Chicago Marathon – a run through the Windy City

Chicago Marathon – a run through the Windy City

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the biggest Marathons in the world and also on of the 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors. It was number 4 on my list after London Marathon, Berlin Marathon and NYC Marathon. Chicago Marathon always takes place in October on the Sunday before Columbus Day (which is a public holiday in the USA).

I ran the Chicago Marathon just 4 months after the birth of my first son. Which was a pretty big challenge. The training with the weakened pelvic floor was not easy. And it was not easy to get all baby logistics right. Luckily, my fiancé came to Chicago with me, and watched our son during the race. He even met me halfway, and I was able to breastfeed the baby in a first aid tent along the way.

My finishing time was not great because of the breastfeeding break and the persistent abdominal cramps, but I still managed to finish what I’m incredibly proud of. And even more I was pleased that Paula Radcliffe handed me my medal at the finish. She was always a great source of inspiration for me during pregnancy and training.

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Ras al Khaimah – RAK Half Marathon

Ras al Khaimah – RAK Half Marathon

You probably have never heard of the Ras al Khaimah aka RAK Half Marathon. Which is a shame, because the RAK Half Marathon is one of the fastest Half Marathons in the world. It currently (2019) is the course of the European Record, set by Swiss runner Julien Wanders in February 2019..

The RAK Half Marathon is very fast and flat, but unfortunately also a bit boring, because it is located in a quite remote area. But you will definitely not miss your friends and family on the sidelines, and the weather will also very like be fantastic. One more cool thing: the official RAK Half Marathon race pictures are free for everyone afterwards.

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Frankfurt Marathon

Frankfurt Marathon

Frankfurt Marathon is the oldest road Marathon in Germany and always takes place at the end of Oktober. (This is actually very nice as it is generally the Sunday when Germany changes from summer to winter time and you get one hour of extra sleep.) Besides the Marathon the race also offers a relay marathon which is really popular as well.

Reykjavik Marathon

Reykjavik Marathon

Iceland has always been on my travel bucket list. When I heard there was a Marathon in Reykjavik happening in August, I absolutely had to go for my 12 Marathons in 12 months charity project. And I have to say that Reykjavik Marathon did not disappoint. The people were incredibly friendly, the scenery was fantastic and it was organized perfectly. There is not only the Reykjavik Marathon, but also a Half Marathon, a 10km and several fun runs. So even if you are not into running the full 42.2 km distance, it is a good reason to travel to Iceland. And the best thing: later that day the famous Cultural Night is happening, with concerts and art installations taking place all over town, finishing with giant fireworks.

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Königsschlösser Romantik Marathon Füssen

Königsschlösser Romantik Marathon Füssen

You might have never heard of the German town Füssen. But you’ve probably heard of Neuschwanstein castle, the famous castle of King Ludwig of Bavaria, which is located nearby. The Königsschlösser Romantik Marathon is a small local race that covers exactly this area and runs past the pretty castles and lakes of the Füssen area. They offer a Half Marathon and 10km race on Saturday, as well as a Marathon on Sunday. I ran it as marathon no. 8 of my 12 Marathons in 12 months project, and really enjoyed the castle view (after Disney castle, Prague castle and Liechtenstein Vaduz castle).

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