Tag: Half Marathons

Four German Half Marathons for Beginners in 2017

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi there, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog

If you want to become a long distance runner, you should try doing some fun half marathons, where you’ll run a more manageable 13 miles, instead of the usual 26. You may want to try doing half-marathons somewhere different and exciting, perhaps in another country.

Today I want to share Germany with you, a country which is known for its robust running culture. Helping you do some crucial research, in this article I shed light on four good German half marathons for beginners in 2017.

Paderborner Osterlauf

If you want options, try the Paderborner Osterlauf. Near North-Rhine Westphalia, it comes in 5km, 10km and half marathon options. This is Germany’s oldest running event and regularly sees around 8,000 participants. It will be hosted on Saturday 15th April 2017, starting and finishing at Sportzentrum Maspernplatz. You can register up to 7th April (by post) or 10th April (online via its website), with prices for the half marathon starting at €20, depending on when you sign up.

Hamburg Half Marathon

This popular German half marathon will take place on 25th June 2017. It will begin at the legendary Reeperbahn, in Hamburg’s famous amusement district and end at the scenic Rothenbaumchaussee. On this course, you’ll run past various popular attractions, like the Speicherstadt, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The race is expected to include roughly 8,000 runners. With entry fees starting from €40, you can sign up by post or online by 15th June, or enter later at a higher price by 25th June.

Cologne Half Marathon

The Cologne Marathon is the third most popular in Germany, after the Berlin and Hamburg events. It also comes with a half marathon option, however, making it more suitable for new marathon runners. The Cologne Half Marathon takes place on 1st October 2017, taking you past several popular attractions in this picturesque city, such as the iconic twin towers of Cologne Cathedral. You can register online now until 24th September for €48. This price will rise, however, after 31st March 2017.

Munich Half Marathon

Experience the Munich Marathon, without running 26 miles, by opting for the Munich Half Marathon. This will be held on 8th October 2017, beginning in the beautiful district of Bogenhausen on Denninger Strasse. The race sets off at 1.30pm and takes you on the original marathon route to the Munich Olympic Park. Fees range from between €48 and €62, depending on when you register, with the deadline being 24th September.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.

Fun Half Marathons for 2017

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog. A happy new year to you too!

It’s a brand new year, and a month where everyone is aiming for a fresh start and wanting to delve into their training for 2017. Maybe you’re thinking about planning out your race schedule for this year – whether it’s your first time or your 17th!

In this post I’ve put together some really fun half marathons from across the globe, to hopefully inspire and motivate you. Maybe you’ll see one you like the look of and take the plunge!

Death Valley Half Marathon – Inyo County, California – February 4th

Don’t let the fact that this is one of the hottest places in the world in the height of summertime put you off – this desert half marathon is a unique experience not to be missed. With average lows of 30 degrees and highs in the 70’s and a flat race course, it’s actually an ideal location to achieve a personal best time. Here you’ll run through mountain ranges and you’ll get to see unique flora and fauna only found on the desert floor.

Kona Half Marathon – Kona, Hawaii – June 25th

If you’re looking for a race where you can tie in a relaxing tropical holiday at the same time, this is the one. The perfect excuse for a vacation, this marathon was named one of the best in the nation by TripAdvisor. Starting at 6am, the race is definitely worth the early start as the race is held in the Waikoloa Beach Resort where you can relax afterwards.

Islandsbanki Reykjavik Half Marathon – Reykjavik, Iceland – August 19th

If you fancy a run in a cooler climate and an experience of a lifetime, then this is the race for you. Held annually in August, Iceland’s climate is a welcome break from the summer heat. Combine that with a flat and fast course and racing with a super international and diverse group of runners, this race is a dream. If you’re still standing afterwards, your grab bag includes entry to Reykjavik Culture Night, a city-wide party and a concert complete with fireworks.

Intertust Cayman Islands Half Marathon – George Town, Cayman Islands – December 3rd

Held in the capital city of Cayman Islands, this is an awesome destination race that is worth the journey. This is quite a tropical race, so if you’re used to running in hot and humid weather regularly you could get a personal best time. The race takes its course along the gorgeous waterfront, through South Sound (a neighbourhood boasting multi-million dollar homes) and finishing with ocean views.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya