Are you an adventure seeker, action lover or love to travel? Your dream of running on the picturesque streets of London or Paris can come true if you get to participate in some of the biggest and popular marathons in these cities. You can combine this exciting activity with your travel plans to these famous destinations and get rewarded with some stunning sights! It would be an absolute fun to run in a new city you aren’t too familiar with and explore the places you have never been to.
Consider this list of the best marathon locations before planning your upcoming vacation
Paris, France
What better way to discover the romantic city than enjoying a run through the heart of it? In the month of April, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris takes place in the city and the route is spectacular. The starting point of this marathon is the Arc de Triomphe, from where the runners then stride down the Champs-Elysées and run towards Place de la Concorde. On your way you can enjoy beautiful sights such as Place de la Bastille and Château de Vincennes and the views of stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower. If you love running, visiting Paris should be in your bucket list.
Marathon Details:
Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris
Distance: 42.195KM race
38,575 finishes in 2014
Registration: April 6, 2016
Date: 2017
New York, US
The largest marathon in the world, New York marathon is held annually. The race courses through all five boroughs of New York City beginning from Staten Island, in Fort Wadsworth to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. After that the run courses through Brooklyn, mostly along Fourth Avenue and Bedford Avenue. During the run, you can also get to explore the beautiful neighbourhoods like Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Sunset Park and Greenpoint. Due to the high rate of participation the runners are chosen largely by a lottery system or those who can meet the time qualification standards.
Marathon Details
TCS New York City Marathon
Date: November 6, 2016
Distance: 42.195 km
Witnessed 50,304 finishers in 2013
London, England
The first London Marathon was held in 1981 with 7,747 runners. There were around 20,000 applicants. Just like the Paris marathon, the race route passes from iconic city sights like Big Ben, the London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, runs along the River Thames and finishes at Buckingham Palace. The marathon is highly popular and overwhelming. So if you’re considering it, get yourself registered early and mark your calendar to sign up for 2017.
Marathon Details:
Virgin Money London Marathon
Around 40,000 people run in the London Marathon every year
One of the largest marathons in the world
Date: April 24, 2016
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious races organized in the United States. Participating in this marathon is a lifelong goal even for veteran runners. To take part in this race, you need to qualify from another marathon run from the last year. The marathon begins outside of Boston in rural Hopkinton and cross several New England towns ending on Boylston Street. The marathon locations are scenic and you’ll get to explore the parts of the city that you’d never think to venture into as a tourist.
Boston Marathon Details:
Held on Patriots’ Day
36,000 registered participants in 2014
2 miles’ race
Date: April 18, 2016
As the best marathon season is just few weeks away, you can consider visiting any of these stunning destinations (also the world’s best marathon locations) to explore them by foot. You can get a golden opportunity to race through stunning scenery in a far-flung locale. New York, Paris, London or Boston, whichever destination you choose, make sure to book your accommodation two weeks prior to your visit to avoid last minute hassle.
Filed under: Area Guides, Attractions, London events, Paris Events, Travel