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SUMMARY:Big Five Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Are you a thrill-seeking runner looking for your next big challenge? Look no further than the Big Five Marathon in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Known as the “world’s wildest marathon\,” this race is not for the faint of heart. The stunning surroundings are reason enough to take on the challenge but add in the fact that it takes place in the heart of a wildlife reserve\, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read on to learn more about the Big Five Marathon and why you should add it to your running bucket list. \nThe Course:\nThe Big Five Marathon takes place within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy\, which means runners are surrounded by some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife. As you run the 26.2-mile course\, you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five animals: lions\, leopards\, elephants\, buffalo\, and rhinos\, along with other incredible creatures such as giraffes\, zebras\, and wildebeests. Don’t worry\, though – the course is designed with safety in mind\, and rangers closely monitor the animals to ensure the safety of participants. \nThe course itself is challenging\, but the scenery and wildlife make it all worth it. Runners will traverse through mountains\, valleys\, grasslands\, and riverbeds\, all while surrounded by stunning views and incredible animals. It’s a truly unique race experience that you won’t find anywhere else. \nThe Community:\nOne of the most unique aspects of the Big Five Marathon is the impact it has on the surrounding community. The race is locally organized and works closely with the villages in the surrounding area. Community members are involved in everything from the race organization to the aid stations along the course. Additionally\, a portion of the race fees go towards conservation efforts in the area\, so not only are you getting to run through the wilderness\, but you’re contributing to its preservation as well. \nThe Preparation:\nIf you’re thinking of taking on this unique marathon challenge\, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First\, be prepared for the weather – the race takes place in June\, which is the middle of winter in South Africa. Temperatures can be chilly\, so pack accordingly. Second\, make sure you are properly trained for the course. The combination of hills\, uneven terrain\, and altitude make for a challenging run. Third\, don’t forget your camera! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some incredible wildlife\, and you’ll want to capture the memories. \nIf you’re looking for a race experience unlike any other\, the Big Five Marathon is the perfect choice. Not only will you get to push yourself physically\, but you’ll also have the chance to see some of the world’s most incredible animals in their natural habitats. It’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure\, running\, and conservation efforts into one unforgettable experience. So lace up your shoes\, pack your bags\, and get ready to take on the world’s wildest marathon. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races. \n \nRelated Races You Might Like\nLooking for more race options? Explore similar races: \n\nAdirondack Marathon Distance Festival\nAmazing Maasai Marathon\nAmsterdam Marathon\n\nSee our complete guides: Best California Races • Best San Diego Races
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/big-five-marathon/
LOCATION:Big Five Marathon | Location\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Road Races,Trail Races
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260621
DTSTAMP:20260523T221239
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SUMMARY:Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon\nNamed after legendary Olympian and Duluth native Garry Bjorklund\, this iconic half marathon is the high-energy opening act of Grandma’s Marathon weekend in Duluth\, Minnesota. With roughly 10\,000 runners toeing the start line each June\, it has grown into one of the largest half marathons in the United States — and one of the most beloved. \nThe Course\nThe Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is a USATF-certified\, point-to-point 13.1-mile course that begins north of Duluth along Scenic Highway 61 on the shores of Lake Superior. Runners follow the highway south\, hugging the lakeshore with panoramic views of the world’s largest freshwater lake. The route winds through downtown Duluth before delivering runners to the iconic finish line in historic Canal Park. The elevation profile is gently rolling with a net change of just -5 feet\, keeping the course accessible for all ability levels. Start corrals open at 5:50 a.m.\, with citizen waves beginning at 6:00 a.m. and staggered through 6:20 a.m. \nRace Day Experience\nRace morning begins early with official bus transportation — the only permitted method to reach the start line — departing from multiple locations including the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)\, Miller Hill Mall\, and UMD. At the finish line in Canal Park\, runners receive their finisher medal and T-shirt immediately after crossing. Recovery amenities include water\, sports drinks\, and a gear bag pickup area. The ASICS Results Tent in Bayfront Festival Park hosts finish line photo opportunities\, age division awards\, and the popular PR Pan and First-Time Finisher Bell from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A tearaway bib tag can be redeemed for a free beverage at Bayfront Festival Park. Pace groups are available from 1:30 to 2:45. \nWhy Run the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon?\nThis race carries the legacy of a hometown Olympian and is part of one of the most celebrated marathon weekends in the Midwest. The Lake Superior shoreline scenery is unmatched\, and the electric atmosphere of 10\,000 runners gives the event a major-race feel with a community spirit that keeps runners coming back year after year. The course is also fast enough to chase a personal best — in 2023\, four participants used the race as part of their qualifying journey for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Pace groups running from 1:30 to 2:45 make it a strong choice for runners chasing time goals. \nTravel & Logistics\nDuluth is approximately 150 miles north of Minneapolis and accessible via I-35. Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) or Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and rent a car. Race weekend hotel rooms sell out quickly — book as early as October when registration opens. The Canal Park and downtown Duluth areas offer a wide range of hotels\, inns\, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the finish line. The Duluth Transit Authority offers free rides on race day with your race bib. \nHow to Register\nRegistration opens at 7:00 p.m. CT on October 1 each year and sells out fast. Sign up early at the official Grandma’s Marathon website to secure the lowest entry fee and your preferred corral placement. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races.
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/garry-bjorklund-half-marathon/
LOCATION:Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon | Location\, McQuade Safe Harbor\, Duluth\, MN\, 55804\, United States
CATEGORIES:Road Races
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260620T073000
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SUMMARY:Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half
DESCRIPTION:Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon\nAlaska’s largest road race\, the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon takes place each June against the backdrop of one of the most stunning cities on earth. With views of Cook Inlet\, the Chugach Mountains\, and a course that winds through forested trails and wildlife corridors\, this event is on every bucket-list runner’s radar. \nThe Course\nThe marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. at ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium in Kincaid Park. The first mile descends through a cottonwood forest to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail\, where the next eight miles hug Cook Inlet with sweeping views of the Alaska Range. On a clear day\, runners may spot beluga whales in the water. At mile nine\, the course turns east toward the Chugach Mountains\, following Chester Creek Trail past Westchester Lagoon — a premier bird-watching spot featuring trumpeter swans and arctic terns. Miles 13 through 20 traverse Goose Lake\, the UAA campus\, and the sprawling 4\,000-acre Far North Bicentennial Park\, home to moose and bears. The final miles return along Chester Creek to Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage. The half marathon starts at 8:30 a.m. and follows the second half of the course. Both races are USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifiers. \nRace Day Experience\nBoth races finish at Delaney Park Strip in the heart of downtown Anchorage\, with a course cutoff of 3:00 p.m. The finish line festival features a festive Alaskan atmosphere with food\, live entertainment\, and community celebration. The race is held in mid-to-late June\, benefiting from Alaska’s legendary long daylight hours — expect up to 19 hours of sunlight on race day. Charity fundraising is woven into the race’s DNA\, with registration fees supporting local Anchorage causes and runners able to create personal fundraising pages. \nWhy Run the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon?\nThere is simply no other marathon like this one. Running through Anchorage’s forests\, along glacially-fed waterways\, and past genuine Alaskan wildlife is an experience that road racing alone rarely provides. The race draws competitors from across the U.S. and around the world\, yet retains the warm and welcoming community spirit that Alaskans are known for. As a Boston qualifier with a net downhill profile and challenging but manageable terrain\, it appeals to both competitive runners and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure race. It also supports meaningful local charitable causes. \nTravel & Logistics\nFly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)\, which receives direct flights from Seattle\, Portland\, Los Angeles\, and other major hubs. The race start is at Kincaid Park\, approximately 7 miles from downtown. Rental cars are widely available. Downtown Anchorage hotels offer the most convenient base\, putting you near the finish line\, restaurants\, and post-race entertainment. Book accommodations early — June is peak tourism season in Alaska. Anchorage also serves as a gateway to Denali\, Kenai Fjords\, and other world-class national parks for those extending their trip. \nHow to Register\nRegister online at the official Mayor’s Marathon website\, where you can also sign up as a charity fundraiser and explore volunteer opportunities. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races.
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/the-anchorage-mayors-half-marathon-marathon/
LOCATION:The Anchorage Mayor’s Half Marathon & Marathon | Location\, ConocoPhillips Soccer Fields\, Anchorage\, Alaska\, 99502\, United States
CATEGORIES:Road Races
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SUMMARY:Midnight Sun Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Imagine running a marathon under the never-setting sun\, where twilight merges into dawn without the cover of darkness. Welcome to the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø\, Norway—a unique racing event that promises not just a test of endurance but an unforgettable experience bathed in ethereal Arctic light. \nThe Enchanting Setting\nThe Midnight Sun Marathon takes place in Tromsø\, situated above the Arctic Circle. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic\,” Tromsø is a city rich with natural beauty and cultural history. During the summer solstice\, the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon\, offering runners a surreal backdrop of perpetual daylight. This phenomenon creates an atmosphere that’s both magical and invigorating. \nRace Details\nDate: The race typically occurs in late June\, aligning perfectly with the peak of the Midnight Sun. \nCourse: The marathon course weaves through the heart of Tromsø\, offering scenic views of fjords\, snow-capped mountains\, and charming Scandinavian architecture. The relatively flat route is perfect for both seasoned runners looking for a new personal best and beginners aiming to complete their first marathon. \nCategories: In addition to the full marathon\, the event includes a half marathon\, 10K race\, and a 4.2K fun run\, making it accessible for runners of all levels. \nUnique Challenges and Rewards\nRunning under the Midnight Sun presents its own set of challenges and rewards: \n1. Psychological Shift: The constant daylight can play tricks on your mind\, especially if you’re used to running marathons at dawn or in the evening. It’s crucial to pace yourself and stay hydrated. \n2. Climate Conditions: While the temperatures are generally mild\, they can vary. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather by layering your clothing appropriately. \n3. Scenic Distraction: The breathtaking scenery might tempt you to stop and take pictures. Don’t worry—many participants do exactly that! Just remember to keep moving and soak in the views as you go. \nTips for First-Time Participants\n1. Adapt Your Sleep Schedule: Arrive a few days early to adjust to the 24-hour daylight. Consider using blackout curtains in your accommodation to ensure quality sleep. \n2. Hydrate Well: Continuous daylight can lead to dehydration despite the cooler climate. Drink water regularly and make use of the hydration stations along the course. \n3. Embrace the Culture: Tromsø offers more than just the marathon. Explore local attractions such as the Arctic Cathedral\, Polaria Aquarium\, and the Tromsø Museum. Engaging with the culture will enhance your overall experience. \nConclusion\nThe Midnight Sun Marathon is more than a race; it celebrates nature\, endurance\, and human spirit. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure\, this marathon delivers an experience like no other. Lace up your running shoes\, embrace the magic of the endless sun\, and become part of a tradition that celebrates the wonder of the Arctic Circle. \nReady to embark on an unforgettable journey? Sign up for the Midnight Sun Marathon and let the eternal daylight guide your path to the finish line. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races.
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/midnight-sun-marathon/
LOCATION:Midnight Sun Marathon
CATEGORIES:Road Races
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