Long Haul/short Haul
The Kosice Peace Half Marathon and the Victoria Marathon
Victoria Marathon BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, OCTOBER 7 Vancouver Island, where this race is run, is a 300km-long island of rainforests, fishing villages, beaches and small towns – and you’ll get a good idea of what it has to offer on this lovely route. This is a destination race for the type of runner who chooses holidays based on the quality of the race as well as the location. The island is an outdoorlover’s paradise and the race is very welcoming – the seaside course includes what the organisers call ‘mild undulations’.
FLIGHTS from £739rtn with BA from various UK airports. Connecting flight or ferry to Victoria. WHILE YOU’RE THERE… For a break from natural attractions, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum to learn about the history of the island (royalbcmuseum.bc.ca). Most people take the ferry back to Vancouver, but if you treat yourself to a flight on a seaplane, you’ll be glad you did. The views are stunning. runvictoriamarathon.com Kosice Peace Half Marathon SLOVAKIA, OCTOBER 7 This will be the 25th staging of this lovely half in Slovakia. The route is flat and fast, and a great option if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track that can still offer the chance of a PB. If you want to go longer, try the marathon – it’s been going since 1924, making it Europe’s oldest 26.2-miler.
from £167rtn with Wizz Air from Luton Airport FLIGHTS WHILE YOU’RE THERE… Chill by the singing fountains in the city centre, which rise and fall on the hour to the sound of music.