Marathon du Medoc – 2 September, 2023

Overheard at the running club after training recently...
Tom: "I'm off to Medoc soon and I just can't wait."
Dick: "You're lucky mate, I haven't seen my doc since pre-Covid."
Harriett: "I make an appointment every six months and try to be ill at the right time."
Tom: "No, Medoc, for the marathon! It's the best medicine going. Fancy joining me?"

And that's how Tom, Dick and Harriett ended up as travelling companions on the Marathon Tours UK trip to Marathon du Medoc on Saturday 2nd September 2023. Held amongst the beautiful vineyards north of Bordeaux, France, most of the 8,500 competitors run in fancy dress, a sight not to be missed! There really is no other marathon quite like the Medoc Marathon.

This year's theme is “Gastronomy” and runners are encouraged to dress up to look like their favourite food item, a feast for the eyes. Entries tend to sell out very quickly but a 3-night or 5-night tour booked with Marathon Tours UK includes guaranteed race entry, with plenty to see and do for both runners and spectators – see the itinerary here.

The trip is based at the Hotel Mercure Chateau Chartrons in Bordeaux and both durations include a welcome drink and dinner with race briefing and number delivery, plus a hearty pre-race pasta meal at a local vineyard. 

Book the 5-night tour to experience far more of the local culture on included visits to a local Chateau near Pauillac for a guided walk, wine tasting and celebratory lunch, plus a tour of the medieval city of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, returning to Bordeaux for a gala dinner. Sign up now to secure your number and experience the medicine of Medoc. 

Sydney Marathon – 17 September, 2023

How far has your passion for running marathons taken you? Europe? The USA? Ever thought of travelling to the other side of the world for the unique experience of the Sydney Marathon?

Sydney is Australia's largest and most famous city, with iconic views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at its heart and the pure white sands of Bondi Beach waiting for you just 15 minutes by taxi or a 45-minute bus ride away.

The fabulous 5-star InterContinental Sydney Hotel, set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851, is situated half a mile from the finish line and is the base for this Marathon Tours UK trip of a lifetime. The 5-night tour starts on Wednesday 13 September and the package price starts at £1,475.

You could be running on the Sydney 2000 Olympics Marathon course in mild temperatures of 16-20C, with a spectacular finish right in front of the Sydney Opera House. Guaranteed marathon entries cost £89 and there are also shorter races available including the Sydney Half Marathon, Sydney 10K, and Family 3.5K run.

Added extras you won't want to miss include the Sydney Bridge Climb and Blue Mountains Hiking Tour, while a post-race Great Barrier Reef extension tour can also be arranged. Is it time to turn your running ambitions upside down by racing 'Down Under'?  Take a look at this short video to get your marathon juices flowing...

Dublin Marathon – 29 October, 2023

Perhaps Australia is a bit too far to travel but you still fancy the unbeatable atmosphere of racing 'abroad'. If that's the case, the Dublin Marathon could be the perfect launch pad for your international marathon adventures.

Born in 1980, Dublin Marathon has come a long way since and is now considered to be one of the best-organised and friendliest city marathons with amazing crowd support throughout. There are more overseas competitors in Dublin Marathon than any other marathon in Europe. The course is mainly flat with a long stretch through Phoenix Park and an uphill section at 21 miles that will certainly test your legs.

The Aloft Dublin City Hotel is your base for the tour, where you can enjoy meals and perhaps a Guinness or two at Tenters Gastro Pub and keep yourself loose and active in the hotel's on-site gym. Breakfasts are included in the Marathon Tours UK package from £299, with guaranteed marathon entry at £125.

As with all Marathon Tours UK trips you will receive expert support and guidance at the venue; a detailed travel itinerary; accommodation and meals as indicated, and full ABTA bonding.

For full details of these and many other carefully curated running tours visit the Marathon Tours UK website here.

Image of Marathon du Medoc courtesy Marathon Tours UK