European air fares and hotel prices may enable you to find it cheaper to cross the Atlantic Ocean to test your spring marathon fitness. If you do, you won’t be disappointed by the choice or the quality of these races.
Las Vegas Marathon and Half-MarathonMonth: JanuaryIt’s not too much of a gamble to tackle this fast downhill course that offers both a marathon and a half-marathon, with the two events attracting a combined 3000 runners. Contact: www.lvmarathon.com | |
AT&T Austin MarathonMonth: FebruaryA fairly new Texas marathon, which many Americans feel should be in the world’s top 10. The course is fast and quite scenic, and at this time of year the weather in Texas is gorgeous. Contact www.attaustinmarathon.com |
Los Angeles MarathonMonth: MarchOne of the world’s most-visited cities also puts on a world-class marathon. It’s a great way to see the city, with the 85 entertainment groups along the way only adding to the attraction. Contact: www.lamarathon.com | |
Boston MarathonMonth: AprilThe world’s oldest, and arguably greatest, marathon is held over a fast point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston. You have to qualify for the event, but it’s a race every marathon runner should have on their CV. Contact: www.bostonmarathon.org UK contact: www.sportstoursinternational.com |
Big Sur MarathonMonth: AprilOne of the world’s toughest but most beautiful marathons, offering stunning cliff-top views and entertainment along the way. Everyone remembers the concert pianists and the 60-member choral groups as much as the rugged route above the California surf. Contact: www.bsim.org |
