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Alternatives to the London Marathon

Disclaimer

Flora London Marathon 2008

This year, the Marathon will be run round London's streets on Sunday 13 April.

Climb has sponsored 19  places this year as well as other runners supporting the charity who gained their own places through the ballot.  If you are keen to run a marathon in 2008 or even 2009, please consider running for Climb.

Options for 2008

Why not consider running a different marathon?  Here are some suggestions:

Costa Rica 24 hour Adventure Race

                                                     29th November - 4th December 2007

This year's race takes place in the shadows of the active Arenal Volcano, creating a stunning backdrop to the event. Teams will navigate, trek, mountain bike, sea kayak, and traverse the rainforest canopy along a course of between 75 and 150 kilometers in 24 hours. This is the Adventure Race of a lifetime with teams competing over a variety of disciplines through a diverse range of environments.

Namibia 24 hour Desert Ultra Race

                                                   NEW DATES 4th - 11th April 2008

Enter a 120 km race over 24 hours through the most hostile desert coastline on the planet – the Namibian Skeleton Coast. The race takes you through gravel plains framed by distant ridges and mountains, past dramatic upheavals of granite inselbergs, and takes place under the clearest of blue skies. Participants will be required to remain self sufficient over the 24 hour period carrying their own food and equipment for the duration of the event although water will be provided every 20km.

(A shorter marathon route can also be run)

Laugavegur Ultra Marathon 2008 Iceland

                                                     10th-14th July 2008

Enjoy the ultimate endurance test in spectacular surroundings. The course takes you from the natural springs at Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, a valley nestled between two glaciers about 55 Km away.
The course is normally hiked in 4 days, and is one of the most beautiful in Iceland, stretching from Landmannalaugar in the highlands to Thorsmork, a natural reservation area. The race is multi-terrain (sand, gravel, grass, snow, ice, rivers and streams) and is well-marked with wooden markers to prevent runners from getting lost.

Taj Mahal Marathon
                                                    18th – 23rd September 2008

A stunning route that follows a good tarmac road through beautiful rural countryside and villages, before finishing up with the most perfect view of the Taj Mahal.  The highway runs through fertile fields dotted with eucalyptus trees and mango groves, and past small bazaars and hamlets lining the side of the road.  You really get to see the real India.  The extreme element for this marathon is the heat, temperatures can rise to around 35ºc during the day.

Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Ultra marathon + marathon distance

                                                     2008 dates to be confirmed

A 65 mile footrace from Flagstaff along trails to the edge of the Grand Canyon. This event is still in the planning stages and more details will be released shortly. Register your interest now to ensure you are one of the first to receive the final details.

For more information on any of the above extreme marathons, please contact Climb on 0845 241 2173 or e-mail frg.svcs@climb.org.uk to be put in touch with the expedition organisers.

If this is all a bit too much for you, why not register now for the 2009 Flora London Marathon and enter a local half marathon or the Great North Run or Great South Run in 2008 as part of your training?  Contact Climb for further information.