Lace up your running shoes and race to these six world renowned marathon destinations
26.2 miles. For many people, running a marathon is a bucket list accomplishment. For others, it’s a chance to visit new exciting places while running a race or contributing to an important fundraising effort. Whether you’re interested in the challenge of the race or travelling somewhere beautiful to feed your passion for running, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, shares six marathons that are worth travelling (and training) for.
The Great Wall Marathon, China
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One of the world’s most difficult marathons, The Great Wall Marathon, gives 2,500 athletes the opportunity to run through one of the most iconic monuments in history. Taking place on May 20, participants pass over 5,164 stone steps and cross into the stunning Tianjin Province, which makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Beijing Badaling Great Wall Cao’s Courtyard Hostel ,a 200-year-old traditional Chinese-style building from the Ming Dynasty, offers natural views, a large garden and simply decorated rooms with a private bathroom. The property is just a ten-minute walk from Badaling Great Wall, the starting point of The Great Wall Marathon.
Athens Authentic Marathon, Greece
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One of the world’s most famous marathons takes place in the ancient city of Athens. Like its host city, the Athens Authentic Marathon has great historical significance. Held on November 12, the race takes its athletes through iconic landmarks including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis. Covering the same route that the Athenian messenger Pheidippides ran 2,500 years ago, this remarkable marathon starts in the town of Marathon and finishes in the extraordinary Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, which dates all the way back to the 6th century BC!
Situated near the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens and 500 metres from the Panathenaic Stadium, the stylish Athens View Loft – 03 has stunning views of the Acropolis, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace with a lounge area to relax your tired legs after the long race.
Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon, Cambodia
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The Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon is being held on August 5 and 6 at one of the most famous wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is by far the largest religious monument in the world and was built between the 9th to the 12th century for the Khmer empire. The magnificent complex has since become the symbol of Cambodia. The course is within UNESCO World Heritage site itself, starting and ending in the Angkor Wat Ruins, right in front of the breathtaking Central Sanctuary.
Just two miles from the race course, Hotel Nita by Vo offers runners the perfect place to wind down after the race and enjoy a drink or two while watching the sun set in the Kingdom of Wonder.
3-Länden Marathon, Germany, Austria and Switzerland
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Literally translated as the three-country marathon, this unique race which will be held on October 8, starts from the beautiful Bavarian harbour of Lindau in Germany, passes through the Austrian towns Bregenz and Hard along Lake Constance, then crosses the Swiss border at St. Margreten, continues across the Rhine embankment back to Hard and finally finishes in Bregenz again. The scenic course is surrounded by beautiful, snow-capped mountain ranges and will pass by the world’s largest open theater where the latest James Bond movie was filmed.
If you’re looking at fully embracing the Bavarian culture, check out Hotel Adara, the quaint boutique hotel located on the scenic island of Lindau on Lake Constance. This little gem is stylishly designed to exude the rustic charms of Bavaria in today’s modern world.
Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series – Lisbon, Portugal
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The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is one of the most popular marathons in the world and it will make its pitstop in the beautiful coastal city of Lisbon on October 15 this year. Runners will start in the beach town of Cascais, run along the coast on the river banks of Tagus River and end right in Central Lisbon. True to its name, runners also get to enjoy live music along the course – that’s right, 26.2 miles of live music!
Just a few minutes’ walk to the starting line of the race is Villa Cascais Guesthouse. This beach front property features sea view straight from the bathtub, making it the best accommodation for a relaxing getaway after the long run.
Niagara Falls International Marathon, Canada
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Last but not least, right in our own backyard, known as the race with the “world's most famous finish line”, the Niagara Falls International Marathon will be celebrating its 20thanniversary this year on October 15. The course begins in Buffalo, US and runs through the city towards the International Peace Bridge into Canada and ends near the famous Horseshoe Falls.
If you want to steer clear from the touristy area, the Greystone Manor Bed and Breakfast would be your ideal accommodation to check-in to after the race. Located on River Road overlooking the picturesque Niagara River Gorge, this charming historical building offers the most delicious meals and has the friendliest host, making you feel right at home away from home.
Toronto’s Beer-iest 5K Run Returns to Ontario Place
Toronto (April 10, 2017) --- More than 3,000 runners, walkers and beer lovers are expected to lace up for the second annual Famous Canadian Beer Run on Sunday, September 17, 2017. The event features a scenic 5-kilometre run through Ontario Place, followed by a Craft Beer and Food Festival for participants at the finish line. Costumed runners, cold beer and fantastic live entertainment make for a memorable run for beginners, beer lovers and seasoned racers alike!
Recently named by Toronto.com as one of Toronto’s Best Fun Runs, this beer-themed event offers participants stunning views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline as they make their way to the finish line where beer awaits. Crossing the finish line into the heart of the Craft Beer and Food Festival participants are handed a custom beer stein and are invited to sample brews from Ontario’s top craft breweries, including Beau’s All Natural, Lost Craft Beer, High Park Brewery, Great Lakes Brewery and Shawn and Ed Brewing Co. Other alcoholic beverages such as soCIALITE Vodka and Shiny Apple Cider are also on hand for non-beer drinkers.
Enjoying an afternoon relaxing and recovering from the race, the Festival features a live band and food from some of the city’s top food vendors, including Heirloom Toronto. Traditional post-run food like bagels and bananas are also on offer. Vendors such as event sponsor New Balance Toronto and the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies are on-site with running and beer-themed products available for purchase. The Famous Canadian Beer Run is an official Toronto Beer Week event.
Included in run registration is a race t-shirt, custom beer stein, beer chips good for two 8 oz. beers (or 4 samples) at the Festival and a race kit. The run is not a timed event and is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. Those who do not wish to participate in the 5K can attend the Craft Beer and Food Festival by purchasing a Festival Only pass ($25), which also includes the stein and beer chips good for two 8 oz. beers (or 4 samples). Additional beer tokens can be purchased in advance or on-site. Twenty-five “Brew Crew” runners from Toronto’s RUN-TO-BEER club dress up in costume to run alongside and cheer other runners along.
Early-bird pricing for the event is in effect until April 30th and the first 450 registrants receive a free Run Hoppy toque. Registration is open online at www.runforbeer.ca.
New Study Confirms Run to Quit helps to boost physical activity and cut down on smoking
Six months after Run to Quit completed its first year, an impressive 40 per cent of participants surveyed said they had quit smoking and 43 per cent said they were also running on average three times a week.
In addition, 91 per cent of participants who completed the program said they had cut back on smoking and 97 per cent reported Run to Quit helped them to exercise more.
Run to Quit is being studied by researchers from the University of British Columbia for its potential as a chronic disease prevention program.
“We saw participants shift in terms of the way they saw themselves; first as smokers and eventually to runners fully embracing the Running Room culture. Their confidence to both quit smoking and run increased as did their overall physical and mental health scores,” says Dr. Carly Priebe, a researcher at UBC.
Participants’ confidence to quit smoking grew from 67 per cent at the beginning of the program to 80 per cent by week three.
“Maintaining health behaviour change is really difficult, but 24 per cent continue to be engaged with Running Room walk and run programs,” reports Priebe.
Run to Quit is a unique program that pairs the quit-smoking expertise of the Canadian Cancer Society with Running Room Canada’s learn to walk or run 5 km clinics. The step-by-step program helps smokers cope with discomfort and cravings through its simple and encouraging approach to cutting down while they become more physically active.
“While quitting smoking is the biggest goal for most Run to Quit participants, we know that staying active is important to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. We were happy to see that participants really embraced exercise,” says John Atkinson, director, cancer prevention and tobacco control, Canadian Cancer Society. “Participants who continue to exercise are doing even more than the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week.”
In its first year, Run to Quit welcomed more than 1,000 participants in all three streams of the program – online, do it yourself, and in-store training. In-store training was offered in 21 stores in six provinces. This year, the program has expanded to include 50 stores in all provinces as well as online training options available three times per year. The program will continue to expand to more than 100 stores next year to reach as many smokers as possible.
“Run to Quit’s pilot program shows promising results in influencing measurable healthy behaviour and lifestyle change," said Dr. Jane Philpott, Minister of Health. "This innovative quit-smoking and active living program is a leading example of how government, the not-for-profit and the private sectors can work together to encourage healthier lifestyles for Canadians."
Emmanuelle Connelly was a smoker for more than 30 years. She started as a teen and tried to quit several times over the years, but it wasn’t until a routine mammogram gave her a health scare that she decided she really needed to quit urgently. Her aunt had suffered from cancer and Emmanuelle was determined to reduce her risk as much as possible.
“I have never been physically active and the thought of having to run in public intimidated me, even more than quitting smoking,” says Emmanuelle. ”But Run to Quit’s approach to quitting smoking and getting active was done in baby steps and the group kept me accountable. Once I overcame my first craving, I knew I could quit smoking and used the techniques I learned from the program. In the end, I quit smoking and I continue to run. It’s liberating to be able to lace up and run anytime I feel like it.”
Survey results show that 100% of participants who completed the program would recommend it to a friend who wanted to quit smoking.
“I am a former smoker, like so many of our Run to Quit trainers,” said John Stanton, founder and CEO of Running Room Canada. “It’s been a thrill and privilege to show people through Run To Quit how to identify as athletes and to commit to an athletic lifestyle with the help of our running and walking clinics. We look forward to welcoming current smokers to be lifetime athletes with the camaraderie and support of our running community.”
Additional information on survey results:
- 1000 participants joined all streams of Run to Quit in 2016
- 184 in-store clinics
- 71 online clinics
- 815 Do It Yourself program
- 83 participants were interviewed as part of the six-month follow up survey
- 40 per cent reported quitting smoking
- 28 per cent were successful at not smoking for six whole months (since the training program ended)
- 43 per cent per cent said they were also running on average three times a week.
Registration for Run to Quit is now open and available in all provinces across Canada. To register or for more information, visit runtoquit.com. Run to Quit is funded in part by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Thanks to quit partners NICODERM® and NICORETTE® all eligible participants will receive coupons for nicotine replacement therapy products to help them quit smoking.
Q&A to Researcher: Is the strength in this program the maintenance quit smoking rate and sustained physical activity rate six month after program completion? Or is the strength of the program that it gets people physically active while quitting smoking?
"I think that BOTH of these are huge assets of the program! We often don't see behaviour change maintained over time so the fact that we saw decent quit rates and a significant increase in physical activity and then saw this maintained is a really positive finding. It's also important to highlight that this program targets multiple health behaviours and therefore gives you more "bang for your buck" when it comes to health and a lifestyle change. Even if someone didn't quit, increasing physical activity is an important outcome. If you can do both (quit and increase activity), you're well on your way to numerous health benefits (in the case of quitting smoking, many of these health benefits are very immediate). In terms of bringing in the evaluation, our findings support that the program truly does target BOTH of these behaviours (smoking cessation and activity) and we saw significant changes in both."
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934)
Benefits of Having a Strong Core
People often train the core in hopes of an aesthetic body. While it certainly feels good to look good, there’s much more behind a strong core than just a six-pack.
There’s a wide variety of useful benefits obtained from training the core. Aside greater strength, training the core is beneficial for multiple other aspects of fitness. On multiple disciplines, having a strong core is a must in order to achieve the most optimal performance possible.
Professional athletes perform strict abdominal training up to 3 times a week, including intense weight training and flexibility training.
Anyone who has committed to proper core training knows how difficult it is to train this group of muscles. Working the core has never been easy; but big efforts bring big results. For those who haven’t considered training their core, here are some of the amazing features they’re missing out on:
Functions of the Core
Protection
The abdominal area lacks a bone structure. Because of this, the only thing standing between the skin and internal organs is our core. Thus, the multiple muscles that compose the core act as a shield to compress and protect internal organs.
Each of these muscles serves a specific function. The “exterior” abs, rectus abdominus, are responsible of providing flexibility to the lumbar spine; but they also work as a muscle shield that protects the internal body. The “inner” abs, transverse abdominus, are responsible for protecting and compressing our ribs and viscera. Additionally, they provide stability to both the thorax and the pelvis.
Boxers not only train their core for fit purposes. A carefully worked core can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a punch to the stomach.
There’s one last group of abdominal muscles, called obliques. Just like abdominus, they are separated into internal and external obliques.
The external group is the most superficial one; it’s located along the lateral portions of the abdomen and provides flexibility and rotation. On the other hand, the internal group acts in opposition to the diaphragm assisting breathing and allowing the trunk to bend sideways.
Spine Stability
The spine is supported by multiple muscles, the most important being the abdominal muscles and lower back. These muscles are responsible for spine stability; if they’re not properly trained, stability is affected.
While exercising, these muscles have to work harder in order to stabilize the spine. However, if the core lacks strength all the effort will be performed by the lower back. This usually leads to lower back pain.
On the other hand, a strong core helps to remove tension and stress on the lower back while still improving stabilization. If the spine is properly supported, balance is improved. The core is also responsible for the stabilization of the hip, which comes in very handy for injury prevention on multiple sports, and even daily activities.
Overall Support
The abdominal muscles are in the center of the body; hence they’re referred to as “core”. Basically, the core is the connection between the upper and lower body. Any motion that involves both parts has to engage the abdominal muscles.
Athletes train their core in order to reach the most optimal performance, as it plays an important role in many aspects of their fitness. The abdominal muscles improve the coordination of motions and extremities for both athletes and non-athletes.
Professional basketball players go through intense core workouts, as it has a considerable impact on their jumping capability.
Running, jogging, jumping, boxing; it all starts at the core. The core has a role even on the most simple motions, such as walking. One would normally think the extremities do all the work; the legs while running, the arms while swimming.
That’s not the case.
Most of the motions start from the core, and move outwards towards other muscles and extremities. A rock-solid centre guarantees strong movements and coordination to perform both sports and daily activities.
In Conclusion
The core isn’t easy to train; but it’s definitely worth it. Not only does it improve athletic performance, but it also improves multiple daily life aspects.
Keep in mind that each abdominal muscle meets a certain function, thus each muscle of the core should be trained equally. It’s a huge mistake to target only the external muscles, as not training inner muscles will lead to muscular imbalances, which can cause injuries on the long run.
Additionally, training a portion of the core won’t bring as much benefits as working it as a whole. Aesthetics are important, but functionality should be the priority.
This part of the body plays an important role on the general structure and should be trained at least twice a week. Whether it’s through weight training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), or simple aerobic activities, training these central muscles will bring results.
Athletes who skip core training make a huge mistake. Out of all people, athletes are the ones who can probably get the most out of a strong core. Training these muscles is key to achieve the most optimal performance in almost every athletic discipline.
Once the core is strong, every other aspect of fitness will fall into place.
Writer’s Bio:
Dan Chabert
An entrepreneur and a husband, Dan hails from Copenhagen, Denmark. He loves to join ultramarathon races and travel to popular running destinations together with his wife. During regular days, he manages his websites, Runnerclick, FightingReport, GearWeAre and TheGearHunt. Dan has also been featured in several popular running blogs across the world.
Celebrate Canada150 by Train!
Win a Rail Vacation from CanadaRail.ca at Canada's Marathon
Canada's Marathon – Scotiabank Calgary Marathon – is pulling out all the stops for Canada's Sesquicentennial, including partnering with a celebrated Canadian artist on a commemorative Toonie medal and giving away a trip for two by rail, courtesy of CanadaRail.ca.
Not only will participants experience the Coast to Coast to Coast course when they run in the 2017 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, runners will also take home a piece of Canadiana thanks to the generosity of well known Canadian artist and illustrator, David Crighton. His iconic 1995 illustration titled "Canada Coast to Coast" was originally commissioned by a Canadian Corporation that had offices in 5 major Canadian cities – east to west, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Now the illustration will be on the 2017 finisher's ribbons and technical T-shirts for participants.
"We are proud to partner with David to commemorate such a special year for Canada. Runners will experience the coast to coast to coast course on race day and take home both their finisher's medal and t-shirt with David's beautiful illustration to remind them of their achievement and Canada's Sesquicentennial," says Executive Director of Run Calgary, Kirsten Fleming.
David Crighton was born in Edmonton, son of an Anglican minister, his father's career took him to Ontario where the family eventually settled in Toronto. A love of cartoon doodling leads him to enter Central Technical High Schools Art Program in 1973. It was here that he found his first success with his talents as an architectural illustrator when given a project to go out and illustrate a building. The rest, as they say is history. David's ability to capture the memories and heart of a city and its communities through illustrations of its iconic landmarks is legend.
"I am thrilled my artwork has been selected to represent the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Race Weekend in honour of Canada's 150th Birthday in the province of my birth." says David Crighton,
Runners will experience the diversity and charm of the entire country as the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is paying tribute to the Sesquicentennial by adding experiences along the course unique to the different parts of Canada. You can kiss a cod in Newfoundland, eat watermelon with a Rider fan in Saskatchewan and get your medal from a cowboy in Alberta.
Register for any of the distances (from 5K to the special one-time only 150K in celebration of the Sesquicentennial) and you will receive a unique technical white t-shirt with David's illustration sublimated across the bottom and your distance on the back of the shirt. When you finish the race, you'll receive a commemorative Toonie medal with the same illustration on each ribbon.
And finishing the race will enter your bib number in a draw. If you win, you will enjoy a four-day tour travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver in style. The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is partnering with CanadaRail.ca to give away two tickets aboard the luxury train for a four-day trip from Banff to Vancouver worth $5800.
"As runners we see parts and pieces of the country by foot while we train and when we race. Having the opportunity to see parts of the country by train is a pretty special way to celebrate crossing the finish line at Canada's Marathon and commemorating this momentous year for our country," says Fleming.
CanadaRail.ca is a Canadian company, based out of Calgary, dedicated to sharing the wonder and beauty of the country with its clients.
"It's an experience you will never forget, seeing the beauty and splendor of the Rockies while enjoying the luxury and service of the Rocky Mountaineer is a memorable way to top off the achievement of a big race during this milestone year for Canada," says Martin Flanagan, CEO of CanadaRail.ca on partnering with Run Calgary on this unique prize.
Register for any of the distances (from 5K to the special one-time only 150K in celebration of the Sesquicentennial) and cross the finish line on May 28 and you will be entered in the draw. The catch? You have to be in the stands to claim your prize and will only have one minute to make your way to the stage from the 17,000 seats in the Grandstand. The draw will be made at random by a computer that has all the bibs that have crossed the line at 2:01p.m., one minute after the finish line closes.
CanadaRail.ca Video & Trip Details:
http://canadarail.ca/specials/charity/hope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cALrfgeLkYw
Images of medals and t-shirts Courtesy: Dave Holland
SOURCE Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
For all of you runners, you know first-hand how running safely is a year-round focus. Especially during the colder months when it gets darker earlier and visibility is low, safety should be a top priority for those who are still hitting the pavement. The following is a guide on running safety that's being shared by SimpliSafe. It includes a ton of examples on how technology can not only help with your training, but how it can also keep you safe and focused. They specialize in wireless security systems, so they definitely know a thing or two about keeping us safe.
Pain Relieving VibraCool® Debuts During Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Makers of Buzzy® Needle Pain Relief to attend runDisney Health and Fitness Expo for product demonstrations and sales
MMJ Labs, LLC, industry leaders in non-invasive pain relief, will debut their newest product, VibraCool® Massaging Ice Therapy, at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo in Orlando, Fla. VibraCool® is the wearable pain therapy device that provides simple, serious relief for IT Band pain, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and other painful overuse conditions and injuries. Expo attendees will have the opportunity to experience the instant pain therapy of VibraCool® at the booth throughout the event. Runners will be able to purchase the product for use on pre- and post-race aches and pains -- and beyond. Product demonstrations, raffles and sales will take place in Booth 605 in the Stadium Exhibition area during expo hours from January 4-7, 2017.
Team members will be interacting with attendees to help them find the VibraCool® model that best fits their needs. The innovative pain relief product is offered in three configurations to treat areas where pain is common: Plantar Fasciitis/Neck/Shoulder, Wrist/Elbow, and Knee/Ankle.
VibraCool®’s Cool-Pulse™ technology is what makes it so effective for runners of all levels -- from 5k first-timers to Dopey Challenge takers. One push of a button leverages the physiologic pain relievers of high frequency massage and ice in a product optimized for athletes and chronic joint pain sufferers. VibraCool®’s intense 20-minute frozen solid ice packs decrease inflammation, pain and swelling. Vibration massages muscles, mechanically loosening stiffness and improving blood flow. For post-workout aching, using VibraCool’s massaging alone before a workout can prevent delayed onset muscle soreness. The design also features a neoprene compression strap so VibraCool® can move with you during therapy or recovery.
Make the VibraCool booth your go-to stop at the Expo for pre-race muscle prep and post-race recovery. To learn more about VibraCool®, visit www.VibraCool.com, or the needle product line Buzzy® and DistrACTION® cards at www.buzzyhelps.com. Engage in conversations about pain relief with VibraCool on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Walk or run your way to a smoke-free life
With the holiday season here, you may be thinking about New Year’s resolutions.
Whether your motivation is to get healthy or save money, to quit smoking for a loved one or for yourself, the important thing is to make the decision to quit.
Gary started smoking when he was just 13. Like many people, his annual New Year’s resolution was to quit smoking. And in 2016, he finally did it. How? By joining Run to Quit.
You may be thinking “I’m not a runner,” but Run to Quit is an innovative quit-smoking program that pairs the quitting expertise of the Canadian Cancer Society with Running
Room Canada’s Learn to Walk or Run 5 km clinics. And it offers cash prize incentives to remain smoke-free.
The step-by-step program has been shown to help smokers cope with discomfort and cravings through its simple and encouraging approach to cutting down and getting active.
Because Gary had quit before and then relapsed after having “just one” cigarette, he made a game plan to stay away from cigarettes until he was over the cravings.
For his strategy to work he had to change routines, such as not going outside with his colleagues for smoke breaks. “Instead, I would walk around the block or do something else.”
He used other tactics to become tobacco-free, including tracking his savings of $20 a week, which meant extra tickets to sporting events. Winning $1000 from Run to Quit was an added bonus.
Now Gary’s success is inspiring others to quit too. “I’ve talked to people at work and they’re going to join Run to Quit and make it part of their New Year’s resolutions this year.”
Available across Canada. For more information or to register visit runtoquit.com
Last month I had the opportunity to model for Albedo100. It is a reflective spray that you can put on any clothing and stay safe running/walking etc at night time. This is me below in the photo:
Albedo100 was ranked #5 of the top 17 must have items for Canadian Winter ahead of winter coats, hats, slippers, touchscreen gloves, snow boots, winter tires, Advil and Netflix!
See link below:
http://www.canadianfamily.ca/parents/must-haves-canadian-winter/
Also check out the Albedo100 Canada Facebook page for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/Albedo100-Canada-1049189251867913/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
And the Albedo100 Canada webpage is www.reflectivespray.ca
Looking for an obstacle course this fall? Look no further Canadian Tire along with the Scarborough Hospital are coming together to present Brave T.O. A fun obstacle course that the Toronto police, paramedics and firefighters do to help support life saving care at the Scarborough hospital. Take a look at the info sheet below to find out more. Or visit www.brave.to to register or volunteer.
