If you are an ardent lover, you must be on the lookout for marathons happening near you and beyond. Whether you do it for sports or tourist reasons, the following will be worth your while.
4 Iconic Marathons You Must Participate In
Every year, thousands of marathons happen across the globe. Each of them delivers a special experience for you as an enthusiastic runner in the tracks as well as connecting with other like-minded persons. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic marathons across the globe that you should make a point of attending.
1. The Rome Marathon
The Rome Marathon, commonly known as the Maratona di Roma stands out as one of the best marathons across the globe. It is a challenging race that will take you through the streets of Rome past exciting landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Fontana di Trevi, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Even better, participants can dress in different themes and outfits including Roman gods or even gladiators. Choose your most preferred outfit and be a participant. In the last year, there were more than 19,000 participants in the main race, and over 40,000 participants overall. This is because the race includes a non-competitive 5km fun run and a charity relay race. For you to complete, you need to complete the marathon in approximately six and a half hours.
2. Great Wall Marathon
The Great Wall Marathon was first held in 1999 and has been in existence for more than 25 years. It is known as the world’s most challenging marathon as runners have to cover over 26.2 miles while walking up 5,164 steps.
The most impressive thing about that the route is as beautiful as it is challenging. You will be running through the local villages and enjoying China’s countryside. Don’t forget to carry a light camera for photographs.
3. Stockholm Marathon
The Stockholm Marathon is a top European race that takes you all through the Swedish streets built on 14 islands. While it is a two-lap race course, it takes you via the Djugarden Royal Park to the Parliament House.
Whether you are a first-timer or a veteran, you have the chance to explore the city’s canal paths before finishing at the 1912 Olympic Stadium. A little hint to the race is that you should reserve some energy for the final sprint.
4. Venice Marathon
If you are looking for a romantic escape to the city most popular for love and art, then the Venice Marathon is the best option for you. Here, you get to experience la dolce vita and witness the Serenissima in one of the Octobers. Since its inception in 1986, the race has attracted over a million runners looking to explore the beautiful city of Venice.
The weather is usually perfect for a strong performance as you enjoy the views in Veneto. Notably, most of the race takes place outside Venice and allows you to run through the alleys of the Doge’s city. You will be cheered on by locals and musicians as you run alongside more than 10,000 participants.
Conclusion
Running provides a range of physical and mental health benefits including enhanced cardiovascular health, mood elevation, and general fitness. It is a chance for you to decompress after a long day of activities. As an enthusiast runner who also loves exploring, the above marathons are a great fit for you. The fact that each of them happens at different times of the year makes planning more convenient for you. Be on the watch for when each of them happens and take part in at least one for your lifetime.
Sources: 1. https://www.finishers.com/en/event/rome-marathon 2. https://www.venicemarathon.it/en/42k-en 3. https://www.finishers.com/en/blog/12-marathons-around-the-world-you-shouldn-t-miss
