Missed the ballot? These world-class events are just what you need
It’s that time of the year again when thousands of people around the world receive a thumbs up or a thumbs down on their TCS London Marathon Ballot entity. For many that means putting any dreams of running the historic 26.2 miles to bed for another year, especially considering that the 2020 ballot saw 457,861 entrants battle for just 18,000 spots.
We’ve done a lot of marathons at Get Sweat Go, and although London may be one of the highest on most people’s bucket lists – especially if you’re from the UK – trust us, there are plenty of other options out there that will give you just as good an experience, if not better. You may also be waiting a while if you’re pinning all of your hopes on a race famous for being difficult to get into.
You can of course go down the charity route, which is a great way to experience the race, but it’s not for everyone and demands a great deal of time and effort to fundraise for.
If you’re new to the marathon distance it’s also worth getting one or two under your race belt before focussing your training on a once in a lifetime event like London. It’ll give you the experience you need to make the best of the day and prepare with a training plan that works for you.
There are lots of options out there for alternative marathons if you don’t get into London, but one of the best solutions – especially if you want to experience the size and spectacle of London – is to book through Destination Sport Experiences.
The company works with some of the biggest cycling, running and triathlon events in the world and, along with guaranteed entry to the races, also provides travel packages and accommodation. The list of events available through Destination Sport Experiences includes a wide selection of marathons around the world, many of which are equally as difficult to get into as London.
Dublin Marathon
Date: 30 October 2022
If you’re looking for a large-scale marathon experience that’s a bit closer to London then Dublin is by far one of the best options. With over 20,000 participants it’s one of the biggest marathon events close to the UK and features a fairly flat course that starts at Fitzwilliam Square in the city centre and finishes at Merrion Square, taking in some of the historic city’s most popular landmarks.
Berlin Marathon
Date: Sunday 25 September 2022
One of the six Abbot World Majors, the BMW Berlin Marathon is equal to London in its popularity and is widely regarded as being one of the fastest, flattest courses in the world, with the current world record set there at 2:01:39. As well as a course that takes in some of the city’s most famous attractions, it’s one of the best places to enjoy pre and post-marathon, offering a wide range of places to enjoy local culture, food and attractions.
Chicago Marathon
Date: 9 October 2022
Another Abbot World Majory option that boasts a fast course, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the high points of the US race calendar. The route starts and ends at the famous Grant Park and makes its way through 29 of the city’s neighborhoods. As locations go for a marathon, there aren’t many that can beat the size of Chicago, from the 45,000 runners to the enormous crowds that come out to cheer them on.
Marathon de Medoc
Date: 10 September 2022
If you’re looking for something a little bit different for your next marathon, then the Marathon de Medoc may be the one to add to your list. Held in the vineyards of the Médoc in the Gironde, France, the race has become widely known as ‘that one you drink wine at during the race’. There are in fact over 20 wine tasting stops throughout the 26.2 mile course, along with oysters and steak – although you’re not forced to take part in each one. It may not be the best race to get a PB at, but if you want a marathon to remember it’s well worth a look.
Destination Sport Experience host many more travel and entry packages for races around the globe with prices starting at around £200 for race entry alone. To find out more about the events available click here.
