Where to travel while training for a marathon

No matter how elaborate or foolproof your marathon training schedule is even the most committed runners need a break every now and then. But there’s no need to fall behind as we’ve collected the best destinations to travel when you’re training for a marathon.

Chicago in USA

The secret to keeping your marathon training intact can be as simple as picking the right hotel. With running marathons in far-flung places becoming a trend, the hospitality industry is getting smarter about how they cater for travellers in training. The Four Seasons in Chicago, for example, offers guests a specially-designed map of the best running routes in the city. It’s made from the same fabric as the Chicago Marathon running bibs, making it easy to fold and waterproof.

Buenos Aires in Argentina

It’s not just hotels that are getting more marathon-friendly. Cities like Buenos Aires have started offering running tours, for travellers who want to keep up their training and get in plenty of sightseeing. The Urban Running Tours take place daily and offer a variety of experiences, from park runs through Buenos Aires’ vibrant Palermo Lake to art and culture tours of the city centre. If an afternoon dashing around the city leaves you with energy to burn, the Lemon Apartments offer free bike rental and have their own pool.

Istanbul in Turkey

When it comes to running tours Istanbul has taken things a step (or a stride) further by coordinating the Maraton Türk. This running tour of the city starts at the Atatürk Bridge and includes a 5km run on the European side of the city before being transported via boat or train to Asia, where you’ll run another 2km and finish with a glass of traditional Turkish tea . Stay near the tour’s starting line at the self-catered White Rose Apart.

Madeira in Portugal

Not only can you make travel part of your training routine, there are some destinations that will actually enhance your marathon prep. The Portuguese island of Madeira has a similar climate to popular marathon destinations like Morocco and is, therefore, an ideal place for warm-weather training. Especially in the winter months. There are a number of running camps on the island but the local running clubs have also designed their own routes for visiting marathon trainees. After a long day training and sightseeing, retreat to the Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol spa for a pampering cooldown.

Nevis in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Travel can disrupt even the most ironclad training routine but a week on the small Caribbean island of Nevis will help you keep the momentum. Nevis’ high temperatures mean that all the local runners train at the same times: first thing in the morning and at sunset. This provides visitors with both a ready-made running community while also making the most of the island’s snorkeling, sunbathing and swimming. The Sealofts self-catered apartments are just 10-minutes’ walk from the beach.

Dolomites in Italy

For those runners who like to learn a bit about the history of the places they visit, the Dolomite region of Italy has more than enough to keep you happy. Traditional running routes incorporate the mountainous terrain and include stretches of hiking the Tre Cime peaks, while specialised runs take you through historic tunnels and war memorials. These memorials commemorate the Dolomites World War One casualties and visits can be booked via the Tracks and Trails company. Guarantee yourself views of the Sella and Odle mountains by checking into the Hotel Cendevaves.