A man dressed as a chimney sweep running the 43rd Berlin Marathon in Berlin on Sept 25, 2016. Photo: AFP/John Macdougall
Adventure
With the Berlin marathon having just been run on Sept 25, we round up some of the major marathon events taking place from now until the end of year.
Chicago Marathon
Oct 9, Chicago, USA
Another one of the World Marathon Majors, this year’s course will feature Cheer Zones at miles 13 and 26 where spectators can head to show their support, as well as a Charity Block Party at mile 14. Nike will also be supporting the event with activities during race week and race day with activities throughout Chicago.
Amsterdam Marathon
Oct 16, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Amsterdam Marathon is said to be an ideal beginner’s marathon because of its flat route, and also one of the fastest marathons in the world for the very same reason – winners typically finish in just over 2 hours 5 minutes.
The day before the race will also give participants a chance to explore the city and warm up for the main event on Sunday as guides from Tourist Run Amsterdam take runners on a gentle jog through the city with the Good Morning City Run.
New York City Marathon. Photo: AFP
New York City Marathon
Nov 6, New York, USA
Another World Marathon Major and one of the most famous runs in the world, over a million spectators are expected to turn out to watch the event as runners pass through the city’s five boroughs. The event also boasts more musical entertainment along its course than any other race in the world, with more than 130 bands playing along the route to keep runners running and the crowd cheering.
The Marathon International du Beaujolais
Nov 19, Fleurie, France
One of France’s most popular marathons takes runners from the starting point of Fleurie in Beaujolais through country roads, vineyards, castles, and 12 villages along the way before ending at Villefranche-sur-Saône.
Singapore Marathon
Dec 4, Singapore
Registration is still open for Singapore’s marathon, with the event also offering the choice of a half-marathon or 10k run for those still working their way up to the main event.
Participants can also choose to take part in the Ekiden, a concept originally from Japan which has grown to be a hugely popular way of running. In the Ekiden teams of six runners work as a relay team to complete the 42.195km that makes up the marathon, with each team member running just a section of the marathon before passing the team sash to their next teammate at each of the five Ekiden points.
New Year’s Marathon in Zurich
Dec 31 and Jan 1, Zurich, Switzerland
For those looking for a unique end to the year, and a start to the next one, the New Year’s Marathon in Zurich will see runners assemble at the starting line at exactly midnight to cross the finish line on the first of January. Music and festivities follow to celebrate both the New Year and the event. – AFP Relaxnews
