the adventure of participating in the great marathons of the world

The city of Buenos Aires experiences its 42 km marathon this Sunday and the excuse is perfect to talk about running trips.

And so we go to Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, London, New York: in addition to six incredible destinations, they are the cities that serve as the setting for the six most important marathons in the world, known as World Marathon Majors.

The combination of the attractiveness of these urban postcards together with the popularity of marathons in the runner worldtransform the “career and destination” combo into an object of desire for those who like to combine good trips with this sport.

Many Argentines have embarked on this adventure in recent years and there are different paths to follow. get a spot to race in these coveted events.

Sometimes you can participate in a raffle where “hundreds of thousands of people around the world sign up and access is very difficultbecause there are few places allocated,” explains Daniel Soprano from the Amaison agency, one of those that specializes in these events. Some are classified by brand – they are demanding – and not every fan can achieve it.

Romina Natali, from the Carreras Internacionales agency, adds that you can also enter through charitythat is, for being part of some solidarity initiative.

At the same time, to simplify participation for foreign visitors, the organizers of these marathons have designated official agencies in different countries that organize and offer packages with guaranteed places in the races to which they add hotel stay, air tickets and different accompaniment services for the runner and their family.

To achieve the dream of running in one of the Great Marathons, in Argentina you can find out in one of the three official agencies: Amaison (@amaisonarg), Carreras Internacionales (@carrerasint) and BE NEXT (@benext.com.ar).

Depending on what is included, a marathon package can cost between 2,000 and 5,000 dollars.

The profile of the runner-tourist has been growing and Romina, from Carreras Internacionales, assures that it was a phenomenon that occurred fundamentally after the pandemic.

“There was a time when they didn’t let us go running and when everything opened, it was like a ground wire. Each one channeled their problems through that side, I think it was something that greatly favored (the growth in demand for these marathons),” she says with conviction.

Daniel de Amaison points out that there are two profiles of Argentine marathon runners. On the one hand, those who dream of a particular career, such as New York or Berlin, and once they achieve it, they no longer repeat this proposal of “traveling and running.”

“On the other hand, the one that is most abundant is the one that mixes tourism with running. “He travels with his family and mixes his passion for running with resting or walking with his loved ones,” he says.

The different agencies agree that the ages of travelers They are very varied -from 30 to 60 years old-, with a balance in the number of women and men.

Romina adds that the great objective of some runners is medal of the six marathons.

“Once they run the six major marathons, they give the runner a medal called the 6-Star Finisher Medal.”

Strategically distributed throughout the year (three in each semester), you should know that, for example, for the races in the second part of 2024, all places are sold out. It is important that anyone who is determined to travel and run pay attention to the dates because, according to official agencies, packages with places for the following year go on sale approximately one month after each marathon is run.

• Berlin, Germany (9/29/2024)

This year he celebrates his 50 birthday. According to the official website, along the route, the German capital transforms into a gigantic party. In addition, they announce that they will begin the anniversary weekend with an opening ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate. There will be live bands and international stars.

According to Romina Natali, “in Berlin there are a lot of history“It’s beautiful to run there because you pass by a lot of emblematic places.”

Furthermore, being a flat raceis where most riders get qualifying time. The same thing happens in Chicago or London; The best times are done in those races.

www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com

• Chicago, United States (10/13/2024)

This race begins and ends at the emblematic Grant Park. According to Romina, like Berlin, it is a super fast race.

The official website reports that the application for the 2025 Chicago Marathon will be available later this year. It will be a mix of guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry applications, including the Time Qualification Program and High Performance Program entry routes.

The three Argentine tour operators are official agents of this marathon, therefore they will have space for next year.

• New York, United States (3/11/2024)

More than 50,000 people participate each year. According to the official website, 42 kilometers are traveled through the five boroughs of the city, to reach the finish line in Central Park.

Here is the people’s encouragement at every step. “It’s amazing to hear people cheering during the 42 kilometers,” says Romina.

The application period dates for the 2025 version of this marathon will be announced at the end of the year on the official website. There will be a drawing for accepted spots after the application period. International runners can purchase a travel package with an official guaranteed spot.

• Boston, United States (4/21/2025)

The Boston Athletic Association will celebrate the 129th Boston Marathon next year.

Registration for the qualifiers closed on Friday, September 13. Any rider who has achieved a qualifying time valid for Boston may submit an entry application. The qualification standards for the race can be consulted on the official website (www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon).

In South America There are few official operators for this competition. And in Argentina, Carreras Internacionales is the only one that has guaranteed spots without a qualifying time requirement and is selling packages.

www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon

“While it is inspiring to see the world’s leading athletes up close, recreational runners who run alongside elite athletes can also Run your way and according to your individual goals. It is the day in which 38,000 people are the protagonists,” they say from the official website.

Tokyo is spectacular because “during the entire circuit you go through the ancient and modern. It is a culture so different from ours that it is worth seeing,” Romina enthuses.

The two local operators, Amaison and Carreras Internacional have already started selling packages with space for this marathon.

• London, England (4/27/2025)

He ran for the first time in 1981 and it is one of the most popular in the world. The fact that the runners’ route passes through many of the best places of interest in the english capital: Buckingham Palace, The Cutty Sark (19th century English ship, now converted into a museum ship), Tower Bridge and the Canary Wharf business complex.

In addition, the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay – which began in 2020 – invites participants from anywhere in the world.

Registration for the draw for this race in the English capital has already been made, but travel packages with official places are currently on sale at the three aforementioned agencies.

www.tcslondonmarathon.com w