Running a marathon is, allegedly another symptom of a midlife crisis. It’s a popular choice with thousands feeling the urge to don a pair of running shoes and take on that 26.2 mile challenge. With so many marathons hosted in towns and cities you can bet there’s one happening near you very soon. If you’re thinking of taking part but are looking for something more adventurous, maybe an alternative to pounding the streets here’s a few options that you may find interesting. Most of these events also include the option of running a half marathon.
The Loch Ness Marathon follows a route through the scenic highlands of Scotland. Starting at Fort Augustus you’ll head down to the banks of the loch and follow the south eastern shore north to Dores at the lochs northern tip. It’s then across the River Ness and into the centre of Inverness and the finish at Bught Park. How scenic? Very. How challenging? Initially downhill but some steep climbs. Next race is Sunday 2nd October 2011.
If cross country running sounds appealing try the Niagra Falls International Marathon. It’s the only race in the world that begins in one country and finishes in another. Buffalo N.Y is your starting point and the first 4 miles are through the cities parkways to the Peace Bridge where you’ll cross over to Fort Erie, Ontario. The route then follows the river to the finish line at the magnificent Niagra Falls. Scenic? Very. Challenging? Flat route with a long downhill to the finish. Next event Sunday 23rd October 2011.
Head north to the Norwegian town of Tromso and take part in the Midnight Sun Marathon. At a latitude of 70 degrees the race is the most northerly AIMS certified marathon and up there the sun doesn’t set for two months of the year. Starting at 8:30pm the race attracts a large number of runners drawn to the challenge of a night time run in the arctic circle. The route heads out from the centre of Tromso across a high bridge before looping back around the island. Scenic? Plenty to see at that time of night. Challenging? Steep climbs and possibly strong winds. Next race Sunday 25th June 2011.
Here’s one event that’s guaranteed to encourage a good finish time. The Safaricom marathon takes place in Kenya’s Lewa wildlife reserve. Athletes have to contend with the heat, high altitude and the knowledge that the Lions will be eyeing up the weaker members of the herd! The Lewa Conservation Reserve is home to Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah and Lions. The course consists of mainly dirt tracks and includes some steep inclines. The route is checked before the race and then guarded by armed rangers in jeeps, helicopters and planes. With the Kenyan athletes setting the pace it’ll be a tough but rewarding race. Scenic? You’ll be watching out for big game. Challenging? Extemely. Good luck! Next race Saturday 25th June 2011
The Snowdonia Marathon is regarded as one of the UK’s best marathon events. With a tough route that encircles the highest peak in Wales and England it’s a demanding race but one that has a great reputation for organisation, beautiful scenery and support from the locals. You’ll need that support as it’s also classed as one of the most difficult races due to the many steep climbs. Scenic? If it’s not raining, very. Challenging? Tough climbs but downhill to the finish. Next race Saturday 29th October 2011.
You have to admire the way the French host a marathon event. The Marathon du Cognac winds through the regions villages where locals will offer you tasters of their finest cuisine, wines and of course cognac. The scenic route traverses gentle rolling countryside enabling an easy stagger to the finish. Scenic? Yes but can get blurry. Challenging? No rush, enjoy the journey. Next race 12th November 2011.
If it’s an extreme adventure you are looking for then the ultimate challenge has to be the Everest Marathon. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the highest marathon in the world’ the Everest marathon is a gruelling 26.2 mile race over rough terrain. The start line is just below Everest base camp at 5184m. The course winds it’s way down through the mountains traversing boulders, scree, stone staircases, exposed paths, forest trails and narrow suspension bridges to the finish in the sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446m. Scenic? Incredible. Challenging? As hard as they come. Next Race November 2011.
So there’s a few options for you. If you have any suggestions for similar events you’d like to share please get in touch.
