In recent years running has become a social phenomenon that crosses borders. It is a sport that has come to stay and on the lips of those who practice it, it helps them feel better physically and mentally.
Its rapid popularity has been reflected in the number of popular races, half marathons and marathons that are organized in all parts of the world. That is why, as its practice has become generalized, there are more runners and, consequently, more races.
Thanks to the fans of these athletes, there are more and more destinations in which to run a marathon. Here we go over some of the most interesting places to run a race.
Chicago
The first week of October the Chicago Marathon is run. It runs through 29 neighborhoods of the city, passing by its most emblematic places. Its layout is flat and fast, which has allowed its participants to break several records. The tour begins and ends in Grant Park.
Kenya
One of the reasons running is so important in Kenya is because the sport can lift you out of poverty by allowing those who turn pro to live comfortably. There, a solidarity half marathon against AIDS takes place: the World AIDS Marathon that takes place every December 1.
However, the African country also hosts the Safaricom Marathon, which takes place in the Lewa nature reserve and is one of the big 5 in Africa. This is celebrated in the month of June and the runners compete between zebras, lions, giraffes and rhinos. An amazing and unique experience. Safety in this race is present through the 120 armed rangers and the three helicopters that watch that everything goes well.
Kenya, at 2.400 meters above sea level, is where everyone wants to go to train. And incidentally, sightseeing to get to know its beautiful landscapes and its safaris.
Chile
Although it has few editions, only five, the Volcano Marathon is one of the most demanding. It takes place in the San Pedro de Atacama region and begins at an altitude of 4.475 meters near the tropic of capricorn, next to the Lascar volcano. The finish line is located a few kilometers from the small town of Talabre, at an altitude of 3.603 meters.
In order for the runners to acclimatize to San Pedro, the organization itself conducts training races, visits to the Valley of the Moon, the Valley of Death and the Cordillera de la Sal. In addition, they also provide accommodation.
Patagonia
Between Puerto Fuy and San Martín de los Andes since 2002 Cruce Columbia has been carried out, one of the most exciting races that crosses the Andes mountain range. Its purpose is to unite Argentina and Chile through wonderful landscapes, traveling more than 100 kilometers divided into three stages of 42, 28 and 30 kilometers.
Cruce Columbia's motto is "not everyone can run it but nobody can forget it" so this is one of the toughest and most demanding races, so you have to be very prepared and in good shape. In fact, the organization of the race requires the completion of a medical certificate stating that the runner is eligible to participate in Cruce Columbia.
The runners will spend days running and living in the mountains, enduring the difficulties that this implies. The race is run in teams of two people (women, men or mixed) that must remain together throughout the course. As of 2013, the Individual category was added due to high demand.
The next edition will take place from December 6 to 10, 2018. The venue of the race will be the city of Pucón- Chile.
Hawaii
The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest in the United States and has no time or runner limits. The one in Hawaii has been running in December since 1973 surrounded by Christmas decorations. It usually has a huge influx of people, whether they are professional or amateur competitors. The next appointment of the runners in Hawaii will take place on December 9, 2018.
England
Image | The Atlantic
Connoisseurs say that it is the most extreme obstacle course in the world and around 33% of runners are forced to abandon it because they do not feel capable of finishing it.
We are talking about Tough Guy, a competition held in Wolverhammpton (West Midlands) that consists of 15 kilometers of course full of tunnels, water lakes and even electroshocks. It is a race where you have to go very mentally and where psychological resistance is even more necessary than physical resistance.
Tough Guy's organization requires participants to sign a document known as "the death warrant" before participating. In it, each runner recognizes and accepts the dangers of being part of this test, exempting the organization from any legal responsibility in the event of suffering any mishap.
A challenge that according to the participants changes life. A new edition arrives in February 2018. You are ready?