Passport. Check. Tickets. Check. Trainers….err…check?!
There are many things you associate with a great holiday: lazy days relaxing on sandy beaches, evenings spent sampling the local culinary delights or hours whiled away basking in the sun by the pool. However, donning a pair of trainers and huffing and puffing your way around 26 miles and 385 yards of city streets probably isn’t one of those things…
Yet, with more and more people taking up running to keep fit, the numbers of enthusiastic marathon applicants is on the rise. And more and more people (myself included) are taking the plunge and challenging themselves to one of the ultimate physical ordeals.
But, marathons aren’t all about the running. Getting yourself round the course takes more than just sturdy legs and a determined spirit – you also need support…someone to cheer you on, take the photo’s and rub your feet at the end!
So, if you’re planning a marathon this year here’s Sky Travel’s guide to the Top 5 Marathons and how to get the best out of them…whether you plan to run…or not.
The Flora London Marathon
For The Runner:
The Flora London Marathon is one of London’s most popular events and attracts thousands of runners every year. Competition for the much coveted places is fierce so you may have to be patient (and keep re-applying) to get in.
But the effort is worth it, and the race experience is something you’ll struggle to forget (and not just because you were overtaken by a Womble!) The Flora London Marathon is, according to its organisers, the world’s biggest annual fund raising event and last year 78 per cent of runners ran for a charity, giving the occasion a real sense of purpose (above the personal satisfaction and general air of smugness you’ll achieve should you complete it!) For a runner this marathon is one of the big ones, and not only do you get an amazing sense of camaraderie from your fellow peers but the spectators and sights you’ll see along the way (The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace) make it ideal for the amateur and club runner. Oh, and it’s the only marathon to span two hemispheres!
For The Supporter:
Aside from the great sights London has to offer, the main attraction for anyone coming along to lend their support in the Flora London Marathon is the people spotting! Yes, with such a strong charity element you’ll be treated to an array of interesting characters ambling past, from knights, cavemen, cartoon characters and Chinese dragons there’s plenty to keep you entertained while you wait for a glimpse of your loved one.
What’s more you can crank this up a level and keep your eyes peeled for celebrities. London is teaming with them and the occasion to don their finest shorts and trendiest T Shirt and raise some money for a good cause, is too good to resist. Previous celebrity runners to hit London’s streets include Gordon Ramsey, Sir Ranulf Finnes, Lorraine Kelly and Sir Steve Redgrave – who incidentally set a Guinness World Record in 2006 for raising £1.8 million!
The Real Berlin Marathon
For The Runner:
If you are looking to run your first marathon then the Real Berlin Marathon is the place to start. The flat course means it’s here that the fastest times have been recorded. This is ideal if you’re an elite runner looking for your new PB, or you’re an amateur, and just want to impress all your mates back home with a top time!
For The Supporter:
If you’re not running then there are still loads of reasons to come to Berlin and lend your support. The city is packed with places to explore and while the runners are recovering you can get out and take in such sights as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Reichstag and The Berliner Dom. Berlin Zoo (home to the world famous polar bear, ‘Knut’), Jewish museum and Berlin Wall museum are also worth a visit. You can then meet up with your (hopefully recovered!) running friend to enjoy a meal and drinks in one of Berlins many great value restaurants and bars. And if you’ve still got the energy then Berlin’s nightlife should ensure you leave feeling thoroughly exhausted!
The ING New York City Marathon
For The Runner:
As one of the oldest marathons in the world, and the largest The ING New York City Marathon is a must on any marathon runners list. Like the Flora London Marathon, competition for places is fierce and thousands battle to get that coveted entry to make it to the starting line. While the main aim is of course to complete all 26.2 miles if you keep your eyes open along the way you’ll get a good tour of New York’s best bits including Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan – and if you get past the infamous climb to Queensboro Bridge just past half way, then the finishing line in Central Park should spur you on to marathon glory!
For The Supporter:
If running isn’t your thing then New York can only mean one thing – shopping! Yes, agree to travel across the pond to support your nearest and dearest in the ING New York Marathon and you can shop til you drop at the same time. And since New York isn’t just around the corner it would be a waste not to make a holiday out of it. So stay for a few days after the event (for recuperation purposes of course) and you can take in some sights, eat New York style and even see a Broadway show. And while you’re taking in the race you can also do some celebrity watching since many well known stars have taken part – including Katie Holmes last year.
The Paris Marathon
For The Runner
Paris might be know for being the most romantic city in the world but it’s also famed for hosting one of the world’s top marathons. Reasons to run this race have to include the refreshments stands located throughout the course, which contain amongst other things wine, beer, cider and oysters! There’s even red wine and cheese offered at kilometre 35 – what better way to spur on those tired legs! (Although it’s worth noting that while a couple of glasses of red might numb the pain – it probably won’t help you achieve a PB!)
For The Supporter
So you’re off to Paris – aside of the sights (of which there are plenty, just check out our destination guide) the reason to come along to the Paris Marathon isn’t to spoil yourself. No, agreeing to come along to simply support your friends or family here is the most important thing. The Paris Marathon is renowned for its lack of support for the runners (especially towards the end) so if you want to choose a marathon that is best for supporters to be supporters – and where your most needed for your enthusiastic cheering capabilities – then get yourself down here (and there’s no harm in rewarding your efforts after with a star lit walk down the Champs Elysees and a meal in one of the chic Brasseries after – hey you’ve earned it!)
Boston Marathon
For The Runner:
If you want to run the worlds oldest marathons then try and get yourself into the Boston Marathon. Good crowds, great history and a quick course mean it’s a great race experience. It is tough to get into since you have to meet a qualifying time first but when you do, you’ll find this one of the most satisfying marathon courses to complete.
For The Supporter:
Marathons are usually about the running experience – and while the Boston Marathon is great for runners it’s also pretty cool for spectators too. With thousands of people on the streets to cheer on the brave athletes you’ll find yourself joining in with the collective enthusiasm. And when it’s all over you can treat your tired running friend to tickets watching someone else do all the hard work at a Boston Red Socks game!
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