Europe’s most popular marathons
Your love of travelling and your love of fitness needn’t be two separate hobbies. There are a number of ways that you can combine the two. For example, why not head to one of the most beautiful continents in the world, Europe, and put your running skills to the test with a challenging marathon?
If the thought of this has left you feeling excited, take a look at our selection of the most popular marathons in Europe.
London Marathon
Taking place in the UK’s capital, the London Marathon is one of the largest in the world, attracting 36,748 participants in 2012 alone. Established in 1981, the largely flat course is set out around the iconic River Thames. During the 26-mile route, runners will take in various quintessentially British sights, like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Cutty Sark.
Berlin Marathon
Another world-famous marathon is the Berlin Marathon, which takes place in the beautiful city itself. Competitors will experience a slice of German culture as they make their way through this city that is steeped in history. Starting at the Bradenburg Gate, you’ll pass by the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz and the Berlin Cathedral. You’ll have the motivation to finish, as thousands of residents line the streets to cheer you on.
Paris Marathon
Thousands of tourists visit Paris each year, so it comes as no surprise that the Paris Marathon is so popular, with numerous fitness fans flocking in search of a challenge as well as a slice of French culture. The course may not be the fastest, but you do have the opportunity to see a lot of the attractions that Paris has to offer, passing by the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
If any of these marathons appeal to you, why not seize the moment and sign up to one? Registration has opened for the 2014 events so be sure to secure your place before it’s too late.
Preparation
Once you have signed up to an event, you’ll need to start investing in all of the necessary equipment so you can get training.
If you are new to running, you may be more susceptible to injury as your body will be unfamiliar with the training program. To combat this, invest in some compression clothing. These tight-fitting clothes work to compress your muscles without restricting your movement in any way. As a result, your risk of strain is minimised. Have a look at the range of triathlon clothing from Activinstinct – their specially designed triathlon shorts will work to reduce your risk of leg injury.
Obviously, you will need to invest in a pair of high-quality running shoes too. This shoe buying guide will help you make the right choice.
