Four destination races to dream about in the middle of winter
In the middle of winter, it’s not uncommon for runners’ interest in the sport to wane. With sidewalks crusted in ice and winds that cut, staying indoors is simply more appealing for many of us. If you’re one of the many who swore to stay on top of the running all through winter, we have come up with this list of races to dream about– it’s sure to rekindle your interest in running these months.
Run Barbados Marathon Weekend
Recently, the slogan “Come for the run, stay for the fun” has become attached to this marathon and we can see why. This Caribbean race is popular enough to have seen 2,000 runners enter for the 2015 running after it relaunched. Runners can take part in shorter distances or long since the event features a one mile, 5K, 10K half and full marathon. It’s hard to argue against the success of this running event– it’s been around since 1983 and this year, it attracted Rio-bound athletes as well as former Olympic medalists. That alone just proves its credibility.
Not only is it a well-organized and popular race, but in the middle of January, Canadian runners of all sorts can probably agree that relaxing on a tropical sandy beach before and after racing is just idyllic. Who doesn’t want to spend their recovery time relaxing to the sounds of the ocean? History or political science savvy runners will also appreciate that the 2016 running happens on the year of the 50th anniversary of the island’s independence.
Big Sur International Marathon
This is a much-talked about race among runners. There are several reasons why this California race would be enticing to the avid runner. For one, it runs along Highway 1 which become the first U.S. designated “scenic highway.” It’s also a Boston qualifier so the runner can check something off the to-do list while getting in a a nice running vacation. Along the course, participants are spoiled with views of giant redwood trees, flowers, wildlife and picturesque ocean scenery. If that’s not enough of a convincing point, perhaps the fact that it manages to attract 4,500 runners each year is enough to prove how sought out it is.
The North Face 100 Thailand
Run past rice fields, up rocky terrain and along trails with high bladed of grass. This race is one for runners who want to push their limits by competing in a race with technical terrain. At 100K, this course is quite the challenge but runners who enter can say that they got to see Thailand is the midst of its running boom. If 100K is tough to swallow, runners can take on the less daunting 25K or 50K courses.
RELATED: Destination race: The North Face 100 Thailand
Auckland Marathon
This race is New Zealand’s premiere running event and is quickly gaining notoriety internationally. This one features five events: the full marathon, half, 12K, 5K and kids race. The marathon runs along Auckland’s north shore and runs down to the city’s waterfront. The first section is described as “rolling” while the second half of the out-and-back course is flatter. Runners will enjoy the views as they cross bridges and breathe in that nice, fresh ocean air. Afterwards, runners can relax and appreciate all the outdoors activities that make New Zealand such a popular travel destination.
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