Here at runABC Towers, we think the ideal route into racing abroad is to tackle a half marathon as a stepping stone to the full marathon experience. And with Marathon Tours UK there are no half measures when it comes to their 13.1-mile events at Paris, Berlin, and Edinburgh (OK, Edinburgh is not exactly 'abroad'). 

With every Marathon Tours UK trip you receive a carefully curated itinerary, with guaranteed race entry and hand-picked accommodation in the heart of the action included as standard. In addition, Marathon Tours UK will provide an experienced guide who knows the ins and outs of the event and will support you so that nothing is left to chance and you can focus on enjoying the tour and giving the race your full attention – after all, that's what you are here for.

Of course, all Marathon Tours UK packages come with full ABTA protection and a comprehensive Covid-19 Guarantee for peace of mind. So let's take a look at this trio of trips in a little more detail:

Paris Half Marathon – Sunday 5 March 2023 – from £199/entry £50

The Paris Half Marathon, also known as Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris, regularly attracts 40,000 entrants, with a high percentage of first-time half-marathon runners. The start and finish are in the city centre on the historic Place de la Bastille and the tour's 4-star Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon Opera Bastille hotel is within easy walking distance. 

The course provides a great view of Paris sights, with 10K through beautiful Bois de Vincennes Park and 6K beside the Seine to finish on Rue de Lyon. Book a hotel stay of two or three nights and benefit from Marathon Tours UK's Gold tour operator status that includes race entry at £50. Extra touches include a guided easy run on Saturday morning and a guided visit to the Expo for race bib collection.

Generali Berlin Half Marathon – Sunday 2 April 2023 – from £249/entry £50

Marathon Tours UK are official Generali Berlin Half Marathon tour operators and can secure guaranteed race entries for £50 for this sell-out event, rated among the top 100 races in the world. The marathon world record city waits to welcome you and you can tailor this trip to your personal requirements, with an optional event T-shirt, medal engraving, HD race video, and photo package.

The Marathon Tours UK trip includes B&B accommodation at the 4-star Hotel Indigo Berlin Ku'damm; all support and assistance necessary; a guided warm-up run on Saturday and an escorted trip to the Expo – all you have to do is run and enjoy the experience.    

Edinburgh Half Marathon – Sunday 28 May 2023 – from £269/entry £45

Edinburgh has been voted 'best city in the world' and the Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) showcases all the highlights of the capital of Scotland. This is now a huge event, with up to 40,000 runners and an estimated 100,000 spectators for nine different races over two days.

Marathon Tours UK staff will meet you at the city centre hotel for an included 'walk and talk' tour of some key parts of the race route and other city sights. There will be an optional pre-race tour dinner on Saturday after perhaps taking part in the EMF 5K or EMF 10K. Then you are all set for Edinburgh Half Marathon (or Marathon) with a fabulous course in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, before heading out to Portobello Beach and Musselburgh.

Full details of all Marathon Tours UK trips are on the website here

Image courtesy Marathon Tours UK