No more marathons
Would like to start doing some globe trotting in the next couple of years and thought it might be nice to do that in conjunction with half marathons. Marathons take too much prep time (even beyond the actual training) but I think a half can be done without worrying about what you do the days before, and way less recovery afterward. Trying to make the trips enjoyable for DW and I.
Europe and Great Britain would most likely be first on the calendar, but Pacific Rim would not be far behind. I guess it all depends upon when the money runs out.
So, for those of you that have run halfs in the non-USA part of the world, what would you recommend - for both the race itself, and the surrounding area.
MTA: Similar post in another area has so far yielded Dingle (Ireland) and Barcelona Spain, as well as Cologne and Berlin in Germany. A couple of state side events at Zion Bryce Canyon, and Niagara.
Boston 2014 - a 33 year journey
Lordy, I hope there are tapes.
He's a leaker!
Prague is a most amazing city and its marathon (and half-marathon) showcases it beautifully. You will feel like you've seen the best parts of the city while running, and your wife can wait for you at a nice bistro on the main square, where the races end.
I've also done Nassau, Negril and Bermuda. All have a half-marathon in conjunction with the full and all were nice. Bermuda is an extremely scenic course and the weather in January is surprisingly cool. Negril and Nassau are hot, but with early starts.
If I were you, I'd go on marathonguide.com and look at the international calendar. They list marathons only, but all have links to their websites, and once there, you can see if they also offer a half-marathon. Most do.
PRs: Boston Marathon, 3:27, April 15th 2013
Cornwall Half-Marathon, 1:35, April 27th 2013
18 marathons, 18 BQs since 2010
Puerto Rico is a good one.
Berlin is a must.
I would just pick a race or area you want to visit and google away. You will be surprised how many races there are (at least in the bigger cities or nearby).
Damaris
As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.
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A couple of state side events at Zion Bryce Canyon, and Niagara.
If you decide on Niagara Falls, I'd advise against lodging or spending much time in Niagara Falls NY (other than at the park adjacent to Falls themselves and/or at the Casino). The Canadian side is fine. Staying in Buffalo and renting a car for the 20 minute drive is fine. The city of N.F. itself is blighted and unsavory.
As for crossing the border as a tourist, go across at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, or the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Avoid Lewiston, the US agents there are consistently a-holes and there's too much truck traffic.
If you decide on Niagara Falls, I'd advise against lodging or spending much time in Niagara Falls NY (other than at the park adjacent to Falls themselves and/or at the Casino). The Canadian side is fine. Staying in Buffalo and renting a car for the 20 minute drive is fine. The city of N.F. itself is blighted and unsavory. As for crossing the border as a tourist, go across at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, or the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Avoid Lewiston, the US agents there are consistently a-holes and there's too much truck traffic.
The Canadian side of the falls isn't all that great either. Best to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, about 15 minutes away. There is also an ultra/marathon/half-marathon event in June which is great, in NOTL. Small, but nicely done.
I believe this is the one that was referenced - George was the source.
I did the full at that event. It is a nice little race. I would do it again for the beauty of the location.
I second that. Niagara Falls is what I call a "fake" town with only tourist shops and restaurants. No real local life. But Niagara on the Lake, on the other hand, is a very very pretty town.
Village people
:coughcough: former Niagara Falls resident.
Barking Mad To Run
When I lived in England I did the Great North Half Marathon. Today, it is called the Bupa Great North Run and it is the 2nd largest half marathon in the world. It is done in September. Runners World rated it one of the best half marathons in the world.
Here is a site that lists some races in England, including the Great North Run: http://www.greatrun.org/
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt
Third as far as overpriced. Priceline.com helped out but even places like IHOP are way overpriced. The tourist stuff is great there, (dinner overlooking the Falls) and I had 1 of my favorite runs along the Falls. I wouldn't advise staying at the US side at all.
I agree about Niagara on the Lake.
Return To Racing
We will also be looking for a HM in the London/Paris probably in '16.
Labrat
I certainly want to do the Great North Run.
Its basically my 'hometown' half, but I never was a runner when based there.
5K 20:23 (Vdot 48.7) 9/9/17
10K 44:06 (Vdot 46.3) 3/11/17
HM 1:33:48 (Vdot 48.6) 11/11/17
FM 4:13:43 (Vdot 35.4) 3/4/18
uʍop ǝpᴉsdn sǝʇᴉɹʍ ʇI
It's not out of the country but the Missoula HM (and marathon) was a lot of fun. It's in July of every year. We ran it last year and then went to Glacier National Park for ten days after the race. Missoula is also a cool town to visit.
Puerto Rico is a good one. Berlin is a must. I would just pick a race or area you want to visit and google away. You will be surprised how many races there are (at least in the bigger cities or nearby).
Puerto Rico AND a Cruise !!!