Cheapflights takes the measure of the greatest runs
History, terrain, competition – all are ingredients of a great marathon, that 26-mile stretch that can define a runner’s soul. Cheapflights.co.uk runs through the top ten marathons around the world, starting with our very own London marathon.
Virgin London Marathon
Lots of races in lots of places in April make it tough for top competitors to choose. One of the very best is in London, on 26 April 2015. The marathon follows a comparatively flat course along the Thames. It’s the only marathon on the planet that begins in the Eastern Hemisphere, and crosses over at Greenwich – into the Western.
Dublin Marathon
On 27 October runners gather in Fitzwilliam Street Upper for what’s called the friendliest marathon in the world. The Dublin Marathon is largely flat, making its way to Merrion Square North. Along the way, contestants are cheered on as perhaps nowhere else. Spectators feel their pain – and are more than happy to help them kill it with a Guinness or two when the race is over.
BMW Berlin Marathon
Berlin is a biggie, attracting top talent from around the planet to this German capital on 28 September. The run starts and finishes next to the Brandenberg Gate. The course is comparatively benign, and eminently historic – passing by places such as the Reichstag and Berliner Dom. Like Chicago, the flat German topography spawns some spectacular times. Weather permitting, 2013 should be no different. Given the one-time division of Germany, Berlin’s marathon takes on special significance.
Athens Classic Marathon
On 9 November runners will follow in the footsteps of Pheidippides as they track the route of the first Marathon. We capitalise the name because it was from this small coastal town that one man struggled the original 26 miles to Athens across arid, rocky ground. When he got there he proclaimed civilisation was safe – the Greek Army had defeated the Persians. He then keeled over and died. The route is not for the faint-hearted.
Boston Marathon
On 20 April 2015, the 118th running of the Boston marathon will take place and attract more than one million spectators. The course is fabled for its beauty. Rural Hopkinton is the jumping-off point. Then the run winds through countryside and townships before terminating at Boston’s Kenmore Square, in the shadows of Fenway Park. Before this, contestants must conquer Heartbreak Hill – and their own weaknesses.
TCS New York City Marathon
If the Boston Marathon kicks off prime-time North American runs, the TCS New York City Marathon finishes them up on 1 November. The Big Apple event may not have the history of its New England cousin, but the competition is every bit as tough. The course is a true five-borough affair, drawing the city together. It starts in Staten Island, then makes its way through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan before finishing up in Central Park.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Autumn leaves should be falling by the time 12 October comes round. This is the Upper Midwest, and terrain is flat. Runners can flat out fly. They like the venue because they can push their personal best on the closed-loop course. It starts and ends at Grant Park, winding through a number of Chicago’s neighbourhoods. During the first three miles, the course passes through downtown Chicago. Eventually it heads north, along LaSalle Street.
San Francisco Marathon
Lots of marathoners find their heart in San Francisco. This year’s day is 27 July. The course is out of a guidebook. It begins on the Embarcadero, passes Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. Runners return across the bridge, pass through the Presidio and through Golden Gate Park. Then it’s on to Haight Street, and through the Portero and Mission Bay Districts. Look up and behold the Bay Bridge. The finish is just ahead.
Salt Lake City Marathon
In terms of scenery, the windward flanks of the Wasatch Mountains aren’t bad either. Come 18 April 2015 that’s where you’ll find the Salt Lake City Marathon. It begins at Olympic Legacy Bridge, on the campus of the University of Utah, skirts the base of the Wasatch, and winds past great estates before hitting city centre. Finally, this great western run finishes at Olympic Legacy Plaza. Cool weather, snow-capped peaks and plenty of support. It’s hard to ask for more.
Rio de Janeiro Marathon
When it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter in the Southern. Rio is the setting for perhaps the planet’s most sensuous run on 27 July. The route, which visually rivals any, sambas through city streets. It starts out in Reciero, and finishes up in Flamengo, the ocean to the left and mountains to the right. Along the way, runners weave through Praia da Reserva, Leblon, fabled Ipanema and Copacabana all as on-lookers urge them on.
