The Slowest Marathon in the World

by Iva Skoch on

Combining running with wine tasting? Leave it to the French to invent a marathon that actually sounds like fun. And reporting from Medoc, France over a glass of magnificent red wine, I can confirm that it is.

The annual Marathon du Medoc in the Bordeaux region of France ended just a few hours ago in scorching heat of some 100F. Although the fastest man ran the 42-kilometer (26-mile) track in 2 hours and 28 minutes, most other people did not run this for the adrenaline as much as the “vino”. Over 8000 people from all over the world came here to race through picturesque French villages dressed up in more or less creative costumes. I must say that there were disturbingly many men in drag or dressed up as babies, pacifier, diapers and everything. Pirates of the Caribbean and sailors of all kinds were a huge hit this year.

The marathon route goes through some of the best chateaux of this region and provide runners as well as spectators the opportunity to try Medoc’s wine. Hence the slowest marathon in the world title.

If you haven’t already, put this on your list of things to do before you die (or become lame). It is absolutely worth it.

Detroit Marathon Running – Crossing Borders

by Adrienne Wilson on

For folks that like to travel healthy and be on the run simultaneously the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon sounds like the type of event for you. Known as the only race course in the world that crosses U.S. and Canadian borders twice with an underwater international mile, the marathon is one of the fastest, spectator-friendly, qualifying races for a first-timer to enter. Judging from some of the comments by previous first-time Detroit runners at MarathonGuide this one seems like the crème de la crème in regards to race organization, course scenery, weather, not to mention water and gel stops to name a few.

Tomorrow, I myself will take the first step in embarking to the Detroit marathon by registering as a participant. While I may have spent the last 11 weeks walking across America the beautiful with 11 other people, I admit running a cool 26.2 miles seems a bit intimidating. There’s a whole different set of rules and training needed, though I’m certain I’ve gained the ability to be on my feet for an extended period of time walking 6 hours a day at least twice a week. Wish me luck or better yet, hope to see you in the races.

The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon takes places on October 29, 2006.

Combining Vacations with Marathons

by Karen Walrond on

I gotta tell ya:  when it comes to vacationing, often the last thing I want to do is move.  Oh, I like the occasional hike in Santa Fe, window shopping in Paris, or diving off the coast of Cayman, but other than that?  You’ll most likely find me lying on the beach somewhere.  With a beverage. With one of those little paper umbrellas.

I do know that someone, somewhere, disagrees with me on this point, and for the person whose idea of relaxation includes running a marathon (lunatic), this book’s for you:  CNN.com is reviewing a new book called “The Traveling Marathoner.”  The chapters of the book feature twelve marathons around the United States (one for each month of the year), and also provides details like how to register for each marathon, as well as places to stay and eat in each location, and what else there is to do… besides train, that is.

If you’re a runner, you might want to pick this book up.  But listen, if you happen to end up running somewhere where I happen to be vacationing, do me a favour, and don’t run too close to me.

You might blow the paper umbrella out of my drink.