Marathons – The best of the rest

We all know about the big sell out marque events of Marathon running; the 6 Marathon Majors. But what about running one of the many other international marathons that are on offer?

We’ve asked legendary Marathon runner and Sports Tours International Ambassador Dr Ron Hill to have a look at the ‘best of the rest’; alternatives to the Abbott World Marathon Majors that you can use as alternatives to the 6 WMM events or that you can use as your main event.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR OVERVIEW OF THE 6 WMM

Tokyo Marathon – The first Major of the year

Alternative Marathon – Malta Marathon – 24 February 2019

Ron says: ‘”One of the most enjoyable places to run a marathon, as it’s mostly downhill and a great place for a holiday!”

Both the Marathon and Half Marathon routes are predominantly downhill, with the start being at 200 metres and the finish at sea level. Whereas the Half Marathon heads directly to the finish after the 1st km from the start, the Marathon deviates from this direction with a small loop within Ta’ Qali (6th to 10th Km), followed by a larger loop from the 12th Km to the 27th km, that takes the athletes from Attard, through Mosta, Attard again and back to Ta’ Qali.

The full route map can be viewed here

London Marathon – April – Experience of a life time

Alternative Marathon – Paris Marathon

Read or review of the 2017 Paris Marathon here

Run through the most famous avenues of the French capital. From the foot of the Arc de Triomphe the route heads towards the Place de la Concorde. From the Rue de Rivoli you sweep through the Place de la Bastille. You will catch a glimpse of greenery in the Bois de Vincennes which has views of Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower before you head towards the finish line on the Avenue Foch.

Boston Marathon – April – The oldest Marathon Major

Alternative Marathon – Rome Marathon – April

Rome marathon gives you the opportunity to combine athletics and sightseeing in Italy’s capital, a city bursting in culture and history. Rome offers an array of historical buildings for you to explore, from ancient ruins such as the Roman Forum to the iconic Colosseum.

Run in the footsteps of history, as you take on a marathon route through this ancient city. The Rome Marathon lets your run through these historical streets taking in all the sights along the way.

Berlin Marathon – September  – The PB course

Ron says: ‘”The fastest recognised marathon course in the World. I have watched with wonder over the last few years as the current crop of top marathon runners have gradually reduced the World Record time on this course. The same applies to ordinary runners, as you can improve your own marathon times on such a good course.”

Alternative Marathon – The Cape Town Marathon

Cape Town is South Africa’s most beautiful, most romantic and most visited city. Its setting is extraordinary and makes an ideal backdrop for the Marathon, 10km Peace Run/Walk, 22km Peace Trail Run, 12km Peace Trail Run and 5km Peace Run. Join 20,000 runners in the prestigious global city of Cape Town open to all running abilities.

Running the marathon is unique way to experience the gorgeous highlights and the vibrant spirit of one of Africa’s most visited and most celebrated cities. It is an ideal race both for athletes who aim to achieve fast times, and for first-timers who want to finish their first marathon. The Marathon has a 6 hour 30 minute cut-off time so feasible for the social runner.

Chicago Marathon – October – The flattest course

Ron says: “Another one of the Marathon Majors and a pretty quick course too.  It sometimes gets forgotten behind New York and Boston, in terms of top American marathons, but Chicago is a fantastic city and well worth the visit.”

Alternative Marathon – Washington Marine Corps Marathon

Ron says: “The Marine Corps Marathon is such a well organised event. I was there last time around and run in the 10km, which takes place on the same day. As Washington is a interesting town, this is a good place for running a marathon and having a city break at the same time.”

New York Marathon – November – The biggest Marathon in the world

Ron says: “I ran 4 times in New York, with the first being at the age of 38, when I came 10th in a time of 2:19:43.  It is one of the best Major Marathons and I urge all runners to run it at least once.”Sports Tours International have been taking runners from the UK to the Big Apple for many years now so you are in good hands for your NY city Marathon trip”

Alternative Marathon – the Athens Marathon – November 2018

Ron says: “Where it all started.  I won my first Gold medal on this course, when the European Championship were held in this city in 1969 – 2:16:48.  I ran again in 1973 – 2:21:29 – and finally ran my 100th marathon there in 1985 – 2:43:56.   Every runner must have Athens Marathon on their running CV!”

The Athens Authentic Marathon brings history to life. Finishing in the legendary stadium where the first Olympic games of the modern times in 1896 took place, now you have to run this unique and truly memorable marathon route.

Athens has been the centre of Greek civilization for over 4,000 years, and is dominated by 5th-century B-C-E landmarks. With a multitude of conquerors occupying Athens, this wonderful city welcomes you with an array of splendid monuments and historical sights. From the temple of Olympian Zeus to the hilltop of Acropolis, with ancient buildings such as the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Athens is also known as a contemporary city and it’s not uncommon for the nightlife hubs of Kolonaki, Psiri and Gazi to stay busy until dawn.

 

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