Seven European Marathons With a Difference

Around 37,000 people run the London Marathon every year and, along with the Paris Marathon and the Berlin Marathon, it is one of the most popular long distance running events in Europe. Yet there are so many other marathons that get overlooked. Here are some of the best European Marathons with a bit of a difference. The Midnight Sun Marathon – This race takes place in Tromso, Norway and is run in the evening. The start time is 8.30pm and most runners finish at around midnight. However, because Tromso is so far north, runners finish the marathon in broad daylight. The Limassol Marathon – Also knows as the ‘Cyprus Marathon – run along the waves’ the Limassol Marathon takes place in March. It is a flat marathon and much of the route follows the coastal road of greater Limassol. This makes it a great beginner’s marathon and the main race is accompanied by the half marathon and 10K as well as a 5K race and a Kids Fun Run. The Madrid Marathon – This marathon is Spain’s biggest athletic event. It is currently know as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon and unusually the route is redrawn every year. Taking place in late April, it is a great opportunity to not only run abroad, but also to run in the sun. The Polar Circle Marathon – Located in Greenland, The Polar Circle Marathon has a completely different atmosphere to most otherinternational marathons because of its beautiful arctic landscapes and scenery. Runners must sign up to a five day package which includes accommodation. The Istanbul Marathon – Highly regarded amongst runners for its excellent organisation and stunning scenery, the Istanbul Marathon is the only transcontinental marathon. It begins in Asia and crosses the Bosphorus to the European side of the city. The Seville Marathon – This race is preceded by two days of events which begins with the runner’s fair and includes a traditional pasta lunch at the Palenque the day before the race. The course is flat and runners cross the finish line at the Olympic Stadium. The Jurassic Coast Challenge – Not so much a marathon as a triple marathon, this 78.6 mile race takes place in Dorset, UK. It is equally beautiful and brutal and will challenge even the fittest of racers. The route takes participants along the coast from Lyme Regis to Poole and finishes in Shell Bay. Runners must cover the distance within a 24 hour time limit. Bio Run by the sea, Limassol is the host venue for one of the most picturesque international half marathons in Europe. It is popular amongst experts seeking a flat marathon course or novices simply wanting to run abroad.