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Speed It Up In Beirut

November 13, 2008 at 5:15 PM | 0 Comments

Oh, bowling and swimming weren't sporty enough for you? The country of Lebanon doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, which is just as well because you're not going to want to eat a classic turkey-and-potatoes dinner before the Beirut International Marathon on November 30. Well, the potatoes, maybe, but not the turkey.

The fifth annual run devotes its proceeds to cancer research and tracks along the city's Mediterranean coastline to the mellifluous tones of Miss Lebanon 2007. With average temperatures this time a year a balmy 66 degrees, runners won't feel the need to shed multiple layers of clothing along the 42 km route--which is good, 'cause you'll need to save that money you would have spent on Under Armour for the $1,100 round-trip plane ticket. (Know about a deal? Let us know!)

We hope you've already been training, though, because the deadline to run in this race is Saturday. (Underprepared? Consider the 5K "Mini Marathon" or 10K "Fun Run." Not that marathons aren't fun... right?)

Related Stories:
· Waterlogged Fun in Ohio [Jaunted]
· Simply Your Feast At Hancock's Shaker Village [Jaunted]
· Thanksgiving coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: nygus]

Rockin', Rollin' at the 2008 ING New York City Marathon

November 2, 2008 at 1:03 PM | 0 Comments

Well that was fast. It's barely 12:30 p.m. and the elite runners in the 2008 ING New York City Marathon are already finished, leaving the 26.2 mile course to the 38,000 or so slowpokes who don't enjoy the benefit of an early start time. We were up sort of early this morning due to the time change and wandered over to Greenpoint to check out some of the wheelchair athletes, who are among the first on the course. Rock bands were setting up on Bedford Avenue (Runnin' With the Devil is a particularly popular song on this stretch) and volunteers were pouring water and Gatorade into little cups in preparation for the onslaught of runners that are now chugging by. If you've never seen the marathon in person before, you might find the excitement surrounding it a little perplexing. After all, it's just a bunch of skinny people wearing spandex and looking miserable. But once you join the crowds that line the streets and cheer on a seemingly endless flow of amateur athletes - each with their own reasons for running - it's impossible to deny the raw, emotional power of this most ancient of sporting pastimes. You might even be inspired to sign up for next year's marathon. We'll get right on that, after lunch.

[Photo: Victor Ozols]

Related Stories:
· ING New York City Marathon [Official Site]
· Jaunted's Alternative Guide to the NYC Marathon [Jaunted]

Jaunted's Alternative Guide to the NYC Marathon

October 30, 2008 at 9:30 AM | 0 Comments

More than two million spectators will flood the five boroughs this Sunday for New York’s largest single-day sports event: The New York City Marathon.

If you’ve ever matched the marathon from the finish line in Central Park, it probably felt like all two million of them were right there with you. Crowds can be cool, but if you’re looking to catch the runners from a more secluded spot, check out Jaunted’s Alternative Guide to NYC Marathon Viewing:

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Marathon Month In The Outer Banks

October 29, 2008 at 12:03 PM | 0 Comments

Some would consider the month of November marathon season. After all, New York, Philadelphia and Seattle all run their 26.2 miles during the month. However, for most people, these races, especially the one in NYC, are quite difficult to register for--let alone qualify for.

However, there's also the Outer Banks Marathon set along the backdrop of North Carolina's barrier islands. It's a point-to-point course, meaning you won't have to circle back around and go past the same sights over and over again. Cool fall temperatures greet runners as they traverse sand dunes, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and of course, Albemarle Sound.

It's a pretty flat course except for when you cross the bridge around mile marker 23 onto Roanoke Island. If you're totally ridiculous, feel free to dress like a pirate---you won't be the only one! There's still time to register, but hurry up, as the starting gun fires on November 9.

Related Stories:
· OBX Marathon [Official Site]
· Marathons coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: jimslownsteady]

Labor Day Travel: Marathons and More in Santa Barbara

August 26, 2008 at 11:00 AM | 0 Comments

If your Labor Day plans usually involve a buffet of beer, burgers and beans, you may not be up for the Pier to Peak Half Marathon which takes place on August 31 and certainly looks like quite a challenge on paper.

Participants will start out on Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf and will make their way up through the city. Try not to stop for photos as you pass by the Santa Barbara Mission--though you might stop in and pray for a little extra energy. The race ends when you reach La Cumbre Peak and start to enjoy views of the city and the Channel Islands while you try to catch your breath.

If this isn't your idea of a relaxing holiday weekend, then take the opportunity to visit over 40 studios during the Santa Barbara Studio Artists annual tour. A $20 ticket will get you into all the studios and a Friday evening reception, with proceeds supporting the town's arts fund. Artists on hand will be more than willing to explain their work and, we're sure, send you home with an expensive souvenir.

Related Stories:
· Pier to Peak Half Marathon [Official Site]
· Santa Barbara Studio Artists [Official Site]
· Labor Day Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Matt (mistergoleta)]

Make the Most Out of Your Summer: Marathon

May 21, 2008 at 10:05 AM | 0 Comments

Sure, nothing beats a relaxing vacation on a tropical island, but sometimes you really need to get out there and do something. How 'bout running one--or all--of these marathons?

Finish off your training soon (you've been training, right?) for the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on June 1. You'll start with a tour through downtown and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, head around San Diego Bay, and even sneak by Sea World. You'll finish up at the airport but before you fly to your next marathon destination, stick around for a bit to enjoy the sounds of Pat Benatar. Guess that's the Rock 'n' Roll part.

Next, head out to the Big Island of Hawaii. Grab your race packet for the Kilauea Volcano Marathon on July 28. The course has changed a little bit this year thanks to Mother Nature, but it's still considered one of the world's most difficult races. If this sounds a little too intense, just sign up to be a volunteer and hand out water cups.

If you're still going strong after the first two races, catch a flight back to the mainland for The San Francisco Marathon on August 3. You'll start of at the Embarcadero at Mission Street, and run (or limp) along the waterfront, checking out Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. The highlight of the race is crossing the Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying the beautiful San Francisco Bay. Best of all, this run can qualify you for the Boston Marathon in 2009, if you're still able to walk.

Related Stories:
· Kilauea Volcano Marathon [Official Site]
· San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon [Official Site]
· The San Francisco Marathon [Official Site]
· Active Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: bam0027]

Fall Active Travel: New York City Marathon

November 2, 2007 at 10:00 AM | 0 Comments

This weekend, the streets of New York get even more harried than usual with the ING New York City Marathon. Saturday, more than 90,000 applicants take to the city's five boroughs. More than two million spectators are expected to stand idly along the sidelines, and more than 315 million people sitting in front of the TV will watch their fellow citizens test the limits of human ability.

Last year's winner, Marilson Gomes dos Santos, will return to compete. Santos wasn't quite the underdog — he wasn't even noticed as a possible contender. Cloaked in anonymity, the Brazilian runner snuck up in mile 19 to reach the finish line first. This time around, professional runners hoping to win a piece of $600,000 in prize money will definitely be keeping an eye out for him. Like 2006, it's still anyone's race. We'll be watching along 5th Avenue. Brunch after?

Related Stories:
· ING New York City Marathon [Official Site]
· Active Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Mike McD]

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