Already organising your 2020 holidays around your race event calendar? Spent an embarrassing amount of money on a fancy sports watch? Boring everyone you meet with your training plan? It’s ok running nerd, you’re among friends here. Whether you’ve got all the gear and still no idea, or you’ve earnt so many medals that you’re struggling to store them, signing up to a marathon is a massive deal. So why not take your trainers to sunnier shores on a marathon holiday? There’s no better way to explore somewhere new, and your support team will be much happier to cheer you on when there’s less chance of rain…
Athens Marathon in Greece
Athens is the place it all began, so where better to run your 26.2 miles than here? Just make sure you’re only giving a nod to Ancient Greek history rather than repeating it! To keep you out of the baking heat, Athens Marathon is usually held in November, when average temperatures reach a pleasant 15°C. Make sure you do some hill training before you fly though; this race offers one of the toughest inclines you might face in a long-distance event. Combine this bucket list event with a relaxing Greek holiday for a truly memorable running experience.
Walt Disney World Marathon in Florida
What do you get when you cross Disney fans with long-distance runners? The most magical marathon on Earth, of course. This race will see you running through the House of Mouse in Florida, cheered on by your favourite characters. Not as confident as Hercules that you can go the distance? You or your travel buds can also enter the 5km, 10km or half marathon events that are hosted over the same weekend in January. Really want to up the challenge? People have even been known to enter more than one race! Trust us, this event is a great way to convince your family to lace up their trainers and set off on an Orlando adventure. Everyone will wanna be like you-ooh-ooh.
Reggae Marathon in Jamaica
How does brightening up next year’s dark December nights sound? Sign up for the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica and you’ll get some gorgeous winter sun, as well as a tropical run like no other. With a fairly flat course in a truly breath-taking setting, there’s no better excuse for booking a long-distance holiday. The star of the show at this event is the atmosphere – reggae music and enthusiastic supporters are basically a guarantee. Have your Jamaican ginger cake and eat it too by satisfying your running wanderlust and having a stunning holiday in the Caribbean at the same time.
Palma Marathon in Majorca
October getaways are great. There are less crowds as it’s outside of peak holiday season, but the temperatures in the Mediterranean tend to stay fairly high. Palma Marathon is perfectly placed at the just-right time of year between the blazing Majorca summers and the cooler winters. This means that you can blend your marathon-bagging in with a relaxing beach break. Who could pass up the chance to run alongside the beautiful Palma promenade, with views over the blue sea? You’ll also be able to take in the sights of the cathedral and the old town as you follow your feet along the course.
Cyprus Marathon in (you guessed it) Cyprus
If long-distance running is a labour of love, then the Cyprus Marathon has a very fitting starting location; you’ll set off from where Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love – is said to have been born. Running through the land of myth and legend is an experience that no athlete should miss. The route even showcases the shoreside beauty of the island, as it follows the line of the Mediterranean coast until the finish in Paphos Medieval Fort Square, close to Paphos Harbour. Taking place in March each year, running in this event is a great way to experience a side to the island that not every tourist sees.
Fancy a refreshing dip after your long run? Check out 5 of our favourite swim spots here…
