Image Copyright Iwona Grodzka, 2011 Used under license from Shutterstock.com; Image Copyright Francesco Ridolfi, 2011 Used under license from Shutterstock.com
From London to New York, Athens to Paris, some of the world’s greatest cities play host to the biggest and best running marathons in the world. But you don’t have to be the world’s best marathon runner to have an interest in the sport. Half marathons, full marathons, or just watching a marathon, it’s great exercise and a good excuse for a holiday whatever your level. Although it might not feel much like one at the time. And it doesn’t have to be a city either – try one in the French Alps near Chamonix.
I’ll be honest, I like to run. I’ll run to make my plane’s final call at the airport, for a drink in the evening or when I’d really like to catch up with a hot-looking woman. That’s equally true if I’d rather not see a hot-looking woman if I’m looking less than, well, great. Like Miss H, at the airport. But that’s another story. I like to look sharp and I love exercise, but I’m more of a team sports guy – football, rugby. So if a friend wants support in some of the most exciting places on earth, I’m there in a shot.
New York marathon, USA
If you’ve read my 48 Hours in New York blog, you’ll know I’m nuts about the place. Great bars, restaurants and shopping and a city that goes nuts for sport. I’m talking New York Knicks for NBA basketball at Madison Square Gardens, the Yankees or Mets for MLB baseball and the Rangers for NHL ice hockey - New York breathes sport. The annual New York marathon is no exception. It takes place in early November, crosses the five boroughs (districts) of New York City and involves over 40,000 runners.
Mont Blanc marathon, France
From Manhattan to the mountains of Mont Blanc - the Mont Blanc marathon. Unbelievably there’s a marathon around Europe’s highest mountain. There’s a half-marathon version too, but both take place in the summertime during June when the skiers of nearby Chamonix are champing at the bit for the next ski season to start.
Unsurprisingly, it’s really hard. You start in Chamonix at an altitude of 1,000m, finish at 2,000m and in the interim run 2,500m uphill, because you’ll also run 1,500m downhill. The quickest runner took 3hr 56m in 2010 – in London, the marathon is ‘just’ 2hr 05m.
Hong Kong marathon
The fast pace of life in Hong Kong extends to exercise also – it’s not all tai chi relaxation exercises you know. The Hong Kong marathon takes place in February, before the heat and humidity picks up. It starts in the hotel hotspot of Nathan Road in Kowloon, takes in the New Territories and winds-up, appropriately enough for Hong Kong, in the shopping mecca of Causeway Bay.
It’s a huge event attracting 65,000 runners and takes place in February each year – a great excuse to be in town around the exciting festivities of Chinese New Year.
Athens marathon, Greece
The Greeks basically invented the marathon (though probably not running itself). The word marathon comes from the Battle of Marathon fought in ancient Greece and the race commemorates a messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens with details of the battle.
The Athens marathon is still a tortuous exercise, but with considerably less weaponry. It’s run from the town of Marathon to central Athens, most of which is uphill, and is run by just 5,000 runners. Like many other marathons, there are 5km and 10km editions also. Take a reward afterwards and flee to the white-washed homes of Santorini (you can read Miss H's Santorini blog here, a Greek Island in the Mediterranean Sea south of Athens.
Top tips for marathons
- Get your feet measured by a professional running shop – brands differ and they allow for different running styles. Many will have treadmills to measure your style.
- You’ll have to pay to register for most marathons, many are oversubscribed and may require charity registration for entry well in advance, like the London marathon.
- Make a weekend of it – you’ll be shattered, but make the most of the destination you’re in.
The best tip of all is this – back the runner, don’t be the runner. Support your friends in their time of need after a big race. This is especially true of your female friends. Soothe them, look after them. There’s no currency more powerful than the USD – the Unbelievably Supportive Dude, that is. Be the USD. Do it.