SEARCH RESULTS

In the world of endurance running, there are plenty of inspiring stories, but every now and then, one comes along that genuinely redefines what’s possible. In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers sat down with guide runner Alastair to discuss an extraordinary upcoming challenge at the Brighton Marathon. This isn’t just another race story. It’s about trust, technology, and the evolving role of human support in sport. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE A Different Kind of Marathon At the heart of this story is Clarke Reynolds (also known as Mr. Dot), a blind runner preparing to take on the Brighton Marathon using smart glasses connected to the Be My Eyes  app. Through this technology, remote volunteers guide him in real time, offering directions, awareness, and encouragement. Alongside him will be Alastair, an experienced guide runner. Unlike traditional guide running, there’s a twist: they won’t be tethered together. Instead, Alastair will act as a safety net, ready to step in if needed, while Clarke relies primarily on remote guidance. “I’m hoping on the day that I’m not needed… and just sort of be there for him if need be.” It’s a powerful example of how innovation is reshaping accessibility in sport. What Does a Guide Runner Really Do? Guide running goes far beyond simply running alongside someone. It’s part logistics manager, part motivator, part strategist and sometimes, part lifesaver. Alastair describes how communication is key, whether it’s warning about obstacles or helping a runner stay mentally strong: “It’s literally just a chat… and then every now and then, go left a bit, go right a bit.” That simplicity is deceptive. Behind it lies constant awareness, pacing adjustments, and emotional support, especially when runners hit the dreaded “wall.” And while technology will play a major role in this race, Alistair’s presence provides reassurance in case things don’t go to plan. The Human Side of Endurance One of the most striking parts of the conversation is how deeply human the experience of running remains, no matter how advanced the tech becomes. From chatting about everyday life mid-run to helping runners push through doubt, guide running is built on connection. “What am I doing? Why have I paid to do this?… and you just chat to them… and nine times out of ten they finish really strong.” That emotional support can be the difference between quitting and crossing the finish line. You find out more about the Richard Whitehead Foundation here Lessons for Every Runner Even if you’re not running with a guide or running an ultramarathon like Alastair there’s plenty to learn here. His advice is refreshingly simple: Train how you plan to race Fuel consistently, even when you don’t feel like it Don’t go out too fast Because, as he puts it, enjoyment matters more than a few minutes on the clock. Guide Running: More Than a Race What stands out most isn’t just the challenge itself, it’s the sense of purpose behind it. Through organisations like the Richard Whitehead Foundation and charities such as Fight for Sight, opportunities like this are opening doors for runners who might otherwise never experience race day. For guide runners like Alastair, the reward isn’t medals or times; it’s something much deeper: “The rewards are just absolutely ridiculous. It feels so good.” If you'd like to join Clarke and run an event for Fight For Sight and fundraise for their vital work, you can find out more here Final Thoughts The Brighton Marathon challenge is more than a test of endurance, it’s a glimpse into the future of inclusive sport. It shows what’s possible when technology, community, and human compassion come together. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just starting your running journey, it’s a reminder of what running is really about: connection, resilience, and the simple joy of moving forward. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Ian Covey is a self-described “terrible runner”. In this podcast he talks about how running became a way to connect, stay healthy, and support charities. It led him to create One More Lap, a fun, team-based ultra event that makes fundraising accessible, social, and impactful, showing that running is about people, purpose, and community. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE When we talk about running, it’s easy to focus on times, distances, and personal bests. Faster 5Ks. Sub-60 10Ks. Marathon medals. But for Ian, running means something entirely different. “I am a terrible, terrible runner. I find it incredibly difficult.” And yet, running has become one of the most important parts of his life. Running When It’s Hard Ian lives with exercise-induced asthma, meaning every step can be a challenge. Running doesn’t come naturally to him—and that’s exactly why his story matters. Instead of chasing performance, he runs for something far more meaningful: His health His community His friendships “I just wanted to get out there, meet people, build relationships… find a life outside of family life.” What started as a way to stay active turned into something much bigger. Weekly social runs, 5Ks, 10Ks, midweek meet ups became the foundation of a strong, supportive community. “It’s like any other friend group, except once a week we also go running.” Redefining What Success Looks Like In a world obsessed with performance metrics, Ian took a different path. He’s not aiming for elite times. He’s not chasing podiums. “The value I take from running isn’t completing a marathon or hitting a fast time. It’s the relationships.” And that shift in mindset opened the door to something powerful. While Ian might not see himself as a “great runner,” he found another way to make a huge impact. The Birth of “50 by 50” Approaching his mid-40s, Ian set himself a challenge: Raise £50,000 for charity by the time he turns 50. But instead of doing one big personal challenge, he asked a smarter question: What if I could multiply my impact? Drawing on his background in marketing, Ian realised that fundraising isn’t just about effort—it’s about reach. “I can reach 20 or 30 people. But if I get 10 people involved, suddenly we’re reaching hundreds.”That idea became 50 by 50 CIC , a social enterprise focused on helping small charities run big fundraising events. The Idea: Big Events for Small Charities Rather than relying on one person doing something extreme, Ian created something scalable: Events where many people do something achievable. Experiences that are fun, social, and inclusive. Fundraising that multiplies through participation. And that’s where One More Lap  was born. One More Lap: The “Ultra” That Anyone Can Do At first glance, it sounds intimidating: A 12-hour ultra marathon Teams running all day Laps adding up over time But the reality is very different. This is an ultra marathon designed for everyone. Short laps (under a mile) Flat, accessible courses Team relay format (4–6 people) Run when you want, rest when you want “If you can run 5–10K, you’ll be absolutely fine,” Ian explains. The magic is in the format. You might only run a mile at a time—but across the day, those miles quietly add up. “It’s like secret distance running.” People regularly end up running further than they ever have before, without even realising it. More Festival Than Race What truly sets One More Lap apart is the atmosphere. This isn’t about suffering. It ’s about enjoyment . Live music throughout the day Food and drink on site Teams setting up decorated gazebos Friends relaxing, chatting, and supporting each other “It’s a running event where you spend most of your time not running.” In other words—it’s a social event first, a running event second. Fundraising Made Accessible It’s completely free to enter. Instead of charging entry fees, participants commit to raising a minimum of £100. No big upfront cost No extreme pressure Just simple, achievable fundraising “Ten people giving £10—that’s all we’re asking.” But when you scale that across dozens (or hundreds) of runners, the impact becomes huge. Real Impact, Real Results The results speak for themselves. The first location was Lichfield Year 1:  78 runners → nearly £20,000 raised Year 2:  178 runners → £38,000 raised Total so far:  £55,000 for Kids Village A second event near Warrington: 50 runners £32,000 raised for Warrington Youth Zone Funded 32,000 meals for local children All without costing the charities a penny. Why This Matters Ian’s story challenges the traditional idea of what running should be. It shows that: You don’t have to be fast You don’t have to run far You don’t have to suffer Running can simply be: A way to connect A way to give back A way to be part of something bigger Looking Ahead With multiple events planned and more charities getting involved, the vision is clear: Scale the idea. Multiply the impact. Help more people. “If this ends up raising £500,000… £1 million… just by getting people to run in circles with their mates—that would be incredible.” To find out more about One more Lap head here Final Thought Running doesn’t have to be about chasing perfection. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, doing what you can, and sharing the experience with others. In the end, it’s not about how fast you go. It ’s about how many people you bring with you and how much good you can do along the way. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

The Portland Marathon is a great way to get to know Oregon's 'Rose City'. With four epic bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour through some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in town. Taking runners along a loop of Portland along the east and west sides of the city’s Willamette River, the Portland Marathon starts and finishes at Waterfront Park and showcases the best the area has to offer. The Destination A city of 632,309 people with a metropolitan area population of about 2.4 million Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon. Known as the 'the City of Roses', it's known for its scenic beauty, enhanced by the stunning Mount Hood, only 50 miles away, that gives it a picture postcard backdrop. It's a more laid back place than many on the west coast, with a thriving food and drink scene, boasting numerous breweries and wineries in close proximity. Its music and arts sector is booming and it has one of the largest collections of independent publishers in the US. Its light-rail and streetcar system is the envy of comparable cities nationwide and its mix of past and present architecture has been well managed. The Parks offer gorgeous views and the colour offered by the fir trees in Fall attract visitors from far and wide. Forest Park and Washington Park are two of the best. There are some wonderful museums here, such as the Portland Art Museum, the largest museum in Oregon, with collections of prints and drawings, photography, Asian art, Native American art, and Northwest art, as well as European and American collections, with some priceless items from the 19th and 20th centuries. Needing the most time to explore is the OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. It has a planetarium, a giant-screen theatre, a retired navy submarine and much more and you'll pass this three miles from the finish of the Marathon. In Washington Park is the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, a family-focused attraction with interactive exhibits, that's designed to teach visitors about the sustainability of forests and trees in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. There's even a kayak museum and a puppet museum! Downtown is home to some intriguing shopping opportunities. There's the Portland Saturday Market, the perfect Providence Park, gorgeous boutiques and galleries, and not far away is the Old Town Chinatown. Here you'll find the Lan Su Garden, a perfect place to chill after a morning of shopping. When you're ready for more browsing head to Nob Hill where you'll find some of the most fascinating stores in the city. When it's time for a relaxing drink nearby northwest 23rd Avenue is perfect, or why not start touring the microbreweries, the biggest being Deschutes, back in the Pearl District, part of the marathon course. Goose Hollow and the West End are the places to head if you want a place to celebrate after the Marathon (not before!). There's plenty of sports to watch here too, with the Timbers MLS team and the Trail Blazers NBA side who play at the Moda Center, also on the marathon course. The famous Stag sign, near the finish History The very first Portland Marathon took place on Sauvie Island in 1972. There were 86 runners! It is one of the longest running consecutive marathons in the country and as with most events the course has changed over the years as its popularity increased. Since 2019 it has been managed by a new operating company and a new long term sponsor has been agreed. As a result of these recent changes the 2019 event was run on a completely new course. Race Organiser Brooksee LLC When? The race is held annually in October Distances Marathon, Half Marathon and a kids run Is there an Expo? The Health and Lifestyle Expo is held on Saturday before the race at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. There's plenty of gear to buy after picking up your bib, plus talks from the event's coaching team. Bibs can be posted for an additional fee. How many runners? 9,000 Course The marathon begins at 7:00 am and half marathon at 7.15 am and there are no waves or corrals. The start line is at the intersection of Naito Parkway and Salmon St at Portland's famous Waterfront Park on the banks of the Willamette River, near the World Trade Center skybridge. Both courses are flat, with elevation of just 178 feet and the start/finish line only 36 feet above sea level. The first five miles of the course are a fascinating loop tour of the downtown area of the city, covering Old Town, Broadway, the Pearl District and the Northwest District, including Nob Hill. Everywhere you look there are famous Portland landmarks and by the time you hit the Broadway Bridge to cross the Willamette River for the first time it's hard to imagine you're nearly a fifth through the race. The Broadway Bridge is what's known as a bascule bridge, or a drawbridge, that opens to allow boats to pass through. Built in 1913 it's one of the largest of its type in the world. The Waterfront Park where the race starts and finishes It's over the Bridge and into the Rose Quarter, home of the historied Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Moda Center, the home of the Portland Trail Blazers, and then looping back around and back onto the Broadway Bridge at the 6.5 mile mark and back into the Pearl District again. From there it's through Old Town onto Naito Parkway, following the banks of the river south along Waterfront Park and passing directly by the start/finish venue at Salmon St just after reaching mile 8. The route then continues south on SW 1st Ave and Naito Parkway to access the South Waterfront at mile 10. For the next two miles there are great views across to Ross Island. one of four islands here it's home to at least 50 species of birds including ospreys, eagles, and herons. It's then across the Sellwood Bridge, just after mile 12, to the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. Just three miles south of downtown Portland this neighborhood is full of unique shops, cafes and restaurants and is well worth a visit after the marathon. At halfway there are stunning views from Sellwood Blvd to prepare the spirits for the next half and then it's into the beautiful Eastmoreland neighborhood just before mile 16. Eastmoreland has far more than its share of trees and parks, with the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Eastmoreland Garden two of the finest. The route follows the golf course to the south on Crystal Springs Blvd and hits tree-lined Reed College Place at mile 17. It's then north across Woodstock Blvd to the campus of Reed College, passing the stunning Tudor-Gothic style architecture and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the most unique and esteemed colleges in the world. Finishing the mile loop around campus, the route returns south down the opposite side of Reed College Place past the 19 mile mark, before heading west to re-enter Sellwood-Moreland. It's then through Eastmoreland again continuing north and onto another of the city's quaint neighbourhoods, this time at mile 22 it's Brooklyn, an area that has been transformed over the last fifty years from one that was poverty stricken in the 1960s to one of the most desirable. It's then underneath the Ross Island Bridge at mile 23, and onto the beautiful Eastbank Esplanade, running along the banks of the river as it passes underneath the Tilikum Crossing Bridge half a mile later. While on the Esplanade runners will pass directly between the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) and its famous submarine, the USS Blueblack, just before mile 24, before passing under the Marquam Bridge. With just over one mile to go the route crosses the Willamette River for the fourth and final time as it heads over the Burnside Bridge, running directly towards the iconic White Stag sign in the distance. Runners take a final loop around Old Town and then head south on Naito Parkway for the final sprint to the finish at Waterfront Park. It's a good course, with a really great finish. The Half Marathon route has two bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour through some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in town. It follows the marathon route, heading west on Salmon St to Lownsdale Square before turning right to travel north on SW 4th Ave through the heart of downtown. Crossing Burnside Street, the route does a quick loop through Chinatown and returns to Naito Parkway via Davis St. The marathon has an aid station every two miles between mile 3 and mile 15, and an aid station every mile between mile 16 and 26, so 18 in total and for the half marathon there will be an aid station every mile beginning at mile 2.5, a total of 10. There's also plenty of good course entertainment and cheer zones. Crowd support is good from start to finish. The finish line festival offers a free bar for runners of legal age, as you'd expect in a city with so many micro breweries and there are also protein drinks, electrolyte drinks, fruit and water. A bonus here is that finishers get free photos and videos taken during the race. That is very unusual. What's unique? Free photos and videos taken during the race and emailed to runners afterwards! Do charities benefit? The Portland Marathon places extreme importance on reinvesting funds and providing other assistance to charitable causes in the city. It focuses particularly on benefiting organisations whose missions serve youth in economically disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, communities of colour, LGBTQ2SIA+ communities, and women and girls. Support for any charity is appreciated. Our verdict There's a lot to see on the course and many of the city's landmarks are passed en-route. 26 miles is a long way and there are parts where there isn't quite so much to see, but generally the views are good and the support is strong and that makes up for those spots. It's very well organized though and it's an event that has a strong future ahead and that should see good growth in numbers. Definitely worth a look. How to register Online via the race website. There is a tiered pricing system depending on when you enter, so the earlier you enter the cheaper it is. Race website https://www.portlandmarathon.com

One of the World Marathon Majors, the Berlin Marathon has built itself a fearsome reputation for marathon world records. Year after year it invests in one or two of the fastest of the elite runners, and almost inevitably this translates into a new world record. It's a very flat course. with the ideal climate and this makes it the perfect environment for super quick runners. If you're looking for your best time this could be the one. Destination Berlin, the capital of Germany and its largest city, has a population of just under 4 million. Renowned for its historical buildings that stand alongside modern architecture as the past and present seamlessly intermingle. From the Brandenburg gate, that's such a feature of this event to the remains of sections of the Berlin Wall its fascinating legacy is around every corner. The Berlin Wall Memorial, located between the districts of Wedding and Mitte on Bernauer Straße, consists of the Memorial to the Victims of the Wall, a Documentation Centre and the Chapel of Reconciliation. The surviving section of the wall and watchtower enable visitors to get a real feel for the reality of the border facilities.You mustn't miss this, or the infamous Checkpoint Charlie nearby. Berlin is home to all the main government buildings, including the historical seat of the German parliament; the Reichstag, another fascinating place to visit. But it's not just all about the past. Berlin is a leading city when it comes to music, art and museums. Priceless artefacts from all over the world are on show at more than 170 museums, some on the internationally renowned Museum Island. There are no end of theatre venues specialising in variety performances, revue, cabaret and more and more artists are flocking to Berlin from all around the world, making it one of the most exciting destinations in the whole of Europe. It's also a popular destination for classical music fans from all over the world thanks to its leading orchestras, and the city's three opera houses, where memorable operas and ballets are performed. And there are plenty of open spaces where people can go to breathe in some fresh air. It's the country's greenest city, with vast parks, wooded areas and lakes. During the summer months, the focus is very much on beach bars, cafés and open-air cinemas. History of the Berlin Marathon The first event was held in 1974, with 244 finishing, including only 10 women. Four years later, the race started outside the Reichstag for the first time, by which time it had grown to 2,583 finishers, making it the largest city road race in Germany. In 1989, a children's race was added to the event, and eight years later an inline skating marathon was contested. It's one of the fastest courses in the world and world records are regularly broken. In 2023 Tigst Assefa broke another, with an incredible women's marathon world record of 2:11:53 hours. Racing wheelchair athlete Catherine Debrunner did the same, winning in 1:34:16 hours, another marathon world record. Race Organiser It's organised by SCC EVENTS, one of the major international players in the field of sporting events. It's an independent limited company, and is a 100% subsidiary of the large and renowned Sport-Club Charlottenburg, which is one of the top sports clubs in Berlin with almost 8,000 members. They are supported by our advisory board of around 20 members, a loose association of representatives from politics, business and sport and are based in the Olympiapark in Berlin. They also organise the half marathon, held in April. When? The race is held annually in September. Distances Marathon Is there an Expo On the former Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz der Luftbrücke 5, 12101 Berlin, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Bibs must be picked up at this expo. How many runners? 40,000 The course When it comes to race day logistics there are very few events that are better than Berlin. When it comes to flat courses there are few better than Berlin and when it comes to world famous landmarks on route there are few better than Berlin. Add these benefits up and you can see why Berlin ranks as one of the best marathons in the world. Is it the best of the World Marathon Majors? You decide. We all like to get somewhere to stay close to the start or finish of our big events. In Berlin you can be close to both. The start is located between Straße des 17. Juni, between Brandenburg Gate and "Kleiner Stern" and the finish is at the Brandenburg Gate. Perfect for pre-race organisation. An added benefit is that are plenty of hotels to choose from in this part of the City, but be quick as they do sell out and prices rise sharply as the days after the lottery results are announced pass by. What a start! The start is also at a reasonable time in the morning so there is none of the seriously early morning wake up times that you can get; New York being one of the most challenging. All in all you couldn't wish for better race logistics if you tried. The start is in waves and at no point once you get going to you feel cramped on the course. There are wide open roads and although crowds are very sparse in the first half of the race, it's almost nice to get yourself going before the noise really kicks in from mile 13. Berlin has such a rich history (and you probably experienced much of this in the days leading up to the race) and the course is packed with plenty of landmarks that illustrate the vast changes the City has undergone in recent times. Initially the Marathon only operated in West Germany, for obvious reasons, but now of course it includes much of the East. You'll see tourist sites like the Reichstag, the Siegessäule (Victory Column), Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral, Berlin TV Tower and the Potsdamer Platz. And there's plenty of live music, played at more than 60 locations along the course. The Reichstag is clearly one of the most significant buildings in the City and it's one you need to explore before or after the event. It oozes history. With its famous glass dome is one of the most frequently visited sights in Berlin. It is the seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag and is open to the public, although pre-booked tickets are essential. In the summer of 1995, the Reichstag building became world-famous, as a result of an incident totally unrelated to politics. For two weeks, it was wrapped with a silver-colored tarpaulin measuring around 100,000 square meters. As a result it attracted millions of visitors, whose endless images gave the Reichstag building international popularity, like never before. The famous Reichstag Soaring 368 metres into the sky, Berlin’s TV Tower is the city’s most visible landmark at 368 metres tall and it almost feels like an ever present on the course. You seem to be able to see it everywhere. It's the highest building in Europe open to the general public. From its viewing platform, you have spectacular 360-degree panoramic views out across the entire city. It is ranked among the top sights in twenty-first century Germany. After German reunification, the TV Tower took on an entirely new significance. No longer just a symbol of East Germany, it quickly became a key part of Berlin’s new cityscape, and soon came to symbolise the city around the world. The course has generous water stations and towards the end offers flat Coke. This does happen occasionally in marathons, but it's the only one of the Majors that does so. There are also plenty of stations offering cut fruit which is a nice change. But one of the real plus points is that it's so very flat! There is no stress about an impending hill that will destroy your legs in the final stages, there is literally nothing and that's why the elites and runners of all abilities love it. Nothing about this event is difficult. Even the expo beforehand is easy. And the finish. Wow. It's on a par with London. A run down a long home straight with one of the most famous buildings in the world that you get to run through. The Brandenburg Gate, designed in 1791, stands 26-meters high and was inspired by the Acropolis of Athens. In 1795 a chariot drawn by four horses was added, known as the Quadriga and representing. the Goddess of Victory. The one you see now is an exact replica as the original was destroyed in WW2. It's held up by twelve columns with five passageways and you get to run through one of them! In 1956, the East and West joined together to rebuild the landmark after its extensive damage from WW2. From here it's only a few metres to the finish line and the inevitable euphoria that comes from finishing a marathon and especially finishing an event of this scale. If you only do one marathon try and make it this one. It's a superb experience and being able to run on closed roads past this level of history is something that we don't get a chance to do very often! What's unique? The run to the finish through the Brandenburg Gate is one of the best parts of any marathon course anywhere. Do charities benefit? There is an extensive charity programme, with charities from many different countries having guaranteed entries. These are a great way to get a spot if you don't get in via the ballot. Our verdict As you'd expect with a race organised by the guys responsible for the Berlin Marathon this is an event of the highest quality. It's flawless from start to finish and everything they promise is delivered. It's an intriguing city, oozing history and the opportunity to have a weekend away in a place like this and do a half at the same time is one that should be too good to miss. How to register Online via the website. Just like the other Majors this one is very hard to get a spot in and they operate a lottery. If you don't succeed in the lottery, there are the usual 'good for age', charity and tour operator options. Charities don't ask you to raise as much in this race as they do in others, so that is a good option. Race website https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/

The Cooper River Bridge Run is the third largest 10K in the US. With nearly 40,000 participants, it is undoubtedly one of the most memorable races. This point-to-point course begins in Mount Pleasant and crosses the Cooper River on the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Runners finish in downtown Charleston, where a vibrant Finish Festival awaits. This event is truly iconic, and you should consider being part of it. The Destination: Mount Pleasant and Charleston Mount Pleasant is one of the five largest communities in South Carolina, with a population exceeding 80,000. However, many residents still refer to it simply as the Town of Mount Pleasant. According to the 2010 census, nearly 68,000 people live here. In 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau named it the 10th fastest-growing city in the nation. Coleman Boulevard, the main street, is lined with shops and restaurants. It serves as the entrance to Patriots Point, home to a naval and maritime museum, the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, and other historic vessels. Visitors can also explore the Cold War Memorial and the Vietnam National Experience, the only one of its kind in the U.S. The official Congressional Medal of Honor Museum is also located here. The Old Village is a must-visit area, showcasing 18th-century homes and plantation houses. This historic district was formally laid out in 1803 by James Hibben, and the Hibben House still stands today. Across the Cooper River lies Charleston, where the race concludes. Charleston is one of the leading tourist destinations in the US. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, it was later relocated to its current site in 1680. With a population of 150,277, Charleston is known for its picturesque antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks. The city offers plenty for families, including the South Carolina Aquarium and Children's Museum. For a unique experience, head to the beach. Here, you can immerse yourself in sea life, collect seashells, and observe shorebirds and horseshoe crabs. Don't forget to visit the 1,500-year-old Angel Oak tree, a true ecological treasure. Afterward, indulge in the culinary delights that Charleston is famous for! History of the Cooper River Bridge Run The Cooper River Bridge Run was founded by Dr. Marcus Newberry. The first event in 1978 saw only 766 finishers running over the Silas Pearman Bridge. The late Julian Smith directed the race from 1994 to 2018 and is often referred to as the “Father of the Bridge Run.” Under his leadership, the number of participants grew from approximately 6,000 to 40,000. Race Organisation The Cooper River Bridge Run is managed and directed by a nonprofit organisation. It has a dedicated staff of seven, led by deputy director Irv Batten. They collaborate with a board of 14 members representing various entities, including the city of Charleston, the town of Mount Pleasant, Charleston County Park and Recreation, College of Charleston, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Charleston Medical Society. The board meets monthly throughout the year. Additionally, around 4,000 volunteers contribute to the event's success. When is the Race? The race takes place annually in late March/earlyApril on a Saturday. Distances Offered Participants run a single event distance of 10 km (6.2 miles). Is There an Expo? Yes, there is an expo held two days before the event, on Thursday and Friday. Here, you can collect your bib if you haven't opted for mailing. If you chose mailing, you would have received your bib before the expo. The expo takes place at the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Expect up to 200 vendor booths offering free giveaways, running gear, nutrition information, and fitness demonstrations. How Many Runners Participate? The event is capped at 38,500 entrants, making it a highly sought-after race. Course Details The race starts in Mount Pleasant at 8 AM. Runners must position themselves according to their pace and colour-coded numbers. Various groups are seeded based on predicted finish times, which need to be verified. Shuttle buses and boat shuttles are available to transport participants to the start line, with boat shuttles requiring prior booking. Runners begin by heading west on Coleman Boulevard through Mount Pleasant, soon joining the impressive Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. This 2.7-mile span across the Cooper River and Town Creek opened in 2005, replacing the Grace Memorial Bridge and Pearman Bridge. It is the largest construction project in South Carolina history and the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world, costing $531 million. The bridge features eight lanes for vehicles, as well as biking and running lanes. Two 570-foot towers provide stunning views of Charleston Harbor, making it an excellent opportunity for memorable photos. At mile 4, runners descend the Meeting St Ramp and turn south into Charleston. After 400 meters, they proceed onto King St and head south to the finish line at Marion Square. The King Street Historic District, also known as Lower King Street, spans the peninsula from Calhoun Street to Broad Streets. St. Philip Street and Meeting Street define the outer edges, while the French Quarter and Harleston Village neighborhoods flank this historic area. Be sure to explore this fascinating part of the city when you get the chance. The crowds in Charleston during the race are massive, and the finish area is bustling with activity. A Finish Festival features entertainment, vendors, food, souvenirs, and plenty of refreshments. Live bands perform at the festival, and runners will hear the music twice: once while passing through Marion Square on King Street and again after crossing the finish line. Support is abundant along the route, with music playing every mile. What's Unique? The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a standout feature of this race. While many races include bridges, this one is truly impressive. Participating in this race for the bridge alone makes it worthwhile! Do Charities Benefit from the Cooper River Bridge Run? Yes, the Bridge Run allows participants to raise money for its designated charities. Runners can choose to support any charity, but these designated charities have bibs available. Our Verdict With its stunning scenery and the remarkable Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Cooper River Bridge Run is a must-do event. The camaraderie of 40,000 fellow runners and the top-notch organisation ensure an unforgettable experience. How to Register You can register online via the race website. The event is capped at 38,500 runners, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. Charity bibs are also available. Race Website For more information, visit the Cooper River Bridge Run website .

In the latest Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers sits down with Kara Hopgood from the Southern Hospice Group to explore the powerful intersection of running, fundraising, and community support. From first-time races to managing large teams of charity runners, Kara offers a heartfelt look into what it really takes to support people taking on endurance challenges for a cause. HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE From First Run to Fundraising Leader Kara’s journey into running began like many others: inspired by someone close to her. After watching a friend complete the London Marathon, Kara took her first steps into the sport and soon completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon, her first race. That experience didn’t just spark a personal passion; it transformed how she approaches her role supporting charity runners. “It genuinely switched my perspective massively… it gave me a first-hand experience of what our runners go through.” That empathy now shapes everything: from communication to logistics to the emotional support offered along the way. The Power of Cheer Points in supporting runners One of the biggest themes of the conversation is the importance of charity cheer points: those loud, colourful pockets of encouragement on race day. They’re not just about noise and visibility. They’re about connection, motivation, and showing runners they’re not alone. “We make that promise… that we’re going to support them right from the beginning, right to the end.” From early morning setups and securing prime locations to coordinating volunteers and spotting runners in a crowd, there’s a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work involved. But the payoff is worth it: a boost at exactly the moment a runner needs it most. Kara highlights how these moments can reignite purpose during the toughest miles: “You see the charity cheer point just in the distance… and it gives you that reminder of why you signed up in the first place.” The Logistics Behind the Magic Race-day support might look effortless, but it’s anything but. For events like the Brighton Half Marathon, Kara and her team coordinate: Dozens of runners (86 this year) Volunteer recruitment and training Strategic cheer point placement Early morning setup (often before sunrise) Post-race support, from snacks to massages Even securing a spot can be competitive—especially at major events like the London Marathon, where charities compete for high-visibility locations like Tower Bridge. The goal? Be seen, be heard, and be there until the very last runner passes. Fundraising: Start Early, Think Creatively Beyond the physical challenge, fundraising adds another layer of pressure for participants. Kara emphasises the importance of starting early and spreading the effort over time. Social media remains a powerful tool, but today’s most successful fundraisers are going beyond simple donation links. From workplace initiatives to pub gigs and daily training vlogs, creativity is key and it’s paying off. Many of Kara’s Brighton runners didn’t just meet their targets, they doubled them. A Community Effort What stands out most from this conversation is the sense of community. Cheer points bring together: Runners Families and friends Volunteers Even strangers who join in on the day It’s a shared experience built on encouragement, purpose, and collective energy. And for Kara, that’s what makes it all worthwhile. Final Thoughts Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned fundraiser, this episode is a reminder that no one completes these challenges alone. Behind every medal is a network of support; people who show up early, stay late, and cheer the loudest when it matters most. And sometimes, that’s exactly what gets you to the finish line. If you'd to run for Southern Hospice Group and get the support that Kara and her team offer then head here for more information. There are three hospices: Chestnut Tree House , Martlets and St Barnabas House . HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE Organising a mass-participation running event might look simple from the outside: close a few roads, welcome runners to the start line and hand out some medals at the finish, but behind every successful race is an enormous amount of planning, investment, and risk. In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast , host Tim Rogers spoke with Warrick Mac Nicol , founder of the iconic Burj2Burj half marathon in Dubai. Their conversation reveals the scale of effort required to build a major race from scratch and why entry fees are only a small part of the financial puzzle. Warrick Mac Nicol was a competitive athlete before moving into event management From Athlete to Event Creator Warrick Mac Nicol’s journey into race organisation began long before Dubai. A competitive athlete from South Africa, he was exposed to event management early in his career, often racing and then helping pack up the event afterward. After moving to Dubai nearly a decade ago, he became deeply involved in the city’s rapidly growing sports scene, even helping organise the massive Dubai Run & Run event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of participants. That experience eventually inspired him to launch a new business, with a partner, called Worlds Iconic, that included a half marathon connecting two of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. “I don’t even call them events — I call them experiences.” The result was Burj2Burj , a race designed around the idea of running between iconic destinations — from the world’s tallest building to one of the world’s most famous hotels. Running Between Icons The race route itself is part of the appeal. Runners begin near the Museum of the Future, pass the towering Burj Khalifa, travel through older parts of the city, and finish on the beach beside the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. The course is fast and relatively flat, making it attractive for personal bests, but the real draw is the experience of seeing Dubai’s skyline from a runner’s perspective. “You get this beautiful run along the beach road… and then you see the Burj Al Arab for the first time.” The race has grown quickly, reaching around 15,000 runners in just its third edition , with more than 4000 travelling from outside the UAE. The Costs Of Putting On An Event Many runners wonder why race entries can cost £40, £50, or more. According to Mac Nicol, those fees barely scratch the surface of the total cost of staging a large-scale event. “Our entries don’t even cover 30% of the cost of the event.” Major expenses include: Road closures and route logistics Medical teams and emergency services Toilets, barriers, and crowd management Medals, shirts, and race bags Insurance and security Marketing and international promotion Even something as simple as start-line facilities becomes expensive at scale. For the 2026 race, organisers installed around 275 toilets just at the start area for thousands of runners, a significant cost item in the budget. The Hidden Complexity of Event Logistics Planning doesn’t stop once a race finishes. In fact, preparation for the next year starts almost immediately.Teams review every element of the race — from the start area to the finish experience — identifying improvements across dozens of operational areas. But in a rapidly developing city like Dubai, even the race route isn’t guaranteed. Road construction and infrastructure projects mean organisers sometimes need to redesign the course months before race day. At one point, the start line had to be moved just a week before the race, forcing the team to rework logistics for what Mac Nicol estimates was more than 200,000 moving parts. The Role of Elite Athletes Top professional runners can also be a significant investment. Flights , accommodation, management teams, and prize money all add up — with Burj2Burj investing roughly one million dirhams (over £200k) in elite participation, but the exposure can be well worth it. “Having those athletes here — the publicity and awareness it brings is so worthwhile.” High-profile runners bring media attention, inspire amateur participants, and elevate the race’s global credibility. The Real Business Model of Races If entry fees don’t cover costs, how do races survive? The answer is sponsorship and partnerships. Brands help fund events in exchange for exposure and engagement with participants. These partnerships often support: hydration stations race packs and product samples marketing campaigns broadcast coverage Without sponsors, many races simply wouldn’t happen. For new events especially, building those partnerships can take years. Building for the Long Term Newer events must invest heavily upfront to build brand recognition. hat means accepting losses in the early years while the event grows. Mac Nicol and his team see it as a long-term investment in both the brand and the running community. “We believe in investing in the long term… we’re building the event year by year.” The Burj2Burj half marathon: More Than Just a Race For Mac Nicol, the goal isn’t simply to organise a half marathon. It’s to create an international running experience that attracts participants from around the world. With ambitions to reach 20,000–25,000 runners in the coming years, the Burj2Burj half marathon is quickly becoming one of the Middle East’s most distinctive mass-participation races. The next time you pay an entry fee for a race, it might be worth remembering just how much goes on behind the scenes to make that start line possible. Go to the event website here and their Instagram pages @warrickmacnicol @Burj2Burj @worldsiconic @ultratraildubai HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Head into most specialist running stores and you'll see a section on the wall for foam rollers and related 'accessories', like massage sticks. Many runners will just walk straight past it and go to the shoes or apparel. Should you find out more? Go and see a physiotherapist and it's very likely they will discuss foam rollers and massage sticks. 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!

The Bangkok Marathon gives runners a unique opportunity to run in Bangkok, traffic free, The weekend offers a 5km, 10km, half and full marathon and is held annually each November. The Bangkok Marathon begins at the Royal Grand Palace on Sanamchai Road and takes runners past many famous landmarks, including the religious sites of the City Pillar Shrine and the Emerald Buddha Temple, the royal landmarks of Vimanmek Mansion, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and the Chitralada Palace. The Destination Bangkok, known locally as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It's in the centre of the country, with an estimated population of 10.5 million, around 15 percent of the country's population. As a result it's absolutely at the heart of the national economy. A city that really does never sleep: it's a melting pot of contrasting cultures and faiths. Towering skyscrapers stand in harmony next to temples and monasteries, while luxury malls and shopping centres compete with the street bazaars and floating markets. Thai and international cuisine are showcased on the streets as well as in rooftop restaurants. The nightlife of Bangkok, on the one hand, revolves around flashy nightclubs, rooftop and go-go bars, bright neon light signs and cheap drinks. There are cabaret shows, Muay Thai and dance exhibitions and even cultural walking tours. Must see sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew showcase the city's rich history, while museums such as Art in Paradise and parks such as the Sea Life Ocean World cater to those more mainstream options Bangkok is serviced by Suvarnabhumi International Airport for international flights and Don Mueang Airport is the domestic airport. The city has a huge range of accommodation from luxury hotels to backpacker-friendly options with many hostels, dormitories and homestays now available. History The first event took place in 1988, with 17,000 runners on a day inspired by the likes of the New York, London and Berlin Marathons. 40,000-50,000 runners now take part, across all events, with more than 60 countries represented. The start and finish are near the Royal Grand Palace Race Organiser Jogging for Health Association of Thailand, a non-profit organisation, with the aim of ensuring a fit and healthy population. When? The race is held annually in November. Distances There is a full and half marathon, as well as a 10km and 5km event. Is there an Expo? There is an expo where race packets need to be collected for 3 days prior to the event. Its location can vary, so check the event website. How many runners? 45,000 + across all events. Course All divisions start and finish at Sanamchai Road out the front of The Royal Grand Palace. An interesting quirk is the way the wave starts are devised. They aren't put together based on expected finish time like most, but on age. Another major point of difference is the start time. We all expect marathons in Asia to start early due to the potentially oppressive humidity, but this is earlier than most. The marathon starts at 30 minutes past midnight, the half at 3am, 10km at 4.30am and the 5km 30 minutes later! The marathon award ceremony is at 7am. There won't be many that are earlier than that, anywhere in the world. The marathon course passes by historic sites, cultural centers, and neighborhoods. It starts at Sanam Chai, crosses the Chao Praya River via the Rama 8 Bridge, and passes Phra Sumen Fort, finally ending in front of The Royal Grand Palace. The spectacular Grand Palace is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It’s one must-see sight that no visit to the city would be complete without. It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. The first 5km weaves around the Grand Palace and through the City and the event is then dominated by a very long stretch out and back along a major highway. The marathon field is only a few thousand so it is relatively quiet, but the real challenge is the heat. Marathons and half marathons in this part of the world are always dominated by the heat and humidity. You must be prepared for that or suffer the consequences. There is an abundance of water and Gatorade, which helps, but combined with the early start time this is not an event for the faint hearted. However tired and hot you are, soak up the history. Not far from the finish the Phra Sumen Fort is a highlight. During the r ule of King Rama I fourteen guard towers were constructed at various strategic points along the city walls. The most northerly was the Phra Sumen Fort, which was equipped with canons and was also used to store ammunition and weapons. This Fort was one of few that survived and major renovation work was carried out at the old citadel in 1981 to keep alive a link to the Thai capital’s past. It's sites like these that make this event one that's worth training hard for. The route can change so check the event website for the latest. You'll cross the Chao Praya River via the Rama 8 Bridge What's unique? Parts of Bangkok with no traffic! Do charities benefit? There is no charity programme, but you can set up a fundraising page yourself and raise money for your preferred charity. Our verdict Events like this are a truly memorable experience. Everything feels different, the energy level feels like it has been ramped up a notch. Sights and sounds are unique. Marathon events in Asia are something special and this is no different. How to register Online via the website. It does not sell out yet, but don't leave it too late. Entries are normally available until the end of August. Race website https://bkkmarathon.com/en/

Four events, from the Philadelphia Marathon Marathon to a Children's Run and four challenges, including The Liberty Bell, this is the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held every November and one of the biggest in the US. Fast and scenic courses weave past historic landmarks, through urban neighborhoods, and along Philadelphia's picturesque waterfronts. The Destination Philadelphia, often known as Philly, is one of the most historically significant cities in the US having served as the capital until 1800. Located in the state of Pennsylvania it has a population of 1.6 million and a huge range of attractions for all markets. Only two hours from New York it's often overlooked by overseas visitors but it has plenty to offer. There are many history-making locations like the Independence Hall. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site first opened in 1753 and where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Here you can see the Liberty Bell that bears a timeless message: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof". Abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates and Civil Rights leaders took inspiration from the inscription on this bell. Philly also has the Reading Terminal Market, one of America's largest and oldest public markets that opened in 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building and offers an incredible selection of locally grown and exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections. There are a huge range of different cuisines, from soul food and exquisite Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to authentic Philly cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare. And then of course there's Rocky. The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps are two of the most famous attractions in the city and both feature in Marathon weekend. The Rocky Statue was created for the Rocky III movie and when filming was complete in 1980 the bronze masterpiece was donated to the city. It's now located outside the Museum of Art at the bottom of the steps, famous for a scene from the movie where Rocky makes an iconic two arms raised salute. The views of the city from the top of the steps are superb, but you won't be on your own. Rocky most definitely brings tens of thousands to the city annually and this is the place many want to visit. There are more than 10,000 acres of park lands including Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture in LOVE Park and the stunning Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. Check out the Betsy Ross House where the first American flag was sewn. The City's Zoo, a course highlight, is yet another major attraction that definitely warrants a visit. There is plenty to see here; a city that both the half and the full marathon course do a great job in showcasing. History The very first Philadelphia Marathon was in 1954. It's been known by a number of different names over the years, including the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon (1981–82) and the Fairmount Park Marathon (1988–89). The marathon today, was established under the name of the Philadelphia Marathon in 1994 under then Mayor Ed Rendell as an annual running event that took place entirely within the City of Philadelphia. Prior to this it had been run mainly on the outskirts of the metropolitan area. In 1995, a group of dedicated runners and Dr. Peter Sharkey of the Rothman Institute, a top Philadelphia orthopaedic practice, sponsored a smaller running event as part of the Sunday Marathon event. The Rothman 8K is now an integral part of Marathon Weekend and an enjoyable event for beginners or those who just want to run. In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday line up by Janis Pierce, the City Representative at that time, and a runner and in 2016 the race moved to a two day event with the half marathon and 8K on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday. This allows for a number of cross events challenges to be offered. Race Organiser The event is presented by the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend organisation, and its fiscal sponsor is the Philadelphia City Fund , which supports the weekend and community programs. When? The event weekend is held annually in November, normally the third weekend. Distances Full, Half, 8 km and Children's' Runs. There are four challenges where runners compete in completing multiple race combinations over two days. The Patriot Challenge is the half and the 8k on Saturday, the Independence Challenge is the 8k on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday, the Liberty Bell Challenge is the half on Saturday and full on Sunday and finally, the Freedom Challenge is the half and 8k on Saturday and the full on Sunday. Is there an Expo? The Health & Fitness Expo is at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday and Saturday during race weekend and is where race bibs need to be collected. They are not mailed to runners. There are also vendors showcasing the newest running apparel, shoes and accessories, distributing product samples, and offering tips on health and fitness, as well as where runners can purchase official Philadelphia Marathon Weekend merchandise. How many runners? 30,000 + across all distances Course To allow for the challenge programme to work the half and the full are on different days. The half starts on Saturday at 7am and the full starts at the same time on Sunday. There is really tight security to enter the start area so leave plenty of time as there are only certain areas you can get in. This includes screening. The marathon start is near the Museum of Art The marathon start is at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Runners head southeast into the city along Arch Street and Race Street, along Christopher Columbus Boulevard by the river and then west along Chestnut and Walnut Streets, past the University, to the 7 mile mark. These first 7 miles in the City are flat and fast. This is prime city centre running so there is plenty of crowd support even though it's still early. At mile 9 there is the first out and back section, west along the Avenue of the Republic, before returning to cross the Girard Bridge just before half way. From mile 9 to 12 is a hillier section of the course. Runners are now in Fairmount Park, so it's quieter but there's plenty to see, including America's first zoo. Philadelphia Zoo has over 160 years of experience in conserving wildlife, caring for animals, and educating communities. Home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals, it offers award-winning animal exhibits, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, award-winning education and conservation programs, making it one of the most renowned zoos in the world. After halfway there is another out and back loop through Fairmount Park from miles 13 to 16. Fairmount is huge, with more than 2,000 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront and shaded woodlands. There are a number of varying natural landscapes in East and West sections of the park, divided by the Schuylkill River. This section is in the east of the Park, with the previous section in the west. From mile 16 it's then north along Kelly Drive to the turn just past mile 20 at Manayunk. This is a trendy suburb on the Schuylkill River banks. It has a small-town vibe, with galleries and boutiques lining Main Street, along with cool eateries and bars. Runners also head back along Kelly Drive, one of Philly’s most popular running and biking destinations. Formerly known as East River Drive, it was renamed "Kelly Drive" in the 1980s to honor John B. Kelly, Jr., a Philadelphia City Councilman, Olympic rower, and the brother of Grace Kelly. This is the biggest out and back of the course, with the return south to the Girard bridge being at mile 25. It's then a great mile to the finish, outside the Museum of Art and the famous Rocky Steps! There are masses of cheering spectators on this stretch. There's plenty of nutrition options in the finish area and a great medal and T shirt. The half marathon course follows a very similar first 7 miles in the city and then heads north on 33rd and 34th Streets to the Girard Bridge for a loop in Fairmount Park before heading back south on Kelly Drive to the same finish as the Marathon. Finish by the famous Rocky steps! The aid stations are plentiful, with water, energy drinks and gels when needed. There are more than 3000 volunteers and just like any of the other major events there is plenty of event support everywhere. What's unique? There is no sporting event on this scale in the City. It's one of the biggest in the US and offers runners a unique opportunity to run traffic free on a number of Philly's city streets. Do charities benefit? The organisers partner with many programs that support local initiatives and benefit people from the region, nationally and globally. Additionally, its fiscal agent, the Philadelphia City Fund allocates a portion of its revenue for grant making to support the Philadelphia community each year. Through its Community Fund, PCF invests those proceeds in charitable projects that improve the quality of life for our residents. A number of partner charities also have entries in the events that they use to encourage runners to fundraise for them. Our verdict Big city centre running festivals are very special and this is no different. Definitely one to put on your 'must do' list. The challenges are also worth looking at. How to register Online via the website. It may 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.philadelphiamarathon.com/

Head to Florida in mid January and take part in the Key West Half Marathon and Runfest, in one of the State's coolest regions. Key West is a special place and what better way to see it than on a run in the sun. The half goes up past the historic district, past the Southernmost Point and along beautiful Smathers Beach. The finish line is right by the Half Shell Raw Bar, a well known entertainment venue and very near the start! The Destination The city of Key West is part of Monroe County, which also includes much of the Keys and some of the Everglades. It's under 6 square miles and has a population of less than 30,000. It's the southernmost point in the United States, located closer to Cuba than to Miami and is known for its watersports, lively nightlife, climate, beaches, historic sites, cultural diversity, and its pastel and unique architecture. The palm-lined streets were home to Ernest Hemingway, (whose home and museum is a must-see), Tennessee Williams, and Jimmy Buffett: some of the celebrities who discovered solace and inspiration in the island city. Duval Street is one of the most intriguing strips of shops, bars and cafes in the US, and was the favorite Key West hangout of novelist Hemingway. Fort Zachary Taylor is considered by many to be Key West’s best beach. In this 87-acre state park you’ll find a Civil War fort, nature trails, ideal spots for fishing and snorkelling and a gorgeous sandy beach. The snorkelling here is superb and you should see snapper, parrotfish and lobster. Smathers Beach is another you must visit. Key West is also known as the Conch Republic, a tongue in cheek stab at independence. Conch are a small sea snail, very popular in these parts! History The first Key West Half Marathon was held in 1998. It has grown significantly over time from 1500 runners ten years ago to its current 4000, and more distances have been added. There is also a 5k and paddle board race in July each year. The Key West Half Marathon was voted one of the top 10 best half-marathons in the nation for 2023 by the USA Today Readers Choice Awards. In 2023 there were runners from 50 States and 37 countries, from those with plenty of experience to first-timers. Race Organiser The Key West Half Marathon is owned and organised by BW Promotions. Barbara Wright is the race director and founder of the event. When? The race is held annually in mid January. Distances Half Marathon  (13.1 miles) 10K and 8K races 5K run Big Pecker Challenge:  Complete the 5K, 10K, and half marathon for a special medal. Lil’ Pecker Challenge:  Run the 5K, 8K, and 10K for a unique hat and medals. Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll:  A fun rum-tasting tour around Old Town Key West. Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile:  A four-loop beach run with beer stops. Is there an Expo? On Friday and Saturday outside the Half Shell Raw Bar you can pick up your race bib and grab some souvenirs. There's also plenty of pre-race carbo loading food options available.   How many runners? Over 5,000 entrants, across all distances. Course The half marathon starts at 6.30am and the 5k goes off 30 mins later, both from Caroline Street, on Key West’s western end. From there, the course heads through the city streets, turning on famous Duval Street, Eaton Street, and Whitehead Street and then along Atlantic Boulevard and South Roosevelt Boulevard, which is also part of Florida Highway A1A, a 338 mile stretch of highway from here to Georgia. There are great views of the ocean and plenty of landmarks along the way. These include the Key West lighthouse, Ernest Hemingway’s house, downtown Key West’s old town area as well as the Southernmost Point in the United States. The only real hills of note are the bridge over the Cow Key Channel to Stock Island (only 75 yards wide but with great views) and the stretches along Duval Street and Whitehead Street. Parallel to Duval Street, Whitehead Street in the old town is a leafy, mile-long stretch that runs parallel from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Colourful Key West bungalows, sprawling Banyan trees, historic points of interest and the island's famous roosters make for a great part of the run. The Southernmost Point Buoy   is on the corner with South Street, The concrete buoy is the southernmost point of the continental United States and it's one of the most photographed landmarks on Key West. Runners head over this hilly stretch twice and then head along Key West’s southern edge for the second half of the race heading back toward the finish line, where it all started. There will be a big crowd waiting for you. Let the party begin! What's unique? This is a party running weekend like no other. The whole island is focused on the event and when the races are done, it's time for the more relaxed events to get the party started. There's no better place for a January event than the warmth of the Keys. Do charities benefit? The event supports local causes, including Key West-area charities and scholarship efforts. Runners are welcome to fundraise for their own favourite charities as well. Our verdict If you're looking for a relaxed half, with no challenging event logistics where you can pretty much just turn up and run without lots and lots of planning and in a perfect climate, then this is the one for you. The scenery is great and everyone is super friendly. Perfect. How to register Online via the website. Race website https://www.keywesthalfmarathon.com/

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? It was for Jacob Kilplimo on March 8 2026 when he broke the world record for the half marathon, by 10 seconds, winning the race in 57 minutes 20 seconds. So you know it's a fast course!   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

Whatever level your running is at cross training is really important. You need look at options like cycling and swimming to build fitness and reduce stress on certain muscles, especially those in your legs. Much overlooked but arguably the best compliment to running are indoor rowing machines. Read this post to find out why an indoor rowing machine could be a valuable part of your running training. Most decent sized gyms have rowing machines and many of these are the Concept 2 rower. There are many other options on the market and the principles discussed here apply to all of them, but the Concept 2 is the market leader. So why are they so good for your running? They help build overall fitness If you want to assess your overall fitness levels at any given time, spend 5 minutes on an indoor rowing machine. There is no better piece of gym equipment that can tell you exactly how fit or unfit you are. Unlike all others it works pretty much all of your cardiovascular system and if your fitness isn't great you'll know about it pretty soon. After a month or so of using a rowing machine the difference can be very significant. And because of the excellent display monitors that most of them have you'll be able to record your progress and track the changes. You can link fitness apps into them and download the information you need to your phone. They help develop your legs One particular benefit to runners is that they give your legs a good workout. They are non load bearing, unlike running, so this approach is perfect. You strengthen your legs and take the weight off. Ideal. Many people's technique on rowing machines is wrong. They pull too much with their arms and strain their back. Rowing machines are all about driving with your legs and using your arms to guide the bar. Of course you'll end up pulling but the real effort should come from your legs. They help develop your breathing It is really important when you're running that you begin to develop a breathing pattern. Indoor rowing helps with this. Creating a breathing rhythm can really help your rowing workouts and you can use this best practice with your running. Ideally, the rhythm of your breath will relate to the rhythm of your stroke when you're rowing and your cadence when you're running. Establishing a breathing pattern supplies regular oxygen to your muscles so they can function optimally, and it can also help you increase the intensity of your workout, especially on those days when you are less motivated to put in a hard effort. They are perfect for bad weather When the weather's not right for a run (and this might be because it's too hot or too cold), you don't need to just switch to a treadmill in the gym. The rowing machine gives you an alternative that has real benefits. Many runners don't like treadmills, for a variety of reasons and regard rowing machines as too 'non-specific'. Don't think like that. Think of them as the perfect alternative; not a rest day exactly, but an alternative. Remember that they aren't just a bad weather option, they are an important part of your cross training regime. They are great for setting goals Goal setting is crucial when you're training. You need to have something to aim for. The rowing machine is the ultimate in goal setting. The monitor on the Concept 2 rower has a multitude of metrics and you can track your improvements in many ways. One of course, is time spent and then there's cadence, distance covered and stroke rate, amongst many others. The beauty of the rower is that you can set daily targets and you will see improvements. These can then be stored for you to download. If you've a machine at home just leave the data on the monitor and toggle through when you need a lift. Not every day will see improvement, both most will. Leave it a month with no training, go back on the rower and you'll inevitably see a decline. It really does give you a very accurate picture of where your fitness is at. Many gyms operate group classes for indoor rowing with visualisation as the motivator. Have a look and see if your local gym has this option. They are a perfect way to build fitness and give you the opportunity to work with others. There can be a real spirit of camaraderie which is great to have when you're running, which can at times be a lonely sport if you're not running with others.

The only Asian event in the World Marathon Majors series, the Tokyo Marathon feels very different to the rest. If you haven't been to Japan before you are in for sensory overload. It is an intriguing country and its capital is like no other. Marathon running is massive in this country and this event is the pinnacle. Getting a spot is extremely difficult so if you do get one then make sure you make the most of every minute. Tokyo Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, with a population of 14 million. It's located on Japan's largest island called Honshu and is the home of the Emperor of Japan, is the seat of government and the country's financial and economic hub. Visiting for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. It does have some green spaces in the city centre, but it's more well known for its futuristic shopping and timeless history; wonderful contradictions that somehow work here. There is entertainment at every turn and fascinating dining where your palette is seriously challenged. The city is divided into many neighborhoods that are themselves as big as many US cities and they are each different, with something unique to offer visitors and locals alike. . Shibuya, where the average age isn't much over 30, is the "world's busiest pedestrian crossing", with upwards of 3,000 people at a time hurrying across. Youth culture reigns here with fashion b rand-lined streets in Tokyo's apparel design district. This is in contrast to Ginza. This is Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and exclusive restaurants. Shinjuku is the district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a huge office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese office people after hours. Find the infamous Kabukicho, Tokyo’s biggest red light district where almost 300 nightclubs, love hotels, shops, host and hostess clubs, and restaurants are ready to serve you all night long. Ikebukuro is an old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly—but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still intact. Another fascinating neighborhood is Ikebukuro, also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium. Finally there's Roppongi, a classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travelers. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and boasts a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural center with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area. History of the Tokyo Marathon The first Tokyo Marathon was held on 18 February 2007. Prior to the establishment of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation in 2007, the city of Tokyo hosted two separate marathon events for elite men and women, dating back to 1980 and 1979, respectively. The total number of runners in 2007 was set at 30,000. 25,000 people signed up for the marathon and 5,000 signed up for the 10K run. Since 2007, the Tokyo Marathon has grown to over 300,000 applicants and nearly 36,000 participants annually. In 2013 the Tokyo Marathon became the sixth event in the World Marathon series. Race Organiser The Tokyo Marathon Foundation, a government organisation. When? It's held annually in February or March. It's a busy course from start to finish Distances Marathon only Is there an Expo? T here is a large expo at Tokyo Big Sight South Halls 3-11-1, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, for three days prior to the race. It's a big show with many health and fitness exhibitors. All runners must attend to collect their bib. How many runners? 37,500 The course Conditions can often be challenging on race day so make sure you bring plenty of wet weather clothing with you and layer up. Late winters are cold and wet in Japan and they've had their fair share of bad weather for this event. You'll be waiting around on the start line at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a while so find somewhere with plenty of shelter, just in case. The route, which is primarily flat, takes in many of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Tokyo Tower, which as with towers in most marathons, seems to almost be an ever present. At 333 meters high in the center of the city, it's the world's tallest, self-supported steel tower and 3 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. A symbol of Japan's post-war rebirth as a major economic power, Tokyo Tower was the country's tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree, which you'll see at the 15km mark. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower serves as a broadcast antenna. Thanks to the tower's central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. You don't actually run past it until 37 km but you can see it pretty much from the start. The famous Tokyo Tower For the first half of the course there's plenty of the city to take in, but nothing of any real note, or that international visitors will recognise. It's a chance though to take stock and enjoy where you are. Even though you probably won't have a clear what they're shouting, the crowds are enthusiastic and give you plenty of support. They even hold out bags to put your litter in! At the 20km mark it starts to get really interesting. Tomioka Hachimangu is a large Shinto shrine right next to the famous Fukagawa Fudoson Buddhist temple. The shrine is the birthplace of Edo Kanshin Sumo Wrestling, so inscriptions that praise the achievements of the grand champions were made, and inside the shrine giant prints of the hands and feet of sumo wrestlers are preserved in stone monuments. A variety of events are held every month within the grounds, including shrine fairs, antique markets, and flea markets. It's a place that you need to come back to after the race if you haven't already been here. At 30km you run through the Ginza district. Built on the site of a silver coin mint dating back to the Edo era (1603-1868), it's an area steeped in history. Its main street houses some of Tokyo's original department stores, along with boutique shopping and gorgeous, high quality restaurants and bistros. You'll be close by again at 40 km as unfortunately this is the site of three out and back legs that marathons don't enjoy. It's ok if you're at the front of the field but not great if you're not. Because the race is held entirely within the street of the city the organisers incorporate these 'dog legs' to make sure they can squeeze in 42km. It's good for spectators but not so good for runners who don't enjoy seeing those ahead of them coming the other way. The race finishes at the hugely impressive Imperial Palace, located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards. Gyoko-dori is a symbolic space, the exact area you finish, connects the Imperial Palace (outer garden) and the gateway to Japan, Tokyo Station. Baggage pick up is easy and you get the usual goodies with some Japanese twists. It's well organised, but uniquely no photographs are allowed. All runners get a metro pass and it's easy to get back to the main hotels from here. Taxis are extortionate so always choose a hotel near a metro station. And when you're done, go and get some pictures taken in the heart of the city! What's unique? Everything. It's unlikely that you've done an event like this one. Do charities benefit? There are many charities involved, mainly from Japan, US and UK and thousands of race entries are allocated to those charities. Runners can apply to a charity for one of these guaranteed spots and must agree to raise the agreed amount of fundraising if selected. Our verdict It's a truly fascinating event. So hard to get into, but that makes it even more special. Its status in the World Marathon Majors makes it much sought after and you'll meet plenty of others eager to do all six. A great trip and one you won't forget in a long time. How to register This is not straightforward. It opens in August and there are a number of different categories. Residents of Tokyo for example have their own category. If you apply to the ballot and don't get a spot (a small chance) there are the charity entries, but most charities are local and give preference to residents of Japan. If that doesn't work there are a number of overseas marathon tour operators who have entries. This is not a cheap trip, so be prepared. It's a once in a lifetime experience with a price tag to match. Race website https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/

Looking for a big marathon in Europe? Then give the Amsterdam Marathon a go. With the start and finish in the Olympic stadium and a course that weaves its way through the city centre, taking in many of the local attractions this is a great European event that you should carefully consider. Held annually each October there's also a half marathon and an 8k event if you're not ready for the full Amsterdam Marathon. It's is a fascinating city with so much to see and do. Amsterdam Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has a population of around a million and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Venice of the North, thanks to its intricate network of canals, its iconic mix of narrow lanes house residential and holiday accommodation, perfect for the millions who descend on the city each year. To find out more about the canals head to the intriguing Het Grachtenmuseum canal house museum and really understand their importance to the city. You can't come to Amsterdam without visiting the Anne Frank house (tickets can be sold out months in advance, but walking tours are also available), or the 17th-century Royal Palace, still used by the Dutch Royal family. There are many canal boat tours, including one that takes in the Heineken factory. The original brewery on Stadhouderskade and Ferdinand Bolstraat was closed in 1988 and later reopened as the Heineken Experience; an interactive museum and corporate visitor centre. Or hire a bike and explore the city in your own time, including the vast Vondelpark. Just out of the city is the Zaanse Schans, a living and working traditional Dutch community, where you'll see clog-crafting, cheese-making, and Dutch windmills. In Museumplein you'll get a feel for the importance of art in the city. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and many more feature in the many art museums. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum host many of their works and the Stedelijk Museum of modern art illustrates art is still being created in the city today. Getting ready! History of the Amsterdam Marathon The very first Amsterdam marathon was organised in 1916. The most famous marathon in Amsterdam was in 1928, as part of the Olympic Games and the event continued during the 1930's but the outbreak of the Second World War ended this sequence and the next one wasn't until 1956 and then not until 1975. The marathon in 1975, when 300 ran, was part of the celebration of the city’s 700th birthday. There are now 45,000 participants, with 105 different nationalities, 150 times as many as 1975. The historical links with the Olympic Stadium, where the Olympic event took place in 1928, have also been developed. The race holds the Platinum Label, the highest reward of the international athletics federation World Athletics, and has one of the fastest courses in the world. Race Organiser It's owned and operated by Le Champion, who manage 60 sports events each year. Originally Le Champion was created for the cycling community but grew to incorporate runners and walkers. It's one of the biggest sports associations in the Netherlands with 20.000 members and 250.000 participants taking part in their events. 70% of members are focused mainly on running. When is the Amsterdam Marathon? The race is held annually in October Distances Marathon, half marathon, 8km and kids runs. Is there an Expo? There is a three day expo held in Sporthallen Zuid. Bib numbers are collected here running merchandise and event souvenirs are available. How many runners? 45,000, across all distances. 20,000 in the marathon. The course The Marathon kicks off from 9.00 to 9.30am depending on your start corral. 15,000 marathon runners Start Area A begin inside the beautifully renovated 85-year-old stadium and 5,000 in Start Area B Stadionweg, right outside the Stadium. From the Stadium it's north and then east to the Vondelpark, just before the 2km mark. Named after a famous Dutch poet, the Vondelpark is the largest park of the city and was designed in an English landscape style by the architect L.D. Zocher and his son in 1865. With more than 10 million visitors annually, inhabitants of Amsterdam and visitors enjoy this oasis; a place to really get away from it all. It's always filled with skaters, joggers and all sorts of street performers and there is always something to do and see. At 4km runners are in the heart of the museum district, including the Rijksmuseum, the famous passage which connects Amsterdam city centre with the south of Amsterdam. From here it's south to a turn at 8km and then back north before heading east passing through Zuidas, a new part of the city, full of high rise offices and apartments. From Zuidas it's then a long stretch out and back along the Amstel River. You cross the river to head back north at the 20km mark). This is the rural part of the course. following part of the original Olympic course. The Amstel has played an important part in the city's heritage. It's been supplying it with water and transportation for over 800 years, Rembrandt painted here, there's a famous brewery on its banks, it's lined with monuments and has some of the most scenic bike lanes in the country. There are some gorgeous views on this section of the course and if you're into football (soccer) you'll see the local team's stadium, the Arena, home to Ajax, away to the right. At 26km you leave the Amstel and head east for a loop north and then west through Amsterdam Oost, known for its bustling markets, vibrant cultural offerings and culinary expertise. At 36km it's past Oosterpark, a fantastic green space filled with ponds, streams, a wading pool for children and plenty of walking paths. At 40km, after racing past cheering crowds in the city's streets, runners are back in the Vondelpark for the final 2km push to the finish back at the Olympic Stadium. Friends and family are allowed in the grandstand at the Stadium and the atmosphere is what you'd expect at an event of this scale. Between 1.00pm and 1.50pm the half marathon starts outside and then finishes here, so there is a buzz for hours! The Half Marathon is the biggest half in the country and consists of one loop, most of which passes through the centre of the city. It heads through Churchilllaan, Rijnstraat and the Utrechtse Bridge over the Amstel river. Then through Watergraafsmeer and Zeeburg. The rest of the course is the same as that of the full marathon. What's unique? Traffic free Amsterdam roads, without even a bike for company. Amsterdam is a pretty unique city at the best of times, but marathon day makes it like no other. Do charities benefit? The Marathon organisers support the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). All runners are asked to make a voluntary donation to KWF while registering. These donations will be used to support groundbreaking cancer research at the Amsterdam UMC Cancer Center Amsterdam. Runners can of course support their favorite charity by setting up a fundraising page. Our verdict One of the flattest courses in Europe and organisation that you'd expect from a Platinum label event, this is a top quality marathon that you need to do at least once. The course is packed with landmarks and history, including the odd windmill or two! Having a combination of events and keeping them separate works really well. A stadium start and finish is always really popular and it works very well in Amsterdam. How to register Online via the website. The 2023 event sold out in record time. It's a first come first served registration process, with no ballot; yet. Race website https://www.tcsamsterdammarathon.eu/

Why is the LA Marathon not the biggest and best in the world?Los Angeles is one of the most talked about cities on the planet and one of the most fascinating to visit, so you'd think the LA Marathon should be at the very top of every runner's wish list. OK, it's not one of the World Marathon Majors, but that shouldn't be the limiting factor. It traverses some of the world's most famous landmarks, with a near perfect climate. And it doesn't sell out. It should do. We take a closer look at the LA Marathon. Los Angeles Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Near its iconic Hollywood sign, studios such as Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers offer behind-the-scenes tours. On Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre displays celebrities’ hand- and footprints, the Walk of Fame honors thousands of luminaries and vendors sell maps to stars’ homes History of the LA Marathon The first LA Marathon was held in 1986, and was a legacy event from the 1984 Olympics held in the City. It had more than 10,000 entrants making it the biggest inaugural marathon in the world. The course has changed many times since then and this has inevitably affected its potential growth. The original route in 1986 started at Exposition Park and ended at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The route around the turn of the millennium both started and ended in t he Downtown area and then from 2007 to 2008, it started south of Universal City and ended in Downtown Los Angeles. The iconic "Stadium to Sea" route started at Dodger Stadium, finishing in Santa Monica. It changed again in 2020 as a result of spiralling costs associated with hosting the finish in Santa Monica. It now finishes at the Avenue of Stars in Century City. The event website explains that 'this exciting change allows for a more vibrant and interactive finish experience than previously possible. It will provide the opportunity for much greater spectator participation for family and friends with enhanced post-race activities including the Finish Festival with concerts and sponsor activations and puts runners close to hotels, transportation, and nightlife in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the best of LA'. Race Organiser The McCourt Foundation When is the LA Marathon? The event weekend is held annually in March Distances Marathon, half marathon and 5k. Is there an Expo? The 2024 Los Angeles Marathon Health & Fitness Expo takes place at the iconic Dodger Stadium on March 15 - 16 and hosts over 50 exhibitors and live entertainment. All runners need to collect their bibs from the expo. How many runners? 30,000 across all distances The course If you're coming from out of town there are of course a multitude of options when it comes to accommodation choices. Most choose to stay near the finish and there will be plenty to go for, whatever your budget. You'll need to head to the Expo on either the Friday or Saturday before race day to pick up your bib, so factor that into your timings. Speaking of timings, remember that the traffic in LA is pretty unique. It almost doesn't matter what time of day or night it is, there will always be traffic. Uber and Lyft rides are good value here and there is always one nearby. Dodger Stadium where it all starts Race day at Dodger Stadium starts early, so make sure you've had a good night's sleep and are well rested. Parking is open at 3am, baggage check in at 4am and the start corals at 5am. The wheelchair race is the first to start, at 6.30am and the mass field goes at 7am. There are a number of reasons for the early start, one being the need to get the roads reopened as soon as possible and another being the climate. It will be warm, with temperatures typically being around mid 70s Fahrenheit, early twenties centigrade, by mid afternoon. Beautiful running conditions! The course crosses the majority of east-west span of the city, and includes some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Century City, The majority of the route is along large sections of Sunset, Hollywood and Santa Monica boulevards. Constructing a course through a city like LA is no easy task and it's the challenges associated with this and the huge costs that have caused so many course changes. Hopefully the current course will be fixed for a while and its reputation will grow. There are no issues with hydration. There are plenty of water stations and those supplying Electrolit energy drinks. From Dodger Stadium in the east of the City, it's south to Chinatown's Dragon Gate at mile two and Los Angeles City Hall two miles later, where you start to head north and then it's Little Tokyo. Founded in the 1880s, Little Tokyo is a major cultural and civic center for Japanese Americans living in Southern California and it's one of only three official Japantowns in the United States, being declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1995. It's a cool place and the locals give runners plenty of support. Still heading northwest you pass the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels and where you join Sunset Boulevard. It's on to Hollywood Boulevard at mile 9, and you'll soon run past the Hollywood Pantages Theatre and the Capitol Records Tower. 'The Hollywood Pantages has a history as grand and diverse as the stage and screen fare which audiences have flocked to enjoy there for half a century. These days it's one of Los Angeles' leading homes of legitimate theatre, (the five highest-grossing weeks in L.A.'s theatrical history were all shows at the Pantages), and a favorite "location" for tv shows, movies and music videos. In the past, it has been a movie house, with live vaudeville acts between features as well as the site of many gala premieres and "spectaculars." For ten years the Hollywood Pantages Theatre was the home of the glittering Academy Awards Presentations.' At halfway you're in West Hollywood, the height of chic design in LA. you'll pass Hollywood & Vine, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. Since 1927, this ornate Asian-themed movie house has been hosting films, and it’s still a top place for premieres in Hollywood. It’s the courtyard out front of that gets even more attention, where more than numerous celebrities have left their hand and footprints in cement, then signed them personally. By mile 17 you're in one of the glitziest parts of LA, Beverly Hills. You'll get a good look at this area and the rest of the course up to mile 22 as you do it twice. The course turns at mile 22 at Brentwood, a super wealthy part of the City, and you then run back on yourself. This is where it previously carried on to Santa Monica, but not any more. No runner particularly enjoys running back on themselves and it's no different here. The one bright spot in this instance though is that this is one of the best parts of LA so you don't mind seeing it twice. Can it get any more iconic? The stretch back along Santa Monica Boulevard to the finish at Century City is also well supported by residents and tourists alike. It's inevitably quiet early on in the race but as the clock ticks by so more and more people come out to cheer on the runners. Early start times and relatively small marathon fields lead to fewer spectators in any race and that's certainly the case here. It's not like New York or London, but they both have over 50,000 runners and start much later, but the buzz at the finish here is good. There are lots of activities and sponsor activations that will keep you occupied for a while, but once you're done head into Beverly Hills and become one of the in crowd for a few hours! What's unique? There are no other opportunities to run this route. It's a fascinating city and this is an incredible way to see it. Do charities benefit? There is a charity programme that encourages runners to raise money for charity but this is generally only for those who have already secured their own entry. There's not only a marathon on race day there is also a half marathon. focused on supporting charities and a 5k. The whole event is owned by a not for profit organisation. Our verdict There are so many positives about this event: it's easy to get an entry, LA has great weather, it's an amazing city, the course has top landmarks, there's good entertainment and much more. With a fixed course there is every chance there will be more and more running every year and it will grow to the point where it needs a lottery. It deserves it. How to register Online via the website. It may 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. Being able to enter a major marathon like this without having to apply via a lottery is a rarity these days. Here you can enter until close to event day, which makes it even more unusual. Race website https://www.mccourtfoundation.org/pages/la-marathon

Florida's biggest marathon, the Miami Marathon is one not to be missed. Running in a climate like Florida's can be a challenge but when you've the opportunity to run a half or marathon in a place like Miami you don't worry about that. You train accordingly and make sure you're ready for race day action. It's a unique city and it deserves a major running event, like the Miami Marathon. Here we'll walk you through what's currently happening and tempt you to give it a try. Miami Miami, located in Miami-Dade County in Southern Florida is synonymous with beautiful beaches and warm turquoise waters, but it is of course much more than that. It's a leader in finance, commerce, culture, arts, and international trade and the third-richest city in the U.S. Over 70% percent of the city's population is Hispanic or Latino and their influence can be felt throughout the region, especially in the city's thriving food and drink sector. Its most famous suburb is South Beach, known for its vibrant lifeguard stands and its incredible stretch of art deco architecture, many of the buildings now luxury, boutique hotels. This is the place for selfies and instagram stories, with fascinating characters everywhere in this iconic beach resort. It's a bit more reserved, but not much, at North Beach and Mid Beach and further north again is the glorious Surfside Beach, a mile of pristine sand. If shopping is your vice, there are few better places than Miami. There are luxury flagship stores at lavish outdoor shopping centres to stylish boutiques, budget-friendly stores and the largest mall in Florida; this destination has whatever your heart desires when it comes to shopping. Given the superb climate, it’s no wonder there are so many al fresco malls and shopping districts in Greater Miami, including Bal Harbor Shops, the city's original, having opened in 1965. Lincoln Road, another great shopping destination in South Beach is a great place to have a break from the beach and people watch or take advantage of one of the many cool outdoor eateries. If you want to go really big then head to Aventura Mall, the largest mall in the state, where in addition to more shops than you'll be able to cope with there is a 93-foot tall sculptural slide tower and almost as many dining options as retailers. But it's not just beaches and shops; there are so many incredible places to see and activities to make the most of. One of the most fascinating parts of the city is Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora and part of what makes Miami such a dynamic cultural destination. It's centered around Calle Ocho, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit stands, cigar shops, rum bars, art galleries and music venues. You mustn't miss the Maximo Gomez Park, known as Domino Park, where locals gather to talk politics over often heated games of dominoes. The street is lined with murals and other artwork, from the mosaic tiles near Domino Park depicting classic symbols of Cuban heritage like cigars, musical instruments and tropical fruit, to walls covered with portraits of Cuban legends, including revolutionary poet José Martí and beloved singer Celia Cruz. There is so much to see and do here that you could spend a week or more soaking up its infectious atmosphere. The Marathon will give you a fantastic tour of the city as you run, but make sure you leave plenty of time to explore this fascinating place and its surrounds before and after the race. Wow! History of the Miami Marathon The first marathon in Miami was the inaugural Orange Bowl Marathon, held on December 26, 1977, with just over 800 participants. Originally the race started and finished in the Orange Bowl stadium, but after issues with the course the start and finish area was moved. It was never as popular as similar events locally and nationally and eventually financial problems, due to lack of numbers, caused it to fold, with the last being held in 1988. There was a significant period during which the city had no marathon, until 2003 when the new era began. In that first year, the marathon attracted 3,400 people. Since then the race has been growing steadily. In 2010, 18,321 runners took part in the combined races and at the 10 year anniversary in 2012 the race sold out, with 25,000 runners taking to the city's streets. It has now developed into an internationally renowned event with a target field of 25,000 runners. Race Organiser The Miami Marathon is owned and produced by Life Time Fitness, who purchased it (and other events) from US Road Sports & Entertainment Group in 2014. When is the Miami Marathon ? The race is held annually in January Distances Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k Is there an Expo? The Expo is held at the Miami Beach Convention Center and is the only place where registrants may pick up their race bib. There is no race-day registration and no race-day bib pickup. It's open for 2 days before the run, Friday and Saturday. Tickets for bus shuttles to the start can be picked up here. It's not the scale of some other big city center marathons so you're not likely to be here for long. How many runners? 18,000 The course Hot climates mean early race starts and Miami is no different. The opening ceremony is at 5.45 am and the mass start for the full and half is at 6 from Kaseya Center at 601 Biscayne Blvd. This 20,000-seat multipurpose sports and entertainment arena is located Downtown, on Biscayne Bay. It's one of the top sports and entertainment facilities in the US and is home to the Miami Heat, as well as hosting concerts, family shows and special events. The start at the Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd Full and half marathon runners share the vast majority of the first half of the course, with half runners splitting at 12,8 miles to head to their finish. From the Kaseya Center it's across the MacArthur Causeway and arriving at Miami Beach at 3.5 miles, as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. The MacArthur Causeway is a huge 3.5 mile six-lane engineering work of art linking the city and Miami Beach, opening in 1920 and expanded in 1942. It crosses the Biscayne Bay, connecting the islands to the mainland and offering stunning views of the city’s imposing skyline and passing Palm Island, Dodge Island and Star Island and their stunning mansions on the way. At mile 4 it's past the Miami Beach Marina and then down one of the most famous streets in the city, Ocean Drive and then heading north through Miami Beach, along Washington Avenue on mile 6, before leaving the barrier island at mile 8. Ocean Drive delivers the views, the street dining, the art deco architecture and the characters. Since the 1920s this has become the place to be and be seen in Miami. The run along here with the beach and Lummus Park to the left is a real course highlight. It's then across toward Downtown over the scenic Venetian Causeway. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, it was re-dedicated in 1999 after the completion of a $29 million restoration and replacement project. The near three mile crossing takes in the Venetian Islands, Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, Rivo Alto Island, and Belle Isle. On both sides of the Causeway there are beautifully landscaped, luxury, waterfront homes with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Back Downtown runners turn left and head south, before half marathoners peel off to the left and to their finish at Bayfront Park. Marathoners now run south, first through Bickell at mile 14. This is the city's financial center, where luxury condos tower over Biscayne Bay and are amongst the most expensive in Miami. If you love rooftop bars this is the place to come. Just past mile 15 there is an out and back along the Rickenbacker Causeway, before passing the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens at mile 8. This breathtaking early 20th-century estate also includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens and is open to the public. Definitely worth a visit. Continuing south, it's past Kennedy Park at mile 19 and then the welcome turn at mile 20, to start the run north east back to the finish. Thankfully it's a different road back, so you're not totally doubling up in this section. Miles 21 to 23 are through Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood. It has a laid-back, tropical vibe and bohemian charm. Banyan trees, palms and live oaks line quiet residential streets. Parks and green spaces dot the Biscayne Bay shoreline, and peacocks are known to roam wild. With Bahamian roots dating to the 1870s, Coconut Grove is home to one of Miami’s historic Black communities. It's a great place to run through with lots to see and plenty of support. It's then back through Bickell and the right turn on SE 1st Street to the finish at Bayfront Park and the festive post-race celebration.There is a great atmosphere at the finish. It's extremely busy so you'll need some patience when moving around. You can find a quiet spot to take in what you've achieved if you look hard enough for it. Runners head back from Miami Beach to Downtown, along the Venetian Causeway Aid stations begin at the 1.5-mile mark on the MacArthur Causeway and approximately every mile after that, including at the start and finish line. Water and Gatorade (lemon-lime) are provided at each aid station along the course and Gatorade Energy Gel will be available at approximately miles 7 and 15.5.. What's unique? Running on closed streets through Downtown and South Beach only happens once a year. It's a stunning course and the views are very special. Do charities benefit? There is a charity programme, but it is very much in its infancy. It's not currently a charity event like Chicago or New York, but this may change. The charities that are involved are predominantly more local than national, but runners can of course raise funds for any non profit they choose. Our verdict It's a superb event, really well organised and with breathtaking scenery around every corner. Some of the views back across the City from Miami Beach are some of the best you'll see on any marathon course. Crowds are light, but you'd expect that at a race that starts early. It's busy at the start and finish so be prepared, but out of the course there is no congestion and you can run at your own pace. Definitely one for the bucket list. How to register Online via the website. Previous editions have sold out so don't hang around. Race website https://www.themiamimarathon.com/

The Napoli Half Marathon is one of Italy's fastest growing running events. Here's our race guide. It takes in the most beautiful and historic parts of the city and has the most breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. The race is a great way to start your running year, being held in February, and it's fast. The mild temperatures in the area at this time of year make it even more attractive! Napoli Naples, or Napoli for Italians, is a major port city in the south of Italy and the third largest city in the Country. It's in the Campania region and has 4.4 million inhabitants ('Neapolitans'). The intriguing city has everything for a fascinating city trip because of its rich history, the Italian cuisine and its art and culture. Combine this with a top half marathon and you have a great trip ahead. A short distance from the city of Naples are famous places of interest such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius. In AD 79, the volcano of Mount Vesuvius destroyed both Pompeii and Herculaneum and today the excavations and remains are one of the most popular attractions of a visit to Naples. To the South of the city is the beautiful coastal strip of the Amalfi Coast and you can also easily reach the beautiful islands such as Capri off the coast of Naples by ferry. Naples also has a special underground network of streets and air-raid shelters. This system was already built by the Greeks and Romans and later used as air raid shelters during the Second World War. Today you can book a tour and take in the hundreds of kilometers of caves, tunnels and other underground passages. Official routes of t he Naples Underground include the Napoli Sotterranea and Galleria Borbonica. The City also has a beautiful open square called Piazza del Plebiscito with the Royal Palace 'Palazzo Reale' and the Church of San Francesco di Paolo. You'll see many of these landmarks on the course. Napoli is easily reachable from any part of Europe, thanks to its well-connected airport, railways and highways. History of the Napoli Half Marathon The Napoli Running company was born from an idea of Carlo Capalbo, previously chairman of the IAAF Road Running Commission and the leader of RunCzech. It was founded in 2016 by himself and 9 other members, thanks to an investment by RunCzech, a company that holds the largest number of IAAF Gold Label races in the world, and organizes, among others, the Prague Marathon). The mission of the company and of Carlo Capalbo, a Neapolitan, is to allow the city of Naples and the surrounding metropolitan area to rise to world-class levels of organizational quality, services for athletes, and participation in its competitions. The Napoli City Half Marathon received the Bronze Label from the World Athletics, the international athletics federation. The 5-star quality race from European Athletics and is a Gold Label race for FIDAL, the Italian athletics federation. In 2022, Naples became the city in which an Italian broke the one hour barrier for the first time: this new Italian record of 59:26 was achieved by Yeman Crippa. Race Organiser After two years of voluntary participation in the organising of the races, in 2016, Napoli Running acquired two races in the metropolitan area of Naples (Coast to Coast now renamed Sorrento Positano and MOHM, now renamed the Napoli City Half Marathon) and the right to organise a third, long awaited Napoli International Marathon. Hopefully this one will happen soon. When is the Napoli Half Marathon? The race is held annually in February. Distances Half Marathon Two person relay - The two participants will cover 10 km and 11, 0975 km respectively. Family run - 2km, the day before the half and relay Is there an Expo? Yes. It's on Friday afternoon, normally until 8pm and all day Saturday until 9pm. How many runners? Approximately 6,000. There are plans to grow this significantly. The course The course includes over 15km in the waterfront and passes by the area of ​​the historical city center, Castel dell’Ovo, Maschio Angioino and Piazza Municipio, with unbelievable views. It all starts (and finishes) at Mostra d‘Oltremare (9.00 am, Viale J.F. Kennedy). The first nine kilometers head east along the coast to the centre of Naples. After the halfway point between the ninth and tenth km, the route continues up to the twelfth km, turns towards Marchese Campodisola, Piazza Bovio and Corso Umberto I, proceeds in the direction of Piazza Garibaldi and back. In Piazza Bovio runners head towards via Depretis, in Piazza Municipio they turn left towards via Acton and on to Piazzale Tecchio and along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline to Mostra d'Oltremare. A start and finish in the same place is always a real positive. What's unique? Those views of the Mediterranean! Do charities benefit? Running for charity is a very new concept in Italy and it is relatively low key. The event directly donates to The Santobono ETS Hospital Supporters Foundation and there are many other charities that cooperate with Napoli Running to encourage runners to raise money for them. These include Sport Senza Frontiere, a non-profit organization in the world of childhood and sport and Komen Italia, a volunteer organization at the forefront in the fight against breast cancer throughout the nation. How to register Online via the website. It does not sell out yet, but don't leave it too late. Race website napolirunning.com