It’s a common dilemma. You didn’t get a London Marathon ballot place; you think getting a charity place is going to be too much of a stretch; and getting a qualifying time… well, that’s just not going to happen.
Fear not! It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. At MR, we have compiled a list of seven other top-notch marathons you can still register for or enter in 2016.
ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon – 10 April 2016
Enter now – http://www.greatermanchestermarathon.com/
Dubbing itself as the ‘flattest, fastest and friendliest UK marathon’, this is a PB hunting ground for many a marathon runner. It’s also a great introductory race for the first-timer. Not only will you get to see the sights and sounds of Greater Manchester, but you finish outside the illustrious Old Trafford, home to arguably the biggest football club in the world, Manchester United.
Belfast City Marathon – 2 May 2016
Register now – http://www.belfastcitymarathon.com/
Our very own 2015 Project 26.2 participant Trevor Kane ran this marathon. And, by all accounts, it’s great craic! The route runs close to Belfast City Airport, so there’s potential to be in and out in a day. It also combines city heritage – hitting north, south, west and east sectors of the city – with coastal paths, getting you up close and personal to the stunning Irish coast.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon – 29 May 2016
Register now – http://www.runrocknroll.com/liverpool/
Back up north to another of England’s big cities, Liverpool – the former European Capital of Culture – has plenty to offer the budding marathoner. You can re-trace The Beatles’ footsteps and race down Penny Lane, before hitting its historic dock and waterfront. There are also several band stops along the way to keep you entertained and pumped for the run.
Edinburgh Marathon – 29 May 2016
Enter now – http://www.edinburghmarathon.com/
Just because you can’t race in the capital of England doesn’t mean you can’t race in the capital of Scotland. Much to the disdain of Manchester, Edinburgh can lay claim to having the faster marathon in the UK. This, they explain, is due to the elevation in their route always being steadily downhill. Maybe run both and let us know?
Bournemouth Marathon – TBC October 2016
Race not yet scheduled – http://www.run-bmf.com
With the 2015 event taking place this very weekend, it might be a good opportunity to read up on what you can expect for next year. This south coast marathon is arguably the most scenic of the lot, and is another fast option for the PB-hunters among you.
Marathon De Paris – 3 April 2016
Register now – http://www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/us
Only a short flight or train ride away lies ‘the most beautiful city in the world’ and, if you like, you can run around it. Much like London, this is a pretty sought after affair, and for good reason. The Paris Marathon opens your eyes to parts of the French capital you’ve likely not seen before, while whizzing you past the recognisable landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and up the Champs-Élysées.
Berlin – September 25 2016
Registration opens 19 October – http://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/
This year’s event has only just finished, and Twitter was awash with runners of all abilities eulogising about Brandenburg Gate. This is a famously quick course, too, with the last six consecutive marathon world records having been set here.
