Travel and Event Mondays: Upcoming running events around the world

Last week, I talked about several running events in which I would like to participate in Raleigh, NC, as well as, other places in the United States. I would love to participate in races all across the world, not just the U.S., but traveling takes money. Here are a few upcoming popular races around the world.

- Get Me Some Color 5K (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA)
  August 22, 2015
  **A unique fun COLOR event where you get to yell "Get Me Some COLOR". We're planning a fun and unique course on the west lot of the Colorado Springs Flea Market. After the race, stick around and use your bib number to get into the Flea Market.

- Sandy Point Half Marathon (Green Point, Brighton in Melbourne, Australia)
  August 23, 2015
  **Competitors in the Sandy Point Half Marathon know that the cold and drizzly winter weather isn't enough to keep them away from the track. Athletes will flock to the beautiful shores of Brighton's Green Point to have a go at the 5km, 10km, or headlining Half Marathon event. Brooks is proud to partner with the Sandy Point Half Marathon, this year being held on 23 August 2015. Make sure you don't miss out!

- Marathon du Médoc (Médoc, France)
  September 12, 2015
  ** This is well established as the running event for bon viveurs. Starting near Bordeaux, it passes through dozens of vineyards – and participants are actively encouraged to sample some of the regional vintages en route (there is water on offer, too). Some have described the race as “the most fun you can have running a marathon”, (so personal bests are probably unlikely). The number of places is limited to 8,000, and many of those going will be in fancy dress.

- Paris to Versailles (France)
  September 27, 2015
  ** Starting by the Eiffel Tower, this mass participation event goes all the way up the 10-mile route to well-heeled chateau town of Versailles. It starts in waves. It's a great atmosphere, although speedier entrants should make sure they are near the earlier waves to avoid the crowds.

- 3rd Annual Oktoberfest 5k (Oxford, PA, USA)
  October 10, 2015
  ** The 5k will start at Sunken City Brewing Company at Westlake Towne Center and continue to Booker T. Washington National Monument Park. Once in the park racers will proceed to the Jack-O-Lantern Branch trail look and back through to the festivities! After the event there will be awards as well as live music! Everyone is welcome to come dressed in costume! Come are you're not! Come for the RUN and stay for the FUN! 

- New York City Marathon (New York, NY, USA)
  November 1, 2015
  ** The New York City Marathon is the other obvious race to travel to in the US. It is one of the highest profile races in the world. It began in 1970 with just 127 runners who each paid a $1 entry fee to participate. Today, entry is by lottery and draws over 100,000 applicants each year. It is watched by 315 million people around the world on television. The marathon cuts through all five boroughs of the city, ending in Manhattan's Central Park. Application ends March 18.

- Athens Classic (Athens, Greece)
  November 8, 2015
  ** The Athens Classic Marathon took inspiration from the historic run of a messenger who delivered the good news of Greece's victory in the Battle of Marathon. Legends say he was only able to cry out 'Nenikehamen' ('We have won') before he collapsed and died upon arrival in Athens. Today, the course starts at the Marathon battlefield and ends at the Olympic Stadium in Marathon.

- Antarctic Ice Marathon (Antarctica)
  November 19, 2015
  ** If covering 26 miles on plain old tarmac just isn’t enough for you then head south to test your limits at the end of the earth. Battling snow and ice, with a windchill factor of -20C, is not for the faint-hearted. Nor is it for the light of pocket: participation costs more than 10,000 euros.

- Bagan Temple Marathon (Bagan, Myanmar)
  November 28, 2015
  ** A recent addition to the marathon circuit, this may well be one of those races where you’re tempted to slow down to take in the scenery. It takes runners amid the sacred pagodas and beautiful temples that dot the plains of Bagan in central Burma. It’s the latest marathon to be set up by a company that also organizes the Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland, the Great Wall Marathon in China and the Big Five Marathon on the savannah of South Africa. 



Tune in next Monday for events and running destinations on Travel and Event Mondays!

Also, check in tomorrow for my second installment of Fitness Tip Tuesdays!