Great Ethiopian Run International 10K
37,000 runners flock to Ethiopia’s capital city, the beautiful Addis Ababa, for the largest running event in Africa. On paper, it’s a rather unspectacular 10K route around the streets of Addis Ababa. The single-lap loop takes in a few notable tourist attractions, such as Shola Market and finishing on the expansive Jan Meda horse racing track. However, while there are far more breathtaking race routes out there, you’ll struggle to find a more vibrant, passionate or, indeed, well-attended event.
Why do it?
An ordinary distance, transformed in to an extraordinary spectacle. Described as “the most exciting race in the world,” the International 10K is a more carnival than running event, with participants soaking up the fevered atmosphere and subtropical climate.
How tough is it?
At 2,500m above sea level, Addis Ababa is the highest capital city in the world. As a result, oxygen levels are low enough to make a 10K effort feel noticeably harder than a race on British soil. That being said, the event is less about getting a good time and more about reveling in the festivity.
Where is it?
Menelik II Hospital, Kebena, Addis Adaba, Ethiopia
When is it?
9am, 22 November 2016
How to enter?
Online registration is now open via ethiopianrun.org. Simply select ‘Great Ethiopian Run’ and proceed to pay the £40 registration fee. Registration includes official race t-shirt and invitation to the post-race celebrations.
ethiopianrun.org
The Spine Race
Arguably the toughest event the UK has to offer, The Spine Race is the ultimate test of mental fortitude and physical endurance. A 268-mile slog stretching across the entire length of the Pennine Way, runners have seven days to complete the course, but that’s little consolation when you realise just how brutal the uncompromising terrain, in the heart of winter, can be.
Why do it?
This race offers a perfect opportunity to scamper along the beautiful and iconic ‘backbone of England’, and test your metal against everything our hospitable home turf can throw at you. An early January start date offers a welcome opportunity for escape after weeks of indoor festive torture and a chance to run off the mince pies.
How tough is it?
In a word: spartan. Described as ‘Britain’s cruellest race’ the organisers promise bogs, mud, arctic winds, ice, deep snow, and a lifetime of happy memories (or PTSD; it could go either way). In its maiden year in 2012, The Spine Race saw a mere three runners cross the finish line.
Where is it?
The start line is in Edale, The Peak District, Derbyshire.
When is it?
9 January 2016. Expect a comprehensive brief the day before, a mandatory equipment check, and a formal piece of paper on which you will sign your feet away.
How to enter?
The race fee of £725includes accommodation, food at all checkpoints, baggage transfer to each checkpoint (1x20kg), GPS Tracking Device, medical support, on-course support and, if needed, evacuation. You will need to provide a document including previous experience of distance running.
thespinerace.com
New York City Marathon
Every November, 50,000 runners take to the streets of New York for the largest and arguably most memorable marathon in the world. From the start-line buzz of thousands of excited and bleary-eyed runners (the ferry to Staten Island is at the rather rude time of 5am), to the frenzied crowds along First Avenue (miles 16-18) and the Bronx (miles 20-21), this is a race of unrivalled atmosphere.
Why do it?
Because it is the most electrifying 26.2-mile run you will ever undertake. The atmosphere and camaraderie generated by 50,000 people striving for the same goal is incomparable, which is exactly why New York is seen as a rite of passage in the marathon-running world. Add to that the innumerable list of iconic landmarks: Brooklyn Bridge, Long Island and Central Park, to name but a few, and you get a sense of what makes the New York City Marathon the most popular race on the planet.
How tough is it?
With November temperatures plummeting to around 5°C, New York winters aren’t the most forgiving. The wind is also a factor, particularly along the wide-open bridges – of which there are five to contend with. Fortunately, the course is relatively flat, although each bridge is preceded by an unwelcome climb.
Where is it?
The Start Village in Staten Island is accessible via three offical race transport options: the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal, the Midtown Manhattan Bus from Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, or the New Jersey Bus from the MetLife Stadium. The Ferry is the most popular and scenic option, offering up-close views of the Statue of Liberty.
When is it?
9.40am, 1 November 2016
How to enter?
The time-standard qualifying window for 2016 ends this month, but be warned: speed is of the essence. For other entries, you can run for a charity.
tcsnycmarathon.org
ÖtillÖ
A duathlon with a difference: ÖtillÖ (island to island) has earned a well-deserved reputation for being one of the toughest endurance events out there. Held around the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago, the race sees the two-man teams navigate 10K of the Baltic Sea, treacherous rocks and, of course, the small matter of running a 65K ultramarathon.
Why do it?
Starting in Sandhamn and finishing on the island of Utö, each stretch of the route is as beautiful as it is painful. Leafy Scandinavian woodland, vast horizons and ocean views – the serenity of which belie a freezing cold reality – go some way to waylaying the extreme task at hand. ÖtillÖ also gives you the unique opportunity to complete an extreme endurance event with a friend by your side (choose wisely!).
How tough is it?
In a word: very. Forty miles of running is beyond the imagination of most, so with the addition of 10K of near-freezing swimming, you can begin to understand why the event is revered and feared in equal measure, by endurance athletes across the globe.
Where is it?
Sandhamn Seglarhotell, Sandhamn, Sweden.
When is it?
The race is held annually, on the first Monday of September.
How to enter?
Registration is merit-based or via a team selection ticket drawing.
However, the testing nature of the race means that it should only be attempted by competitors with ultramarathon or similar endurance experience.
To view the full registration process, visit otilloswimrun.se/entry.
Two Ocean’s Marathon
This historic 56K ultramarathon leads you around the spectacular Cape Peninsula, and the tip of the African continent as a whole. It is here that the icy Atlantic Ocean meets the warmer Indian Ocean, and from where this scenic race takes its name. There is also a half-marathon on offer, and a 22K and 10K trail event along the tracks of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain, as well as a 5.6K fun-run for children.
Why do it?
Known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon”, the highlight of this course is without a doubt the undulating stretch of coastal road carved into the craggy flank of the peninsula’s most famous landmark, Chapman’s Peak. Consistently voted one of the top scenic roads in the world, it offers dizzying views of the crashing ocean breaks, before dropping down to the sheltered sandy bays of popular surfing hot spot, Muizenberg, and on into Cape Town. Last year saw 11,000 athletes tackle the ultramarathon; the numbers speak for themselves.
How tough is it?
At 56K, this isn’t the longest endurance event out there. But don’t be fooled by the comfort of those mid-decimal digits; the meaty incline up Chapman’s Peak will have your calves screaming in the ultra fashion you’ll love to hate in no time at all.
Where is it?
Outside SA Breweries, Main Road, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
When is it?
6.30am, 26 March 2016 (Easter Sunday)
How do I enter?
Ultramarathon experience is recommended but not compulsory. There are 11,000 open spaces for the ultramarathon and 16,000 open spaces for the half-marathon. Make haste, as spaces fill fast.
twooceansmarathon.org.za
