Bhutan

• Marathon Bhutan (Sunday)

Canada

• Pride of Canada Marathon (Sunday)

Denmark

• Århus Marathon (Saturday)

Finland

• Kuopio marathon (Saturday)

Germany

• ebm-papst Marathon (Sunday)
• Flensburg Marathon (Sunday)
• Fränkische Schweiz - Marathon (Sunday)
• Hochstift-Marathon Fulda (Sunday)
• Hoyerswerda Marathon (Saturday)
• Internationaler Usedom Marathon (Saturday)
• Oderbruch-Marathon (Saturday)
• Saarschleife-Marathon (Sunday)
• Stadtjubiläumsmarathon Oldenburg (Sunday)

Japan

• Hokkaido Marathon (Sunday)

Netherland

• Haarlemmermeer Marathon (Sunday)
• Maas en Waalse Dijkenloop (Sunday)

Slovenia

• Supermarathon Celje (Saturday)

Switzerland

• Jungfrau Marathon (Saturday)

United Kingdom

• Carver Wolverhampton City Marathon (Sunday)
• Kent Coastal Marathon (Sunday)
• Moray Marathon (Sunday)

United States of America

• Big Bear Marathon (Saturday)
• Dances With Dirt - Hell (50km) (Saturday)
• Mid Mountain Marathon (Saturday)
• Moose Mountain Marathon (Saturday)
• Provo Canyon Marathon (Saturday)
• Skagit Flats Marathon (Sunday)
• Stumpy’s Marathon (Sunday)

GO! St. Louis is a non-profit organization which encourages individuals and families in the region to adopt a healthy lifestyle by getting fit, staying active, and eating a nutritional diet year round. The organization accomplishes this through school based programming, outreach to senior/retirement centers, community collaborations and the creation of new and unique fitness opportunities. The GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend is the organization’s signature event.

Hello, on April 19st 2009, you’ll be organizing the GO! St. Louis Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The GO! St. Louis Marathon starts and finishes in the historic St. Louis downtown area. St. Louis, known as the Gateway to the West is a city rich in history, which is evident in the architecture rich buildings along the course.

How old is the marathon and why was it created in the first place?
The GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend started in 2000 and has grown from 2,500 participants to more than 18,000 in 2008. The original idea for the event was to create a weekend of family fitness events for all ages and fitness abilities. Although the Marathon and Half Marathon attract the majority of runners and walkers, the overall event is geared for the entire family.

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The race course is one of the most popular attractions for participants. The course starts in downtown St. Louis and includes views of the famed Gateway Arch. The course also includes Busch Stadium, where the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals play, the Anheuser-Busch brewery, the expansive Forest Park (second only to Central Park in size), the Delmar Loop (voted one of the top streets in the U.S.) and the beautiful Washington University campus.

How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
The Marathon and Half Marathon will attract close to 20,000 participants in 2009. Although a good portion of the participants are from Missouri and Illinois, we had competitors from 46 states and eight countries last year.

Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
In addition to the endurance race on Sunday, we coordinate various other events for all ages and abilities. On Saturday (April 18), we hold a Family Day with a 5K, Children’s Funs Runs, Diaper Dash and a Mature Mile for older adults.

At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
April is a great time to visit St. Louis. Traditionally the weather at the start of the race will be in the 50-60 degree range, which is perfect running weather

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
As part of the weekend, we have a local band that entertains in the post-race reunion area, along with food and drinks. The marathon course is lined with various entertainment and neighborhood gatherings.

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to St. Louis before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
In general, St. Louis is a city that has a lot to offer. Things to do while visiting St. Louis may include: St. Louis Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, City Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour, Forest Park, Saint Louis Science Center and the diverse restaurants located throughout the area.
The Central West End and Delmar Loop offer an array of restaurant choices.

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the GO! St. Louis Marathon?
The GO! St. Louis Marathon is a race that prides itself on top quality runner amenities and services, from the special technical shirts, finishers hats and large finisher medals to the plentiful water/energy stations and experienced medical staff. Proof is in the increased participant registrations, which have increased 700% since the event debuted.

Thank you Jeff

If you need more information :

• Official Website of the GO! St. Louis Marathon
• GO! St. Louis Marathon on 42k195.com

Australia

• Asics Adelaide Marathon (Sunday)
• Shepparton Runners Club marathon (Sunday)

Austria

• Internationaler Silvretta-Ferwall Marathon (Sunday)

Czech Republic

• Rychnov Classic Marathon (Sunday)

Denmark

• Marathon Bornholm (Sunday)

Germany

• Hunsrück Marathon (Sunday)
• Moor marathon (Sunday)

Switzerland

• Alpen Marathon - Marathon des alpages (Saturday)

United States of America

• Idaho State Pocatello marathon - Running the Gap (Saturday)
• Monster Marathon (Sunday)
• New Mexico Marathon Plus (Sunday)
• Tupelo Marathon (Sunday)

We’re comming back on the Vancouver Island in British Colombia - Canada to learn a little more about the Edge to Edge Marathon. Danielle Stothers kindly accepted to answer my questions.

Danielle is working for the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce as the Special Events Coordinator focusing primarily on the Edge to Edge Marathon. She arrived in Ucluelet 3 years ago, coming from Ontario and fell in love with the scenery and local charm of the area. She is also passionate about the outdoors, fitness and community.

Hello, on June 14th 2009, you’ll be organizing the Edge to Edge Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The Edge to Edge Marathon is located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, BC.

The marathon starts in the small town of Tofino and ends in the small town of Ucluelet. A perfect 42.2 km apart from each other through the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

You will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year. Why was it created in the first place and how has it evolved during the past years?
2009 is our 10th anniversary and we have come along way with this race. It all started with locals tossing the idea back and forth for some time and in 2000 the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce received a millennium grant to help with the start up costs, marketing etc.

The race was created to introduce a healthy, active event to the west coast that both Tofino & Ucluelet could share. It is a sport tourism event for the area and is considered a destination run for many runners. Locals on the west coast take a great deal of pride into this event and we have almost 300 volunteers who come out and help put on this massive event.
The race has since grown from 250 runners to almost 800. The 5 person Team Relay has always been an early sell out at 60 teams, and in 2006 the half marathon course was introduced. Last year we sold out of half marathon spots and are opening it up to 400 runners in 2009. The Edge to Edge is a fun and true west coast event; hopefully that will never change.

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The Marathon & Team Relay start in Tofino through the town, along Tofino’s bike path, then they take a right and head down to gorgeous Chestermans’ beach for 1.5 km.

This beach is nice hard packed sand with views of the open Pacific ocean, a true highlight for most participants. After the beach they head back to the road where they run through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Old growth rainforest trees and a few glimpses of the Pacific Ocean make this the ultimate scenic marathon.

Once out of the Park runners are now headed towards Ucluelet along the paved bike path. Water Stations, traffic control and first aid volunteers are set up along the way cheering runners on, ensuring the safety of each and every runner and providing water, energy gels or first aid if needed. The marathon ends in the quaint downtown harbour of Ucluelet. Post race food and celebrations follow.

How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
In 2009 we are expecting 800+ runners. The race usually attracts experienced runners who consider this race a “destination marathon”; one to see and check off their list once accomplished.

Corporate teams or groups of friends take the relay challenge just for fun. Also, Vancouver Island has a very large and enthusiastic running population. A large percentage of runners come from the Island either returning from the previous year or after hearing from a friend how challenging and rewarding it is.

100% of participants surveyed said they would return to the Edge to Edge in the future.

Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
The Half Marathon is 21.2 km, also Sunday, June 14th, 2009.
The Relay is a 5 person relay totally 42.2 km. each leg is approx. 8-14 km in length.

At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
The weather on the west coast can be very unpredictable. In June the weather is typically warming up (15-20 C) but the chance of rain is always prevalent.

The West Coast can be very rainy and foggy at times and this means cold, damp conditions for running. In 2008 we had near perfect weather with light rain in the morning and sun in the afternoon making it not too hot or too cold for participants and volunteers comfort. We tell runners to be prepared for rain, sun, hot and cold.

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
On the Saturday prior to the event we have a Carbo-Load dinner for the runners. We have local sponsors BBQ fresh salmon, cook heaps of spaghetti with homemade sauce, fresh salads, refreshments and the fabulous table of home made desserts made entirely by our community.

There is live music, a loonie/toonie draw and great door prizes.
Post-race there is the awards ceremony and possibly in 2009 a post race street party to celebrate the 10th anniversary with more live music, food and prizes.

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Tofino before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?

Each runner receives their race information with local maps, a “Where to Eat” flyer and brochures from local tourist providers.

That being said, I would recommend everyone take some time in the National Park- hiking, running, surfing, bird watching etc. It is endless with possibilities- don’t forget your camera!

Also, enjoy some local fresh seafood; both Tofino & Ucluelet sell local seafood either for you too cook yourself or in one of the many fabulous restaurants on the West Coast- salmon, halibut, prawns, oysters, crab etc. Not to be missed!

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Edge to Edge Marathon?
The E2E is the ultimate scenic race, a very challenging test of endurance with limited registration not to be missed by true adventure enthusiasts.

Thank you Danielle

If you need more information :

• Official Website of the Edge to Edge Marathon
• Edge to Edge Marathon on 42k195.com

Australia

• Mudgee Marathon (Sunday)

Canada

• Quebec City Marathon/Marathon des Deux Rives (Sunday)

Denmark

• Viborg City International Marathon (Sunday)

Germany

• Edersee-Marathon (Sunday)
• Koberstädter Wald-Marathon (Sunday)
• Müritz Lauf (Saturday)
• Plöner-See-Marathon (Sunday)

Iceland

• Reykjavik Marathon (Saturday)

Irland

• Longford Marathon (Sunday)

New Caledonia

• Marathon de Nouméa (Sunday)

New Zeland

• Shoe Clinic Hawkes Bay Marathon (Saturday)

Switzerland

• RUBI Classic Bielersee-Marathon (Saturday)

United States of America

• Mesa Falls Marathon (Saturday)
• Park City Marathon (Saturday)
• Run With The Horses Marathon (Saturday)

Zimbabwe

• Victoria Falls Marathon (Sunday)

Hello, on March 29th, you’ll be organizing the Terrapin Mountain Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The race is held in Sedalia, Virginia USA about 15 minutes from Bedford, Virginia.

Why was it created in the first place?
Ten years ago there was a half-marathon version that lasted only two years. It was a great race on a great mountain and I wanted to bring it back as a full marathon.

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
It is a very challenging course including steep terrain as well as technical trails and a couple stream crossings. Runners follow the Terrapin Mountain trail for most of the race.

How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
This is the second year and we plan to double the 140 entrants we had last year. This past year we had a very competitive race with only 15 seconds between the overall men’s winner and second place. We also have recreational runners who attend.

Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
In addition to the marathon, I have brought back the original half-marathon race as well.

At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
The end of march can bring a variety of weather; it could range from 5 to 20 Celsius.

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
In the future we plan to include family-oriented activities during the race weekend.

2008 top 5 runners

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Sedalia before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
They should hike the nearby Peaks of Otter Mountains, visit the WWII D-Day Memorial in Bedford, and take in some of the many local Civil War sights.

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Terrapin Mountain Marathon?
If you are looking for a challenging trail marathon with beautiful scenery, managed professionally and definitely not like your usual road marathon, then Terrapin is a great choice.

Thank you Clark

If you need more information :

• Official Website of the Terrapin Mountain Marathon
• Terrapin Mountain Marathon on 42k195.com

Australia

• Alice Springs Marathon (Sunday)

Austria

• Wienerwald Marathon (Saturday)

Canada

• Log Train Trail Marathon (Sunday)
• Yellowknife Overlander Marathon (Sunday)

Denmark

• Grenaa Marathon (Saturday)

Finland

• Gatorade Helsinki City Marathon (Saturday)

Norway

• Lofoten Maraton (Saturday)
• Ringeriksmaraton (Saturday)
• Stavanger Marathon (Saturday)

United States of America

• Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon (Saturday)
• Grizzly Marathon (Saturday)
• Humpy’s Marathon (Sunday)
• Leading Ladies’ Marathon (Sunday)
• Pikes Peak Marathon (Sunday)

Photo by courtesy of j.arsenault

Hello, on February 15th, you’ll be organizing the first edition of the first IMS Arizona Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The IMS Arizona Marathon (IMS stands for Integrated Medical Services) is held in Arizona. It will run through 4 west valley cities  (ie. cities just to the West of Phoenix, AZ). The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is approximately 15 minutes away.

It is the inaugural edition. Why was it created in the first place?
We created the marathon to increase health awareness while showcasing cities of the west valley. Hosted by a non-profit organization, the IMS marathon committee is comprised of community leaders from all over the Phoenix valley.

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The proposed route starts at the base of Estrella Mountain in Goodyear runs by the Cleveland Indians Spring Training Stadium continues to Avondale taking the runners by the Estrella Community College. The runners will continue running through Litchfield Park, home of the Wigwam Golf Resort and Red Door Spa. The course then takes runners by Luke AFB home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon finishes in Glendale at the Westgate Center home of Super Bowl XLII. The marathon will be a Boston Qualifier.

How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
We expect more than a thousand runners to join us for this inaugural race. All types of runners are welcome. From 6 minute miles to 14 minute miles. For participants safety the course will close in 6 hours.

Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
Half Marathon and team relay marathon

At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
February is a beautiful time in Arizona. The average high 67 F.

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
Absolutely instead of organizing a carbo dinner we are asking all local business to give us discount coupons so that our participants can have all sorts of options for the pre-race dinner. A band and awards ceremony will be immediately following the event.

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Glendale before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
We will have set-up information desks to help guide people to different areas of our city depending on their interest. ie; Golf, zoos, Grand Canyon, lakes, desert hiking, jeep tours, mountain biking, relaxing by the pool.

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Arizona Marathon?
We want all levels to participate…just put on your shoes and come play in the Arizona sun and be a part of this family oriented event!

Thank you Debra

For more information:

• Official site for the IMS Arizona Marathon
• IMS Arizona Marathon on 42k195.com

Austria

• Kainach Bergmarathon (Sunday)

Canada

• ING Edmonton Centenial Marathon (Sunday)
• Loop the lake Marathon (Saturday)

Germany

• Monschau Marathon (Sunday)

Greenland

• Nuuk Marathon (Saturday)

Norway

• Kongsvinger Maraton (Saturday)

Panama

• Panama City International Marathon (Sunday)

Sweden

• Vértex Fjällmaraton (42.5km) (Saturday)

United States of America

• Crater Lake Rim Runs (Saturday)
• Haulin’ Aspen Marathon (Sunday)
• Paavo Nurmi Marathon (USA) (Saturday)

1) Hello, on March 22nd 2009 you’ll be organizing the International Marathon of Ouarzazate. Can you tell us where it is located?
The city of Ouarzazate is a striking mix of oasis, kasbah and flowery valleys.
It is located on a vast desert plateau that draws tourists from many different countries. Under the shades of the palm trees, lies Ouarzazate, leaving behind her a tremendous rocky desert swept up by all the winds from Sahara.

Several film studios are located here, giving to Ouarzazate the nickname of African Hollywood city ….

2) It’s the tenth edition of the race. Why was it created in the first place?
Our simple goal for the second edition of the International Marathon of Ouarzazate is to do a better job than last year.
We wish to provide to our attendees both a sportive and human pleasure.

Additionnaly, we would also like to have an even larger mobilization from Ouarzazate citizens, in order to increase the growing reputation of our city, well beyond the Moroccan borders, as the African Hollywood city, its warmth and friendliness.

3) What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The route is made of 8km of road and 22 km of desert trail. It goes through mountains, dry wadi, Ouarzazate palm groves, sandy places, some oasis, along with film studios, where famous films have been recorded such as Kundun, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Astérix et Obélix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile from Lewis Teague, The Sheltering Sky from Bernardo Bertolucci, and long time ago Ali baba et les 40 voleurs from Jacques Becker and of course Lawrence of Arabia.

4) How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
We are expecting more than 2,000 male or female amateurs and professionals runners.

5) Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
No.

6) At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
Beautiful weather with a temperature between 18°C and 26°C (64°F to 79°F).

7) Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
A great musical party will take place animated by local traditional bands.

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Sommacampagna before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?

After the Marathon, runners will be invited for a meal in the unforgettable PETITRIDE restaurant. After that, I would advise to visit some shops in the Souk, behind the historical Kasbah to find gifts for your family.

Do not forget to visit the films studios with their prestigious sets. And to finish your visit, I would suggest a walk to see the largest pedestrian square of the city.

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Maratona Internazionale del Custoza ?

Our Super International Marathon of Ouarzazate is beyond the sportive adventure. It is the discovery of new territories and rare places. Enjoy your run !

The route has been chosen to give pleasure to runners, to let them discover untouched landscapes, an authentic city and share together the true value of sport. This marathon has to be yours, you will have the opportunity to discover, taste and appreciate Ouarzazate with all its outstanding sites, without moderation.

Thank you very much Brahim

For more information:

• Official site for the International Marathon of Ouarzazate
• International Marathon of Ouarzazate on 42k195.com