BOARDING PASS Marrakech Magic


RUNNERS NEEDING a post Christmas/New Year boost could do worse than check out the marathon/double marathon on January 27, 2013 in visitor friendly Marrakech. The event has grown in popularity with British runners in recent years because of economy flights from many UK airports including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds/Bradford and Newcastle; the mild climate in North Africa in January; and a race full of local colour.


Expect a relaxed approach to race organisation - previous participants have reported water stations every 5k, with fruit and sponges as extra for full marathon runners; no toilets though and scant vegetation along the route meant doing a ‘Paula’ is problematic! Half marathoners get a grand tour of Marrakech on a flat course while those going the full 26.2 miles head out of the city and


Seaside Special


YOU DON’T need to get your passport stamped to take part in the Cross Bay half marathon. Starting at Flookburgh in Cumbria and finishing in Hest Bank in Lancashire, around 400 runners are expected to cross Morecambe Bay on August 12. Legend has it that the route dates back to the 13th century when monks from the local abbeys served as guides to travellers.


NORTHERN RUNNING EGUIDE 20


Improvisation is the hallmark of good race organisation


enjoy a scene that includes camels, palm trees, desert vistas and a backdrop of the imperious Atlas mountains.


northern running Eguide’s secret tip - look up El Andalous Hotel, just 400 yards from the start and finish line, reasonably priced and a short walk from the city centre sights. Guide books say the orange juice in the main square is to die for; it is!


Check out event details at the Marrakech marathon website.


Choices In Riga


IF THE IDEA of running in the Baltics leaves you cold, the Nike Riga Run may change your mind! The 10K race on August 26 in the Latvian capital’s Mežaparks is a family friendly event. Enter as a runner, Nordic walker, cyclist,


roller skater, roller skier, or as part of a relay team. For more of a challenge, the Nordea Riga marathon takes place in June along the banks of the River Daugava - giving participants fantastic views of the 800 year-old port town.


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