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The Vienna City Marathon is the biggest marathon in Austria. It 's also Austria's biggest sporting event and it's not hard to see why. As well as the full marathon, there's also a marathon relay, a half marathon, 8km and kid's run across the weekend. A highlight is 'Prater Hauptallee', which was awarded "World Athletics Heritage" in 2022. It was here that Eliud Kipchoge broke the magic sub-2 barrier and ran a marathon in 1:59:40.2 hours on 12 October 2019. A quarter of the Vienna City marathon course runs over Kipchoge's 1:59 course. Be part of history! Vienna Vienna is the capital of Austria. It's the sixth largest city in the European Union with a population of 2 million. Located in the east of the country on the banks of the mighty Danube, it developed from early Celtic and Roman settlements into a Mediaeval and Baroque city, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It's a stunning place, full of urban charm and history. The centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. It also has a deep musical heritage from the great age of Viennese Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. Vienna is undoubtedly the home of classical music, where Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mahler, Bruckner, Schubert, Lehár, and many others spent much of their creative lives. You can visit landmarks associated with them in the city or hear their works performed in one of many concert venues. The city's opera house is beyond comparison, as is the classical music hall. The Musikverein was inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1870. It's the permanent seat of the Vienna Philharmonic and the main stage of the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Located in the old town at the centre of Vienna, the Hofburg area covers a collection of formerly imperial and court buildings occupied by the ruling Habsburg dynasty between the 13th and early 20th centuries. Some parts now serve as visitor attractions, but others remain in use. The offices of the Austrian president, for example, fill part of the Leopoldine Wing. There is so much to see here. It's many days of sightseeing! Vienna manages to retain the feel of a large town thanks to the numerous parks, woodlands, and other open and green spaces. The Marathon and half marathon courses take in many of the key landmarks so if you don't have a chance to see much beforehand you'll see much of it on your way round. History of the Vienna City Marathon This is another city centre marathon inspired by the jogging boom in the USA and the success of the New York City Marathon and the newly founded marathons in London and Rotterdam. In 1981 a group of running enthusiasts, supported by the Austrian Athletics Federation, wanted to start something similar in Vienna. As a result of insufficient backing the first event was held on the Danube Island in 1983, rather than in the city centre. A new impetus came in from Vienna Tourism and the company Rank Xerox, whose manager wanted to sponsor a city marathon in Vienna. At that time Rank Xerox had the “marathon copy machine” on sale and sponsored other international marathons like Berlin. Eventually, in December 1983 it was announced that the first “Vienna Spring Marathon” would go ahead on 25 March 1984. The first edition of the marathon was held with a total of 794 competitors. There are plenty of wide open roads Race Organiser The VCM Group organises the event and the race director is Wolfgang Konrad, a former Austrian middle distance runner, who has been in post since 1989. When is the Vienna City Marathon? The race is held annually in April. Distances Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half marathon, 5k and children's' races Is there an Expo? The Vienna Sports World expo is held at Marc Halle. 90 exhibitors show new products and trends in sports, health, travel and events. All race packets for all distances must be collected here. How many runners? There is a maximum of 35,000 registrations for the Sunday events; Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay. The course It all gets started at 9am, in wave starts, from the Vienna International Centre, home of the UN. Vienna is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations, and this complex, north east of the City, known locally as 'UNO City', opened in 1979 and is home to more than 5000 staff from 125 countries. It's an impressive place to start the half and the full and is really easy to get to. It's then immediately across the 864 metre long Imperial Bridge (Reichsbrücke) over the beautiful blue waters of the River Danube, accompanied by the world famous melody of the Danube Waltz by Johann Strauß. The route then takes runners past the 65m Riesenrad (Prater Ferris Wheel) at the 2km mark, and through the exciting expanse of Prater Park, an amusement park and a lot more. From 1km to 5km you're on the route of the historic sub 2 hour marathon course and you'll join it again from 27km to 29km and from 31km to 33km. 2019's epic run from Kipchoge gives this marathon course something that none other can boast and you're part of it! From here it then runs alongside the RingstraBe (the ring road) to the Vienna State Opera at 11km. The 1,709-seat Renaissance Revival venue was the first major building on the Vienna Ring Road. Built from 1861 to 1869 it's famous for its large repertoire, with programs ranging from the Baroque era to the 21st century. Each season there are over 350 performances of more than 60 different operas and ballets. It's then on to Schönbrunn Castle, the former imperial summer residence at 16km. After running south west for most of the race this is now the turn to head back into the city. Runners to the Heldenplatz where the half marathoners' day is done. Heldenplatz is a public space in front of the Hofburg Palace, home of the Austrian President. For those doing the full marathon it's now past Vienna City Hall, the home of local government in Vienna and north across the Danube on Friedensbrücke (the Bridge of Peace), where the course turns south again. At just after 27 km runners are back in Prater Park, where it leads past the Ernst Happel Stadion at 30km. This is the Austrian national football stadium and one of the venues of Euro 2008. 3km later runners turn and head back to the city centre for the last leg of the run. At 38km it's across the Danube again, over the Franzensbrücke, following the Ringstraße to the finish at the Heldenplatz, the 'Square of the Heroes' in German. There are 30 cheer zones on the course and more than 2500 volunteers giving you plenty of support. There is history everywhere you look! What's unique? Running on a section of Kipchoge's marathon world record course. It doesn't get much better than that! Do charities benefit? The organisers are committed to giving charities opportunities to raise funds at their events. They worked with the following charities in 2023: • MPS: Running for children with the rare metabolic disease MPS. • Arche Herzensbrücken: A piece of normality for families with seriously ill children • Kindernothilfe Austria: Pacesetter for children's rights • RAINBOWS - Contact point for children and adolescents after separation/divorce of parents or the death of a loved one • Children's palliative centre MOMO. Since 2015 more than 725,000 Euros have been raised by the runners. Charity running is still in its infancy in this part of Europe but as it becomes more popular so these numbers will grow. Our verdict It's really well organised and has a genuine big city centre event feel. The course is excellent, with plenty of major landmarks included. It's definitely one to have a good luck at. With it being in April it will lose out to some of the more well known marathons. How to register Online via the website. As soon as the target of 35,000 is reached entries will close. Race website https://www.vienna-marathon.co m

If you want a massive party at a running event then Bay to Breakers is for you. This is one of the world's biggest running events and the one with probably the most colourful history. It's 8 miles of fun that starts along the city's bay front, Embarcadero, meandering to its finish, via landmarks like Golden Gate Park, to the breakers on Ocean Beach. There are tens of thousands of runners, including plenty in costumes of all shapes and sizes. Bay to Breakers is a party day that really gets going when the running stops. One for the bucket list. San Francisco It might have a population of less than a million and measure less than 50 square miles, but chances are it's likely to be on most travellers' bucket list. Founded in 1776, it's the commercial, financial and cultural center of Northern California and the second most densely populated large U.S. city, behind only New York City. Even though it's well known for its steep hills, as runners find out in the early part of Bay to Breakers, getting around isn't a problem. Bike share stations and Ubers are everywhere (as you'd expect in this tech dominated city) and the ubiquitous cable cars, which are attractions in their own right, are around every corner. There's also the BART metro trains to head further afield. Its most iconic landmark is of course the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or ride across to the Marin Headlands and enjoy the remarkable views as you go. Dominating the Bay is Alcatraz Island. Tours of the prison are an absolute must do. Back in the City, Fisherman's Wharf is an ever popular destination, with lots of food and shopping options. There's Union Square, Mission District and Chinatown that are all essential to see and Nob Hill, where many of the city's finest buildings are to be found. Don't miss the Painted Ladies; famous homes on Alamo Square and another part of the course. Sports fans need to head to Oracle Park, the home of the local baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. There are very few stadia that have better locations than this. Situated on the Bay and with views of the other main bridge, the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, it's easy to get to by tram or walk from Embarcadero, with plenty to see on the way. There are so many options for foodies from Michelin restaurants, quirky cafes and wine bars to multicoloured and multi option food trucks and there's plenty of entertainment from world-renowned symphony to ballet, theatre, and opera. This race is all about having fun! History of Bay to Breakers It has a reputation as the party race of all party races, but it wasn't always like that. The very first event was way back in 1912 and had 186 starters. They weren't dressed up in costume, or weren't running naked and they wouldn't have stopped for a beer break on the way round. But, by the 70's that's what this event had become. It's a celebration of everything San Francisco, quirky, irreverent and great fun. In 1986 110,000 locals and visitors took to the streets, one of the biggest fields for a running event ever. It was originally known as the Cross City Race, and was renamed Bay to Breakers in 1964 Bay to Breakers has set other records. It's been run for more consecutive years over a given course and length than has any other footrace in the world and it's the host of the world centipede championships. Back in the 70s, a decade when lots seem to change with the race, a new category was introduced. Centipedes are groups of 13 to 15 runners, attached by bungee-cord or other cord, running in tandem. And there are lots of them, some in costumes and some not. There are tens of thousands of other costumed runners, all determined to have a celebration on the streets. Some of the costumes are crafted over many weeks and others are just a flap to cover a runner's modesty. More runners than not seem to be wearing something different to the normal T shirts and shorts in this race. Numbers have declined in recent years as the City has brought in more and more rules as well as the impact of the economy and Covid, but there are plenty who still look forward to this one every year. Race organiser Motiv Running, part of the Motiv Group. When is Bay to Breakers The race is held annually in May It takes over the city's streets Distances 12k. The Breaker Bonus option adds another 3k to the course. Is there an Expo? Bib pick up is at the Embarcadero Plaza on Friday and Saturday before the event. It can get really busy, so either expect queues, or get there early. There are some booths selling last minutes running essentials but it's not a major show. How many runners? 17,000 The Course It all starts at 8.00am with seeded corrals, allowing the quicker runners to get going before the chaos unfolds behind them. The start is at the corner of Main and Howard Streets and basically runs west to the coast. This is close to the Ferry Building and the Embarcado, very much the heart of the tourist area of the city. It's also right next to Salesforce Park, home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in 13 different botanical feature areas. It's. the newest public park in the San Francisco Bay Area and runs the entire length of the Transit Center’s nearly four-block stretch. Oh, and it's four stories above the ground and you can take a gondola there! Definitely one not to miss. The first mile and a half of the 7.46 mile course is along Howard Street, past the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Moscone Center. This is SoMa, or South of Market, a vast, warehouse-filled district, that includes Mission Bay and South Beach. From here it's onto Hayes Street, home of one of the city's most famous attractions. Along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park is one of the most iconic and most photographed sights in San Francisco. These pastel-colored homes, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the gentle slope of Steiner Street, are called the Painted Ladies. Also known as "postcard row" for their scenic beauty, these Victorian homes are a beautiful reminder of the San Francisco of old. There were 50,000 of these houses built in the city, but it came to an abrupt stop in April 1906 when San Francisco was destroyed by a major earthquake including the vast majority of these properties. The earthquake and the need to rebuild the city was the inspiration behind Bay to Breakers. The view from here is so good, as runners have just climbed the toughest hill on the course, from 2.5 miles, Hayes St Hill! At the 3 mile marker the course then heads on to Fell Street and runs past the Panhandle. It's one of the oldest parks in the city and leads into Golden Gate Park. It's had a tough time and was even considered for conversion into a freeway at one point but it's now seen a revival, as part of a city-wide project. Just before mile 4 it's into Golden Gate Park, one of the best parks anywhere, the third most visited in the US and home to runners for the next three and a half miles. The park’s landscape is home to 680 forested acres, 130 acres of meadows, 15 miles of drives, and 33 acres of lakes. The park is home to several unique gardens including the Shakespeare Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, Queen Wilhelmina Garden, and Conservatory Valley with its graphic floral plaques. It played an important role in the 1906 earthquake when 200,000 homeless residents were forced to camp in the park, first in crude shelters, and later in temporary wood barracks. There is a huge range of sporting facilities here, along with many cultural institutions like the California Academy of Sciences, which opened in 1923. 25 million people a year come to the Park and some will get to see the wild bison who roam and whose ancestors have been here since 1891. Exiting the park, it's then immediately onto the Great Highway and the triumphant finish on Ocean Beach. It's a massive finish area, with huge amounts of food and drink available. And there is that Bridge! There are plenty of aid stations along the course and absolutely loads of spectators. There are spectators everywhere and they are as wacky as most of the runners. What's unique? It's a piece of running history. Do charities benefit? There is no official charity programme, but running should consider raising funds for their favourite charity. Our verdict Although its numbers and its craziness are not like they used to be, this is still a very special occasion in the running calendar and it's still one of those races you need to do. If you're in the area near the time it's on then make every effort to be part of it; you certainly won't forget it! How to register Online via the website. It's a first come first served registration process, with no ballot. Race website https://baytobreakers.com/

Looking for a stunning coastal marathon in the US. Give the Big Sur International Marathon a try. The Big Sur International Marathon is a sell out event and it's that for a reason. It has a small field and is run over a stunning route in Southern California that draws runners from all over the world. There's a lottery and if you're lucky enough to get a spot it's an event that you won't forget for a very long time. There's not just a marathon; there are plenty of other distances that give you an opportunity to experience this stunning place. Big Sur There are few more beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in the world than Big Sur. Located off the famous Pacific Coast Highway, approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles, its rocky cliffs, majestic mountains, redwood forests and secret beaches set it apart. These include the unique purple sand beach at Pfeiffer Beach Garrapata beach in northern Big Sur, Sand Dollar beach in mid Big Sur has surfing access and an arched cave at the north end and the William H. Hearst State Beach Park in southern Big Sur, perfect if visiting Hearst Castle. The present highway was completed in 1937 after eighteen years of construction at a considerable expense even with the aid of convict labor. The highway has since been declared California's first Scenic Highway, and it provides a driving experience unsurpassed in natural beauty and scenic variety.There are two major bridges which make travelling the road possible: Bixby Bridge and Big Creek Bridge. More on Bixby later. Big Sur is in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, 276 miles of linear shoreline and 6,094 square miles of ocean. The sanctuary contains kelp forests, North America’s largest underwater canyon, and a very diverse ecosystem and as a result the marine life is in great shape. Gray Whales migrate south around December and back north around March and Humpbacks are active in late summer. There are sea lions at Point Lobos, elephant seals at Ragged Point and otters are relatively commonplace. It's known by some as the “Serengeti of the Sea” as a result of the large number of marine mammals living in or migrating through the waters. There's also plenty to see in the local towns and these include Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina and Salinas in the north and in the south, the closest towns are Cambria, San Simeon, Paso Robles and Morro Bay. History of the Big Sur Marathon The Big Sur Marathon was created by Bill Burleigh and first took place in April 1986, with 1,800 runners participating. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It was fixed in April to avoid a clash with Fall NFL and to ensure the best possible weather conditions. Several shorter distance races were added over the years, which helped drive up the total field size. The Marathon reached its capacity of 4,500 very early. The 11-Miler debuted in 1989 and the 5K was established in 1992 . The 21-Miler began in 1995, along with the Marathon Relay and the 12k was added in 2003. The Monterey Bay Half Marathon (former Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay) began in 2003 and is the only Big Sur Marathon Foundation event to feature prize money and as a result attracts a quality elite field. The Half Marathon race weekend includes the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K and By-the-Bay 3K the day before the 13.1-mile event. The Big Sur International Marathon organisation has evolved to be one of the premier non-profits on the Monterey Peninsula with a professional staff, a 12-person Governance Board and a 70+ member Events Committee. In 2014 the organisation adopted a strategic plan of future growth and new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships with businesses, and communities with common goals. In 2017, the organisation became the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Race Organiser Big Sur Marathon Foundation. It's a nonprofit organisation that is supported by generous donations, grants and event entry fees. Each year BSMF is able to donate more than $400,000 to local nonprofits. Its mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community. When is the Big Sur Marathon? The race is held annually in April Distances Marathon, Marathon relay, 21 miles, 11 miles, 12k and 5k Is there an Expo? The Health & Fitness Expo is held at the Monterey Conference Center at 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey on Friday, and Saturday. How many runners? 4,500 in the marathon, 100 teams x 4 in the relay, 1000 in the 21 mile event and 1600 in the 11 mile event, 950 in the 12k and 950 in the 5k. The course All runners have to take one of the free shuttle buses to the start at Big Sur Station and these are for entrants only, not spectators. It's a pretty major logistical operation and it feels like the New York Marathon, with bus loading begins at 3:30 a.m! All buses must be back to Carmel prior to 6:45 a.m. so the Marathon finish and 5K/12K start area can be constructed on the roadway. Make sure you have an early night before race day and set multiple alarms! The 21 mile event is the first to go off, starting in a different location to the Marathon and Relay, at Andrew Molera State Park (5 miles up the road), at 6.30am. 15 minutes later marathons and relay runners begin their run from Big Sur Station, heading north up Highway 1 to Carmel. Big Sur Station is located in the heart (mile 46, Highway 1) of Big Sur at the Pine Ridge Trailhead. The Station is the main destination for visitors looking to explore the Big Sur Coast or backpackers needing information on the trail conditions of the Northern Los Padres Forest. Getting ready After two and a half miles it's Big Sur Village, the largest collection of shops and visitor services along this entire 71-mile stretch, even though its population is only around 1500. At 5 miles runners hit Andrew Molera State Park where the 21 mile runners left from earlier. It's one of California’s most diverse destinations, an outdoor lover’s paradise with 4,766 acres of rugged beauty. Pathways snake through river banks, redwood-covered hills, and lush meadows. The Park is home to the oldest standing structure in Big Sur, the original Cooper Cabin, built in 1862 and also well worth a visit is the Andrew Molera Ranch House Museum that details Big Sur’s rich heritage. At 8.1 miles relays runners head to their next team members and it's then to Point Sur. Point Sur was a notorious hazard to navigation and claimed many lives, including 225 on board the USS Venture in 1875. This tragedy prompted the construction of the Point Sur Lighthouse, which opened on August 1, 1889. Just past ten miles runners cross the Little Sur River Bridge and then it's up the biggest climb to Hurricane Point, less than two miles later. you'll pass the Taiko drummers halfway up the climb who'll give plenty of inspiration. It's the highest point on the course at 560 ft. Not many spectators, but they are enthusiastic! From here runners can see the iconic Bixby Bridge. Located at the halfway point of the race, this architectural landmark was completed in 1932 and remains as one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world, spanning 714 feet in length. It's even better on race day as this is where you'll see a tuxedo-wearing concert pianist playing a grand piano! The second half of the course is more challenging, so make sure you have plenty left in the tank. Two miles further north is Grimes Ranch, a great place to spot Condors. It's the next relay handover point and the start of the 11 mile event. It's then onto Garrapata Bridge, one of seven historic arch bridges along Highway 1. It was built in 1931 and is 285 ft long. At mile 13 it's Soberanes Point, a popular hiking spot and home of some of the most spectacular views along the course. Two miles later it's the final relay handover point. The climb from here to the top of Yankee Point, a mile later, is tough and then there's one more hill at Point Lobos, before the run to the finish. The Marathon Finish Village is at Highway 1 and Rio Road in Carmel next to The Crossroads Carmel shopping center. This is the finish for all events as well as the start area for the 5K and 12K. After crossing the finish line, runners will receive their medal, water, and a heat sheet if it's a cold day. There's live music, hot soup, a beer garden and a place to buy race gear. There are 11 aid stations on the course. All stations feature Nuun Endurance first, then water. Refill stations for those with their own bottles are located at the end of every other station. Look for the signs for refill stations. Fruit is located at all stations starting at mile 10.4. GU is located at the stations near mile 12.2 and near mile 18.9. There are portable toilets located at each aid station. Each station also features medical personnel with minor first aid supplies. What's unique? Running this stretch of Big Sur on closed roads. And Bixby Bridge with the pianist! Unforgettable. Nearly there! Do charities benefit? Over $2m has been given to charities by the organisers since the first event. Each year charities can buy into the charity programme and secure guaranteed entries that they can then allocate to runners in exchange for a guaranteed fundraising pledge. This raises many more thousands each year for those partner charities. Our verdict There are very few events, if any, like this one. The landscape that the course runs through is very special. Yes, it challenging getting up so early to get the shuttle bus, but it's worth it. You are rewarded with life long memories. As you'd expect there are no crowds for the bulk of the race so you need to prepare for that. This gives you time and space to absorb what you're seeing around you; breathtaking scenery at every turn and views that are hard to describe. Enter now. How to register Online via the website. There is also information about tour operator entries and the guaranteed entries from the charities. The Marathon opens in August and periodic allocations are made to those that have entered by the deadline, a few weeks later. It is very difficult to get a spot so the sooner you begin the process the better. Race website https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the best marathons in the US. If you've not been in the marathon world for long you'd be forgiven for not knowing that the Marine Corps Marathon is in effect the Washington DC Marathon. It's one of the biggest in the US but not always at the top of runners' bucket lists. Why is that? Is it the name or is it that there are so many big US marathons? We take a look. Washington D.C. Known across the world as the heart of US government Washington, D.C. there is so much to see and do in this fascinating city, some of it tied to politics and plenty of it unrelated. The Marine Corps Marathon is a great course and runners get to see plenty of the city from a different and intriguing perspective. The National Mall, home to world famous landmarks, like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is known as America's Front Yard and this is where most visitors to DC start their exploring. It's also home to 74 museums that cover topics ranging from history and art to science and aerospace and plenty inbetween. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the United States Holocaust Museum are among those that shouldn't be missed. If books are your thing check out the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world and one of the most architecturally stunning buildings anywhere. Head to Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate home and learn about the first president's life and legacy. In addition to the mansion,there's a museum and education center, gardens, a slave memorial, a working farm, and Washington's tomb. It's well worth the admission fee and you can easily spend a day here. As well as its political and historic sites DC has plenty of cool districts and neighbourhoods for just hanging out, shopping or trying out the local culinary scene. The Wharf on the waterfront is one, where you'll find stores for products made by local artisans and one of the city's favorite independent bookshops. Cady's Alley is a design district for high-end designers and local antiques, including home furnishings, fashion, and other chic shops. There's plenty more shopping at downtown's CityCenter DC, with high-end brands as well as some great restaurants. History of the Marine Corps Marathon The first event was held on November 7, 1976 and was known as the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon. There were 1,175 participants on a course through northern Virginia, finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. This was thanks to the hard work of the event founder Colonel James L. Fowler. The following year permits were secured to run through Washington, D.C, starting in Arlington, Virginia, past key landmarks in the nation's capital, and returning for the traditional finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. This became the blueprint for subsequent events. The following year there were an additional 1500 runners thanks to these changes and the profile the event was now attracting. The following year management of the race was transferred from the Marine Corps Reserve to active-duty Marines and the event became known as the Marine Corps Marathon in 1978. In 1989 there were 10,000 finishers for the first time and in 2006 this rose to 20,000. This was the same year that the 10k was added. In 2013 entries for the Marathon sold out in under two and a half hours. The 50k was launched in 2019 with twice as many entrants as any similar event in the US. This marathon has always been well supported Race Organiser The Marine Corps Marathon Organisation, part of the United States Marine Corps. When is the Marine Corps Marathon? The race is held annually in October. Distances 50k, Marathon, 10k and 1 mile kids fun run Is there an Expo? Everyone needs to attend the Health & Fitness Expo to collect their race packet. It's held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbour, Maryland and is a decent sized expo with more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits and booths. There are plenty of sponsors, charities and vendors, selling all the latest health and fitness products, as well as souvenir branded event products. It's not on the scale of other big city centres events, but there is still plenty to see and do. How many runners? 30,000, composed of runners from all 50 states. Course There are three races on Sunday of race week; the MCM50K, the largest ultramarathon in the country and the only one held entirely in an urban setting. Runners in the 50k and the Marathon share the start line in Arlington, directly adjacent to the Pentagon. 50k runners go off first at and run the entire Marathon course with a 4.87-mile diversion after crossing the Key Bridge from Virginia into the nation’s capital. 10k runners start on the National Mall and finish in the same place as the 50k and Marathon runners, at the iconic US Marine Corps War Memorial. It's a busy start and more relaxed than some The Marathon has a spectacular start featuring a color guard, national anthem, special guests and international flags from all nations represented in the field. Runners head north out of the vast Arlington National Cemetery into Rosslyn before a loop west to Lyon Village before returning to Rosslyn. This is home to some of Arlington's most recognizable office buildings, like the Twin Towers buildings, as well as high-rise apartments and condos, and of course some stunning views across the Potomac River to DC. Mile 1 to 4 is the hilliest part of the course. The rest is now relatively flat. Just past mile 4 runners then cross the Key Bridge, a six lane arch bridge that carries Highway 29. It was opened in 1923 and cost $2.5 million to build and is named in honor of Francis Scott Key, author of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” who was a resident of Georgetown in the early 19th century. Once over the Bridge runners head east through Georgetown and then north for a four mile loop along Rock Creek and back. At mile 6 it's past Francis Park, and then the Embassy of Japan, before turning just past 7 and coming back south, with the Kennedy Center just before mile 10. Across the river is Theodore Roosevelt Island and just after mile 10 is the access bridge. It was designated by Congress as a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt who was an early champion of conservation and includes a memorial plaza with a 17-foot statue of Roosevelt in addition to two miles of trails through forest and wetlands. From here to mile 13 the route hugs the bank of the Potomac, running past the Lincoln Memorial at the eastern end of the National Mall and then through the East and West Potomac Park. At halfway it's a turn north with the Washington Channel to the right. At mile 15 is the start of an incredible four miles of running, with this section packed full of world famous landmarks. Heading west and then east along Independence Avenue SW, it's the Lincoln Memorable again, followed by the National World War ll Memorial, the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art at mile 18. Running towards the US Capitol Building, it's a loop around Union Square before passing the National Air and Space Museum at mile 19 before turning south on 14th St and passing even more museums and then crossing the Washington Channel just before mile 20. Next up is the Jefferson Memorial and then another crossing of the Potomac River across 14th Bridge, which can be tough. Once back into Arlington the route continues south to Crystal City where it loops back north. The name "Crystal City" came from the first building, which was called Crystal House and had an elaborate crystal chandelier in the lobby. Crystal City is home to many big names including Boeing and is the planned base for the Amazon HQ2, which is currently under construction. Runners now head north, passing the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary at mile 24, before turning west for two more incredible miles. It's along North Boundary Drive, past the Pentagon and then Richmond Highway to the finish in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial. It's then a short walk to the Finish Festival in downtown Rosslyn. There's plenty of space to recover, with a free massage, plenty of food and drink and live musical performances. There is plenty of water and Gatorade on the course What's unique? The run around the National Mall and the involvement of the Marines give this event something special. Do charities benefit? There is a significant charity programmes, with more than 40 charity partners, from one star to four partners. They have guaranteed entries to the event and ask runners to raise around $750-$1250. Find out more here https://www.marinemarathon.com/charity-program/ If you already have your own spot in the event you can of course run for whoever who you want to and raise whatever you can. One of the many charity runners Our verdict There are some areas of the course which are truly inspirational and some that are not. The latter includes the out and back loops and there are a few of these. Seeing runners coming back when you've still got to get there is never a great feeling, but there are enough positives here to outweigh the negatives. The start isn't as tightly controlled as some big events and it's a long walk to get there so be prepared for that. The crowd support can be limited in places and excellent in others. The involvement of the Marines, both in organisational terms and the constant reminders along the course of their sacrifices, are awe inspiring and make this an event that you need to seriously consider. How to register Online via the race website. There is a lottery for the marathon. Official charity partners do have spots in the Marathon. Race website https://www.marinemarathon.com/

The Berlin Half Marathon is a German classic. If you're not able to get a spot in the full marathon in Berlin then you should try the Berlin Half Marathon. A great flat course in one of Europe's coolest cities, the half could be the perfect reason to hit Berlin for a great long weekend getaway, with 35,000 other runners every April. Be cheered on by tens of thousands of supporters, listen to some great bands and finish at the Brandenburg Gate, it's a good one. It's also now one of the SuperHalf series. Berlin 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 and the full marathon 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 Half Marathon The race, as it exists today began in 1990 as a result of a partnership between two previous events; the Berliner Friedenslauf (Berlin Peace Run) which took place in East Berlin from 1982 and the SCC Half Marathon in the western part of the city. Its history very much reflects the City's history. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the ensuing collapse of the GDR, the support for the Berliner Friedenslauf also diminished. SCC-RUNNING, the organizer of the Berlin marathon, joined forces with the organiser of the Peace Run and both agreed to focus on one distance. It's now the city's only half marathon. Over the years it has increased in size and popularity. Today it is by far the biggest half marathon race in Germany, with a record 36,000 participants in 2018. In October 2023 it joined Prague, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia in the SuperHalf series. Race Organiser It's organised by the same team that organized the Berlin Marathon: 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. When is it? The race is held annually in April Distances Half marathon Is there an Expo? There is an expo at the former Airport Tempelhof on Friday and Saturday where you must go and collect your bib. It's a big one with plenty happening. How many runners? 35,000 The course The race starts at Straße des 17.Juni between Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column from 10.05 in a series of wave starts. The exact time you start will be determined by your predicted finish time. The Victory Column is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It's a 67-metre-high column, crowned by the golden Berlin Peace Angel, the "Goldelse", standing in the middle of the Tiergarten. From the platform there's a magnificent view over the parklands of the Tiergarten and over the whole of Berlin. Built in the 19th century and originally commemorated Germany's wars of unity, today it has become a symbol of peace. Runners head past Victory Column, west to the first of the major landmarks, Schloß Charlottenburg, at the 4km mark. Once built as a summer palace, Charlottenburg Palace is now the largest and most magnificent palace in Berlin. It was built at the end of the 17th century and was greatly expanded during the 18th century before it was badly damaged during the Second World War. It's been restored and with its gardens is now a major tourist attraction. From there it's then south to the 9km mark, and where runners start heading east to the zoo, at 11km. Opened in 1844 it's the oldest and most visited zoo in Germany, and also has more species than any other zoo in the world, including the only giant pandas in Germany. There are around 20,000 animals and 1,200 species , living in 33 hectares in the heart of the city. From there it's on to Potsdamer Platz, a popular shopping and nightlife district at 15km to 16km and then onto Berliner Dom, the Cathedral at 19km. The monumental building, with its spectacular dome, enjoys breathtaking views over the city and is a highlight of the course. Runners also have great views of the famous 1207 ft Television Tower at this part of the course. From here it's a fantastic run to the finish at the even more famous Brandenburg Gate, one of the most spectacular landmarks at the end of any distance running event. What's unique? Running on the closed streets of Berlin is unique and an extremely memorable experience. Ok, you get to do it during the marathon as well, but that's very hard to get a spot in, so if you want your chance and don't have a marathon bib, then this is your opportunity! Do charities benefit? The organisers support The Human Safety Net , a charity that helps deprived people to improve their own opportunities and contribute to a good and safe life within their families and communities around the world. Through their programmes, they protect children from socially deprived families and integrate refugees through self-employment. Runners can donate to the programme during the registration process. 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. First come first served but don't hang around. It is likely to sell out. Some specialist tour operators also have entries available, with flights and hotels. Race website https://www.generali-berliner-halbmarathon.de/en/

The Prague Marathon is one of Europe's most scenic. There aren't many better cities to host a marathon than beautiful Prague in Czechia. It's often the case that a marathon hosted in a major city will start downtown, drift out into surrounding areas and finish away from the action, but that's not the case here. You really do experience the best the city can offer and see its landmarks at very close quarters during the Prague Marathon. Prague Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, now known as Czechia. It has a population of 1.3 million people and boasts an incredible historical past, evidenced everywhere that you walk in its historic centre. It's been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992 and with its 866 hectares is the largest historic city centre on this list in the world, and it's no wonder. Prague Castle is a great starting point as you explore the city. Built in the 9th century it's the official office of the President of the Czech Republic and has been a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. The views are incredible and you can immediately get oriented. Check out St Vitus cathedral, the Royal Palace and the beautiful Golden Lane. The Royal Way leads you to the city, directly to the Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century; during the daytime full of vivid entertainment of street artists and very romantic and quiet at night. One of Prague's iconic landmarks, the sandstone Bridge crosses the Vltava river connecting the Old Town with the area around the castle and the village. Construction started in 1357 and completed in the early 1400's. From here you can continue to the stunning Old Town Square and marvel at the Astronomical Clock. It is well over 600 years old and is one of the oldest functional astronomical clocks in the world. Also known as The Orloj, it shows the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and Zodiac constellations and tells the time, provides the date, and, best of all, provides entertainment for those watching on the hour, every hour. Not far from here is a former Jewish quarter with its synagogues, the Golem Story and the mysterious old cemetery or the art-nouveau-style Municipal House and the modern-centre Wenceslas square. The history of the Prague Marathon In November 1994, Carlo Capalbo was sitting in a small bar with his friend and fellow Italian Gelindo Bordin, winner of the marathon at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. After they drew a draft of a potential course for a Prague Marathon on a napkin they decided to call the famous Czech runner Emil Zátopek to ask for his support. He did support it and the following year the first race went ahead with 985 runners. This was only a small part of the total weekend field however, with nearly 15,000 taking part altogether, with 9.2km and 4.8km distances also available. The following year another event was added, an elite 10km. In 1996 the event moved to May and numbers grew dramatically. There were 18,000 runners across all distances, including a new children's run. It's now a firm fixture as one of the leading marathons in the world and is a World Athletics Elite Label race. Race organiser RunCzech, an organisation based in Prague that also organises the Prague Half and many other events throughout Czechia. They also organise two events in Italy. Entertainment at the start in Old Town Square When is the Prague Marathon The race is held annually in May Distances Marathon only Is there an expo? There is a three day expo, from Thursday to Saturday and you'll need to pick up your bib from here. Apart from all the usual vendors there is a good accompanying programme of speakers in the hall next door that are worth listening to. How many runners? 10,000 The course The Start and Finish of the Marathon are in the city's historic Old Town Square and there aren't many better places to start a race than that and what a great place to come back to. The start time is 9am and it's a series of wave starts. Even though it's a relatively small city event it still has a really big event feel. Everything is really slick. Baggage drop is easy and it's all well signed. The course is predominantly flat, and the majority of it is along the Vltava River, giving runners a scenic tour of pretty much everything you'd want to see in the city. The first 4km is a loop west of the start across the river and back before heading east on the north side of the river for a 7km loop. The course is made up of a number of loops and although there is some repetition there aren't many cities you'd want to see on repeat. This is definitely one of them. From 12km it's directly south for the biggest loop before turning at 22km and heading back into the city. The route then crosses the river and heads south on the west side. The final section is a repeat of the 5km to 12km loop, with the last couple of kilometres being the triumphant return to the Old Town Square. It's a fantastic finish party. Yes, it's busy but what a great atmosphere. Nearly two thirds of the race takes place on cobbled streets or beside tram tracks so your legs get a really good workout and if you like bridges you're in luck. There are ten river crossings. Three Bridges were crossed twice, LibeHskýt, Mánesov, Palackého and four of them are crossed once, the most famous and iconic being Charles Bridge, with that unforgettable view of Prague Castle. Crossing the world famous Charles Bridge Distance markers were regularly placed & refreshments were ample with oranges, bananas & sponges. Some stations had salt & sugar cubes. Portable toilets, first aid stations & Birell music tents appeared every 5km. Spectator support was friendly & mostly on the side of the Old Town Square, less on the opposite side of the Vltava, but volunteers were helpful & enthusiastic. What's unique? Prague is a wonderful city and to be able to run on its cobbled streets traffic free and with hundreds of cheering volunteers supporting your every move makes this a special and unique experience. Do charities benefit? There is a local charity programme that supports 15 Czech charities. It's in its early stages and the amount raised is still relatively small, but it is growing. Our verdict This is a superb event. The course takes you past the best of Prague and the organisation is of the highest standard. The support from the volunteers and the extensive crowds is high quality. There aren't many better destinations for a marathon than Prague either. How to register Online via the website. The event may well sell out a few weeks before race day so enter as soon as you can. Race website https://www.runczech.com/en All the RunCzech events are listed on this site.

The San Francisco Marathon Weekend is a very special weekend, held every July. There is a marathon, plus an ultra, along with two half marathons, one on the first half of the marathon course and one on the second half. It's a great idea and when combined with a 5k and 10k the San Francisco Marathon is a weekend where pretty much everyone in the family should be running. San Francisco It might have a population of less than a million and measure less than 50 square miles, but chances are it's likely to be on most travellers' bucket list. Founded in 1776, it's the commercial, financial and cultural center of Northern California and the second most densely populated large U.S. city, behind only New York City. Even though it's well known for its steep hills, getting around isn't a problem. Bikeshare stations and ubers are everywhere (as you'd expect in this tech dominated city) and the ubiquitous cable cars, which are attractions in their own right, are around every corner. There's also the BART metro trains to head further afield. Its most iconic landmark is of course the Golden Gate Bridge and this features strongly in the marathon. You can walk or ride across to the Marin Headlands and enjoy the remarkable views as you go. Dominating the Bay is Alcatraz Island. Tours of the prison are an absolute must do. Back in the City, Fisherman's Wharf is an ever popular destination, with lots of food and shopping options. There's Union Square, Mission District and Chinatown that are all essential to see and Nob Hill, where many of the city's finest buildings are to be found. Don't miss the Painted Ladies; famous homes on Alamo Square. Sports fans need to head to Oracle Park, the home of the local baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. There are very few stadia that have better locations than this. Situated on the Bay and with views of the other main bridge, the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, it's easy to get to by tram or walk from Embarcadero, with plenty to see on the way. There are so many options for foodies from Michelin restaurants, quirky cafes and wine bars to multicoloured and multi option food trucks and there's plenty of entertainment from world-renowned symphony to ballet, theatre, and opera. History of the San Francisco Marathon In July 1977 the very first San Francisco Marathon took place. Wearing cardboard numbers, nearly 1000 started from Golden Gate Park. It was organised by the Pamakids Running Club and was inspired, as so many others were at the time, by the running boom that was sweeping the world. It was highly successful and in 1978 the race tripled in size. In 1982 it became the first US marathon to present a medal to all finishers. It's hard to imagine this not happening now but at the time it was groundbreaking. By the mid 1980s the marathon had grown exponentially, with support from both the local and global running community. In 1989 runners were able to cross the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time and this further increased its appeal across the world. In 2016, it officially became a sanctioned USA Track & Field qualifier race for the Olympic Team Trials. Race Organiser It's organised by Jumping Fences Inc. an event management company who also manage the Berkeley Half Marathon. When is the San Francisco Marathon? The race is held annually in July Distances Ultra, Marathon, First Half, Second Half,10km, 5km and 1km kids run. Is there an Expo? There is a two day expo held on Friday and Saturday at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. Runners will need to collect their race packs from here. There's the usual gear available, including race souvenirs. How many runners? 27,500 across all events The course It's an early start here, with the first coral going off at 5.16am and the last one at 5.30am. The first of the two halfs (Bridge Half) leaves from 6.30am, the 10k at 7.00am, 5k from 7.50am and the second of the halfs (City Half) from 8.00am. The start of the marathon is at Embarcadero at Mission, with runners heading on a landmark packed tour of the city and surrounds before finishing a few metres behind where they started at Embarcadero at Mission. The Embarcadero is a neighborhood well known for its great restaurants, iconic clock tower, Bay Bridge views, and proximity to popular points of interest. Logistically it's perfect and makes choosing a hotel nice and easy. From the start it's north to the Colt Tower at mile one, a 210-foot tower in Telegraph Hill, overlooking the city and San Francisco Bay. It was built between 1932 and 1933 using Lillie Hitchcock Colt's bequest to beautify the city. It's then west to Fisherman's Wharf at mile 2, Fort Mason at mile 3 and just before mile 4 it's the Palace of Fine Arts. Landmarks everywhere. Mile 4 to 7 are all within the Presidio de San Francisco, 3 square miles of parkland,, but all runners will be focused on at this point is the Bridge. At mile 7 it's Bridge time! It's a mile across and it's hard to focus on anything apart from the views. After four miles around the Marin area it's back again. The halfway point of the route is in the middle of the Bridge and the views at this stage are the best yet. Opened in 1937 and nearly 750 feet high it is spectacular from every angle. At mile 14 runners exit Presidio de San Francisco and continue south before heading into Golden Gate Park and looping around Stow Lake, leaving the Park just before the 20 mile mark and continuing east. A mile later and the Painted Ladies are away to the left and then its south to the Mission District at mile 22. This an exuberant, evolving neighborhood with Latino roots and a hipster vibe. There are also tattoo parlors, gourmet ice cream shops and Dolores Park, a popular weekend hangout with skyline views. It's one of San Francisco's trendy neighborhoods, packed with trend-setting boutiques, restaurants, and more. The Chase Centre, home to the Golden State Warriors basketball team is right here. Just past mile 24 it's the turn for home and two spectacular miles along the Bay. Oracle PaRk is at 25 miles and then it's under the Bay Bridge (opened a year before the Golden Gate Bridge) and the race to the Finish. The crowds along here are incredible and literally carry runners to the Embarcadero and the finish party. The Full Marathon has 14 water stops with water, Nuun Electrolytes, medical, and toilets. Water stops 6 and 10 will include Chargel Energy gel. All water stops will have water monster refill stations for those carrying their own bottles. The San Francisco Marathon is different in that it hosts not one, but two half marathons alongside the full marathon. One is called the Bridge Half, most of the first half of the full and the second is the City Half, covering most of the second half. The first one starts at Presidio and finishes at Golden Gate Park and the second starts Old Mason Street, Presidio and finishes with the full marathon runners at Embarcadero at Folsom. It's a great idea and swells the total weekend numbers. What's unique? That Bridge and those views! Do charities benefit? There is an official charity programme which raises around $1m annually. There are a number of partner charities, both local and national, and runners are asked to support them wherever possible. Our verdict It's a great event and given the profile of the city it's not surprising that it is growing steadily. The Bridge is unforgettable and although the crowd is thin at times those that do support the runners do so with vigour! How to register Online via the website. It's a first come first served registration process, with no ballot. Race website https://www.thesfmarathon.com/

Unique in many ways the London Landmarks Half Marathon is owned by a UK charity. It 's 13.1 of prime London landmarks, hence the name, and it really is one you shouldn't miss. Everywhere you look there's another famous building that you'll recognise and even better there are no hills. The London Landmarks Half Marathon a big charity fundraising event as you'd expect and not just for the charity that owns it. London Detailing the attractions of London and why you should come here to run would take a whole website so the focus here is on the City of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. It's one of the 32 boroughs of London and adjoins the City of London (known as the Square Mile) which this event also runs through, with its southern edge bordering the River Thames. It includes Soho, the West End and Covent Garden, all known to millions around the world. It's just over 8 square miles, so it's small enough to walk around comfortably in a day, but best to make it two days to take everything in and not just before the race. The World Heritage site of the Houses of Parliament is a great place to start, with Big Ben another iconic landmark next door. Parliament Square has a number of must see statues, with the riverside Victoria Tower Gardens home to the Buxton Memorial, marking the abolition of slavery. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons. It's a place that's touched the lives of kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains since 960 AD. Don't miss Trafalgar Square and its famous Lions. If art is your thing the area has some world class galleries, including Tate Britain and the National Gallery. The Royal Parks offer a relaxed space and a break from all the sightseeing. Once you've visited Buckingham Palace and seen the changing of the guard, head over the road to St James Park and up through the Green Park. Hyde Park is the biggest of them all at 350 acres, with Kensington Palace, home to the Prince and Princess of Wales easy to spot in Kensington Gardens. Are you really in the centre of London? When it's time for a refreshment break you'll be spoilt for choice. From Michelin star restaurants to traditional English pubs, Westminster has more than its fair share. Granted London isn't the cheapest city in the world but look closely and you'll find somewhere to suit your budget. The City of Westminster is a great place to visit. This is just a snapshot of what's on offer. You'll see much more on the course and will give you inspiration for exploring once your race is done. History Years in the making, the first event was held in 2018. There were 10,000 runners and it raised over £4 million for charity in the first year. Race Organiser The event is owned and organised by baby charity, Tommy's to benefit themselves and many other good causes, via LLHM Ltd. it is organised by the team behind the Great North Run. When is the London Landmarks Half Marathon? The race is held annually in April Distances Half Marathon Is there an Expo? Race bibs are posted prior to the event. There is no expo. How many runners? 16,000 The course Due to its size the event uses wave starts, beginning at 9.15am and for at least 90 minutes. Lots of runners will have finished their race before many others have started, which is common for big half marathons. The race starts on Pall Mall, one of London’s most popular streets and an area known for high-class shopping in the 18th century and gentlemen's clubs in the 19th. It's then past Nelson's Column and a couple of short out and backs south to the River Thames for a stretch along the Embankment, before passing the stunning St Paul's Cathedral at three and a half miles. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous buildings. At 111 metres high, St Paul’s was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1963. Its dome remains the second largest cathedral dome in the world. The Royal Courts of Justice are at mile 5 and then it's back to St Paul's as the course twists and turns past the Bank of England and some of London's famous skyscrapers at this point and for the next two miles. The Leadenhall Building (the Cheesegrater), the Fenchurch Building (the Walkie Talkie) and 30 St. Mary Axe. (the Gherkin), all dominate the landscape on this section of the course. It's then out and back to the Tower of London, with superb views of Tower Bridge and The Shard. The latter is the tallest building in Western Europe. Its observation deck “The View from the Shard” is a massive 244 metres (800 ft) above ground. From mile 10 to just past 12 it's west along the Embankment, an area packed full of landmarks. It's difficult to know where to look next! The South Bank, on the other side of the river, is a great place to visit. It's full of quirky eateries and is a perfect place to chill out after you're finished. The views at this part of the course are dominated by the London Eye. Opened to the public in 2000 the London Eye, is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK. 3 million visitors ride in one of the 32 pods each year. It's 135 metres (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft) and the views of London's most famous sites are breathtaking! It's then across the river on Westminster Bridge between the eye and St Thomas's Hospital, before coming back over the Bridge and heading for the finish on Whitehall by Downing Street. Downing Street is the home of the British Prime minister and while he might not be in the crowd watching the finish, many thousands will be. It's a wonderful place to finish your London Landmarks running odyssey and hopefully an inspiration to take on lots more running challenges. One of the many charity runners heads to the finish What's unique? It's the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and the City of Westminster. Do charities benefit? This is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK and Europe. It is owned by a charity and it benefits many others. In the 2023 event £9 million was raised. Our verdict This is a special event and one that packs in as many London landmarks as is possible, with significant crowd support along the way. With a focus on charitable giving and with many first timers taking part it really is everything that's great about running. How to register Online via the website. There is a ballot due to sheer numbers of applicants and this is closed and the successful entrants are drawn months before the event. If rejected from the ballot it is easy to get an entry from a partner charity in return for a pre-agreed amount of fundraising, normally around £350. However most charities also fill their spots so don't leave it too late. Race website https://llhm.co.uk/

The largest half marathon in Hawaii, The Hapalua Half Marathon (Hapalua means half in the Hawaiian language) starts in Waikiki and runs through Honolulu and up and around Diamond Head, with the stunning views that this brings. Organised by the team that has done such a great job with the Honolulu Marathon there is no time limit and you're well rewarded at the end with a great medal and some local delicacies. Honolulu Located on Oahu Island, Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, with a population of around 350,000. Known for its long board surfing at Waikiki Beach, it offers world class shopping and dining and some of superb natural landscapes, including Diamond Head, that plays such an important role on this stunning Hapalua Half course. More on that later. There is so much to see in Honolulu, even though many visitors find it hard to pull themselves away from magnetic Waikiki. The beaches are breathtaking and with surfing lessons on offer in multiple locations, this is a great place to have a go for the first time. Try snorkelling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, or experience ocean kayaking at Kaneohe. If that's not your thing there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Don't miss Iolani Palace, home to Hawaii's last two monarchs and the only royal residence in the US. Over the road is the bronze King Kamehameha statue, created in honor of the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands. Another important statue and one you'll see on race morning is the Duke Kahanamoku statue in memory of the surfer who popularized the sport around the world. West of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, a sombre place, but an essential visit to understand its global significance. It's a National Historic Landmark that includes the USS Arizona Memorial, a battleship sunk in the 1941 attack. There's plenty to see outside of the main tourist areas, including areas like Kalihi, where you'll find markets serving poké, a very local delicacy; cubes of seasoned, raw fish served with pickled vegetables. There's also great food in Chinatown, where you can grab dim sum and barbecued ribs. At night, this is one of the cool places to experience Honolulu nightlife. However you want to celebrate after running the half, you'll be able to do it in Honolulu. The history of the Hapalua Half Marathon The Hapalua and its Chase were conceived by Honolulu Marathon Association president Jim Barahal, the head of the Honolulu Marathon Association The Chase idea puts four top athletes, who are invited to the Island for the occasion, against 22 of the islands’ top runners. The very first Hapalua Half was held in March 2012, with 2000 runners, and only 100 coming from off-island. It now has a field of 10,000, with many thousands coming from mainland USA and Japan. Race Organiser The Honolulu Marathon Association, the organisers of the Honolulu Marathon. When is the Hapalua Half Marathon? The race is held annually in April Distances Half Marathon Is there an Expo? There is an expo at the Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu,on Friday and Saturday where runners collect their rack packet, containing race BIB number, pins, timing chip, commemorative T-shirt, and a complimentary Hapalua bag. There is also the official, clear clothing bag to be used at the bag drop. The bag drop is in the finisher village by the finish line. There are no race packets available on race morning. How many runners? 10,000 The course It's a nice early start as you'd expect in somewhere with a hot and humid climate. At 6am, the first runners leave the Duke Kahanamoku statue start line on Kalakaua Avenue, with exact start timings based on anticipated finish time. From here it's west, the ocean on the left, past Fort De Russy and along the Ala Moana Blvd to the impressive Ala Moana Shopping Center just before the two mile marker. It's the eighth largest shopping mall in the United States and the largest open-air shopping center in the world! The Ala Moana beach Park is on the left and this carries on for a further half mile. At 4 miles runners come to the Aloha Tower. It's an historic icon, built in 1926 and standing at 184 feet tall. Located on Pier 9 of the Harbor, the tower was seen as a symbol of welcome to ship passengers who arrived on O‘ahu in the days before mass air travel. Just past here, at River Street, runners turn east, heading past the King Kamehameha statue that marks the 8km point. The Aloha Tower at mile 4 At 10km it's back to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. It's then past the Hawaii Convention Center, where race bibs were collected and on to Waikiki, an amazing place to run. Although it's still early there's plenty of support through here as friends and family make plenty of noise. At 14km the course turns gently north east to the last stretch, the hugely memorable run around Diamond Head. This 760-foot crater is one of Hawaiʻi's most famous landmarks. Formed over 100,000 years ago, it was used as a strategic military lookout beginning in the early 1900's and was named a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Known as Lēʻahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian, the crater was named Lēʻahi Head by 19th century British sailors who thought they discovered diamonds on the crater's slopes, but instead they were worthless . calcite crystals of no value. The views from here are stunning and if you need a break at the highest point is a decent place to take one! Coming off Diamond Head Road, there's around a kilometer to go on Kalakaua Ave, heading west to the finish line in Kapiolani Park, where the fun starts. There are the famous Hawaiian Malasadas, plenty of other food and drink and lots of music. The awesome Diamond Head. The last part of the course is around (not directly up!) this famous Honolulu landmark There are 7 Aid stations along the course with water and Gatorade and energy gels available at mile 9. Temperatures at the start will generally be in the mid 60s (Fahrenheit) reaching the low 80s (Fahrenheit) by 10:00 AM. Come prepared for the heat and the humidity. What's unique? Not a huge amount as there are plenty of similarities with the full marathon course, but if you're looking to test yourself over the shorter distance and are saving the full for another day there is plenty that's unique. The run through Waikiki will stick with you for a long time! Do charities benefit? There is a small charity programme, but it's in its infancy. Runners can select their own preferred charity and fundraise for them, but there isn't a series of official charity partners with direct affiliations with the event at the moment. Our verdict Any running event in and around Waikiki is going to be special and when it's organised by the team responsible for the Honolulu Marathon you know it will be well organised and deliver what's promised. Numbers at this event are sure to grow in time and this will become one of the bigger half marathons in the US. For now, you can get an entry easily, so make the most of the opportunity and do it while you can. It's an early start, so don't rely on crowds, but the scenery should be enough to keep you motivated all the way round. How to register Online via the website. It isn't a sell out but it will close before race day. Race website https://www.thehapalua.com/

The Loch Ness Marathon is one of Scotland's most popular running weekends, Loch Ness draws runners from all over the world every year and many of them come to tackle this scenic race. Stunning scenery, a great course and maybe, just a small chance of glimpsing the famous monster. You're likely to go home not fulfilling the third of these, but the first two will definitely be ticked off. Loch Ness Pretty much everyone who travels will have heard of Loch Ness and its associated with the mythical monster that is rumoured to lurk in its depths. There is plenty of room for it to lurk, at some points the lake is 755 ft deep, with a surface area of 22 square miles, making it the largest by volume in the UK. It contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined! Loch Ness is only 23 miles from Inverness, where the Marathon event village is located. Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands and even though 63,000 currently live there it's one of Europe's fastest growing cities. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to this beautiful part of the world and the same goes for entrants to the Marathon. Even though it is nearly 600 miles from London it doesn't stop hundreds of international visitors heading north to experience a unique event in a unique place. Before and after the race there are many attractions in the area that need exploring, especially in and around Inverness. One of these is Fort George, the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. Its garrison buildings, artillery defences and superb collection of arms provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life. There's Inverness Cathedral where you can see the intricate craftsmanship and detailed carvings in both stone and wood alongside glorious stained-glass windows and also the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery where you can find out more about local life. The City's Castle is also well worth a visit. And then of course there are the nine villages around Loch Ness, as well as Urquhart Castle. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a mediaeval fortress, with control of the castle passing back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, and are a major draw for today's visitors. The village of Drumnadrochit has the "Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition", not to be confused with The Loch Ness Exhibition Centre (formerly Loch Ness 2000). The latter, near the village of Milton, was established in 1980 and has consistently ranked as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. There are 6 different areas that detail the story of Loch Ness from the ice age through to the present, including of course the story of the monster, but also all other aspects of the Loch. It has just reopened after a major refurbishment. The majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness The history of the Loch Ness Marathon The very first Loch Ness Marathon was held in 2002, with Baxters as the title sponsor. Unusually for an event of this type they are still the principal sponsor, having supported the event as it has grown over the years. Since the event was established, entries have grown by a record 267%, with a record 9,500 participants in 2019 with 60 percent of marathon runners coming from outside Scotland and 17 percent from overseas. It's grown into a major running festival with distances for all abilities and aspirations and has recently been taken over by the organisers of the London Maratghon. There is no doubt who is the star of the show at this event! Race organiser London Marathon Events Ltd When is the Loch Ness Marathon The race is held annually in October. Distances Marathon, 10k & Corporate Challenge and 5k. There's also an under 5's run. Is there an expo? The event expo is the biggest running show in Scotland held at the Event Village Bught Park in Inverness. Marathon runners collect their race pack (including timing tag and baggage label) here on the Saturday before the event. There are also plenty of running products to purchase and free sampling, product trials, demos, prize draws etc. There are guest speakers, and the opportunity to chat with other runners from around the world or just chill out with some traditional Scottish music in the Runners’ Café. How many runners? Around 9,000 across all events with 4,000 in the marathon. The course All marathon runners are transported by bus to the marathon start from Inverness Ice Centre on Bught Drive, Inverness, a 10-minute walk from the Event Village, where race bibs were collected. Buses leave from 7.00 am to 7.30m for the one hour drive to the start. There are other pick up points both north and south of the Loch. There is no vehicle access for runners to be dropped off at the marathon start. The Marathon starts at 10 am near Fort Augustus and is a point to point course, heading north along Loch Ness, before finishing in Inverness. Just before mile 2 it's through Easter Drummond and shortly afterwards is Whitebridge, the first of the small villages that dot the course. With less than 100 residents most of those that live here are game wardens on local estates or work within the tourism industry. At this point and until mile 5 the course winds through remote rural roads, not joining the shore of the Loch until mile 7. A mile before that it heads through Foyers, past the Fall of Foyers to the left. It's a spectacular waterfall with a 140 ft drop into a gorge that winds its way through tall trees until it eventually meets Loch Ness. There's a pathway winding through stunning woodland and then down steep steps to the first of two viewpoints. At the upper viewpoint the surrounding rocks open up to give you a spectacular full view of the falls where you can capture some fantastic photos of the falls all year round. A visit for another day! Foyers is the largest settlement on this side of the Loch and is a village of under 300, situated where the River Foyers flows into the loch. Just past mile 7 is the Foyers Power Station and just before mile 8 is Boleskine house This Scottish manor house was once owned by author Aleister Crowley and later by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. After suffering fire damage in 2015, the house is now being restored. Continuing north, at mile 9, is Inverfarigaig Pier, built in the early nineteenth century by Thomas Telford. There are spectacular views along the banks of Loch Ness. Runners are now as close to the Loch as it's possible to get and there are many stunning viewpoints along this stretch of the route, with just before miles 10 and 13 being two of the best. Is there any better half way point of a marathon than this? Across the loch is Urquhart Castle and if it's a clear day there are few better views. At mile 16 avoid the Alpacas and then at mile 17 it's through the village of Dores, with amazing vistas of both Dores Beach and Loch Ness Beach. Dores is a tiny village with a church, village hall, welcoming country pub and the stunning beach. It also has bags of history, dating back to the 1st century. Its name comes from the Gaelic meaning “dark woods”. The course is now at the northern tip of the Loch and runners head inland slightly and finally at mile 21 the Loch part of the run is done. It's then along the small country road, the B862, through the southern suburbs of Inverness, like Lochardil and Holm, at the 24 mile mark. Near mile 25 is the turn for home, just past at Inverness Castle, over the road bridge and then the run to the finish along the banks of the River Ness in Bught Park. It will all be happening here, with a Pipe Band in full flow and plenty of local delicacies. There are 7 water stations along the marathon course, with water provided in 330ml recyclable plastic bottles. There are 4 gel stations along the marathon route providing High5 Energy Gels. What's unique Monster spotting on the banks of the biggest lake in Britain! Do charities benefit? There is a charity programme, with a number of local and national charities involved. Some of these charities have guaranteed entries available and they only expect around £400 an entry to be raised. This is very different from many of the big city center events where it's often three or four times that amount. Our verdict Great organisation and stunning scenery are both essential for a great marathon experience and you get them in big quantities here. If you need big crowds to get you motivated you won't find them here, but you will find one of the most scenic marathons anywhere. The expo works well and the whole race weekend festival approach is very well organised. It can be cold, as you'd expect in the north of Scotland in October, but conditions are often ideal for marathon running. Being too hot is never a good thing on a marathon course. How to register Online via the race website. There is also information about tour operator entries and the guaranteed entries from the charities. General entries normally close in July. Race website https://lochnessmarathon.com/

From where the world of marathon running all started, the Athens Marathon is one of the ‘must run’ marathons. Starting from the town of Marathon to the history rich Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the Olympics, the Athens Marathon is one you must not miss. When you're done you can make your way to one of the Greek islands and make it a life changing trip. Athens Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has a population of over three million and a history dating back over 3400 years. It was named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and inspiration, Athena, and is known as the cradle of Western civilisation. It's the birthplace of philosophy, democracy and drama, is an open-air museum of world-class cultural heritage attractions and is a city of paradoxes and great contrasts, It's a cosmopolitan hub with gastronomic delights, electrifying nightlife, creative vibes and a booming art scene. Its most famous landmark is the iconic Acropolis, rising above the city and attracting millions each year, but there's also the Parthenon, the National Archaeological Museum, Mount Lycabettus and much more. 25m miles from Athens is the start town of Marathon and the start point for the Marathon itself. Just outside of Marathon is Schinias Beach, a long and sandy beach with beach bars and pine groves. There's also the Attica Zoological Park, a 32-acre zoo that's home to more than 2,000 animals, 30 types of reptiles, 238 species of birds, and more. Lake Marathon, a man-made reservoir, was formed for the Marathon Dam. The dam is the only marble-faced one in the world. No runner will want to miss the Marathon Run Museum, a permanent exhibition of the “Olympic Marathon” from 1896 to the present. More than 4000 exhibits record the history of the Marathon race. The museum features medals, athletic and personal items of Harilaos Vasilakos, the first winner of the Marathon in 1896, cups, relics, and much more. History The story of the marathon is the most well known of all sports. It was a true triumph accomplished by a news-bearing foot soldier from ancient Athens, who announced - with his last words - the victory of the Greeks against the Persians during the Marathon Battle in 490 BC. The 42,195m Marathon Race became one of the most competitive events during the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896. A Greek athlete named Spyros Louis, running what has ever since been referred to as the Original Marathon Course from the ancient city of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, won the gold medal of the first modern Olympic Games and became a legend of Greek and International Athletics. There is no marathon with a history like this one! The Athens Classic Marathon began in 1972 as a joint venture between the Greek tourist board and the athletics association. The race came under the auspices of SEGAS, the Hellenic Athletics Federation in 1983 when it became known as the Athens Peace Marathon for that year. The 2010 edition of the event was combined with the celebration of the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon. As the 2500 anniversary was actually in 2011, this year was also celebrated as the anniversary run. In 2014 it was announced that the Athens Classic Marathon will now be known as the “Athens Marathon. The Authentic”. According to the federation, the new name highlights, in the most accurate and precise way, the unique world “position” of Greece’s national heritage, of the Authentic Marathon; a Marathon that is not only a “classic” but the only one on the planet that starts from Marathonas and finishes in Athens. Race Organiser The event is organised by SEGAS, the Hellenic Athletics Federation, When? The race is held annually in November Distances Marathon, 10km, 5km and 1.2km kids run. Is there an Expo? All runners need to collect their bib numbers and race kits from the Runners' Center, which is hosted in the Faliro Indoor Hall & Exhibition Centre of Athens, at the Olympic Faliro Coastal Zone, from Wednesday until Saturday before the 10km event on Saturday evening. How many runners? Marathon - 20,000. 10km - 12,000 5km - 20.000 Kid's run - 8,500 Course The Marathon Race starts at 9.00am in the historic town of Marathon, running southwest for the first 19km. The first 4 kilometers are downhill along Marathonos Avenue and then it's left to the home of the Marathon Tomb (War Memorial). There's also an Archaeological Museum of Marathon here, built in 1975 and located near the memorial tomb. The museum consists of five halls, each with its own theme. Collections include: pottery from the early Cycladic, Geometric, and Classical period, statues, and other finds from excavations. The start of the Marathon...at Marathon The course is flat from 6km to 10km at Nea Makri, with some undulations from there to 17km when there's a hill to Rafina Junction up to 20km. This is the toughest part of the course. Through Pikermi district there are more hills for the next 5km as runners head northwest towards Athens. The hills continue through Pallini, a suburban town in the Greater Athens Area. By 31km the hills are done and it's much easier in the last section. There's a steep descent leading to the Agia Paraskevi Square and the crowds really pick up. Then it's Mesogeion Avenue, going through the districts of Chalandri and Cholargos, with flat and downhill parts of the course up to the finish. At the last part of the Marathon Course and having turned on the Herodou Attikou Street, runners can see the Panathenaic Stadium, passing by the Presidential Residency and the National Gardens The runners enter the Panathenaic Stadium to the finish and to an incredible atmosphere. A stadium was built here on the site of a simple racecourse by an Athenian statesman in c. 330 BC, but after the rise of Christianity in the 4th century it was largely abandoned. The stadium was excavated in 1869 and after being refurbished, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and as an Olympic venue in 2004. Without doubt this is the most iconic finish to any marathon event anywhere in the world. You have to be here! There are plenty of aid stations, with water every 2.5km and there are energy bars and drinks. The volunteers are excellent. The finish at the packed Panathenaic Stadium What's unique? What isn't? It doesn't get much more unique than this one. Do charities benefit? There is no official charity programme but the organisers do support the Special Olympics charity. Running for charity isn't big in this part of the world but plenty of UK and US runners will be raising funds for their preferred charities. Our verdict If you're looking for a truly iconic marathon, this is the one. For many runners it's gone under the radar up to now, but with more than 60,000 runners across all distances it's well and truly up there as an event with real global appeal. It's not the easiest and the crowds aren't the biggest but the start and finish areas are out of this world. How to register Online via the website. It's a first come first served registration process, with no ballot. The 5km sells out early and all distances are likely to be sold a few weeks before event day. Specialist running tour operators do have entries available. Race website https://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr/en

Running through all four areas of Belfast; North, South, East and West, the Belfast Marathon starts at Stormont Estate and finishes in the City's Ormeau Park. There's also a team relay and walk that means every opportunity to get involved and leads to even bigger crowds. Held in May every year there is also a half marathon in September. In 2022 the Belfast Marathon celebrated its 40 year anniversary! Belfast Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and is Ireland's second biggest city, with a population of 700,000. In 1921, Belfast became the seat of government for Northern Ireland following the partition of the Country. This was a challenging time for Belfast, when significance violence occurred, repeated in 1969 to 1998 in a period known as 'the Troubles'. Industry has always been a key part of the city's growth with shipbuilding especially important. It is still a port with commercial and industrial docks, including the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic and Canberra were built. There is so much to see in Belfast and one of the most impressive is the Titanic Museum, opened in 2012, built on the slipways where the ship itself was constructed over 100 years ago. There are nine galleries on six floors and many interactive exhibitions, an underwater cinema and gantry rides. Crowned the World's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016 it tells the whole story, from the very beginning to the tragic end. The Ulster Museum is another that you must visit. Recently refurbished it includes the only dinosaur bones ever found on the island of Ireland and the famed Egyptian mummy, Takabuti. The Botanical Gardens next door are spectacular. For a real taste of Belfast life check out renovated St George's Market. It's not just about food but food is what many come here for! Not ideal for runners in race week is the Ulster fry, which will fill you for the day; definitely one for after the event. The choice here is endless. Opened in 1906 the Renaissance style City Hall is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows telling the story of Celtic myths and legends, such as the Cattle Raid of Cooley, as well as commemorating victims of the Great Famine and those who fought in the First and Second World Wars. There are many memorials in the grounds, including the Titanic Memorial Garden, where plaques are inscribed with the names of all 1,512 people who lost their lives. Runners head past here on the marathon course. The City is well known for its wall art, much of it telling the story of the Troubles. There are some great tours with expert guides that can detail what happened. The Black Cab tours are amongst the most popular. is a sight to behold. The Crumlin Road Gaol is also a site not to be missed. Closed in 1996 after 150 years, it claims to be one of the most haunted sites in Belfast. Belfast's City Hall History of the Belfast Marathon The first Belfast City Marathon was in 1982 with 3,021 taking part in a marathon only event, with the team relay added seven years later. In 1997 the 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run events were introduced making the event the largest mass sport participatory event in Northern Ireland. The Half Marathon followed in 2013 (held in September). In 2023 a Women's 10km event was launched and the Belfast City Marathon obtained World Athletics Road Race Label status. Race Organiser Belfast City Marathon Ltd When? The race is held annually in May Distances Marathon, Team Relay and 8 mile walk Is there an Expo? The Expo & Pack Collection takes place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Friday and Saturday. All participants must attend to collect their race number, t-shirt and bag. How many runners? 22.000 across all events The course The Marathon starts at 9am and all runners need to complete the race in less than six hours. It's a relatively small field so there are no challenges with overcrowding aside from the team relay change over points where it can feel a little bit crowded, but nothing major. Not a bad place to start! It starts at Stormont Estate, in the east of Belfast. Stormont is a public park with beautiful gardens, walking and fitness trails and children’s play park. Recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s best green spaces it's also home to the Northern Ireland Government and a great place to start an event of this type. From Stormont runners head west to Ormeau Park, firstly heading down the Upper Newtownards Road through Ballyhackamore. It's then left down Beersbridge Road, through the suburb of Castlereagh and north up Woodstock Road before turning into Ormeau Park for the first time just before mile 7 and a few metres from the finish line! It's then out of Ormeau Park, over a bridge across the River Lagan and north up Ormeau Road. The River Lagan runs 53.5 miles from the Slieve Croob mountain in County Down to Belfast where it enters Belfast Lough, an inlet of the Irish Sea. The Lagan forms much of the border between County Antrim and County Down in the east of Ulster. At this point the Ulster Museum and Botanical gardens is just across to the left. Runners then head into the city centre, where they will pass Belfast City Hall at the 9-mile mark before turning left onto Donegal Road and towards the south of the city. Donegal Road then leads onto Boucher Road, and at mile 11 passing the unique Rise Sculpture, also known as 'the Balls of the Falls'. Installed in 2011 it represents a new sun rising to celebrate a new chapter in the history of Belfast. Runners then head south down Donegal Road and Lisburn Road before making a right turn and continuing on Andersonstown Road and Falls Road until the 16 mile marker and then on to the Shankill Road area. The Falls and Shankill Road areas were major flashpoints during the Troubles and there are many visual reminders of the turmoil from those times. Nearby is the Crumlin Road Gaol. Past the City Hall at mile 9 At the 19.5 miles it's a turn and the start of the run south, passing the Waterworks, home to many birds and wildfowl, at mile 20 and just before mile 22 it's the Big Fish! It's a printed ceramic mosaic sculpture by John Kindness, 10 metres long constructed in 1999 in Donegall Quay. The outer skin is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast. It was commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan and it's a great landmark at a time when you really need it. From here it's then left down the Towpath and along the River Lagan to the 24 mile marker and to Ormeau Park. At the end of the Park, it's then left and on towards the finish line, where the celebrations can start. There are nine water stations, with energy drinks at some, 14 first aid stations and eight toilet stops along the course. What's unique? Belfast is so closely connected with the Titanic and this gives the event something special. Do charities benefit? There is a regular preferred charity selected for a period of one to three years. As the event doesn't sell out there is no demand for charity bibs. Runners can of course raise money for their preferred charity using their own bib and this is estimated to generate £1m a year. Our verdict There is so much to see and do in Belfast and this course takes in some of the highlights. Although it comes just at the end of the Spring marathon season in Europe and misses out to other events as a result it is definitely one to consider if you're looking for something different. Crowd support can be a bit sporadic but in the city there is plenty of support. Definitely one to consider. How to register Online via the website. Entries in the Marathon don't currently sell out, but they do in the team relay. Race website https://belfastcitymarathon.com/

One of the world's most talked about marathons, the New York City Marathon is one that you have to do at some point in your running career. Getting in through the lottery can be a challenge, but there are also tour operator and charity entries. Once you're in you need to have a read on our tips for a great New York City Marathon experience! New York City New York is one of those destinations that is truly unmissable. New York City, with a population of nine million locals, comprises five boroughs and you'll run through every one of them during this marathon. At its heart is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centres. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater, a must while you're here is in Times Square, another magnet for the city's three million annual international visitors. The Boroughs of New York City are the five major governmental districts that compose New York City. They are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The race starts on Staten Island and weaves through them all before finishing in the world's most famous park, Central Park in Manhattan. One of the biggest challenges for runners is not to walk too much in race walk. It's an easy city to walk around and its attractions are relatively close to each other. Thankfully taxis don't break the bank. New York is now a very expensive City so once you get your spot sorted you need to book hotels as soon as you can and you might be able to lock in a cheaper price. Post Covid it has gone from an averagely priced destination to one of the most expensive in the world. Runners will now be forced out of the central areas into the suburbs due to costs, but this is where you need to take into account the differences between this event and others. It starts extremely early! Not the race itself, but the process of getting to the start, which is a long way from the finish. It's all about getting to this Bridge. The history of the New York Marathon The very first event was held in September 1970, with 127 runners competing and 100 people watching. Initially held in Central Park, in 1976 it went through all five boroughs for the first time and from then on that became its route. In 1986 it was moved to November and the date hasn't moved since. It was one of the founding members of the World Marathon Majors in 2006. It's now the biggest marathon in the world with over 53,000 finishers in 2019 and more than two million lining the streets each year. Race Organiser New York Road Runners. New York Road Runners (NYRR) is a non-profit running organisation based in New York City whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. It was founded in 1958 by Ted Corbitt with 47 members and has since grown to a membership of more than 60,000. When? The race is held annually on the first Sunday of November. Distances Marathon only Is there an Expo? The Expo, which is open for three days before the event is on a par with the other Majors. It's where you need to go pre-race to collect your number and other race essentials. This race has a much higher percentage of overseas runners than any other equivalent, especially when compared to the likes of London, so you'll bump into fellow competitors from Italy, Denmark and Italy, amongst others, within a few minutes of getting to the Javits Convention Center. The overseas runners bring the event into focus during race week. They are everywhere in Manhattan; walking the streets, taking open-top bus tours and crowding into restaurants. As a visitor to NYC you definitely know it's race week. Don't be tempted to try and see everything NYC has to offer in the days before the race. Don't walk too far, even though everywhere seems so close on paper. How many runners? 50,000 The course The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island is where the race starts and it shuts 3 hours before the race starts so you know what that means. It means two things that most runners aren't prepared for; an extremely early start and an incredibly long wait before you run. So, be prepared. The New York Road Runners, who organise the race, put on buses to the start, and they start very early, but you have to book your bus, so make sure you're there on time for yours and make sure you have an early night! You stay in brooklyn or south Manhattan and get the ferry to Staten Island. It will still be busy. but the view is better, of the Statue of Liberty! Once you're there be ready for what could be in excess of 4 hours of waiting around. Take a book and take some cardboard to sit on. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing as it could be cold and damp. Don't be tempted to eat any of the snacks you'll see. Doughnuts can be available and when did you last have one of them before a long run? By the time you start running it feels like you've been up all day, so be prepared. Once you do get on the Bridge, ready to start, be warned that if you're on the lower deck of the two you could get covered in something as runners on the upper deck have their final toilet stop. Yes, it does happen! Go to the side if possible. It's a very memorable start for lots of reasons The course itself is unique in many ways. It runs through all five suburbs and they are all very different. Most city centre marathons run through areas that are all pretty similar, but not this one. Be prepared for an attack on the senses, in a good way. From Staten Island runners head north through Brooklyn and Queens. It's then west across the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, up north into the Bronx and back to Manhattan to finish in Central Park. These are all very different experiences and it's a cultural tour of the City like no other. Soak up the varying architecture and crowd support as you head from one suburb to another. You won't be on your own in this race This marathon also differs from its peers when it comes to gradients. It is most definitely not flat. You only have to look at the times of elite athletes at top marathons over the past 20 years and this race does not feature. The main reason is because of the bridges. You need to treat each bridge as a challenge in its own right. Some are a lot stepper than they first appear. Make sure you include hill training in your preparation and you'll be fine. There are five of them, so be ready! You'll also see very few running in costumes, unlike events like London. This is from the organisers 'Costumes that cover the face and any bulky outfits that extend beyond the perimeter of the body (Form-fitting outfits are allowed.)' are not allowed through security. And then there is the finish at Central Park. The finish is imminent The finish is very different than it used to be. Access is severely restricted and tickets are required for certain areas. So if you have friends and family who are planning to watch you finish make sure they review the exact details for the year you are planning to run. Once you finish you'll need to demonstrate the same patience you showed at the start. Runners leave Central Park at West 77th Street. Once on Central Park West, you may exit the runners-only area at West 76th Street, West 74th Street, or West 69th Street, or continue south to Family Reunion. If you have pre-checked a bag, you'll find this on Central Park West between West 69th Street and West 72nd Street. This is an extremely, extremely busy place and you won't be able to skip any lines to speed up the process. You'll get your medal first and then lots of sponsor goodies, but there are thousands of people and it all takes time. Even once you're out of the Park, it doesn't get quieter. It's best to suggest meeting your friends and family back in the centre of Manhattan if you can. They could be waiting around Central Park West for a very long time and there isn't much to do there. What's unique? There is no event that brings together all five boroughs like this one. Moving from one to another as the course progresses and experiencing the unique sights and sounds of each borough is very different from any other race. Do charities benefit? There is a very extensive charity programme, with charities applying to the organisers for the right to buy spots which they then allocate to runners who agree to raise a minimum of $3500 and in some cases much more than that. There are more charities applying for spots than there are spots available and generally most of these spots will sell out. Our verdict This event is an amazing experience but you need to be prepared and to prepare those supporting you. It's logistically challenging and it is a very long day for you and your supporters. You will have one of the best days of your life. You need to make sure they do as well. How to register Getting a spot here is very difficult. The general ballot opens in February and two weeks after, with notifications taking place in March. NYRR members who, in 2022, ran nine qualifying NYRR races and volunteered at one qualifying event, are eligible to claim guaranteed non-complimentary entry in that initial two weeks window. There are charity spots (which sell out), good for age and many more categories. Overseas tour operators also have spots. Race website https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon

One of the biggest challenges when you're in the city for the Dublin Marathon is keeping out of the bars in the days leading up to the event! This is a city that loves its nightlife and there is plenty of it, including Guinness at every turn. It's a marathon that's had plenty of course changes over the years due to the ongoing development in the city, but it's settled now and it's one that you have to do. Dublin Dublin is Ireland's capital city and its most historically significant, having been the second city of the British Empire until Ireland's independence in 1922, it has a population of just under 6 million. It has plenty to see and because it's a small city it's relatively easy to get around most of them in a few days of hard sightseeing. Probably the most famous is the Temple Bar district. In 1707 a customs house, where all the government paperwork for import and export were processed, settled at Temple Bar and with it came warehouses, taverns and brothels, but when the customs house moved the area fell into an immediate decline. Today, the area is booming and it's the first port of call for tens of thousands of visitors annually. you’ll find Temple Bar in Dublin thriving. There are street fairs and shops to browse through and at night the Guiness flows in the pubs that line the cobbled streets. Try to stay away until after the race! Speaking of Guinness, the most visited attraction in the whole of Ireland is here in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, opened in December 2000, Guinness Storehouse has become the most visited attraction in Ireland. More than 20 million visitors have taken the self-guided tour that details the history of the brewery and the brewing process spread out over 7 floors. At the end of the tour, at the top-floor Gravity Bar there are panoramic views across the Dublin cityscape with a complimentary well-earned pint. Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, is another on most visitor's target lists. As well as its historical and architectural significance, it is also the home of the 9th century Book of Kells, a mediaeval manuscript of huge significance. It's a handwritten copy of the four gospels of the New Testament and filled with ornate Latin text and intricate illustrations. It can be viewed in the Long Room, where you can also view the Brian Boru Harp, Ireland's oldest surviving harp, and a rare original copy of the Proclamation, a seminal text in Irish history. Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are two other landmarks that are well worth a visit. The Cathedral contains the tomb of mediaeval warlord Strongbow, the leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, and also the heart of Dublin's patron saint, Saint Laurence O'Toole. Amongst other manuscripts and artefacts is a 14th century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae (a book of law dating back to 1216). Perhaps the crypt's most popular exhibit is the mummified remains of a cat and a rat. Known locally as 'Tom & Jerry', the cat is believed to have chased the rat into a pipe of the church organ, where they both eventually became stuck. Histroy of the Dublin Marathon The first Dublin Marathon was held in 1980, with 1420 finishers, increasing to 8,700 by 1988. Numbers then plateaued until 2007 when they hit 11,000. With the move from Bank Holiday to Sunday numbers have increased significantly, with a lottery now needed to allocate the 22,500 spots. Heading through Phoenix Park Race organiser Marathon Events Management DAC When is it? The race is held annually in October Distances Marathon only Is there an expo? There is a two expo at the Royal Dublin Society where all runners must pick up their race bibs. There are also a number of vendors selling running and fitness gear. How many runners 22,500 The course It's a single lap course, starting at Fitzwilliam Street Upper and finishes at nearby Merrion Square. There are four wave starts, each with a different colour and a different entry point, the first of them going off at 8.45 am and the last of them an hour later. Here we go! For the first two miles the course passes through many of Dublin’s famous 18th century Georgian streets, before crossing the River Liffey and heading into Phoenix Park, just past mile 3. At 1,752 acres, the Phoenix Park is twice as big as New York’s Central Park and it's Europe's largest urban park. It was originally the Royal Hunting Park in the 17th century, when it became home to a large herd of fallow deer. It's also home to the fourth oldest zoo in the world that runners pass just before the 4 mile marker. Established in 1830 and covering over 69 acres, it has more than 400 animals split into distinct habitats, including the Orangutan Forest, the Kaziranga Forest Trail, Sea Lion Cove, African Savanna and the House of Reptiles. From here it's northwest through the Park to just past mile 6 where runners exit and then back into the Park at mile 8, before leaving again before mile 10 at Chapelizod Gate. It's back over the river at mile 10 and at half way it's over the Grand Canal at Dolphins Barn Bridge. The Grand Canal was completed at the turn of the 19th century to connect Dublin to the River Shannon. Much of it has now been restored and there are some great walks along its banks. From here the course meanders through some of Dublin's southern suburbs, to Bushy Park at mile 17. It's then west to the University College Dublin, which dominates the course for two miles. It has over 33,000 students and is the largest in the country. At mile 23 the route turns north for the final three miles to the finish. Past Elm Park Golf course at mile 24 and then at mile 25 the start of what's known as the Purple Mile, along Northumberland Avenue to cross the Grand Canal again, to the finish at Merrion Square North. There are lots of aid stations, with water and energy drinks and gels at two of them. Crowds are excellent in the city, but as you'd expect it's quieter in the Park and in the middle of the course. The last mile is amazing. There are some bands along the course to help keep runners motivated. What's unique? This is the only running event that shuts down the city's streets making it a great way to see Dublin from a different angle. Do charities benefit? There is a recently established charity programme that is aiming to grow the amount raised by runners each year. At the moment the amounts raised for charity are relatively low but expect this to improve as the event becomes more and more popular and entries become more sought after. The charity spots will then become more in demand. Our verdict It's a tough race to get a spot in, but it's worth the effort. Everyone here is super friendly and for a small events team they put on a great show. It doesn't have the massive crowds of a big event like London or New York but it's as well organised and the course never feels overcrowded. Definitely one to consider. How to register Online via the website.This event is oversubscribed and there is a ballot/lottery in place. There are tour operator bibs available and a number of charities have entries. These are mainly Irish charities but there are also some in the US and the UK. Fundraising targets are not high so this could be a good option if you've missed the ballot. Race website https://irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/

One of the most sought after half marathons anywhere in the world, the New York City Half Marathon is another for the bucket list. It starts in Brooklyn and finishes in Central Park, through the heart of New York City and famous landmarks such as Central Park, Times Square, and Grand Central Station. It doesn't get much better than that. It's tough to get a spot but there are ways. New York City The NYC Half starts in Brooklyn, one of the City's coolest places to visit. There are some intriguing neighbourhoods, incredible views of Manhattan and some of the best food in the country. With nearly three million residents, it would be the third most populous city in the US if it was an independent city, as opposed to being part of NYC. As well as Prospect Park, where the race starts, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an essential place to visit. Covering more than 1.3 miles of Brooklyn’s waterfront, from the Columbia Heights waterfront district to the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO, it offers breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan’s panoramic skyline and the New York Harbor. It has a continuous promenade of six diverse piers, with an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and specialist stores. DUMBO is the area known as Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, and one of Brooklyn's most visited neighborhoods. It has cobblestone streets, dramatic architecture, great dining and those unforgettable views across the river. In years gone by it was a busy ferry terminal, full of industrial and warehouse buildings and there are still remnants of a railroad track that ran through the neighborhood in the early 1900s. Most visitors to Brooklyn will head to Williamsburg, which over the last 25 years has undergone a remarkable transformation, especially in the north. Referred to by some as Little Berlin, it is known for its music, nightlife and arts scene and the changes to its architectural landscape. New high rises dominate its skyline and buildings that looked doomed to history have been renovated and now house apartments, boutique stores and restaurants. Don't miss Domino Park. a five-acre park oasis on the Williamsburg waterfront that opened in 2018 on the ruins of the old Domino Sugar Refinery. It was one of the largest refineries in the world and provided 98% of the sugar consumed in the United States. The Park has a lawn area, with seating and sun loungers and further south, there are water jets to cool off during the summer, beach volleyball courts, and a dog park. History of the New York Half Marathon The first NYC Half was held in 2006. Initially it was held in the summer, but in 2010 was moved to March. That year there were 11,604 finishers, a number that has grown steadily, rising to nearly 25,000 in 2023. As well as having a mass field it also has an elite runner field, with many national and world record holders taking part, such as Haile Gebrselassie, Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor. The start is in historic Brooklyn Race Organiser New York Road Runners When is the New York City Half? The race is held annually in March Distances Half Marathon Is there an Expo? There is a NYC Half Marathon Expo Experience on Friday and Saturday, where all runners need to collect their race packets. This was at Center 415, located at 415 5th Avenue (Between 37th & 38th Streets) in 2023. It's obviously not the scale of the Marathon expo but it still has merchandise for sale and talks on how to get the best from race day. How many runners? 27,000 The course As you'd expect this is a wave start event, with five waves, beginning from 7.20, with the last starting at 9.20. Many runners will have finished their event before others have started. The first five miles of the route are in Brooklyn and the rest in Manhattan. It goes from one great Park to another. It all starts in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, on Flatbush Avenue. Prospect Park was designed and constructed over a thirty-year period (1865-1895) by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the masterminds behind Central Park Although it's only 25% of the area of its northern cousin its 526 acres in size it has the first urban-area Audubon Center in the US, a zoo, an ice rink, a band shell, a carousel, and dozens of athletic and recreational facilities. The perfect place to start a major half marathon. Most of the first three miles are within the Park, so runners get a great opportunity to find out what makes it so special. For the next two miles the course heads north west and along Grand Army Plaza and Flatbush Avenue towards Manhattan. Flatbush Avenue is a major part of transport links in Brooklyn and one of its oldest roads. The neighbourhood is one of the cool places to live in the Borough and one of the most expensive. Just before the 5 mile mark is one of the highlights of the course; the run over Manhattan Bridge! Running through Times Square is a rare opportunity! The Bridge, which first opened to traffic in 1909, is 6,855 ft (2,089 m) in total and was the third bridge built from Brooklyn to Manhattan, joining the Brooklyn Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge. Runners get a great view of downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, with the One World Observatory dominating the skyline. It's off the Bridge onto Canal Street in the Chinatown section of Manhattan, through the Lower East Side from mile 6 to 7, passing halfway, before heading north on the FDR Drive at mile 7, where there are spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Queens skylines. From mile 8 to 9 runners head north on FDR Drive, with the East River on the right and then on to East 42nd Street at the United Nation headquarters, for the run through central Manhattan. There is so much to see here, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park and much, much more. It's past the 10 mile marker and then onto 7th Avenue where runners turn right and head north and then best of all to Times Square. Times Square, probably the area most first timers to New York City head visit, is formed by the intersection of Seventh Avenue, 42nd Street, and Broadway. It's the centre of the Theatre District, and home to a fascinating collection of characters, who make their living from the millions of tourists who pass through here annually. Runners continue north on 7th Avenue, passing thousands of children taking part in the Times Square Youth Run. It's then into Central Park at mile 12, running north on East Drive. At 72nd Street it's left, with the last turn being another left, on to West Drive for the spectacular finish between West 67th and 68th Streets. The moment you've been waiting for! There are aid stations every two miles, with plenty of water and Gatorade. The crowds, especially In Manhattan, are excellent, with plenty of support offered. What's unique? The run through Times Square. It's only closed twice a year and this is one of those times. Do charities benefit? There is a very extensive charity programme, with charities applying to the organisers for the right to buy spots which they then allocate to runners who agree to raise a minimum of $1000 and in some cases more than that. There are more charities applying for spots than there are spots available and generally most of these spots will sell out. Our verdict This is one of the world's must do running events. If you are thinking of fundraising for charity at some point then maybe save it for here and guarantee yourself a spot nice and early. The course runs more central through Manhattan than the marathon route and this gives even more opportunities to take in world famous landmarks on the way. The crowd support is superb and if you'll never be left needing a lift towards the end! The weather is likely to be cold so make sure you have plenty of layers on at the start and discard as you go. How to register It's a very tough event to get a spot in. If you're local to NYC you can qualify by running 4 out of 6 of their events, but if you're not you'll have to apply for the lottery and if you don't get in through that there is also the charity programme. Overseas runners can get in via one of the tour operators, but entries aren't available for US runners this way. The lottery generally takes place during November each year. Check the race website Race website https://www.nyrr.org

Everything you need to know about the Royal Parks Half Marathon The Royal Parks Half Marathon in the heart of London takes in some of the capital's world-famous landmarks, on closed roads and within four of London's eight Royal Parks - Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens. It was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to help conserve and enhance London’s eight Royal Parks and at the same time it encourages runners to raise what they can for their favourite charities. The Destination London's Royal Parks are the lungs of the city and wherever you are in the City you're never likely to be far from one. If you're visiting London there is a very good chance you will visit one or more, either for an event or just to experience their magic. As soon as you step inside it feels like the urban chaos has been left behind and you're deep in the country. Here we look at three of the most popular. Hyde Park Hyde Park covers 350 acres of green space and its highlights include the Diana Memorial Fountain, built to honour the late Princess of Wales and Speakers’ Corner, an historic site of public protest, speeches and debates once used by Karl Marx, George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin. There's the Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre, which includes football pitches, a putting green and a space for lawn bowls, as well as two riding stables and the Serpentine Lido, famous for its open water swimming at all times of the year. The Park hosts many festivals throughout the year and especially in the summer months, including international music festivals and there are regular large scale events like Winter Wonderland. The Green Park This is the Park where you really do go to get away from it all. It doesn’t have any lakes nor does it stand out for its impressive memorials or statues, but boasts hundreds of mature trees and grassland. The smallest of the Royal parks, it's only 40 acres and located just a few metres away from Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly. It used to be a marshland where lepers from the nearby St James's Hospital were buried until in 1668, under Charles II, the land became a park known as upper St James’s Park. It's had a chequered past, becoming a refuge for thieves and bandits and known as a duelling ground. There was an attempt on the life of Queen Victoria here in 1840. Regent's Park The 410 acre Regent's Park is located in inner north-west London. It's mainly open parkland with a wide range of facilities and amenities, including gardens; a lake and a boating area, sports pitches and children's playgrounds. On the northern side is London Zoo and the headquarters of the Zoological Society of London. There are several public gardens with unique flowers and plants, including Queen Mary's Gardens in the Inner Circle, home of the Open Air Theatre. The official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stands in private grounds in the western section of the park. History The Royal Parks Half Marathon was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to help conserve and enhance London’s Royal Parks for everyone The money raised by the event helps to keep the magic of eight vital green spaces alive, teach children and adults about the natural world, care for wildlife and conserve historic monuments. The Parks are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park, The Green Park, The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. The Parks themselves are owned by the Crown with their responsibility resting with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks charity manages the Parks on behalf of the Government. Race Organiser The event is owned by the Royal Parks charity and operated on its behalf by London Marathon Events Ltd, until at least 2027. When? The race is held annually in October Distances Half Marathon 13.1 miles of stunning scenery Is there an Expo? Race bibs are posted prior to the event. After the race there is a Food & Fitness Festival, with a focus on fun and sustainability. How many runners? 16,000 Course It all starts (and finishes) in the Festival Area, established for the day on the south side of Hyde Park. There's a waved start format, beginning at 9am. From here runners head east to the magnificent Wellington Arch and then through The Green Park to Buckingham Palace, one of the most famous buildings in the world. The Palace has been the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch. There are 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, which are open to the public, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms! The mass start at Hyde Park It's then along the southern edge of St James's Park to the Houses of Parliament and then Trafalgar Square at mile 4. It's then west along St James's Park and The Green Park and past the Arch again. It was built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later becoming a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, it depicts the Angel of Peace descending on the four-horse chariot of war. You're now only half a mile or so from the start. The last 8 miles of the course are exclusively within Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and this gives you the scale of the Parks. They are massive and there are only a couple of stretches where you can see runners coming in the opposite direction, around 5.5 miles and 10 miles. Runners have a great view of historic Kensington Palace at 11 miles. It's a working Royal residence and a favorite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. It's now home to the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. Just outside the Park at just after 12 miles is the Royal Albert Hall and then it's into the festival area and the superb run to the finish! The Royal Albert Hall at mile 12 What's unique? There is no other event in London where the run goes through four Royal Parks. There are more major running events in the city now than ever before, but none with this focus. Do charities benefit? There is a significant charity programme and one of the event's objectives is to support charitable running. Charities are able to purchase entries that are then made available to runners who agree to fundraise for them. £60 million has been to date for over 1,200 UK charities. Our verdict Although the vast majority of the half is not around London's streets it does give you a unique take on the city. It's very well organised as you'd expect and the atmosphere is quality. Definitely worth doing. How to register Online via the website. There is a ballot that is normally oversubscribed. If rejected from the ballot it is easy to get an entry from a partner charity in return for a pre-agreed amount of fundraising. Specialist running tour operators do have entries available for international runners.. Race website https://www.royalparkshalf.com/

Everything you need to know about the Dubai Marathon Dubai shares the spotlight with some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the city is home to more than 200 nationalities and offers an unforgettable experience to all visitors. One of these is the Dubai Marathon and 10k that starts in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. It's a flat course and the weather during race month is perfect. The Destination Dubai has a population of 3.5 million and is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai grew into a regional trading hub, from humble beginnings as a small fishing village in the 19th century. Its revenues are from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services, unlike many of its neighbors who depend on oil for their futures; here it's less than 1 percent of the emirate's economy. It has the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the second most five star hotels in the world and the only seven star hotel, that's a big park of the marathon course. It's not all about skyscrapers. There's a rich cultural heritage here that's well explained at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and visits to the Dubai Museum and the Etihad Museum will fill in any gaps. There's plenty of art on Alserkal Avenue and must see opera at the Dubai Opera House. The multicultural mix here means the cuisine is as varied as you could wish for, from local home grown eateries and food markets to Michelin restaurants. The working week here is different than you might be used to. Most don't work on Fridays and as a result restaurants are busy and malls are also packed with shoppers until late. One major change to the visitor attraction landscape over the past few years is the growth in theme parks. Four opened in 2016 alone. Motiongate with rides based on blockbusters such as Madagascar and Ghostbusters.and there's the world’s largest indoor theme park with dedicated Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, called the IMG World of Adventure. The Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the world, with 105 different slides and rides, including some of the highest and fastest on the planet. There is also Legoland, where 60 million bricks were used in its construction. A great way to explore the desert! And then there are desert safaris. From dune bashing (high speed 4 wheel driving adventures) to buggy tours, to camel riding, to sandboarding and then a relaxing evening dinner under the stars, the desert gives a Dubai stay a whole different twist. History The first Dubai Marathon was held in 1998 , starting outside the Al Wasl Club, and finishing inside the Al Wasl Stadium. Only 150 runners entered, and only 48 of them finished. The event changed management during 1999, with no race held that year. In 2000 it moved to January where it has remained. It is one of the fastest marathons in the world and has extensive prize money, meaning some of the top athletes in the world have run here. Before the pandemic hit it had produced 24 of the 100 fastest men’s times in history and 18 of the 100 fastest women’s times. In 2008, one million dollars were offered for a world record and $250,000 to both the men’s and women’s winners. Haile Gebrselassie took the win in that race with an impressive time of 2:04:53, but not quite fast enough for the biggest prize. The event has grown to 25,000 runners and has been organised by the same team since their first event in 2000. Race Organiser Pace Events FZ LLC When? The race is held annually in January Distances Marathon, 10km and 4km fun run Is there an Expo? Race pack collection is at the Adidas store in the Dubai Mall from Wednesday through Saturday. How many runners? 25,000 Course The start and finish of the Marathon and the 10km is on the Umm Suqeim Road opposite the Madinat Jumeirah and in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Both these starts will be at the Madinat Jumeirah end of Umm Suqeim Road. The 4km will start off the Umm Suqeim Road on Al Sufouh opposite the Madinat Jumeirah. All the finishes will be at the Dubai Police Academy end of Umm Suqeim Road. This is a different course from 2023 when the race was focused around Expo City. The marathon starts at 6.00am 10km Road Race is at 6.30 and the 4km Fun Run at 10.00am. The elite wheelchair event is five minutes before the marathon.. Temperatures are always perfect for this marathon The Marathon Route starts on the Umm Suqeim Road near the Madinat Jumeirah turning left onto the left hand side of the carriageway heading up Al Sufouh, running past Dubai College Junction at mile 2. It's then past the Dubai Media City, a free zone dedicated to all forms of media. It's the very first of its kind to be established in the region in 2001 and includes major companies and institutions specialised in the fields of media and communications. At. mile 4 is the first turnaround at The Westin Dubai and it's then past the entrance to Palm Island. Built from reclaimed land in a series of artificial archipelagos, Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above, hence its name. The unique island is home to some of Dubai's top luxury resorts, including Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and many more. Past the Royal Mirage the route heads east back to the Madinat Jumeirah and onto the Jumeirah Beach Road running past the Burj Al Arab on the left. The Burj Al Arab is one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in Dubai and is renowned for its 'seven-star status'. The luxury record-breaking all-suite hotel includes a range of fine-dining restaurants, incredible beaches and the expansive Burj Al Arab Terrace. It opened in 1999 and is built on its own island, the sail-shaped building rising 321m giving guests incredible views of the Arabian Gulf. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel next to the Burj Al Arab is also spectacular. It's one of the original beach hotels, one of Dubai’s superstars, and has a private white-sand beach, 21 bars and restaurants, and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. This is now the 9 mile mark. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel just past mile 9 From here runners head up the Jumeirah Beach Road on the left carriageway towards the bridge at the Creek and then doing a U turn just after the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and before the bridge at the Al Mehemal Road junction . Established in 1974 the Sailing Club has excellent facilities enjoyed by over 700 members, including a marina with 152 berths. It's then back west to the Madinat Jumeirah junction and then running this loop section for the second time. Jumeirah Beach Road is one of the coolest streets in Dubai with a combination of five-star hotels, old-school shawarma shops, quirky independent restaurants and shops that sell everything from beach essentials to nicknacks, so you won't be bored having another look. After the second lap runners will turn left after the Burj Al Arab at the Madinat Jumeirah junction running along Umm Suqeim Road for 500m heading to the finish line before the Dubai Police Academy. The 10k route is the first out and back section of the marathon course. There are aid stations at 15k, 20k, 25k, 30k, 35k,40k for the Marathon and at the finish. 500ml bottles of Masafi Water are at every 5km and intermediary stations in between the 5km points from 5km to 40km. This course is a return to courses from previous years so don't expect big crowds and it's unlikely there will be much music along the way. The finishes at the Dubai Marathon are always impressive What's unique? Dubai is a busy place and to be able to run in some of its popular areas on traffic free roads is a special opportunity. Do charities benefit? There is no official charity programme, but runners are encouraged to raise funds for their preferred charity. Our verdict It's a great time to head to Dubai for a marathon. The weather is perfect and the crowds are not as heavy as they are at other times of the year. It's a really flat course so you should get a decent time, but don't rely on crowd support for motivation. How to register Online via the race website. It closes a month before race day. Race website https://www.dubaimarathon.org/

The perfect summer road race Held in August every year in the town of Falmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Falmouth Road Race is one of the most popular events on the east coast and one that raises huge amounts for charity. Operated for more than 50 years, it's a 7 mile event that starts to the west of the town, heads east along the coast and finishes in the centre of town, where the celebrations are in full flow. It's another iconic US event that you must do. The Destination The state of Massachusetts has some wonderful coastal locations and there are few better than Cape Cod. In the southwest corner of New England is the town of Falmouth and its eight villages. These include Woods Hole where the Falmouth Road Race starts and Falmouth itself where it finishes. Outside of the summer months there are only around 50,000 local residents, but when the holidays start these numbers grow hugely as visitors from all over the US and further afield flock to the gorgeous beaches and charming settlements. And there's world famous Martha's Vineyard, popular with the rich and famous, located only seven miles offshore There are art galleries, historic sites, quaint shops, bookstores, bakeries and restaurants. There are events year round like live theatre, harbour side concerts, a lively jazz fest and the acclaimed Woods Hole Film Festival each summer. Fishing is extremely popular, with the deep harbours, extensive shoreline and open waters perfect for deep sea and sport fishing with tuna, bluefish and the sought after striped bass all prevalent in the warmer months. There are ten beaches in Falmouth, with Chapoquoit Beach and Old Silver Beach, amongst the most visited. Sunsets here are very memorable! History There were 92 finishers in the first Falmouth in 1973. The race distance of just over 7 miles was dictated by the starting point in Woods Hole. It was from the Captain Kidd restaurant to the Brothers 4 club in Falmouth Heights. The idea came from local runner, Tommy Leonard, and it was one of many events that began in the 70's running boom.The initial route is relatively unchanged since that first event, although there are a few more runners these days. 10,000 lucky runners now compete each August and it's one of a handful of events globally that sells out. And it has an elite field, funded by corporate support. Race Organiser of the Falmouth Road Race It's owned and managed by Falmouth Road Race, Inc. a not for profit organisation that is committed to supporting and promoting local organisations. Their specific focus on youth athletics and programming that promotes health and wellness. The many sponsors, partners, supporters, benefactors and patrons are the backbone of the nonprofit’s giving. Since 2012, with a focus on youth, health, and wellness, FRR Inc. has awarded more than $3.7 million in grants, community contributions, donations and scholarships for high school graduates from the local area. When? The race is held annually in August. Distances It's a single event distance over a 7 mile course. Is there an Expo? There is a really good Health & Fitness Expo for runners, friends and family. It's not on the scale of the really big city centre marathons but it has all of the same elements. You'll need to pick up your bib here as they are not posted in advance. It's open for the 3 days prior to the race and closes on Saturday at 3pm so make sure you're there before then as it's a bit of an earlier close than normal. How many runners? In 2025 there were just over 10,000 entrants. Course The race starts from Woods Hole, with free buses for all runners leaving from Lawrence School up to 7:30 am. A wave system is used at the start and this ensures that there is no overcrowding along the course or at the finish. The beginning of the course is very hilly, with a starting line by the Captain Kidd Restaurant & Bar, a century old building in Woods Hole, seven miles west of the finish line, by Falmouth Heights beach. Pretty much from the first few steps it goes uphill, gradually, onto a long curved coastal stretch that runs by Nobska Light, one of the most famous landmarks on the Cape. The Lighthouse was operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service for 111 years until 1939. The quarters were converted into the residence for the area Coast Guard Commander, which continued until 2013, when it was determined that the structure was in need of extensive repair. The Town, in turn, in March 2016, gave responsibility for restoration, maintenance, and operation as a museum to the Friends of Nobska Light. The Friends have restored the Tower and are working on the development of a museum. From the lighthouse runners continue east along a wooded road with gentle rolling hills, onto Surf Drive past Martha's Vineyard Sound, past beach cottages on stilts, before heading inland. There's plenty of crowd support in Falmouth town and along Falmouth Harbor. There's a cruel 1⁄4-mile (400 m) hill just before the finish but that won't bother runners with all the crowd noise at this point! The huge American flag flying at the finish line is an unforgettable image of the race. What's unique? Cape Cod, especially in summer, is a fantastic part of the world. It's also a very busy part of the world. Being able to run along an extremely popular part of the Cape with no traffic and with plenty of crowd support gives this event its uniqueness. Seven miles of stunning countryside, with 10,000 like minded runners is special and knowing it's all in aid of charity makes it even better. Do charities benefit? There is an extensive charity programme, primarily for local charities and this is boosted by the fact that the event sell out. Charities have access to a number of bibs that can then be allocated to runners in exchange for a pre agreed amount of fundraising. In 2022 $6.5 million was raised. bringing the total raised from the program's inception in 2000 to $56.5 million. This is a very significant achievement for a seven mile event. Our verdict If you're looking for a quintessentially US event, in a beautiful summer environment without it taking over your trip this is the one for you. It's well organised and has plenty of local of local support. How to register Online via the website. It always sells out so you need to be quick. Entries are also available via the charity partners so this is an option once it's sold out (and of course before it's sold out). Race website https://falmouthroadrace.com/