Marathons Around the World
Passport. Check. Tickets. Check. Trainers....err...check?!
There are many things you associate with a great holiday: sandy beaches, local culinary delights or hours basking in the sun by the pool. However, donning a pair of trainers and huffing and puffing your way around 26 miles of city streets probably isn't one of those things...
Today, more and more people (myself included) are taking the plunge and challenging themselves to one of the ultimate physical ordeals - a marathon.
But, marathons aren't all about the running. Getting round the course takes more than just sturdy legs and a determined spirit - you also need support...someone to cheer you on, take the photo's and rub your feet at the end!
So, if you're planning a marathon this year here's Sky Travel's guide to the Top 5 Marathons and how to get the best out of them...whether you plan to run...or not.
Spot the famous faces on the London marathon start line
The Flora London Marathon
The Flora London Marathon is one of London's most popular events and attracts thousands of runners every year. Competition for the much coveted places is fierce so you may have to be patient (and keep re-applying) to get in.
But the effort is worth it, and the race experience is something you'll struggle to forget (and not just because you were overtaken by a Womble!) The Flora London Marathon is, according to its organisers, the world's biggest annual fund raising event and last year 78 per cent of runners ran for a charity, giving the occasion a real sense of purpose.
Not only do you get an amazing sense of camaraderie from your fellow peers but the spectators and sights you'll see along the way, think Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace - ideal for the amateur and club runner. Oh, and it's the only marathon to span two hemispheres!
For The Supporter:
Aside from the great sights London has to offer, the main attraction for anyone lending their support in the Flora London Marathon is people spotting! Yes, with such a strong charity element you'll be treated to an array of interesting characters, from knights, cavemen, cartoon characters and Chinese dragons there's plenty to keep you entertained while you wait for a glimpse of your loved one.
And keep your eyes peeled for celebrities. London is teaming with them and the occasion to don their finest shorts and trendiest T Shirt and raise some money for a good cause, is too good to resist. Previous celebrity runners to hit London's streets include Gordon Ramsey, Sir Ranulf Finnes, Lorraine Kelly and Sir Steve Redgrave - who incidentally set a Guinness World Record in 2006 for raising £1.8 million!
Rupert Bear takes in London's famous sights
→ Learn more about London in our Destination Guide
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