Adventure And A Half
If you're in the market for a running adventure then we're here to help…
2023 may seem a bit far off, but when planning an overseas adventure you need to be well-prepared and make plans well in advance! What could be better than signing on the dotted line for a big race experience next year and using it to get you through the next few months? It really is the perfect way to survive a long British winter.
And if it's sun you're after then the Marrakech Half (29 January) is the perfect race for a winter break. With an early race start, there is plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings afterwards. Immerse yourself in the local culture both during and after the race, you will enjoy hearing musicians along the route and will be bolstered by locals who come out to offer applause and high-fives!
The Paris Half Marathon (5 March) usually attracts 40,000+ entrants and is France’s biggest half marathon. A big percentage of these runners are first time half marathoners as this is a lively event that caters for all abilities. It is a great way to take in the sights of a beautiful city or even to achieve a half marathon PB.
From one big European city to another, Berlin Half (2 April) has been voted as one of the 100 best races in the world by Runners World UK, and with good reason. Runners are invited to experience a very special sightseeing tour through Berlin at one of the biggest half marathons in the world. Cheering crowds, exhaustion, joy and a glittering medal are all waiting at this top event - an exhilarating season opener and the perfect race to aim for a PB!
Closer to home, but no less impressive the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Half (25 May) is ideal for first timers and those looking to run a fast time. The race has sold out every year since 2012 and is one of the largest half marathons in the UK. With a descent of almost 90 metres to near sea level, this is one of the fastest half marathon routes in the world.
For runners who like to head off the beaten track there are plenty of alternative events to satisfy their wanderlust! Marathon Tours & Travel offer an exciting range of adventure marathons, with destinations across the globe. Experience all types of terrain, distance and weather and seize the chance to run unique and surreal landscapes. These bucket-list events range from the savannahs of the Big Five, to the Polar Circle Marathon across the remote ice and arctic tundra in Greenland.
Take part in one of the most popular events for trail running lovers: the Valtellina Wine Trail (November) is a spectacular running race that passes through vineyards, cellars, ancient villages and palaces of Valtellina before arriving on the final catwalk in the elegant centre of Sondrio. If you've always fancied visiting South America then the Patagonia Running Festival (August) is the perfect excuse. See the best Chile has to offer and enjoy beautiful trails belonging to the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park and experience the magic of running in the heart of Patagonia.
Reach new heights in 2023 and experience breath-taking views and challenging climbs at the Great Wall Marathon (May). This race was rated as one of the 100 best races in the world! Discover one of the world’s oldest civilisations and the cultural legacy of ancient dynasties while running the most challenging race of your life! If a safari is on your bucket list then the Big Five Marathon (June) is the race for you. Not many can say they have run a marathon through the vast, untouched surroundings of the African savannah while seeing incredible wildlife like elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos and lions in their natural habitat.
If sun's not your friend then the Polar Circle Marathon (October) is a great option - run one of the coolest marathons on earth and witness glacier tongues and moraine landscapes as you run through the soundless, arctic desert. And sticking with snowy destinations - the Antarctica Marathon (December) is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Runners explore the most pristine corner of the planet, coming face-to-face with Antarctic gems such as glaciers, icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. An unforgetable experience for anyone taking part.