised around A$50 million since its inception and although the amounts raised have declined in recent years it is still an important fundraiser for local charities. Our verdict Definitely an iconic event. If you're in Australia at the time it's worth getting involved. When you're finished hang around in Bondi until the crowds have thinned out and enjoy the party atmosphere. How to register Online via the website. Entries are normally open until a few days before the event. There are also charity spots for anyone able to raise A$1000 for one of the partner charities. Race website https://city2surf.com.au/

Is this the best running event in the world? We all know it's a really hard one to get a spot in the London Marathon and for many runners they never do. But if you are one of the lucky ones you need to make sure everything is planned to perfection, both before, during and after. Leave nothing to chance and the London Marathon will give you an experience you'll never forget. London London is one of the world's iconic travel destinations. This event gives runners the opportunity to see if from a completely different perspective and to experience parts of the capital they wouldn't otherwise see. The start is at Greenwich Park. Famed for giving its name to Greenwich Mean Time, Greenwich is home to a World Heritage Site, The O2 entertainment venue, London’s only cable car and London’s oldest Royal Park. Stand with a foot in each hemisphere and explore how scientists first mapped the seas and the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, not far from where you'll begin your 26.2 mile journey. This Greenwich observatory is home to the Prime Meridian Line, the UK’s largest refracting telescope, a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid and the only London planetarium. Tower Bridge at halfway is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Construction began in 1886 and finished eight years later in 1894, with more than 400 workers a day involved. When you've finished the race head back and explore the high-level Walkways of Tower Bridge that connect the North and South Towers. They offer breathtaking panoramic views of London from 42 metres above the River Thames, from east to west. The World Heritage site of the Houses of Parliament towards the end of the event is a must-see part of London. With Big Ben another iconic landmark next door, Parliament Square has a number of unique statues, with the riverside Victoria Tower Gardens home to the Buxton Memorial, marking the abolition of slavery. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons. It's a place that's touched the lives of kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains since 960 AD. Don't miss Trafalgar Square and its famous Lions. If art is your thing the area has some world class galleries, including Tate Britain and the National Gallery. The Royal Parks offer a relaxed space and a break from all the sightseeing. Once you've visited Buckingham Palace and seen the changing of the guard, head over the road to St James Park and up through the Green Park. Hyde Park is the biggest of them all at 350 acres, with Kensington Palace, home to the Prince and Princess of Wales easy to spot in Kensington Gardens. Are you really in the centre of London? When it's time for a refreshment break you'll be spoilt for choice. From Michelin star restaurants to traditional English pubs, Westminster has more than its fair share. Granted London isn't the cheapest city in the world but look closely and you'll find somewhere to suit your budget. History of the London Marathon The first London Marathon was held in 1981, with a total field of 7,000 runners. It wasn't the first large-scale marathon to be run around the streets of London. Between 1909 and 1996, the Polytechnic Marathon was the first-ever to regularly hold a race at the now-standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres. Numbers grew quickly and capacity was soon reached. A ballot was introduced to give more runners the opportunity to take part and charities were also given the opportunity to become involved. It is now the biggest single biggest fundraising event anywhere and raises in excess of $80 million annually. It was one of the founding members of the World Marathon Majors in 2006. A course highlight is running over Tower Bridge Race Organiser London Marathon Events Ltd When? The race is held annually in April Distances Marathon only Is there an Expo? The Running Show is held from Wednesday to Saturday before the race at ExCeL, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London. E16 1XL. It's one of the biggest shows with a large number of exhibitors. Runners need to collect their bibs from here. How many runners? 56,000 The course Just like Boston, Tokyo and New York and unlike Chicago and Berlin, this is a point to point course, rather than one that starts and finishes in the same place. It starts east of the City, in Greenwich and finishes in the centre, a few hundred metres from Buckingham. That presents a challenge; where do you stay if you're visiting for the weekend - at the start or the finish? Having run it many times our recommendation would be staying nearer the finish. The reason for this is that, unlike the New York Marathon, you don't need to be at the start hours beforehand. 8.30-9.00am is fine, so this gives you plenty of time to get there. The transport links are also very good, so unlike NY you aren't relying on the race organiser to get you there on a specific vehicle. You have much more flexibility. The start is a vast space as you'd expect and you'll need to take what you need to eat or drink with you. Other options are fairly limited which is a good thing as it's important to stick with what you're used to. You will now see one of the other overwhelming differences between this and other big marathons. Everybody seems to be running for charity! Everywhere you look there is someone in a charity running vest or T shirt. This event has more people running for charity than any other in the world. There is no exact stat available but it's likely to be around 75%. Tens of millions is raised every year for good causes. All along the route you will see charity cheer zones and they add a huge amount of colour and noise to proceedings. This race would not be what it is without the charities. Running in costume has long been a London Marathon tradition and it has grown hugely every year. The Guiness Book of World Records sends a team to the finish line every year to verify record attempts and awards are made that day. It's a huge part of race and another feature that sets it apart from others. Don't be surprised to be overtaken at some point by a Rhino or a character from a Mr Men or Little Miss book, or a juggler running backward or any one of a hundred or more different personalities. The race is absolutely full of them and it gives the crowd something to really cheer about as they're waiting for their 'chosen one' to run past. Many of the runners in fancy dress are running for charity and the charities themselves have invested in the costumes. It helps them raise more money and massively raises their profile. The fancy dress runners receive a large amount of media coverage during race week and this helps the charities market their work. Heading along the Embankment not far from the finish The London Marathon course is very flat and with the new approach to the start area congestion isn't as bad, although it is always extremely busy, as you'd expect with over 45,000 runners. It does thin out as you get going and at the finish it's not as chaotic as some. There's no phone signal, in common with many others, but with the massive charity involvement comes charity post race functions which takes many of the runners quickly away to other places. Near the Houses of Parliament towards the finish There are so many landmarks to see along the course, that although time doesn't exactly fly by, there is at least always something in sight to take your mind off things. At mile 6 and one of the highlights of the course is the Cutty Sark. The Cutty Sark represents the pinnacle of clipper ship design and was one of the fastest ships of its day. Aged 14 years, Cutty Sark started recording remarkably fast passage times, under her Master Richard Woodget, and became the dominant ship in bringing wool from Australia to England. Now beautifully restored it is one of the City's most important visitor attractions. At mile 12 you take a right turn and run across Tower Bridge. This and running down the home straight are the most emotionally charged parts of the course. There is no more memorable part of any marathon course anywhere in the world than the run across that Bridge. Truly unforgettable. From there it's eastwards to Canary Wharf and one of the world's leading financial centres (there is an out and back section at this point). At mile 20 you begin the run back to the finish and it's now wall to wall landmarks. The Tower of London, South Bank. the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and then of course Buckingham Palace before the last stretch down The Mall. Unreal. There is plenty of water, energy drinks and also gels provided, so you don't need to take anything with you. Remember to train with the products available though. Don't just rock up and try them for the first time on the day itself. What's unique? There are a lot of unique moments. Running over Tower Bridge is one and past Buckingham Palace is another. It's full of them Do charities benefit? It is the largest annual fundraising event in the world with more than £1 billion raised for good causes since the first event. Hundreds of charities are involved with many of them having guaranteed entries in the race. Our verdict It is one of the global marathons that you just have to do. The involvement of the charities makes it very different from the other big city center races, with hundreds of not for profits lining the route and cheering on their runners. For the vast majority of the race the streets are full of supporters and there is rarely a moment when you're not supported. How to register The ballot normally opens straight after the race in April and closes a week or so afterwards. There are likely to be over a million applicants in the ballot so it's pretty tough to get a spot! If you don't get in (notification varies but is likely to be around August) try a tour operator or try a charity. A UK charity will want you to raise around £1500 to £3000 and a US charity will typically ask for $3500 to $5000. Race website https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/

A weekend of multiple events, this is another one with a difference. The Twin Cities Marathon runs from one city to another, not something many can boast. It starts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a major city that forms the “Twin Cities” with the neighbouring state capital of St. Paul. The community-inclusive event also includes live art, course entertainment, the Summit Beer Garden, and welcomes non-participants to join the 300,000+ cheering spectators who line the race courses each year. The Destination The Twin Cities of Minnesota are Minneapolis and the state capital, Saint Paul. There’s very much an outdoor culture here, with the Chain of Lakes taking centre stage. Several of the most prominent lakes in the city form an integral part of this marathon course and of day-to-day life for the thousands of walkers, bikers, boaters and skiers. In the summer it’s kayaks and canoes, and in the winter ice surfers and pond hockey players take over. And of course there’s the majestic Mississippi River, one of the most famous in the world and the second longest river in the United States. It begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico, shaping the development of the region along the way. The River has been a vital part of the development of Minneapolis, a city which was known for its flour mills, thanks to the energy provided by the power of the water. There are events up and down the River all year and across the city, catering to all audiences. If shopping is more your thing there’s the largest shopping mall in the US, the Mall of America. Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing, which makes it particularly attractive for apparel purchases (though most other goods are taxed). Saint Paul is the home of the Minnesota State Capitol building and state government. Historic Como Park includes picnic areas, a zoo and conservatory (and there is also the Minnesota Zoo located in Apple Valley). The city oozes history in neighborhoods that boast towers and turrets, lofty arches, Baroque domes and elaborate adornments. James J. Hill House and the Cathedral of Saint Paul are essential places to visit. As with Minneapolis, much of its development is around the Mississippi and this is where many visitor attractions are found, including the Children’s Museum and the Science Museum. Nowhere in the Twin Cities is that far from anywhere else; it’s a great place to explore. It’s also a popular place to live, with the metropolitan area now home to approximately 3.6–3.7 million people. These numbers are significantly boosted at weekends when this sports-mad area hosts one of its many matches. There are a remarkable number of top-level teams and stadiums here: football with the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), baseball with the Minnesota Twins (MLB), basketball with the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), ice hockey with the Minnesota Wild (NHL), and soccer with Minnesota United (MLS). This is a seriously sports-mad part of the world. The Mississippi dominates this region. You’ll see plenty of it during the run! History The earliest predecessor to the Twin Cities Marathon was the Land of Lakes Marathon, beginning in 1963 and later becoming the City of Lakes Marathon in 1976. In 1982, organisers from Minneapolis and Saint Paul joined forces to create the first official Twin Cities Marathon, combining the spectacular autumn beauty of both cities into one point-to-point race. They believed this would be a greater attraction than competing marathons on either side of the Mississippi River. The inaugural 1982 race attracted 4,563 entrants, which established an entry record for a first-time marathon in the US at that time. Both the 10 mile race as well as the marathon have served as US Championship events. In 2017, the 10 mile race had more finishers (12,484) than the marathon (9,851). Race Organiser The event is organised by Twin Cities In Motion, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 1982. One of their objectives is to give back to the local community by providing financial support to local youth as well as professional athletes. When is the Twin Cities Marathon? The race is held annually in early October. Distances Marathon, 10 mile, 10K, 5K, family events and two multi-event challenges: the Loony and the Ultra Loony. Is there an Expo? There are more than 100 exhibitors with the latest in running and fitness gear at the event expo, where bibs must be collected. It’s held on Friday and Saturday at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. How many runners? Across all events over the weekend, more than 21,000 runners participate. The start is near the US Bank Stadium Course The marathon is on the Sunday of race weekend, starting at 8:00am. The start line is near U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. A corral system is used, meaning little or no congestion on the course as the event progresses. There are free buses to the start and transportation back from the finish in Saint Paul.U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016 and has a capacity of around 67,000 for football and more for concerts. It was built at a cost of just over $1 billion and hosted Super Bowl LII in 2018. Twin Cities is marketed as the “Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” and rightly so. The first half is all about the Chain of Lakes — over 1,500 acres of public parkland within the city limits — and the second half features the Mississippi River and the run into Saint Paul. The first three miles are in the downtown area and are fairly flat, apart from a small hill around two and a half miles. Turning south at 3 miles, runners head between Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, before arriving at Bde Maka Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun). Bde Maka Ska, which translates to “White Earth Lake” in the Dakota language, has beaches, watersport rentals and expansive lakeside parkland. Lake Harriet follows between miles 6 and 7. Just past mile 8 the route turns east and runners head through residential neighborhoods before reaching Lake Nokomis, where there is nearly a full loop, and then Lake Hiawatha around mile 14. From here it’s east and then, just after 15 miles, runners reach the Mississippi River. They head north along its west bank through scenic stretches including Winchell Trail and Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. At around mile 19, runners cross the river into Saint Paul, then head south briefly along the eastern bank before turning east. Between miles 20 and 23 there is a sustained incline — a challenging section late in the race. After mile 23 the course trends gently downhill toward the finish at the Minnesota State Capitol, opened in 1905 and fully restored in 2017. It’s a spectacular setting for the finish line, where runners can enjoy the beer garden and food options. The 10 mile course, also on Sunday, starts at 7:00am near U.S. Bank Stadium but heads east instead of west, joining the marathon course near the river crossing. Aid stations appear every two to three miles on both courses, offering water and electrolyte hydration.There’s plenty of room on the course and lots of support. This event is known not only for its superb course, but for its crowd support, which is exceptional for an event of this scale. This is partly due to an initiative from the organisers called the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge, which invites Minnesotans to assemble along the marathon course in designated locations to support runners and gather as a community. It definitely works. There are also artists along the course capturing special moments from the day. The finish is at the Minnesota State Capitol What’s unique? The Chain of Lakes gives the event its special edge. Do charities benefit? Collectively, the organisers and their charity partners that fundraise at TCM events give back more than $1.1 million annually to a variety of causes. There are a number of charity partners that have entries in one or more of the weekend’s events. They ask runners to raise a pre-agreed amount for one of these spots, or to fundraise independently with their own entry. Our verdict This is a top event and stands out from races of a similar size thanks to the crowd support and the nature of the course. The mix of urban and parkland running is unusual, and having so many people cheering you on really makes a difference. The Mississippi, the lakes and the State Capitol finish make this a must-do marathon. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, the Saturday 10K and 5K are options on top of the Sunday 26.2. How to register Online via the race website. Popular events can fill, so early registration is recommended. Charity spots are also available.

One of the most famous distance running events in the world, the Peachtree Road Race is held in Atlanta, Georgia every July. Up to 60,000 runners take on the 6.2 mile (10km) course from Buckhead to the corners of midtown, finishing in the city's Piedmont Park. It's a massive event, with an elite field and is part of a huge programme of races all organised by the Atlanta Track Club. You have to be part of this one, at least once! The Destination Atlanta, Georgia, with a population of just under half a million people in the city and 6 million in the wider metro area, is the 38th most populous city in the US. Situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains it's arguably one of the most popular cities in the United States due to its thriving economy, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. It's got a vast array of entertainment options, from its numerous sports teams to its art galleries and museums. The vibrant music scene offers a variety of genres from hip-hop to classical and the city has unique cuisine ranging from soul food to Southern BBQ! The city is home to several important landmarks in the United states, including Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Bank of America Plaza. Born in the Georgian state capital of Atlanta, Martin Luther King Jr. is undoubtedly the most famous person from Atlanta. This well-known civil rights activist has become a household name across the world, even today, some 60 years later. Investment in Atlanta was kick started with the announcement that it would host the 1996 Olympic Games. The city government undertook several major construction projects to improve Atlanta's parks, sporting venues, and transportation infrastructure. The related post Games projects led to a transformation of the city in the following decade. Luckily for residents of the sprawling city, Atlanta is actually America’s most forested major city, with more than half of the urban area covered by trees. You won't have a problem finding a flight to Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports (often ranked No.1 by passenger traffic) and is the home of Delta Air Lines, who have 1000 flights a day from Atlanta alone! Atlanta-born pharmacist John Pemberton created Coca-Cola after experimenting with a variety of different ingredients. His aim was to create a health tonic that provided a variety of health benefits to the consumer. What he did do was to create one of the world’s best-selling beverages . You can find out more by visiting The World of Coca-Cola, a museum in the city that showcases the history of The Coca-Cola Company. The 20-acre complex opened to the public on May 24, 2007. History The first Peachtree Road Race was held in 1970 when 110 runners ran from the old Sears building at the corner of Peachtree Street and Roswell Road to Central City Park The next year, the race increased to 198 runners and by 1975 this had risen to 1,000. In 1977 over 6,500 runners competed, overwhelming the capacity of Central City Park and as a result the following year the course changed, starting at Lenox Square and finishing at Piedmont Park, where it finishes today. By 1980, the number of participants was limited to 25,000 runners, which continued until 1990 when it increased to 40,000 and then again to 50,000 five years later. In 2011 it increased to its current capacity of 60,000. It's now an important part of the city's culture and over 150,000 watch the race in person each year as well as many more on TV nationwide. The event is held on Independence Day and this ensures plenty of patriotic costumes. Race Organiser It's owned and organised by the Atlanta Track Club, a member-based organization centered around running, delivering world-class events, training programs and community outreach activities to the Metro Atlanta Area. They encourage both youth and adults to start and continue running, regardless of ability or fitness level, and they provide outlets for all athletes to continue to grow and compete. They collaborate with partners to promote and extend the benefits of running and walking to the greater community. The Club hosts nearly 150,000 participants through 40+ events and programs annually. When? The race is held annually in July (on Independence Day). Distances It's 6.2 miles (10km) Is there an Expo? The Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo takes place over two days before the race in the Georgia World Congress Center. You pick up your race pack here and you can grab the usual merchandise and souvenirs. There are some food live sessions that are worth hanging around for. How many runners? It is capped at 60,000! Course The Peachtree Road Race starts in Buckhead, near Lenox Square and winds south down Peachtree Road, into midtown Atlanta, turning left onto 10th Street for the final kilometer before ending at 10th St. and Charles Allen Drive at Piedmont Park, 6.2 miles later. After a largely downhill first half, runners cross Peachtree Creek and tackle the gruelling 3/4 mile-long "Cardiac Hill," which culminates at Peachtree and Collier Rd. in front of Piedmont Hospital. Mile 5 has been known as the Olympic Mile, where banners and theme music entertained IOC members in the 1990 event, during Atlanta's bid for the 96 Games. The course has regular water (500,000 cups and 120,000 gallons of water!) stations, bathrooms, and plenty of music. 3000 volunteers make sure runners are very well looked after. The race takes off in a number of waves based on runners’ previous running times. These waves start at 6:25 a.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. The best way to get to the start is on the MARTA, the local train network. If you’re a spectator, there are plenty of places to watch runners complete the race. Peachtree Road is packed on both sides during the race, with boundaries separating the crowds from the asphalt runway. One of the most popular places to watch the action is on the edge of 10th Street NE, where the runners take a sharp left and sprint toward the finish line at Piedmont Park. The atmosphere at the Park is superb. The 75 hectares of Piedmont Park is a central focal point of Atlanta's community and it knows how to host a party. It's home to various annual celebrations and events, including the Atlanta Pride Festival and the Atlanta Jazz Festival, as well as many others. It's all really well organised, despite the huge number of people at the finish. What's unique? It's the world's biggest 10k! Do charities benefit? Atlanta Track Club Foundation, established in May 2021, supports the mission and vision of Atlanta Track Club's commitment to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. The Foundation oversees all fundraising efforts associated with current community programs and general operations as well as seeks to create meaningful partnerships to expand community engagement. Runners and spectators alike can donate to Atlanta Track Club Foundation online. Donations go immediately to support community programs like Kilometer Kids, allowing the Club to continue working with the cross country and track and field coaches and teams at Atlanta Public Schools and to uphold their commitment to create an active and healthy Atlanta through running and walking. Our verdict There is nothing quite like taking part in such a massive event as this. Even though all 60,000 runners aren't on the course at the same time, due to the wave starts, there is something special about being involved in a race like this. There are big crowds from the very start to the finish and they are extremely vocal. This is definitely one you should do! How to register There is a cap in the number of participants, with entry to the race granted on a first come first served basis. Atlanta Track Club members had priority access to registration with the remaining spots open to the public until June 4 or when the event sells out. Registration methods have evolved in recent years, and could well continue to do so. Race website https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree

Portugal is a great country for runners. It's often the location for winter running camps due to its great climate when much of the rest of Europe isn't so good. It also has some great events, including the Lisbon Half Marathon, one of the SuperHalfs half marathon series. So what's it like, worth the trip?   The Destination Easy to get to from most European hubs, Lisbon has plenty of accommodation to suit most budgets and thankfully plenty of availability, even a week before the race. In some event cities accommodation providers get greedy but here that wasn't the case. I made a mistake choosing the hotel location as I didn't read the event instructions in detail (the biggest mistake of race prep!). I knew I wanted to be near the 25 de Abril Bridge which is where the race starts but I didn't realise it's closed to pedestrians on race morning. That meant i had to get a cab to the train station at Campolide and then take a 10 min train to Almada and walk about a mile and a half to the other end of the Bridge. A basic error, but one that cost me well over an hour on race morning. I had been hoping to roll out of bed, stroll to the start and run. With big city events like this it's rarely the case and I should have known better. History First held in 1991, the race has consistently delivered fast winning times. However, many of these times have been unratifiable for record purposes due to factors including: the course being too short (1991–93), excessive tailwinds, as well as there being an excessive drop in altitude, which boosted athletes' performances (1996, 1998, 2000–01, 2004, and 2006). [3] [4] The course was judged as non-permissible for records until 2008, in which year the organisers changed the elite course to allow for records. The new course begins at sea level on the north side of the river Tagus , a change which made the course entirely flat. The course for the mass participation race, which has attracted almost 30,000 runners in previous years, remained unchanged and begins by crossing the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge before linking up with the new elite course. [5] [6] The current elite course of the half marathon begins in a small town on the north bank of the Tagus, no longer crossing the bridge, [7] and the course is wide and flat from there on. Heading eastwards towards the city centre, the course passes the docks and traces a route alongside much of the city's historical architecture, including the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery . [6] From 2008 onwards, the organisers set aside a €50,000 prize pot for any athlete breaking the world record over the half marathon distance. This led to the participation of a number of prominent athletes, with marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie winning the 2008 edition, while Charles Kamathi and Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot followed behind. [8] Another strong field was assembled in 2010 and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea broke both the 20 kilometres and half marathon world records in his winning run. [2] Race Organiser Maratona Clube de Portugal, with the support of the local governments of Lisbon, Oeiras and Almada. When? The event weekend is held annually in March. Distances Half Marathon and 10k. Is there an Expo? The Sport Expo it will take place on the three days before the event and it's where the bibs and t-shirt are collected. It's at the Belém Cultural Center (Praça do Império / Rua Bartolomeu Dias, 1449-003 Lisbon) between 10am and 8pm. How many runners? 30,000 across all distances Course Arriving at the start (below) you do get a feel for the scale of the event and of the Bridge that absolutes dominates the first couple of miles. The 10k also starts here so there are plenty of people around. There were no specific areas by time zone so you just join once you see people start running. It's all very flexible. Be careful when you start running that you go extreme left or extreme right. As you can see on the photo below there is a grid down the middle on both sides and it's extremely uncomfortable. Twenty minutes of that isn't a great way to get your race underway. The views from the Bridge are stunning and you can see for miles. After about 9 miles there is more to see as you head into the City The race continues along the river shore passing by Alcantara, Cais de Sodré, Algés and Dafundo, finishing at .but then there is a long out and back leg to the finish of 4 miles which seemed to go on forever, as these always do, especially at the finish. The finish itself is Mosteiros dos Jerónimos near Belém, a stunning part of the City and a great place to hang around afterwards soaking up the atmosphere. There aren't many better places to be than at the finish of an endurance event and this one is no different. It makes all the pain that went before seem worthwhile. Say hello to the guys in the SuperHalfs are as you pass through the finish zone. A highlight of any race finish is getting presented with your finisher medal. This one is pretty good, with the Bridge taking centre stage. What's unique? That run over the Bridge. Superb. Do charities benefit? There are official charities linked to the SuperHalfs but not specifically designated for this event. Charity running is not common locally, but if you can support a charity it would make a real difference to them. Our verdict The race doesn't include much of the city centre but the run over the Bridge and the finish area are both very memorable. How to register Online via the website. It will sell out in the weeks leading up to the race but there is no lottery. Entries are also available via partner charities in exchange for an agreed amount of fundraising. Race website https://www.running-portugal.com/lisbon/lisbonhalf/en/home.html

Should you run with headphones? Check out our guide Motivation and taking your mind off the miles are two of the reasons why so many runners use headphones while they run. For many the beat helps push them on and for others they take the time to listen to podcasts while they're running. Whatever it is you it seems clear that more often than not runners have headphones in when they're pounding the miles. Are you a headphones in or headphones out runner? What are the options? More than 60% of runners run with headphones. Many use wireless earbuds or similar, but others stick to those that are attached to their phone via leads to prevent losing them while running. The options are endless. When it comes to listening options many have their own playlists, or use playlists compiled by others, sometimes specifically for runners, others not so. More often than not the playlists are based on a specific beat, that helps with cadence and with motivation. Some runners instead go with a playlist that's unrelated to a specific beat and is aimed at maintaining their enthusiasm during a training run or event. More are now listening to podcasts as an alternative. The growth in podcasts over the last five years has been huge and the options are significant. They cover a vast range of subjects in detail and along with audiobooks are a great way of learning and of focusing on an alternative subject while the run or event is happening. Many use headphones to divert attention away from the pain and the spoken word can do that as well as music. Listening to music - the positives Lowers your perceived rate of exertion There's no doubt that music, at least certain music, can impact what's known as the perceived rate of exertion. That's how hard your running actually feels. So the lower the rate the quicker you'll probably run. Certain songs will improve your performance and especially on shorter workouts will help you perform better. It just doesn't feel as tough when you're listening to music that gives you a lift. Can improve breathing pace It has also been illustrated that your breathing pace can improve, when you’re listening to a certain song or group of songs, if they have a certain beat. This is thanks to sound processing that begins in the brainstem and which controls the rate of your heartbeat and respiration. There are numerous playlists on the likes of Spotify designed especially for runners. The songs will have a consistent beat, but one that ensures that it doesn't increase the rate of breathing too much.Too big an increase could lead to excessive pace that causes exhaustion or injury. . Can relieve boredom The longer the run, the more time you have to keep your mind occupied. Some runners use the time to work through issues they may have at work or at home or just enjoy where they're running, but others use music to pass the time and to keep them motivated. The quicker you get bored the more of a role music can play. If this is the case then it's important to either use existing playlists or put together your own and be prepared. The impact of a good song? Listening to music - the negatives Can impact on your safety Listening to music can impact on your safety, especially if both headphones are in and the music is loud. You won't be able to hear traffic as well and you won't hear other warning noises like shouts from cyclists or other pedestrians. You will be far less aware of potential dangers as you're relying on sight only. This is a serious issue, both in training and on race day, which is why they are banned at some events. Impacts on body feedback It's very hard to absorb feedback from harder sessions if you're wearing headphones. If you're working on a new aspect of your training like hills, reps or fartlek, it is very important to listen to your body. How does your breathing sound, how's your heart rate? Music will distract you from recognising and understanding these changes. Can interfere with normal cadence Running cadence is the number of steps per minute a person takes during a run and keeping this steady throughout a run is really important. If you're listening to music it is very likely that your cadence will be negatively impacted, either because it slows too much or that it quickens more than it should. Either can happen if the beat of the song being listened to changes too much. There is potential to overstride if the beat drops or running too fast if the beat is excessive. Both could lead to an injury. Does not build mental strength Being prepared physically is one aspect of running longer distances. Another is to be prepared mentally and listening to music may impact on the mental aspect. Music masks the mental challenges of grinding out a long distance event and you may question why you need to, but there may be occasions when you need to. Can't be at one with your environment One reason why it's really important to make sure you have a great portfolio of running routes is that the environment that you run in should inspire your running and motivate you to run more. If you are listening to music you may benefit from the visual impact of the scenery, but you won't benefit from any of its sounds. Can't get away from it all For many, the time spent running is precious 'me time'. It's time spent thinking and being creative or dealing with problems. Many runners never get the opportunity to experience it because they are always listening to music and assume that without music a run will become more boring as time progresses. A free mind can also be a factor in the 'runner's high', which those who listen to music are unlikely to experience. What are the alternatives? If you absolutely have to listen to headphones during training what can you do to mitigate some of the negatives, especially the safety concerns? Options include keeping the volume to a reasonable level, only running with one headphone out, not running with them where the traffic is heavy and of course being aware of what's going on around you. Or try these. Listen to podcasts If you're not. podcast listener then have a look at them as an option for your runs. Agreed there is no beat to keep your motivation going but in terms of being a distraction they are ideal. And they can last a while, with a series potentially lasting as long if not longer than a marathon. There are some really bad ones out there and some really good ones, so make sure you listen to snippets before you make the choices for your run. There are a number of providers like Spotify and you can download multiple episodes in advance. Check out our free podcasts here . If you're a member don't forget your series of Members Only podcasts. To become a member head here. Podcasts can seriously relieve boredom Listen before you leave home If you can't run without motivation from music then try listening to it before you leave home, but not actually on the run itself. It can stimulate your nervous system, improve your emotional state, and better prepare you for a race than not listening to music. Or just try music during the warm up phase of a run, rather than for the full duration. Watch any professional warming up and you'll see most of them are listening to music, which of course thy aren't allowed to do in the race itself. If it works for them why can't it work for you. Use bone conduction tech Alternatively try bone conduction headphones as opposed to the traditional ear phones. Bone-conduction earphones transmit sound vibrations along your cheekbone into your auditory nerves, bypassing the eardrum in the process. The sound directly reaches your cochlea through the bone. Importantly that allows ambient noise so you can listen to music and hear what’s going on around you. This alleviates the safety concern, which is such an issue during events and on your general training runs. Yes, this means spending money on new kit, but you can't put a price on safety. It's worth investing in bone conduction headphones if you can't do without your music O r just turn it off for a while? During your runs just try and run for a while with no noise and see how it feels. It might have been a few weeks or months since you've done it and you may now feel more comfortable doing so. Maybe wait until a really scenic part of your run and soak in the view. Save the headphones for the treadmill for the next few runs. Headphones and events Sport governing bodies and race directors don't like headphones in events and for good reason. It can be really difficult to communicate with runners if they're listening to loud music and it can be difficult for runners to hear emergency vehicles. Occasionally headphones are banned or only bone conductor headphones are allowed so check before you run. If you're running a triathlon it's very likely headphones will be banned. You'll miss a lot of the fun and excitement of being in an event if you're wearing headphones, so think about only using them in training if you need do and leave them at home on race day. Check out our post on using headphones in events . Can you cope without them? If music is banned at your next event, or you lose one of your ear buds, or your phone dies, could you cope? Have you become so used to using headphones when you run that this could be an issue? Why not mix it up for the next three or four weeks? Try using headphones one day and then not the next and see how you feel. You need to be prepared for a run without music. It might happen one day.

Brooklyn is home to some incredible running events. The Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon is operated by NYC RUNS and is one of the ten biggest halfs in the US. You'll get to start in Williamsburg, run past the three bridges, through some of the coolest parts of the Borough, Brooklyn Museum, the Grand Army Plaza Arch, and finish in Prospect Park. The Destination With nearly three million if it wasn't part of NYC, Brooklyn would be the third most populous city in the US. It's big and it's a great place to run a half marathon. There are some must see parts of the Borough and this half will take you to them. Williamsburg is probably at the top of most visitor's Brooklyn wish list and this is where the race starts. Over the last 25 years it's undergone a remarkable transformation, especially in the north. Referred to by some as Little Berlin, it is known for its music, nightlife and arts scene and the changes to its architectural landscape. New high rises dominate its skyline and buildings that looked doomed to history have been renovated and now house apartments, boutique stores and restaurants. Nearby is Brooklyn Bridge Park, an essential place to visit. Covering more than 1.3 miles of Brooklyn’s waterfront, It has a continuous promenade of six diverse piers, with an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and specialist stores and covers the area from the Columbia Heights waterfront district to the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO. DUMBO is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, and one of Brooklyn's most visited neighborhoods. It has cobblestone streets, dramatic architecture, great dining and breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan’s panoramic skyline and the New York Harbor across the river. In years gone by it was a busy ferry terminal, full of industrial and warehouse buildings and there are still remnants of a railroad track that ran through the neighborhood in the early 1900s. There are many others places to see, including the Brooklyn Museum and the New York Transit Museum which is housed underground in an authentic 1936 subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the Transit Museum’s working platform level spans a full city block, and is home to a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907. There's Coney Island, with the the most famous wooden roller coaster in the US, and one of the oldest (1927) still in operation, the Cyclone, at Coney Island. Located on the southwestern part of Brooklyn Coney Island is a peninsular neighborhood, with a famous boardwalk, three miles of beach and one of New York’s top attractions, the insane Luna Park. The area saw years of neglect, but the amusement park has restored the area’s lively nature. When you want to relax at the end of the day there's the Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg, one of the event's partners and where you can take a fascinating tour. Brooklyn's famous bridges are a big part of the first part of the course History The first NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon was held as recently as 2018 when it was added to the the company's Brooklyn Marathon, a community race that debuts in 2011, with 262 finishers running loops around Prospect Park. After a two year break due to Covid in 2020 and 2021, both the marathon returned for 2022, with a new course through the streets and neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The organisers subsequently announced the Marathon would not be offered in 2023 and 2024, while a new course was developed. The focus would be on the Half in those years. Race Organiser NYCRUNS When? The race is held annually in April Distances Half Marathon Is there an Expo? The NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon Expo takes place at Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse, 73 West Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on Friday and Saturday before race day and this is where race packs and T-shirts are collected. How many runners? 25,000 Course When you pick up your bib at the Expo, you will be assigned a wave and a corral based on the pace you submitted when you registered. Waves can be changed at the expo. The first of the 3 waves starts at 7am and the third one at 8am. You need to be in your wave at least an hour earlier. The wheelchair event goes off first, five minutes before the first wave. There are pacers for each of the waves. Ready for action It all starts on Manhattan Avenue in Williamsburg and then heads southwest through Greenpoint. This neighborhood has a large Polish community, containing many Polish restaurants, markets, and businesses, and it is often referred to as Little Poland. Runners then wind down the East River waterfront, passing under the Williamsburg Bridge just after 2 miles, passing the Navy Yards at 3 miles and heading west along Flushing Avenue to DUMBO. It's then under the next bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, before a quick turnaround and under the Brooklyn Bridge, the last of the three. Just over five miles have now gone and it now starts to get a bit hillier as runners turn south towards Brooklyn Heights. Originally known as Brooklyn Village, it has been a prominent area of Brooklyn since 1834. There are very few high rise buildings here and many brownstone houses, common in parts of Manhattan. The Brooklyn Art Gallery is here, along with some of the area's most prominent churches. Pacing groups can make all the difference Half way is on historic Fulton Street and then it's some big hills on to Flatbush Avenue. Running on this stretch of the course it's hard to imagine that it's one of the oldest streets in the borough and was once a country lane. Built over a Native American footpath, it connected disparate Dutch farming villages, from which the avenue takes its name. It's then through Grand Army Plaza. The oval-shaped plaza is the grand main entrance to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, and it's also vital in local traffic management. Eight streets converge on Grand Army Plaza’s two ring roads. It features the majestic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch, a fountain, and several prominent statues. From there it's east towards Prospect Heights, a highly desirable area and home to many more of Brooklyn's brownstones for an out and back section, along Eastern Parkway from mile 8 to beyond mile 10. It's then back to the Grand Army Plaza and an out and back down Flatbush Avenue within Prospect Park, turning just before the zoo. What a feeling! Prospect Park was designed and constructed over a thirty-year period (1865-1895) by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the masterminds behind Central Park Although it's only 25% of the area of its northern cousin its 526 acres in size it has the first urban-area Audubon Center in the US, the zoo, an ice rink, a band shell, a carousel, and dozens of athletic and recreational facilities. The last mile down West Drive and Center Drive is the perfect way to finish this stunning tour of Brooklyn. The finish area is restricted to runners so be mindful of where you plan to meet friends and family. There's plenty of crowd support, especially later (it is an early start!) and the aid stations are regular; every 1.5 miles with water and endurance drinks in good supply. What's unique? Although the roads are closed off for other running events in and around Brooklyn, you can't beat the run through DUMBO. Do charities benefit? Charities are invited to be part of the event and runners are able to run for their favorite non-profit and raise much needed funds for them. Our verdict For an event that was previously fully within the confines of Prospect Park, this course is a real step forward, offering breathtaking views of Manhattan for the first part of the course and the three bridges before heading south along Brooklyn's heart before heading into the Park via the stunning Grand Army Plaza. Yes there are some out and backs and some serious hills, but it's got a lot of positives and it's already one of the top ten halfs in the US with the potential for much more. Give it a go. How to register Online via the race website. It's on a first come, first served basis and is likely to sell out so don't leave it too late. Race website https://brooklynhalfmarathon.com/

In the latest episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers sits down with Sebastian Key, ultra runner and Public Fundraising Manager for the Running Charity, for a conversation that redefines what endurance really means. From his first half marathon in Barcelona to running 1,300km around Iceland, Sebastian’s story isn’t just about distance. It’s about mindset, meaning, and making running something you love — not something you survive. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE “If you hate the process, you’ll finish the marathon and stop running.” Seb’s London Marathon experience shaped his philosophy on training. After running a 3:20 at the London Marathon, he realised something important: chasing times isn’t everything. While structured training plans, tempo runs, and pace targets all have their place, Seb believes long-term runners are built on enjoyment — not rigid perfection. He openly admits he skipped sessions he hated. He loved long runs.He loved hill sprints.He hated tempo workouts. And instead of forcing it, he adapted. His advice is refreshingly honest: if training becomes punishment, you won’t stick with it. But if you find the parts you love, running becomes sustainable — even addictive in the best way. For fundraisers especially, this matters. A positive training journey makes it far easier to talk about, share, and raise money around. “Ultras are about keeping your body in its best state possible.” When Sebastian transitioned from marathons to ultra-distance running, everything changed. “You don’t run ultras the way you run marathons,” he explains. Instead of racing from start to finish, ultras are about management: Run. Walk. Eat. Hydrate. Maintain. It’s not about collapsing across the line. It’s about controlled endurance. That shift in mindset led him to bigger and bolder challenges — including running seven marathons in seven days, and eventually attempting to break the record for running Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) Over 17 days, Seb averaged 77km per day in brutal wind, hills, sleep deprivation, and escalating injuries — including Achilles tendonitis and severe shin inflammation that required a homemade “bionic” foot contraption built with rubber bands and kinesiology tape. But even at his lowest moment, halfway through the journey and breaking down in tears, he reframed it. Instead of battling the distance, he chose joy. Which leads to perhaps the most powerful quote of the episode. “When things get hard, remember to dance.” At the emotional halfway point in Iceland, Seb hit the wall. Injured, exhausted, and staring at hundreds of kilometres still to go, the weight of the challenge caught up with him. So what did he do? He and his team blasted the Bee Gees from the camper van and danced. They filmed it. They laughed. They turned pain into play. Seb rejects the idea that endurance has to be aggressive or combative. For him, resilience comes from remembering that the challenge is a choice. “You’re choosing to be here,” he says. “Make the most of it.” That mindset not only carried him through Iceland but helped him raise £34,000 for Children with Cancer UK — a cause deeply personal to him after his sister’s childhood brain tumour diagnosis. For Seb, fundraising isn’t transactional. It’s relational. He encourages runners to go deeper:Learn the charity.Understand the impact.Tell the story. When people feel your connection, they want to be part of it and they will be more likely to donate. Beyond the Finish Line What’s next? Possibly an attempt to run over 100km per day for an entire month. But for now, Seb is supporting others, including runners tackling the Camino in Spain and even the length of Europe from Norway to Italy. True endurance, it seems, isn’t just physical. It’s about: Finding joy in effort Staying connected to purpose And remembering that even in the toughest miles… you can still dance Whether you’re training for your first 10K or dreaming of an ultra, Sebastian Key’s story is proof that the limits we think we have are often just the beginning. If you'd like to join Seb and run an event for The Running Charity you can find out more here HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Running often starts with a simple goal: get fitter, clear your mind, or try something new. But for many people, it becomes much more; a journey of resilience, community, and purpose. That’s exactly what happened to Charlotte Patrick, Events Team Leader at Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices for children and young adults, whose running journey took her from the Couch to 5K programme in 2019 all the way to completing the London Marathon  and even tackling an international relay run to Paris. Her story offers powerful lessons for runners, charity fundraisers, and anyone looking to set and achieve meaningful goals. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE How Charlotte Started Running (And Fell in Love With It) Charlotte’s running journey began in a very relatable way: she wanted to understand what her colleagues were talking about. She started with the Couch to 5K programme and quickly realised running suited her personality. “I love it because I'm not a coordinated person… but running is one foot in front of the other. It's just moving forward.” That simplicity became the foundation of her long-term success. Within months, she progressed from beginner runs to major events like the Vitality 10K and The Big Half, building confidence and momentum along the way. From 5K to running her first marathon: the London Marathon Charlotte’s biggest breakthrough came when she secured a coveted London Marathon ballot place in 2023, something many runners dream of. Her preparation focused on: Structured training plans Strength and conditioning Injury prevention through yoga Fitting runs around daily life One key factor in her success was accountability. Having someone review her training feedback after each run helped her stay consistent, something she says was critical to finishing strong. The Emotional Power of Race Day Race day delivered everything she hoped for: excitement, nerves, and unforgettable moments. Charlotte emphasises that runners should focus less on performance and more on enjoying the experience. “You’ve done the hard work in your training… so race day is your lap of honour — enjoy it.” At mile 21, she hit a tough mental patch — something many marathoners experience, but seeing her cheer squad helped her push through. That moment reinforced an important lesson: marathon running is as much about mindset as fitness. Running for Purpose: Fundraising Motivation Beyond personal achievement, Charlotte has always linked running with fundraising for charity. Her experience shows that successful fundraising requires planning and emotional connection. She advises runners to treat fundraising like a training plan: starting early and setting clear goals. “People aren’t just going to give you the money — you have to plan it and work for it.” Some of the most effective fundraising strategies she’s seen at her charity include: Quiz nights and bingo events Handmade items like pottery or bracelets Selling goods online Early personal donations to set the tone Most importantly, she stresses that fundraisers perform best when they truly believe in the cause. The Next Challenge: Running Beyond the Marathon After London, Charlotte didn’t stop. She joined a multi-day Run to Paris relay challenge , covering roughly half a marathon per day with a team. This experience reinforced her biggest running philosophy: It’s not about speed, it’s about the journey, teamwork, and enjoying the process. Key Lessons From Charlotte’s Story If you’re considering running or fundraising, her journey offers valuable insights: 1. Start Small, Dream Big A simple Couch to 5K programme can lead to life-changing achievements. 2. Accountability Drives Consistency Having support or coaching increases your chances of success. 3. Plan Fundraising Like Training Structure, preparation, and purpose make all the difference. 4. Focus on the Experience Running events aren’t just races — they’re emotional milestones. Final Thoughts Charlotte’s story proves that anyone can become a runner and use that journey to make a real impact. Whether your goal is to run your first 5K, complete a marathon, or raise money for charity, her advice is simple: Start where you are, stay consistent, and remember why you began. If you'd like to join Charlotte and support Naomi House and Jacksplace you can find out more here HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

In the latest Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers sat down with Charlotte Mann, Senior Fundraising Manager for VICTA, a national charity supporting blind and partially sighted young people. Their conversation explored a refreshing perspective on running — one that prioritises enjoyment, community, and purpose over race medals and finish times. Here are the key takeaways from Charlotte’s running journey and her insights into fundraising. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE Running For Joy, not just medals One of the most interesting aspects of Charlotte’s story is that she has not run a formal race and she’s completely happy with that. Her motivation comes from the simple joy of getting outside, clearing her mind, and staying active. For Charlotte, running is less about ticking off achievements and more about building a lifelong habit and running for joy, not just medals. “For me, my target is just always to get out in nature and enjoy it.” This mindset challenges a common belief among runners that they must  sign up for events to stay motivated. Instead, Charlotte focuses on consistency, wellbeing, and enjoyment and she says that naturally leads to improvement over time. The Power of Running Together While solo runs have their place, Charlotte credits much of her enjoyment to running with others. Joining a run club transformed her routine by removing pressure around pace and adding a strong social element. Conversations, shared experiences, and post-run coffees all became part of what makes running meaningful. “The running community is just so friendly and so supportive.” For many runners, especially those balancing busy work lives, this sense of belonging can be just as valuable as the exercise itself. Running as a Tool for Life Changes Through her work with VICTA’s marathon runners, Charlotte has seen firsthand how running can become a catalyst for major personal transformation. People often start running after a health scare, life change, or personal loss. Over time, training for a marathon gives them structure, purpose, and confidence. “From not being able to run more than 100 meters without stopping to running the London Marathon a few years later.” These stories highlight how running is rarely just about fitness; it’s often about reclaiming control and building resilience. Fundraising: Start with What You Love Charlotte’s biggest advice for charity runners is simple: make fundraising personal and enjoyable. The most successful fundraisers don’t rely solely on sharing a donation link. Instead, they build creative events around their interest, from supper clubs to raffles to themed community nights. Her golden rule: Turn something you already love into a fundraiser. This approach makes the process feel natural rather than stressful and often raises far more money. Choosing the Right Cause Matters Charlotte emphasises that selecting a charity you genuinely care about can shape the entire marathon experience. When runners feel personally connected to the cause, their motivation, fundraising energy, and sense of achievement all increase. Crossing the finish line then becomes about more than completing a race; it represents the impact they’ve helped create. A Refreshing Reminder for Runners Charlotte’s story offers an important message: you don’t need medals, races, or personal bests to be a runner. Running can simply be about movement, connection, and wellbeing and sometimes, that’s the most powerful motivation of all. Looking ahead:  Charlotte hopes to run the London Marathon in 2027, not to chase a time, but to enjoy the experience and continue a family tradition. And if her philosophy is anything to go by, she’ll be running it for all the right reasons. If you would like to run for VICTA with Charlotte you can find out more here HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Running and fundraising often go hand in hand — but for some people, the connection goes far deeper than miles and money. In a recent conversation on the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Paul Courtney , Director of Fundraising at Children’s Hospice South West, shared powerful insights into how running intersects with purpose, wellbeing, and human connection. His journey reveals lessons not just for charity runners, but for anyone looking to stay motivated, raise funds effectively, and rediscover their “why.” HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE Paul’s story begins with a simple principle: “I’ve always had this principle in life that I should never ask somebody to do something that I’m not prepared to do myself.” That belief pushed him from encouraging fundraisers on the sidelines to running alongside them. Over the years, he’s completed many 10Ks and half marathons, often while fundraising himself. This dual perspective gives him rare insight into both sides of charity running: The physical challenge runners face The emotional motivation behind fundraising The importance of truly understanding supporters For Paul, running isn’t just exercise — it’s empathy in action. The First Race: When Life Gets in the Way Like many runners, Paul’s first half marathon didn’t go exactly to plan. His training collided with sleepless nights after the birth of his first child — a reminder that real life rarely fits neatly around training schedules. But that imperfect race sparked something bigger. Instead of focusing on finish-line glory, Paul discovered something more lasting: “Running had suddenly become a really important part of my week… it was physically exerting, but it was mentally restorative.” This is one of the most overlooked benefits of running — not just fitness, but mental clarity, stress relief, and routine. How your 'why' fuels fundraising For Paul, the single biggest motivator in running — especially charity running — is purpose. Every runner has a reason, whether it’s fitness, personal challenge, or something deeply emotional. But when running for charity, the “why” often becomes profoundly personal. How does your 'why' fuel your fundraising? “There has got to be something that goes beyond myself… that I really, passionately believe in.” Paul regularly supports families running in memory of loved ones — and he’s seen firsthand how transformative the experience can be. For some, training and racing become part of healing, providing focus, meaning, and community during difficult times. Fundraising Success: There’s No Magic Formula After years in fundraising, Paul says there’s no single trick that guarantees success — but there are  consistent patterns among effective charity runners. 1. Consistency Matters More Than Creativity Regular updates and visibility keep supporters engaged. 2. Make It Fun and Personal People connect with authenticity — not polished perfection. 3. Break Big Targets Into Smaller Goals A yearly fundraising target becomes far less intimidating when divided into manageable milestones. 4. Celebrate Supporters Acknowledging donors strengthens relationships and encourages continued support. The Mental Health Benefits of Running One of the strongest themes from Paul’s experience is how running supports emotional wellbeing. Whether someone is coping with grief, stress, or everyday life pressures, running provides: Structure and routine Time for reflection A sense of progress and control Community and connection In some cases, Paul has even heard runners say their training journey helped them survive their hardest moments — a testament to the deeper impact of the sport. Why Purpose Makes Runners Stronger At mile 20 of a marathon — or mile 10 of a half — motivation fades unless there’s something deeper driving you forward. That’s why charity runners often demonstrate extraordinary resilience: they’re running for something bigger than themselves. When runners connect emotionally to their cause, fundraising becomes easier, training feels more meaningful, and finishing feels transformative. Final Thoughts: Running Is About More Than the Finish Line Paul’s journey shows that running is far more than a physical activity. It can be: A tool for mental wellbeing A powerful fundraising platform A way to connect with others’ stories A path to discovering purpose Whether you’re running your first 5K or chasing a marathon goal, the key takeaway is simple: Know your why — and let it carry you forward. If you'd like to run for Children's Hospice South West you can find out more here HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

The SuperHalfs are six of the best half marathons in Europe A collection of six of Europe's leading half marathons, the SuperHalfs was established in 2019. Led by Run Czech, the organisers of the Prague Half (and Prague Marathon, amongst many others) the other five are the Copenhagen Half, Lisbon Half, Berlin Half, Cardiff Half and Valencia Half. There's a special medal available if you complete all six within five years, a Super Passport and more. What is the SuperHalfs series? It's six of Europe's finest halfs. Six great destinations with six great weekends guaranteed. You'll be able to see the Prague Puppet Theatre (above) and much much more as you spend time criss-crossing Europe over the five years you have to complete the series. Combining your love of running with your love of travel and adventure, the SuperHalfs are a great way of doing both. The half marathon is a great distance. It's an achievement but it doesn't take over your life. It won't dominate your weekend. You still need to train hard and respect it, but it will still give you time to explore before the race and you will hopefully still be in decent shape afterwards to keep exploring. Complete the races in any order, within five years from the date of your first one and you'll get a SuperMedal at the finish line of your last race! 6 races - 60 months - 1 SuperMedal You'll also get a digital passport once you register on the SuperHalfs website and you can collect e-stamps as you travel and share your progress on social media. All of the SuperHalfs events are World Athletics' Elite Road Race Labels or are run on World Athletics (IAAF) World Championship courses. They are certified by AIMS or have been awarded a 5 Star Road Race standard by European Athletics. Several races in the SuperHalfs series have played host to World Record performances. What are the six events? Lisbon Famed for its flat and fast course, the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon held the men's world record for the distance from 2010-2018 and again in 2021, with thousands of runners earning their personal best there. It offers stunning views of Portugal's capital, setting off along the 25 de Abril Bridge before winding through the city and finishing at the famous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monument. There's also the Vodafone 10k, creating a festival of sport and making this Portugal’s biggest running event. Prague Stunning scenery awaits you at every twist and turn of the Prague Half Marathon, including the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre, Vyšehrad Castle and the Rudolfinum Concert Hall. Local school children rub shoulders with the world’s fastest distance runners, who set records over the flat and fast course. The event was set up with one simple goal in mind - inspire the people of Czechia to get active and become healthier and happier. Now almost 25 years later it has become one of Europe's most popular half marathons. Berlin The most recent of the SuperHalf events the race starts at Straße des 17.Juni between Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column from 10.05 in a series of wave starts. The exact time you start will be determined by your predicted finish time. The Victory Column is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It's a 67-metre-high column, crowned by the golden Berlin Peace Angel, the "Goldelse", standing in the middle of the Tiergarten. From the platform there's a magnificent view over the parklands of the Tiergarten and over the whole of Berlin. Here's our post on Berlin Copenhagen The Copenhagen Half Marathon is a race that’s known around the world for its world record course and high-quality elite field. Although only established in 2015, it has quickly become one of Europe’s must-run races. Along the way runners pass The Old Stock Exchange, The Parliament Christiansborg, The Marble Church and The Black Diamant. After completing 21.0975 kilometers, the finish line is on one of the most iconic boulevards in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Allé, where thousands of spectators cheer on every runner as they finish this superb course. Cardiff Since it was founded in 2003, the Cardiff Half Marathon has established itself as one of the UK’s leading road races. It's now one of the biggest events in Europe – a huge achievement considering only 1,500 runners took part in the inaugural event. The route takes in all of the city's most iconic landmarks including the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay, the Civic Centre and Cardiff Castle. In 2016 the event cemented its status as a globally recognised race when it played host to the World Half Marathon Championships. Thousands of spectators turn out to cheer on the runners in a city renowned for its sporting passion. Valencia The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation have awarded the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich the title of the best half marathon in Spain, and when you run this amazing race it’s easy to see why. As well as the best, it’s also the country’s fastest half marathon. The city centre course winds its way through the busy streets of Valencia, as well as the Maritime Quarter. The route is constantly tweaked to make sure it takes in as much of the authentic city experience as possible, as well as removing some tighter bends to allow for faster finishing times. How does it all work? It's all pretty easy. The first thing to do is create an account at www.superhalfs.com . A digital passport and passport number will be generated for you. You will need to input this passport number whenever you enter a race. Enter your SuperHalfs passport number on the events registration forms when you sign up for any of the races (in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff or Valencia) and your passport will be automatically stamped in the days following the race. If you don't add your passport number, you will be able to search for and claim your result in your account after the event (results will be available to claim soon after the race). Once you have completed your fifth race, and entered your sixth and final race, the race organisers will be notified that you are expected to attend and become a SuperRunner – meaning your SuperMedal will be ready for collection once you have crossed the finish line of your final race. Your name will also appear on the Hall of Fame at www.superhalfs.com . Just remember that you have 60 months to complete the series from the date of your first event. Is it worth it? Definitely. There's nothing like a series to motivate and encourage runners to enter more events, especially if there's no extra cost and there are incentives. The SuperVoucher can also save you money on race fees. The series medal is cool and the passport works really well. After a difficult start because of the impact of the pandemic the series is up and running and is proving really popular. Series website https://www.superhalfs.com/en/

Everything you need to know about Mizuno running shoes Another of the original band of running shoe manufacturers, Mizuno was formed in 1906 in Osaka, Japan. It started out as a baseball retailer and then as a manufacturer of baseball gear, before moving into golf. Running became a bigger part of its portfolio in 1961 when a US office was opened in LA. The history of Mizuno running shoes Developed in 1980 the Mizuno logo represents the ethos of a company steeped in history. Known as the RunBird this free-flowing, graphic emblem stands for three concepts: 'Boundless expanse and dynamism of sports.' It means their shoes have 'a sense of speed and feel of strength', as well as 'tenderness and flexibility.' The RunBird line 'improves the feel of fitness, possesses shape retention capabilities, increases durability and gives emanation of energy to the shoes.' In the beginning Mizuno was not about running, it was all about baseball. Following a trip to the US and inspired by the baseball culture that he embraced, Rihachi Mizuno founded Mizuno Brothers Ltd in 1906 with his brother Rizo. It all began in Rizo, Osaka with an initial goal of growing interest in baseball within Japan. Initially just selling baseball gear the company soon broadened manufacture and then broadened its range to other sports. Over time these sports continued to grow to include tennis, skiing, boxing, golf and many more. Golf became especially successful for the brand and it's now a well established part of the sport, supplying state of the art equipment to many top players. In 1910 the company changed its name to Mizuno Co. Ltd and after years of focusing manufacture within their home country, a factory was opened in Los Angeles in 1961. The running boom swept the world in the 70s and it was then, as with many of today's successful shoe brands, that Mizuno came of age. It was during this time, as sales boomed, that funds were invested into research and development. While it wasn't a breakout period for a signature shoe, it was becoming established and the groundwork was laid for future development. After years of research it was the creation of wave technology that firmly established Mizuno as a leading running brand. Its development team took on the challenge of delivering both cushioning and support in equal measure. Prior to this there was an assumption that you couldn't have both in a shoe, it was one or the other. Having a technology that allowed for both meant plenty of comfort for runners and stability at the same time. The wave structure allowed for firmness at the direction of impact which is where it's needed to prevent over pronation and cushioning for energy return and bounce, a unique combination that until this point had not been delivered by manufacturers. The Wave Rider released in 1998 was a groundbreaking shoe and today is still a bestseller. Wave technology is still at the core of Mizuno's running shoes, although it's components have moved on significantly, even in the last two years. The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Who owns them? It's all owned by the Mizuno Corporation, a Japan-based sportswear company. Each country based operation is a wholly owned subsidiary of this corporation. It recently announced that its fiscal 2022 revenue grew by 22.8% over 2021, hitting a record of 212.0 billion Japanese yen (1.50 billion USD) What are they known for? Ask any runner about Mizuno and chances are the first thing they'll say is 'wave'. The wave, launched in 1977 in the Wave Rider shoe is the brand's defining feature. It's a wave plate located in the midsole of the shoe and between the cushioning and it's this that gives any of the shoes their energy return and their comfortable ride. The wave plate stretches out, the foot hits the floor and propels the runner forward as it returns to its regular waved shape. Originally made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyether block amide (PEBA), some of the newer models have a newer version made of nylon and glass fiber, and one, the Wave Rebellion Pro has a nylon and carbon fiber wave plate that snaps back more strongly after landing and creates even more energy return for runners. The EVA foam that Mizuno uses for its cushioning is called Enerzy, which gives 15% more energy return than the company’s last generation of EVA foam, U4ic. Enerzy foam is used in shoes throughout the brand’s running range, with Enerzy Lite and Enerzy Lite Plus foams, used in their racing shoes. The even softer Enerzy Core foam is in shoes like the Wave Horizon and Wave Sky. which gives an even plusher feel. Pros and Cons There are pros and cons with every shoe. Here are those associated with Mizuno: Pros The range covers all options, for runners of types and now with elite racing options. Have heavily invested in research for many years and continue to do so. The Wave Rebellion is the latest example. They have a reputation for being reliable, durable and supportive and Cons Low profile within the running world Only a small number of their shoes are available outside of Japan Prior to The Rebellion they had a reputation for a lack of innovation and new runners were not attracted to the shoes. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Most popular models Mizuno Wave Sky The Wave Sky is the plushest shoe in the range. Enerzy foam provides support, Enerzy Core compresses to provide that plush feel, with the wave plate sitting between the two. Mizuno Wave Horizon This is a stability shoe for overpronators. This latest version is a major upgrade, with both Enerzy and super-soft Enerzy Core foams for improved cushioning. Mizuno Wave Rider The shoe that really put the brand on the map, it's the main neutral shoe in the range. Its latest upgrade gives it better energy return and it has a better fit thanks to a soft air mesh material used in the upper. Mizuno Wave Inspire Another popular stability shoe, it has a combination of Enerzy foam and a wave plate in the midsole. It has even better cushioning and more stability than previous versions. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro This is the Mizuno super racer, with Enerzy Lite and Enerzy Lite Plus foams and a carbon-infused nylon plate, the only shoe in the range that has this. It's a massive 18.5mm stack with plenty of bounce! The Mizuno Mujin 9 trail shoe Mizuno Mujin This sturdy trail shoe has Enerzy and Wave foam giving excellent cushioning, energy return, and stability. Support panels on the sides of the midfoot also keep the foot securely in place even on tough trails. On the up? Mizuno launched its first foray into the sneaker world in September 2023. Called Sportstyle it's a play on words as the range combines sport and lifestyle. The initial three shoes are called the Nomad Pack, the shoes are the Wave Mujin TL, the Wave Prophecy LS, and the Wave Rider Beta, a brand-new silhouette that sits on Mizuno’s Wave Rider 27 sole unit. The Mizuno Wave Prophecy LS It remains to be seen if Mizuno can break into the highly competitive sneaker market and use it to increase the profile of the brand further. What is clear is that thanks to its highly successful golf franchise, its rugby range, hockey, winter sports, volleyball and much more it will continue to be a hugely respected brand across multiple channels. Thanks to the Wave Rebellion Pro Mizuno is definitely part of a select racing shoe group. Along with Nike, Adidas and Saucony they are pushing the boundaries of elite shoe design and build. This has illustrated t he level of investment that's being made by the brand that will have a major impact on other shoes in the range. The use of carbon infused nylon plates in running shoes is a significant step forward and this can be used in lower priced shoes, it will be good news for all of us.

Running is often thought of as a solo activity — just you, your trainers, and the road ahead. But while running alone has its benefits, joining a running club  can completely change your experience of running, helping you improve your fitness, stay motivated, and support your mental health. Natalie Edwards from Coulsdon Runners in Surrey, UK, shares her journey from beginner runner to London Marathon finisher on this podcast , highlighting exactly why running clubs can be so powerful. Have a listen to the podcast here The Benefits of Joining a Running Club For many runners, motivation is the hardest part. Running clubs remove that barrier by offering structure, accountability, and community. As an example at Coulsdon Runners, sessions are designed so that no one runs alone . Each run includes: A run leader at the front Helpers throughout the group Someone always supporting runners at the back This inclusive approach makes running accessible for beginners, improvers, and experienced runners alike. “Whatever run you’re doing, you’re always running with somebody — and that helps massively,” Natalie explains. From Beginner Runner to Marathon Finisher Natalie joined Coulsdon Runners in September 2021 through an eight-week beginner running course. At the time, she couldn’t run continuously for more than a few minutes and was struggling with both fitness and mental health. “I didn’t feel great about myself,” she says. “I knew I needed to be outside, moving, and doing something for me.” Starting with a Couch to 5K-style programme, She progressed to: 5K group runs Improver courses 10K and 10-mile races The London Marathon Today, running is part of her daily routine — and she credits the club environment for making that possible. Why Group Running Improves Motivation and Performance Training consistency is one of the biggest predictors of running success. Running with others helps because: You’re less likely to skip sessions Long runs feel mentally easier Encouragement helps you push through tough moments When training for the London Marathon, Natalie completed every long run with someone from the club . “Those long runs are mostly mental,” she explains. “Having someone there encouraging you makes a huge difference.” Runners often join and leave runs at different points, meaning you don’t need someone running the exact same distance — just shared miles. Running at the Right Pace (Without Pressure) A common concern about running clubs is pace. Will it be too fast? Too slow? At running clubs with a focus on runners of all levels, runners are encouraged to run at their own pace , based on how they feel that day. Feeling strong? Run with faster runners and challenge yourself Feeling tired? Drop back and enjoy an easy pace “There’s no pressure to be a certain speed,” Natalie says. “You run how you feel, and that’s what keeps it enjoyable.” This flexibility helps runners avoid burnout and injury while still improving over time. Strength Training and Injury Prevention for Runners Running clubs aren’t just about running miles. Many also offer: Circuits Boxercise Strength and conditioning sessions Strength training plays a vital role in: Injury prevention Core stability Improving running efficiency “So many runners skip strength work and then wonder why they get injured,” Natalie explains. “Having it built into the club really helps.” Mental Health Benefits of Running with Others Running is proven to improve mental health — but running with others adds another layer of support . Knowing someone is expecting you can be the push you need to get out the door, especially during stressful or low-energy periods. “For me, running has helped massively with anxiety and stress,” Natalie says. “Even if it’s raining, you always feel better afterwards.” Solo runs and group runs both have value: Solo runs offer quiet headspace Group runs offer connection, laughter, and shared motivation The Social Side of Running Clubs Running clubs often become much more than just training groups. Friendships naturally form, both during runs and outside of them. Members meet up for: Social events Charity fundraisers Quiz nights and coffee meet-ups When Natalie ran the London Marathon, her biggest support team was her running club — with members moving around the course to cheer her on. “That support got me through the marathon,” she says. Supporting Beginners and Giving Back Now an experienced runner, Natalie regularly helps beginners on their first running courses. “I remember not being able to run for three minutes,” she says. “I want people to know they can  do it.” Helping others has become one of the most rewarding parts of her running journey. Is a Running Club Right for You? Not all running clubs are the same. Some focus on speed and competition, while others prioritise: Beginners and improvers Community and support Enjoyment over performance Finding the right club may take time — but when you do, it can completely change how you feel about running. Final Thoughts: Why Running Together Works If you currently run alone and feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure how to progress, joining a running club could be the key. Running clubs provide: Motivation Structure Friendship Accountability Mental health benefits As Natalie’s journey shows, running together isn’t about being the fastest — it’s about discovering what you’re capable of, with support every step of the way. Have a listen to the podcast here

Are foam rollers and massage stick worth the money and the effort? Head into most specialist running stores and you'll see a section on the wall for foam rollers and related 'accessories'. Many runners will just walk straight past it and go to the shoes or apparel. Should you or should you find out more? Go and see a physiotherapist and you can be guaranteed that they will discuss foam rollers. We'll discuss why in this blog post. What is rolling? If you've ever been to a physiotherapist you'll have probably discussed 'rolling'. You'll have probably seen a foam roller or a massage stick in their clinic. It's what's known as a self-myofascial technique that helps relieve soreness in muscles and reduces inflammation. It's not a complicated process, it's cheap and it doesn't take long. This form of self-massage is great not only as a form of injury prevention and treatment, but it's also a great way to warm up before a run. Recovery is a critical part of a training plan and it's not just rest that is key, it's also about reducing muscle tension and using a roller before a run can help to do this. It can also be used to cool down. The smooth roller; best for beginners There are two types of rollers; the foam roller and the massage stick. Foam rollers can be quite large and take up a fair bit of space, while massage sticks are much smaller and easier to store. When using a foam roller you need to apply your full body weight over the top of the roller for it to be effective. This works well for the glutes or hamstrings, but can be challenging for many other muscle groups. The massage stick is a more flexible roller allowing the backs and arms to be massaged, along with all the leg muscles. It can reach places that are hard to access with a foam roller. What are their benefits? There are many benefits, although they may differ by runner. Trigger points Sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse. These sensitive areas are called trigger points. A trigger point in a muscle can cause strain and pain throughout the muscle. Rolling can release trigger points. Deep tissue massage Deep tissue massage is a massage technique to deal with the likes of strains and sports injuries. It helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduces tension in muscle and tissue. Combating sore muscles Rolling can help increase range of motion and reduce DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness). It increases circulation so delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, which helps reduce swelling and tenderness, Breaking up muscular adhesions Muscle pain or soreness could be a warning sign of muscle adhesion, a condition that occurs in the soft tissue where collagen fibers become attached to adjacent tissue. Active release therapy involves applying pressure to trigger points. At home, you can recreate similar motions with a roller. Encouraging blood flow to aid recovery Ensuring adequate blood flow is essential to healing an injury. Maintaining adequate blood flow to the tissues is so important for healing and general health maintenance, and a roller can play a big role in making that happen. Lower stress levels Rolling can also include increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels, which boosts your mood and reduces stress. A ridge foam roller How do you pick the right one for you? It can be a little bit confusing choosing your first foam roller. Generally they are all shaped the same, like a cylinder, but some have ridges and knots on them and some are firmer than others. Some even roll up into mats and others have another one within it. Ideally it needs to be firm. No point using one that's too soft. It won't feel as painful when you're using it, but it won't be as effective. No pain, no gain! You're best going in store to buy a roller and asking if you can try them out. As long as you don't take any packaging off that won't be a problem. If you're going to be using the roller all over it's best to go for a bigger one and if it's just for one part of the body a short one is best. If you are going travelling with one and need to get it in your suitcase then the short one is definitely best. Smooth rollers are the most common and are the most popular for beginners. They are cheaper and they aren't as painful to use. The ones with ridges and knobs are known as texture rollers and they are used for getting deeper into the muscles. If you have knots in your muscles these are the most effective for getting them out, but grit your teeth while your're doing it! One of the most popular massage sticks Massage sticks are a great alternative. They are generally made from a very strong stainless steel core with thermoplastic rollers and at each end is a moulded handle. These are the best option if you aren't able to apply the pressure that's needed for a foam roller to be effective. You're also able to use these on muscle groups that you can't get to with a foam roller. If these two options don't work for you there are also foam massage balls that are used to target muscle areas. This is a great space saving option - one inside the other How do you start foam rolling? Don't start with too much pressure or too much time. Start light and build up as you get more used to it. If your muscles are really tight it's likely to be painful initially but it should get better. If you're using a foam roller don't put all your weight on the roller when you first start, use your arms to support your body, for example if you're rolling your calves. 10 seconds is enough per muscle when you first start and then up to a minute when you're comfortable. A minute on each muscle will give you time to focus on any trigger points and give enough time to roll it out. Start off with your shoulders and then gradually move to muscles that are sore or tight. If you have the time include muscles that aren't a problem as prevention is a really important part of injury management. Press down on the muscle with your body weight and then roll across the area in question. When using the massage stick you should take the same approach when it comes to the time spent. Adjust the pressure you're applying and increase it as the muscles get used to it. Spend the time Rolling is one of those disciplines that is easy to forget about. It never seems important enough to spend time worrying about. Think again. Preventing injuries is one of the biggest challenges for any runner and if you could find an extra ten minutes after a run using a roller it could pay big dividends. If you're watching a show on Netflix, get a roller and use some of that time looking after your body. It is really important!

Acupuncture is another way of dealing with runner injuries If you've never had acupuncture before it is well worth investigating. Obviously not just anyone can start sticking needles all over your head and body so you'll need to visit a regulated healthcare professional. Many more physios now practise acupuncture than in previous years and rightly so. Research has shown it may be helpful for several pain conditions, including back, neck and knee pain and that it can increase energy levels. What is it? Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventive purposes. The needles are inserted into specific places on the body and these are known as acupuncture points. Several points may be used during a typical session, depending on the number of symptoms you have. The needles may be inserted just under the skin, or deeper so they reach muscle. Once the needles are in place, they may be left in position for up to around 30 minutes. The needles used are usually a few centimetres long and very fine. They are single-use, pre-sterilised needles that are disposed of immediately after use. Different types of acupuncture Acupuncturists who follow more traditional/ancient Chinese principles focus exclusively on directing the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), or energy, through the body. Modern acupuncture applies Western medicine, using needles to stimulate the body’s systems. It is common for a combination of both approaches to be used. Another acupuncture approach treats myofascial pain. This is when muscles are stressed, strained or injured, they often form tight, painful knots, known as trigger points. A trigger point in one muscle can create pain in a different area of your body. Trigger point therapy is used to relieve myofascial pain by unknotting the trigger point using needles. The benefits for runners Acupuncture can quicken recovery times, help prevent injury, rebalance muscles, reduce stress and can help the body heal itself. Acupuncture can quicken recovery speeds Acupuncture has been clinically proven to improve circulation. Increased blood flow to muscles and tissue leads to quicker recovery times. Acupuncture is especially helpful when it comes to increasing blood flow to ligaments and tendons, making it particularly beneficial for some of the most common runners’ injuries, including overexertion, strained muscles, and minor tears. Acupuncture can help prevent injuries Runners can actually use acupuncture to help prevent injuries. Day after day of training training can lead to all sorts of challenges, as well as stress on the major leg muscles. Acupuncture promotes blood flow, joint relief, and muscle relaxation, so helping the muscles will be more primed for training and less likely to experience overuse and other types of deal with the ongoing pressure that they're put under. Running is tough on the body so the more options we have to reduce its impact the better. Acupuncture can rebalance muscles Regular acupuncture therapy can help correct imbalances and rebalance muscles by relieving tension in the membranes around muscles. These imbalances are caused not only by too much running but by running the same route time after time. They will be cambers in the road at certain points that put pressure on one membrane around a muscle more than another. If you run the route the other way on alternative days it can help balance it out, but if you don't then imbalances can occur. Acupuncture can help relieve stress One of the effects of acupuncture is improved blood flow. This leads to more relaxed muscles, less pain, and fewer instances of illness and as a result this means less stress hormones are produced. This then leads to relaxation and potentially a better sleep pattern and that can improve training performance. Various studies have shown that this impact can be maintained for up to four days after a session. Acupuncture can help the body heal itself Acupuncture needles stimulate specific acupuncture points to activate and reinforce the body’s natural healing abilities. Acupuncture triggers an increase in the levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. One of its holistic healing benefits is to strengthen the body's immune system. Runners can be more susceptible to illness, particularly respiratory illnesses and infections due to the stress running can put on the body. Research has shown that regular acupuncture can prevent infections by increasing the flow of white blood cells. Our view In 2002, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report on acupuncture effectiveness. They identified 31 conditions for which acupuncture was proven to be effective and further 63 conditions for which there was at least some evidence that acupuncture could help.In 2017, authors of The Acupuncture Evidence Project, after reviewing thousands of trials, found moderate to high quality evidence of acupuncture effectiveness for 117 conditions out of 122 conditions studied. Acupuncture is an evidence-based, safe and effective treatment for a wide range of health conditions. It has been used for over 3,000 years, and its popularity is increasing as more and more people experience its benefits. Acupuncture can be used to treat a single symptom or multiple symptoms at the same time. It can also be used for general wellness. It's not too expensive and generally speaking can be performed by your normal physio or at least one of their colleagues within the same practice. Don't rely on it to solve all your injury challenges, but treat it as an option.