Top 9 marathons around the world

Summer’s coming and we’re getting bikini body ready! The thought of all those upcoming junks is inspiring us to get fit and fabulous, and what better way to get into shape than taking part in a marathon?! Yes, it’s a huge challenge but not only will you feel at the top of your game, but you’ll also have a great sense of achievement. Running a marathon is something you’ll remember for a lifetime, and it’s an amazing way to not only get fit, but also raise money for a wonderful cause (just check out some worthwhile charities here!).

So if you’re keen to take on this challenge, check out our list of the best marathons in the world! Flight Centre’s most experienced travel agents, who themselves are passionate sporting spectators, have helped combine our loves of travel and fitness by selecting spectacular destinations from around the world (with some special packages to match!). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this is the ideal way to get active this year and enjoy some competition!

Phuket Marathon – 8 June, 2014
Only a hop, skip and jump away from Hong Kong is a much-loved holiday destination that hosts an amazing marathon. Phuket is South East Asia’s most popular destination marathon and there is a very good reason the race slogan is “Run Paradise!”. It’s basically an out and back course with a loop for the last 10km. Marathon and Half Marathon runners follow the course out of Laguna and then head north through local villages, pineapple trees and rubber plantations. The course is scenic and runners can appreciate the lush vegetation Phuket has to offer. You’ll even be greeted at the finish line by a local elephant… what a way to end! This is the perfect destination to extend your stay post-race with so many beautiful resorts on the island. 

Events available:

• Marathon
• Half marathon
• 10.5km

Travel dates: 6-9 June

Packages:
Two hours from Hong Kong, beautiful scenery and an elephant to help you celebrate? If this is sounding like your kind of marathon, you’re in luck! Flight Centre is offering packages from $7,990 – including a return economy ticket to Phuket on Dragon Air (taxes inclusive), airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation at Angsana Laguna Phuket and guaranteed race entry… perfect, or what?

Da Nang Marathon – 31 August, 2014
With direct flights to Da Nang from HK, this marathon will be a hit in 2014! The start and finish area of the marathon is located on the picturesque Da Nang Beach and follows a course that takes in the most scenic parts of the city. The marathon is a double loop (of the half marathon course), which means you still get those beautiful views. The course heads south before turning west and crossing the majestic Han River. You then follow the riverside past the bustling city centre of Da Nang before crossing back over the river and turning south to return to the finish line. The course is flat, apart from the rises onto the bridges, making it perfect for a personal best. Post-race, you can spend a few days exploring the ancient cities of Hoi An or Hue… ideal for those who are itching for some cultural insights.

Events available:

• Marathon
• Half marathon
• 5km

Travel dates: 29 August-1 September

Packages:
Take in the picturesque scenery as you run from the beach to the town at this idyllic location. Flight Centre are offering packages from $8,490 which includes a return economy ticket to Da Nang on Dragon Air (taxes inclusive), airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation at Grand Mercure and guaranteed race entry.

Berlin Marathon – 28 September, 2014
Join 40,000 other marathoners and over 1 million spectators at the Berlin Marathon, part of the World Marathon Majors marathon series. Since its inception in 1974, the course has been moved from the Grunewald, a large forest in West Berlin, to the city centre of West Berlin and finally to the current course which winds through both parts of the Berlin capital. With its fast, flat course, the Berlin Marathon is perfect if you are looking to improve your marathon time or complete your first race! In fact, the course is home to the current World Record time. The fast, but scenic route takes in many of the sites of Berlin including the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Berliner Dom, and of course the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line.

Events available:

• Marathon (only)

Travel dates: 6-9 June

Packages:
If this popular run is sounding like something you’re up for, Flight Centre have a great package for only $12,500 – this includes 3 nights’ accommodation at Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz with daily breakfast, race pack and guaranteed race entry.

Amari Bangkok Midnight Run – 18 October, 2014
Looking for a run with a difference? Take part in this exhilarating charity run at the stroke of midnight! The streets of Bangkok will come alive as you sprint down them. Runners can choose between the 6km or the 12km routes that start and finish at the front of the Amari Watergate Hotel. What started as a small event with hundreds of participants has become a global running sensation, attracting more than 7,000 runners from all over the world. Lots of people from HK also use this as a great chance for a sneaky weekend getaway!

Events available:

• 12km
• 6km

Travel dates: 17-19 October

Packages:
If running through the streets at night sounds exhilarating, Flight Centre are offering packages from $5,990, which comprises of a return economy ticket to Bangkok on Dragon Air, including taxes, airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation at Amari Watergate Hotel and guaranteed race entry.

Osaka Marathon – 26 October, 2014
Osaka Marathon takes place each autumn and makes for ideal running conditions (think an average of 19.5 degrees and low humidity!) and is steeped in Japanese culture and history. The race is organised by the City of Osaka, who meticulously organise every detail of the marathon. Approximately 30,000 runners from both Japan and overseas take part each year. We’re sure the encouragement of cheering supporters who line the streets also helps. There is also a “challenge run” with a distance of 8.8km. The course is certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations and by AIMS, who ensure your time is “official” and kilometre markers are perfectly in place.

Events available:

• Marathon
• 8.8km Challenge Run

Travel dates: 24-27 October

Packages:
From $8,990, which includes a return economy ticket to Osaka on Cathay Pacific, including taxes, airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation at New Otani Hotel and guaranteed race entry.

TCS New York City Marathon – 2 November, 2014
It’s one of the biggest and most popular international marathons, attracting participants from all over the world. The 42.2km course will take you through all five of New York’s iconic boroughs, and across its famous bridges. Beginning on Staten Island and ending in Central Park, the streets along your journey will be packed with locals and supporters cheering you on. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a trip to the Big Apple, this is the perfect opportunity as Flight Centre Hong Kong are delighted to be offering a limited number of confirmed race entry packages to the TCS New York City Marathon 2014 as an official partner.

Events available:

• Marathon (only)

Travel dates: 31 October-3 November

Packages:
It could be your dream come true! Flight Centre’s package is from $15,500 – this includes 3 nights’ accommodation at Sheraton Times Square, race pack, transfers to start and guaranteed race entry. 

Angkor Wat Half Marathon – 7 December, 2014
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon has been held every year since 1996 at one of the famous heritage sites in the world, and it has been growing in popularity ever since. Angkor Archaeological Park, located in northern Cambodia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 sq. km, including forested area, Angkor contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire. This makes it the perfect setting for a run whilst you take in a piece of history and the enthusiastic local crowds. With limited direct flights from Hong Kong, this event sells out in advance so book early to guarantee your place!

Events available:

• Half marathon (only)

Travel dates: 6-9 December

Packages:
Take in a slice of history while you run your socks off! Flight Centre offers packages for this popular marathon from $8,490 – this includes a return economy ticket to Siem Reap on Dragon Air, including taxes, airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation at Tara Angkor Hotel and guaranteed race entry.

Pyongyang Marathon – 19 April, 2015
For the first time ever, North Korea is opening up the streets of its capital to runner-tourists for the annual Pyongyang marathon, undoubtedly one of the most exotic feathers in any runner’s cap. The race starts at the 70,000-seat Kim Il Sung Stadium and moves on past the Monument to Chinese Soldiers to the Kim Il Sung University area. After that, the runners cross a bridge over the Taedong River to the east side of the city and wind their way along the riverbank to the stadium. Spectators back in the stadium will be treated to soccer games, volleyball and martial arts exhibitions while they wait for the runners to return. The only requirement for marathon runners is that they finish in four hours; those who don’t will be escorted back to the stadium.

Events available:

• Marathon
• Half marathon
• 10km

Travel dates: 17-20 April

Packages:
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to run in such a closed-off country! Flight Centre is offering packages to this intriguing location from $14,990 – this includes a return economy ticket to Pyongyang on Dragon Air/Air Koryo, airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation at Koryo Hotel, sightseeing, all meals and guaranteed race entry.

London Marathon – 19 April, 2015
Known for its flat scenic course, the start of the Virgin Money London Marathon is on Blackheath Common and Greenwich Park. The route as a whole is designed to follow the Thames as closely as possible and takes place in early spring. The finish is in the heart of the capital and goes past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall. Rub shoulders with first time runners and world-class champions in this iconic event that sells out before we even put it on the shelf!

Events available:

• Marathon (only)

Travel dates: 17-20 April

Packages:
Snap up those tickets quick if you want to take part in this iconic marathon. Flight Centre packages start from $15,500 – which includes 3 nights’ accommodation at The Charring Cross Hotel, race pack, transfers to start and guaranteed race entry. 

To secure exclusive deals, contact one of the sports travel specialists at Flight Centre at 2830 2864 or [email protected]. Flight Centre’s team of travel consultants can help you book everything travel-related, as well as make excellent recommendations.

www.flightcentre.com.hk