Great post from Mom on the run at CompleteRunning.com...
So you’ve run the Marine Corps Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the New York Marathon and even the Flying Pig Marathon, but now you’re looking for something a little different. Although running a marathon anywhere is a unique experience in the scope of life’s experiences, some marathons add to the interest by virtue of their location and courses. Take, for example, the Marathon du Medoc. It features a show before the departure, events during the race with over 90% of runners in disguise, some 52 other events alongside the race, 22 refreshment stands, 21 food stands and special gourmet stands (oysters, ham, steak, cheese, ice cream, Medoc attic, etc.). With so many unique races around, I thought I’d help you with this list:
March 1, 2008
Baikal International Ice Running Marathon - Baikal Lake, Russia Run a marathon on a frozen lakeMarch 27, 2008
Marathon des Sables - Sahara Desert, Morocco Hottest Ultra-MarathonMarch 30, 2008
Around The Bay 30K - Hamilton, ON, Canada Oldest Race in North America (and right in my backyard - I’ve done this race 2 times and had a blast!)Apr 11, 2008
Dead Sea Marathon - Amman, Jordan Lowest Marathon - Finish Line is 400 m below sea levelMay 17, 2008
Great Wall Marathon - Tianjin Province, China Run along one of the seven wonders of the medieval world - they can even see ya from outer space!June 21, 2008
Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon - Anchorage, Alaska Run in the daylight at night - race starts at 11 pmJune 28, 2008
Safaricom Marathon - Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya Run in a game conservancySep 6, 2008
Jungfrau Marathon - Jungfrau, Switzerland Slowest Marathon - an all uphill courseMarathon du Medoc - France A marathon where they serve wine at the aid stations (now that’s my kind of marathon!)
Oct 26, 2008
Niagara Falls International Marathon - Niagara Falls, NY, USA, and Niagara Falls, ON, Canada The only marathon that starts in one country and ends in another (my hubby proposed to me at this race, so it’s a personal favourite).Nov 9, 2008
Athens Marathon - Athens, Greece Run the original course that Phidippides ranDec 7, 2008
Tucson Marathon - Tucson, Arizona, USA Fastest marathon - the course is mostly downhill!Nov 1, 2009
Everest Marathon - Everest Base Camp, Nepal Highest Marathon - race starts at 17,000 ft above sea levelNo matter which race you run, it is sure to be a unique experience. Run on, my friends!
Photo credit: Kai Mengel
