Fun destination for marathon or half marathon in June
Jan 15th, 2006 | 10:32 AM
#1
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Fun destination for marathon or half marathon in June
Hubby is turning 50 in June and he'd rather travel than have a party. He did the New York Marathon in 2004 and loved it! Thinking a marathon or half marathon in a really fun place
might be a good way to celebrate. 15 year old daughter will be with us too. I have my eye on the Edinburgh marathon but not sure I can convince him of that. If any of you know of any really fun races in June would appreciate hearing. Thanks!
might be a good way to celebrate. 15 year old daughter will be with us too. I have my eye on the Edinburgh marathon but not sure I can convince him of that. If any of you know of any really fun races in June would appreciate hearing. Thanks!
Jan 15th, 2006 | 11:57 AM
#2
Joined: Jun 2004
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If you check this site:
http://www.runnersworld.com/category...38-0-0,00.html
You can see the 2006 US marathon calendar and 2006 International marathon calendar. Half marathons are also listed.
Lots of great US destinations in June. I didn't even look at the International, but probably some good ones there too. One I've thought about running sometime is Grandma's in Duluth, MN. The weather is usually beautiful, and you run along the lake. Apparently Duluth turns into one great big party during marathon time also, from what I've read and heard.
http://www.runnersworld.com/category...38-0-0,00.html
You can see the 2006 US marathon calendar and 2006 International marathon calendar. Half marathons are also listed.
Lots of great US destinations in June. I didn't even look at the International, but probably some good ones there too. One I've thought about running sometime is Grandma's in Duluth, MN. The weather is usually beautiful, and you run along the lake. Apparently Duluth turns into one great big party during marathon time also, from what I've read and heard.
Jan 15th, 2006 | 11:52 PM
#4
Joined: Apr 2005
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Yes, Duluth puts on a real party for Grandma's. The scenery is beautiful, many of the runners are world-class, the weather is usually good and the lake is stunning.
The only thing I don't like about it is that I usually am trying to stay there on the same weekend as a stopover on the way home from my vacation and I have to sleep in a hotel 20 miles into Wisconsin. Book early.
Also, Duluth is a much more cosmopolitan, artistic little city than you might expect. It's one of my top two places to relocate to i I ever move (in the U.S. - it's in the top 10 worldwide).
The only thing I don't like about it is that I usually am trying to stay there on the same weekend as a stopover on the way home from my vacation and I have to sleep in a hotel 20 miles into Wisconsin. Book early.
Also, Duluth is a much more cosmopolitan, artistic little city than you might expect. It's one of my top two places to relocate to i I ever move (in the U.S. - it's in the top 10 worldwide).
Jan 16th, 2006 | 04:54 AM
#5
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Posts: n/a
Visit www.MarathonGuide.com
Lists all the marathons everywhere and gives runner reviews.
Easter Island, Moscow, Venice, Paris, etc. None too big or too small for them to list.
Lists all the marathons everywhere and gives runner reviews.
Easter Island, Moscow, Venice, Paris, etc. None too big or too small for them to list.
Jan 16th, 2006 | 06:42 AM
#6
Joined: Jun 2004
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How about the Rock n Roll Marathon in San Diego? (I haven't run it but have heard good things about it; selected as a top 10 fun race by Runners World).
http://www.rnrmarathon.com/home.html
http://www.rnrmarathon.com/home.html
Jan 16th, 2006 | 08:13 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
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Too bad his birthday isn't in September. I've always thought the Bordeaux marathon would be an amazing time.
from the website : "The Medoc Marathon is a real giant party. Everything is made for fun : The day before the race almost fifteen hundred people will gather in one of the Medoc-Chateaux for the famous Thousand-Pasta-Dinner. The race itself starts with a fancy show and goes on with entertainment, music, thousands of disguised runners, 52 music bands, 22 catering stops, 21 wine-tasting stops and those where regional specialities are offered, like oysters, grilled beef, cheese and a Medoc speciality of pork-butchers delicatessen, and all this to the cheers of hundreds of school children in colourful fancy dresses. The night after the race the party goes on for everybody, with a great dance band, fireworks, and even the marathon village with its restaurants and kiosks has bands playing everywhere to fill the air with music. The next day, about four thousand people, runners and their friends, will come together for the traditional relax-walk or for a mountain-bike-tour through the vineyards and estates of Saint-Estèphe. It’s also party-time for VIPs, sponsors and the press who will find a special welcome in a particular village from where they can watch the finish line"
I doubt it's the spot to set a PR, but running while drinking wine and eating pork specialties sure sounds interesting.
from the website : "The Medoc Marathon is a real giant party. Everything is made for fun : The day before the race almost fifteen hundred people will gather in one of the Medoc-Chateaux for the famous Thousand-Pasta-Dinner. The race itself starts with a fancy show and goes on with entertainment, music, thousands of disguised runners, 52 music bands, 22 catering stops, 21 wine-tasting stops and those where regional specialities are offered, like oysters, grilled beef, cheese and a Medoc speciality of pork-butchers delicatessen, and all this to the cheers of hundreds of school children in colourful fancy dresses. The night after the race the party goes on for everybody, with a great dance band, fireworks, and even the marathon village with its restaurants and kiosks has bands playing everywhere to fill the air with music. The next day, about four thousand people, runners and their friends, will come together for the traditional relax-walk or for a mountain-bike-tour through the vineyards and estates of Saint-Estèphe. It’s also party-time for VIPs, sponsors and the press who will find a special welcome in a particular village from where they can watch the finish line"
I doubt it's the spot to set a PR, but running while drinking wine and eating pork specialties sure sounds interesting.
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Jan 16th, 2006 | 09:24 AM
#8
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We had over 100 live bands at the NYC Marathon. I was already so overwhelmed with the experience, they didn't register with me.
We were supposed to run the ING Miami half marathon this year but are having to skip it. The course is one of the things I was so excited about:
Brickell Avenue to MacArther Causeway, run up South Beach to Venetian Causeway and then back down Brickell. You are either running over water or along side it the entire race.
We were supposed to run the ING Miami half marathon this year but are having to skip it. The course is one of the things I was so excited about:
Brickell Avenue to MacArther Causeway, run up South Beach to Venetian Causeway and then back down Brickell. You are either running over water or along side it the entire race.
Jan 19th, 2006 | 09:03 PM
#9
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Thanks for all the great replies.
It is just so hard to imagine topping the NY marathon experience. Hubby much prefers "roaring crowds" over beautiful scenery and definitely a great "after the race party" is key! And also, making a little vacation for the 3 of us. Soooo, we are curious about "Grandma's race" in Duluth, MN. Will humidity be a factor in early June? Suggestions on some sightseeing around there after the race for a few days? Thanks!
It is just so hard to imagine topping the NY marathon experience. Hubby much prefers "roaring crowds" over beautiful scenery and definitely a great "after the race party" is key! And also, making a little vacation for the 3 of us. Soooo, we are curious about "Grandma's race" in Duluth, MN. Will humidity be a factor in early June? Suggestions on some sightseeing around there after the race for a few days? Thanks!
Jan 19th, 2006 | 11:44 PM
#10
Joined: Apr 2005
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Humidity in Duluth in June is a tough call - it could go either way. Heat shouldn't be a huge problem, though. Lake Superior never gets really warm (although it might be swimmable when you're there). It's one of the largest freshwater bodies on the planet, so it fights off the heat.
What is certain is a great party after the race. Hit the Canal Park area (near the finish line) and you'll find all the fun you need - all while in close-up view of ocean-going freighters sliding into the harbor on their last stop before heading back down the lakes, eventually to the Atlantic and beyond. It's surreal to be sitting in Minnesota with Liberian sailors watching you from the decks.
Sightseeing: Not sure what you're interested in, but here a quick selection...
* The Glensheen Mansion - take a tour of this gorgeous lakeside mansion just to imagine living that way. If you're into more spice, hit Amazon and search for one of the books about a notorious murder that took place there in the late 1980s(?) (true story). For years, the tour guides were forbidden to talk about it. For the past couple of years, the ban is lifted but the won't mention it unless someone asks. It's used to be a local hobby to try to trick them into mentioning it.
* Take a carriage ride around Canal Park.
* Go to the Lake Superior Railway Museum, to see - honestly - beautiful, huge, genuine Tiffany glass windows.
* There's a casino downtown.
* Some pretty good shopping in the Canal Park area.
* If you're that kind of freak,
pose for a photo by the sign for the Bong High Bridge (no joke - apparently Mr. Bong was a local bigwig, and no one saw the humor in naming the High Bridge after him).
* Hang out by the harbor and watch the ships and boats go by. (also by Canal Park)
* Tour the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center - fascinating, really ! (ditto Canal Park).
* Most popular is a daytrip (or longer) drive up the North Shore to Grand Marais. The drive hugs the rocky, cliffy coast of Lake Superior past large waterfalls and pine forests, with lots of state parks, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - a must see. The small lighthouse sits atop a sheer cliff hundreds of feet above the lake. There's also a nice museum at the visitor center. If you make it all the way to Grand Marais, eat at the Angry Trout. Their fish is caught fresh every day out of the lake you'll be looking at.
* If there are kids or teens in the group, the Great Lakes Aquarium is impressive. (on the lakeshore).
* Tour the ore freighter William I. Irvin near Canal Park. It's much like the Edmund Fitzgerald, only a bit smaller. Still huge, though.
* Take a sightseeing dinner trip on the North Shore Scenic Railroad or Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad - scenic and romantic.
* Take a whitewater rafting tour on a nearby river or charter a fishing boat for a trip out onto Lake Superior.
* Just do the Lakewalk downtown (from Canal Park).
* Ride the Grampa Woo excursion boat around Encampment Island, Split Rock Lighthouse and Palisade Head to Thunder Bay, Canada.
* The Tweed Museum of Art on the UM-Duluth campus. Modern and older art.
* You can sea kayak.
* You can do a canoe trip on some of the inland lakes. Or hike the Lake Superior Trail.
* There's a symphony orchestra and many other cultural events, although I can't vouch for them personally.
There's more, but that should get you started. No, I'm not employed by their convention and visitors bureau - just a fan. Google Duluth tourism, etc., and you'll get more.
On a final note, if you plan to go, book a room soon. They fill up fast.
Have fun!
What is certain is a great party after the race. Hit the Canal Park area (near the finish line) and you'll find all the fun you need - all while in close-up view of ocean-going freighters sliding into the harbor on their last stop before heading back down the lakes, eventually to the Atlantic and beyond. It's surreal to be sitting in Minnesota with Liberian sailors watching you from the decks.
Sightseeing: Not sure what you're interested in, but here a quick selection...
* The Glensheen Mansion - take a tour of this gorgeous lakeside mansion just to imagine living that way. If you're into more spice, hit Amazon and search for one of the books about a notorious murder that took place there in the late 1980s(?) (true story). For years, the tour guides were forbidden to talk about it. For the past couple of years, the ban is lifted but the won't mention it unless someone asks. It's used to be a local hobby to try to trick them into mentioning it.
* Take a carriage ride around Canal Park.
* Go to the Lake Superior Railway Museum, to see - honestly - beautiful, huge, genuine Tiffany glass windows.
* There's a casino downtown.
* Some pretty good shopping in the Canal Park area.
* If you're that kind of freak,
pose for a photo by the sign for the Bong High Bridge (no joke - apparently Mr. Bong was a local bigwig, and no one saw the humor in naming the High Bridge after him).* Hang out by the harbor and watch the ships and boats go by. (also by Canal Park)
* Tour the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center - fascinating, really ! (ditto Canal Park).
* Most popular is a daytrip (or longer) drive up the North Shore to Grand Marais. The drive hugs the rocky, cliffy coast of Lake Superior past large waterfalls and pine forests, with lots of state parks, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - a must see. The small lighthouse sits atop a sheer cliff hundreds of feet above the lake. There's also a nice museum at the visitor center. If you make it all the way to Grand Marais, eat at the Angry Trout. Their fish is caught fresh every day out of the lake you'll be looking at.
* If there are kids or teens in the group, the Great Lakes Aquarium is impressive. (on the lakeshore).
* Tour the ore freighter William I. Irvin near Canal Park. It's much like the Edmund Fitzgerald, only a bit smaller. Still huge, though.
* Take a sightseeing dinner trip on the North Shore Scenic Railroad or Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad - scenic and romantic.
* Take a whitewater rafting tour on a nearby river or charter a fishing boat for a trip out onto Lake Superior.
* Just do the Lakewalk downtown (from Canal Park).
* Ride the Grampa Woo excursion boat around Encampment Island, Split Rock Lighthouse and Palisade Head to Thunder Bay, Canada.
* The Tweed Museum of Art on the UM-Duluth campus. Modern and older art.
* You can sea kayak.
* You can do a canoe trip on some of the inland lakes. Or hike the Lake Superior Trail.
* There's a symphony orchestra and many other cultural events, although I can't vouch for them personally.
There's more, but that should get you started. No, I'm not employed by their convention and visitors bureau - just a fan. Google Duluth tourism, etc., and you'll get more.
On a final note, if you plan to go, book a room soon. They fill up fast.
Have fun!
Jan 20th, 2006 | 09:02 PM
#12
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Hi Worktowander, wow! You SHOULD work for the tourism board! You've definitely peaked our interest. We love driving trips and have always wanted to do that area. So, if we took 7 days driving around the area, do you have some suggestions for an itinerary? Thanks.
Jan 20th, 2006 | 10:42 PM
#13
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,125
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lovetotravel, think worktowander gave you
some great tips for the Duluth Area and The North Shore. We travel there quite often and those are all places we love to hit on our trips. My husband ran Grandma's a few years ago and loved it and we had a fabulous time. You do have to make reservations early tho as it really does fill up. Also, Duluth gets very busy on weekends all summer. Think the humidity will be fine in June. It usually gets worse into July and Aug. but with the lake can often be cool and nice. Again, there is lots to see and do in Duluth and the North Shore, which is not what most people think til they get there. Have fun!
some great tips for the Duluth Area and The North Shore. We travel there quite often and those are all places we love to hit on our trips. My husband ran Grandma's a few years ago and loved it and we had a fabulous time. You do have to make reservations early tho as it really does fill up. Also, Duluth gets very busy on weekends all summer. Think the humidity will be fine in June. It usually gets worse into July and Aug. but with the lake can often be cool and nice. Again, there is lots to see and do in Duluth and the North Shore, which is not what most people think til they get there. Have fun!
Jan 21st, 2006 | 03:34 AM
#15
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,986
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http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/race...e=registration
The race is limited to 9500 runners, and spots are filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Just because they limit the runners doesn't mean you won't make it. Many marathons do have limits, because it makes it more enjoyable for all involved.
The race is limited to 9500 runners, and spots are filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Just because they limit the runners doesn't mean you won't make it. Many marathons do have limits, because it makes it more enjoyable for all involved.
Jan 21st, 2006 | 03:42 AM
#16
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
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Here's a link to domestic and international destinations on the same page -
http://www.runningtimes.com/issues/0...argde_june.htm
Sweden, Norwary, Russia, Australia...
I think I'd choose the San Juan Islands and do a Pacific NW trip
Happy traveling, running and birthday celebrating!
http://www.runningtimes.com/issues/0...argde_june.htm
Sweden, Norwary, Russia, Australia...
I think I'd choose the San Juan Islands and do a Pacific NW trip
Happy traveling, running and birthday celebrating!
