Travel and Event Mondays: Upcoming Running Events Around The World

Last week, I talked about several running events around the world. In a perfect world, where money, would never be an issue, I would participate in all of the races as long as my energy and body could withstand it all. Unfortunately, traveling does take money. Here are a few upcoming popular races around the world.


- Versailles La Grande Classique (Versailles, Africa)
  September 27, 2015
  ** Starting at the Eiffel Tower and ending in Versailles, this 16k race lets runners retrace the route of royalty. The course travels through Paris and along the river Seine, turns onto tree-lined boulevards and continues on winding paths all before a majestic finish in Versailles. The music, spectators and beautiful architecture make you feel like you’re in the movie Marie Antoinette, minus the guillotines.

- Venice Marathon (Venice, Italy)
  October 25, 2015
  ** In a city mostly navigated by boat, how do 8,000 runners race for 26.2 miles? Rome may not have been built in a day, but Venice Marathon race organizers build a bridge in one. A 170-meter floating bridge is assembled across the Grand Canal specifically for the event. Adding to the Italian experience are starting line cappuccinos, up-close views of Piazza San Marco and 14 bridge crossings in the final 5k alone.

- Rock ‘N’ Roll Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)
  November 14, 2015
  ** Combine the energy and excitement of running a marathon and the heady, neon pulse of the Las Vegas Strip and you get the world’s largest nighttime running event. Want to dress like Elvis for your run? You’ll have plenty of company. Ready to get married or renew your vows? Don’t miss the three-minute, on-the-run ceremony. Plus there’s plenty of hot rock music on both the marathon and half marathon courses, ideal for runners who like to rage.

- The Great Ethiopian Run 10K (Ethiopia, Africa)
  November 22, 2015
  ** The 10k event is the biggest running event in Africa with more than 37,000 participants, 500 elite runners and several hundred runners from overseas. Great Run are proud sponsors of the Great Ethiopian Run and are delighted to continue building upon the 14 year association. The run takes place in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, which is 8,000 feet above sea level making it a must do event in the running calendar. Winners of the Great Club Challenge are flown out to Ethiopia to take part in this prestigious international event.

- Salomon Golden Leaf Half Marathon (Snowmass Village, Colorado, USA)
  November 22, 2015
  ** Aspen’s network of steep and rolling trails is a dirt lover’s paradise for in-the-know locals, and the Golden Leaf lets everyone else in on the fun with 13.1 twisting, hilly, leaf-strewn miles. Sure, there’s 980 feet of elevation gain, but it’s the 1,712 feet of roller coaster-like descent that keeps runners on high alert. The route begins at the base of Snowmass Mountain and ends in a picnic-worthy park downtown.

- Catalina Eco Marathon (Avalon - Catalina Island, California, USA)
  November 21, 2015
  ** Catalina Island may be only a one-hour boat ride off the coast of southern California, but when you step off the ferry, you’ll feel worlds away thanks to beautiful trails and panoramic ocean views. On-course burgers and beer are served before the aptly named Catalina Crush hill at mile 18. But tough peaks only make the canal descent to Avalon, a picturesque beach town, that much sweeter.

- The Great Wall Marathon (China)
  May 17, 2016
  ** The majestic barrier once responsible for protecting a nation now makes for a formidable challenge for an international field of Lycra-clad racers. Steps (lots of big ones!), cobble pavement, rural villages and gravel roads are all part of the experience. At least you can go at your own pace without being chased by marauding invaders. Forget about watching the clock. This race is about making memories, not personal bests.



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

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