18 Jul Summer Marathons: Top 10 Marathons for Summer 2022
Warmer weather means preparation for marathons is underway. With regular weight lifting, gym exercise and on the road for a run, your preparations will catapult your finishing position. From the London marathon to the ABP Newport Wales Marathon, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming competitions you might want to enter.
Top 10 Summer Marathons for 2022
1. Dundee Marathon (July 17)
The Dundee Running Adventure Marathon features both a marathon and half marathon around the 26-mile circular course surrounding Dundee. The event occurs in Camperdown Park, Dundee, where it starts and ends. Running on this route begins with a slight incline, so training is recommended if you are not accustomed to running on hills. There is a mix of roads, trails, paths and pavements along the route. Meanwhile, stops allow runners to breathe and admire the scenic vistas. Each runner must finish the marathon in 6 hours or less and the half marathon in 3 hours or less.
2. Fairlands Valley Challenge Marathon (July 17)
Fairlands Valley Challenge Marathon is a series of races. These include a half marathon, an 18-mile race and a 50-kilometre race. Each set of races has a walker and runner division. Along with roads, there are bridleways, tracks and footpaths. The course has many hills along the way, making it a challenging race. It’s also self-navigated, so written instructions are provided to runners to keep them from getting lost.
3. Indian Queens Half Marathon (August 7)
This half marathon offers lovely scenery and a low-key atmosphere. It is capped at 800 participants. This event is held in Indian Queens, with the starting and finishing points outside the Indian Queens Working Men’s Club. A majority of the route is rural and undulating.
4. Burnham Beeches Half Marathon (August 14)
In this half marathon, you will find a mixture of flat and undulating trails on paved and rural roads. The route runs through the ancient Burnham Beeches woods, offering the perfect summer running environment. Participants will run two laps around Farnham Common, starting and finishing at Caldicott School.
5. Coll Half Marathon (August 20)
The Cal Mac ferry terminal is where this race begins. On the island, runners will run clockwise, passing by several picturesque villages along the route. The availability of hotels on Coll Island is typically limited, so runners should book their rooms well in advance. Only 300 runners are allowed to register.
6. Bath Marathon (August 21)
As the longest underground running race in the world, the Two Tunnels Bath Marathon is unlike any other. It passes through newly restored railway tunnels deep beneath Bath, a World Heritage Site. Along the way, you will see the city and the countryside at their best.
The event also features the Bath half marathon and 10km, 5km and Colourburst races, providing a fun sporting event for the whole family. On the course, nine Feed Stations serve a variety of tasty treats, including flapjacks and Jaffa cakes.
7. Fleetwood Half Marathon & 10K (August 21)
The race runs along Fleetwood’s Outer Promenade and Esplanade, starting at Marine Hall Gardens. The route also offers excellent views of Morecambe Bay. This marathon caters to runners of all abilities and provides a friendly and fun atmosphere.
8. The Big Pilgrimage (August 22)
This is a point-to-point marathon. It begins along the recently discovered Pilgrim Trail known as ‘The Old Way’. This ancient route takes runners on scenic trails through the countryside and along the coastline. Among the landmarks you will pass on your way are Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey. Overlooking Portsdown Hill, Fort Nelson is the marathon’s finish line location.
9. Kimbolton Castle Half Marathon (August 28)
This race, where 800 runners are allowed to participate, will take place in an impressive setting with a stunning finish line backdrop. Several country roads make up the one-lap, undulating route.
Runners will begin the half marathon on the grounds of Kimbolton Castle and make their way through Kimbolton High Street and several villages en route to the castle for an iconic finish. There will be full marshalling and police supervision on the course. Whatever your running goals, this half-marathon is perfect for anyone searching for a scenic run.
10. Canterbury Half Marathon (August 29)
Half marathon runners will take on challenging country lanes during this race. The event will feature a two-mile fun run and a race for children. Its maximum entry number is 1500.
BONUS: Autumn Races to Keep an Eye on
· Richmond Marathon (September 11)
The Richmond Marathon is considered one of the world’s most scenic marathons. Its route passes Kew Gardens, Richmond Bridge and Hampton Court Palace. Additionally, it is suitable for beginners.
· London Marathon (October 2)
This marathon has an extremely high registration rate. It features outrageous costumes and anything goes, attracting both runners and spectators. The race begins in Greenwich Park, near the Observatory. A few famous sites along the way include the London Eye, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. This marathon would be a good choice if you would like to check out a few of London’s landmarks.
· ABP Newport Wales Marathon (October 23)
This race has become a favourite among runners among the flattest marathon courses in Europe. Its route boasts stunning scenery and iconic landmarks.
Prepare Your Marathon Training Plan Now
If you have no running experience, expect to spend 15-16 weeks preparing for your marathon. In three to four months, most novice runners can be ready to run a half marathon. Meanwhile, suppose you’ve been training regularly for at least six months, or you’ve run a half-marathon before. In that case, you should start your half-marathon training plan 8 weeks to 12 weeks before the race.
If it’s your first time entering a marathon, or you aim to improve your previous performance, having a training plan and working with experts can give you the best chance of success. Contact VH&F now to learn how we can help you reach your marathon goals.