Combining travel with a marathon race in breathtaking, unique scenery is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime. A marathon is a memorable accomplishment in itself, but completing one in one of the world's most fascinating and extraordinary places takes the experience to another level.
Faralong.com organises marathon trips to rare and exciting destinations. Juha Viitala, the CEO of Faralong.com tells about three spectacular marathon trips arranged during spring 2016: Pyonyang Marathon, Great Wall Marathon and Everest Base Camp Marathon.
Running in the woods, paths and different terrains is an old invention, but such competitions have only recently started gaining popularity around the world. Marathons and ultramarathons are made special by the fact that every marathon is different from the next. Terrain, running base, elevation meters, altitude, season and weather all pose different kinds of challenges during each race. There are marathons organized all around the world in the most gorgeous of sceneries.
"We thought that as running events are becoming more and more popular and there's an increasing number of marathon runners, we should start bringing in travel tours that deliver greater experiences into the market", says Juha Viitala, CEO of Faralong.com. "We chose three marathons from around the world, each of a different level, that we found interesting. They are in destinations where we already have a good existing partnership."
Being one of the most restricted and closed countries of the world, travelling to North Korea without a tour guide is impossible. The marathon of the capital Pyongyang takes place on the 10th of April. What makes it even more special is the fact that it was only recently opened to international amateur runners.
"North Korea is an interesting travel destination, not least due to its completely exceptional isolation of the world. We have organized tours to North Korea for years already so the Pyongyang Marathon seemed like an appealing idea. It has been organized for many years already, but previously it has been professionals-only until only last year. The only limitations are the ambitious 4-hour time limit for the full marathon, and the fact that you need to travel to North Korea as part of an organized tour group", explains Viitala.
"Another classic was a clear choice for us - the Great Wall Marathon in China. Is there any better way to familiarize yourself with this ancient sight?"
The Great Wall Marathons have been very popular in the past years, and especially the number of international runners has been very high. Running on and along the Wall gives a unique touch to China's history, combined with absolutely gorgeous sights. The Jinshaling Great Wall Marathon takes place on April 17th.
"There are at least three different marathons on the Great Wall each year. We chose a marathon that's located close to Beijing, at the Jinshanling part of the Great Wall. There are a lot of ascents and descents on the course - approximately 16 km of the marathon will be run on top of the Great Wall and there are about 6000 steps included in this, so running stairs is good practice for this one", Viitala smiles.
"If you really want to test yourself, there's also a more challenging alternative available. The Everest Marathon is the highest marathon and trail running event in the world. The trip in total is longer as well, since you need at least two weeks to get accustomed to the high altitude."
The trip combines one of the most beautiful treks in the world with an amazing running event. During the trip you will trek to the Everest Base Camp and run down from there. Everest Base Camp Marathon is run on the 29th of May, towards the end of the 21-day trip.
"Every time I've been trekking on Mount Everest, I've dreamt of running down from the base camp. The trails are so incredibly beautiful and fit for running", tells Viitala. "We have 6 spots available with a Nepalese partner. The marathon is a rare treat, so you may well be the first one of your countrymen and women to complete this iconic marathon."
But why should you travel the world when there's plenty of free forests to run around in and competitions for every weekend right there at home? There are plenty of reasons. Challenging yourself, new and amazing sceneries, and well-organized competitions will turn your vacation into a spectacular experience. Time-wise, within Europe a weekend is enough for marathons, but why not take in the surroundings in a more comprehensive way and take a vacation at the same time.
Find out more about the marathons and book yourself for an adventure of a lifetime!
Pyongyang Marathon
Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon (Everest Base Camp Marathon)
Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon
