Perhaps you’ve recently conquered your first 10K or half marathon. Whatever your inspiration, if you’ve got a taste for longer distance running and you’re looking to try a new challenge, a beginner friendly marathon might be what you’re looking for.
Even if you’ve never laced up a pair of running shoes in your life, chasing a marathon finish is a great way to find motivation. And if chasing an audacious goal like a marathon finish isn’t enough, you could use it as an excuse to travel. Here are our favourite UK and European marathons for new runners and first timers.
Seville Marathon, Spain
A relatively new marathon, the Seville offers a smaller pool of runners which leaves the field less crowded. They’re extremely well set-up with plenty of water and refuelling stations along the route, particularly toward the end of the course. It’s a flat course and the cooler February weather provides a comfortable atmosphere.
Berlin Marathon, Germany
An exciting beginner friendly marathon the Berlin track offers over 40 000 runners the experience of running in a crowd. Once you pass the 25-kilometre mark, you can stop for a massage every 5 kilometres for a little recovery mid-race. This flat course is ideal for those looking to wet their marathon feet.
Ikano Bank Robin Hood Marathon, Nottingham
A good beginner friendly marathon, Nottingham offers both half and full marathon distances. Both races begin at the same time, so while the first half will be a little busier, the crowd thins at the business end. It’s a flat road course with occasional rough patches. Bands and entertainment along the route help to keep the runners going too.
SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, Ireland
The Dublin marathon is highly recommended as a beginner friendly marathon. It has mild elevations, cool weather and is a once-around course, which avoids the mental exhaustion of a two-lap race. There’s also no lottery to get in (as there are for extremely popular races), rather, it’s first come, first served for the 20 000 competitors. Plus there’s no qualifying time required, so really there’s no excuse not to sign up and give it a go.
Enertor insoles are designed by podiatrists to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. A great addition to any marathon runner’s kit!