As Christmas cheer and festive spirit fill our thoughts, it will not be long before the depression of January and the winter chill makes summer seem so far away. In addition, the inevitable New Year’s revolutions are broken even sooner than the hearts of Saint Valentine’s day.
Therefore, the more resolute among us are determined to shed the pounds or maintain their training by aiming for a marathon in 2015.
Whether you are an experienced pro who has been pounding the streets for many years, or a beginner who would like to push themselves by having the ultimate running challenge, 2015 could be your year to complete the gruelling task of 26.2 miles (42kms).
If you are a novice, it would be strongly advised to follow a programme to help get you in the perfect condition to run. Speak to an experienced runner or check out various programmes available online.
Here we have complied a list of some of the most sought after marathons in Europe.
Seville: February 22
For the most eager of runners, the Seville marathon is on the 22nd of February, and is preceded three weeks before by the half marathon, for those wishing to get in extra practice or opting for a shorter version.
The full event takes in all of the city’s highlights. Beginning in the Olympic Stadium, running along the Guadalquivir River and through some of Seville’s most historic parts, including the palatial surroundings of Plaza Espana, before a grandstand finish in the stadium once more.
Andalusia’s biggest city can have the marathon as early as February due to its mild winter climate and makes a perfect winter break to enjoy some winter sunshine.
As well as a beautiful old town, it also hosts one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Christopher Columbus’s remains are a huge part of the mystique attached to the city’s principle tourist attraction. As a result, you will find a monument in deference to the explorer just inside the door.
Due to all of this, it is little surprise that Seville’s marathon is in great demand. It is vital to book as early as possible, particularly coming so early in the year.
As for the course, it is of a flatter nature, and more ideally suited to a rookie, rather than an adrenaline junkie seeking high altitudes and steep climbs.
How to get there
Seville has its own airport and is a ten minute journey to the city centre with shuttledirect.
Furthermore, there are direct flights from London, Milan and Geneva, to name but a few.
Barcelona: March 15
Barcelona’s marathon on the 15th of March is one of Spain’s most popular races, with in excess of 17,000 runners expected to participate in the coming year.
Its popularity is hardly a surprise given the Catalan city’s high number of tourists visiting each year, never mind the fact that it is a place teeming with keen runners.
Barcelona’s coastal areas and boulevards are exploited to the full throughout the run.
However, there is much more besides to behold en route as it also takes in the wonderful architecture of the city’s most famous buildings, and in particular the work of Antoni Gaudi. The Sagrada Familia is a particular highlight as you pound the streets of Spain’s second largest city.
The marathon’s temperatures average between 13 and 17 degrees Celsius at the time of the race and has been an annual event since 1978.
How to get there
Barcelona’s El Prat Airport is Spain’s second largest airport with over 35 million passengers passing through its terminals every year.
From the airport to the city you can travel with shuttledirect in a quarter of an hour.
Other Marathons in Europe
| CITY | DATE |
| Rome | March 22 |
| Paris | April 12 |
| London | April 26 |
| Berlin | September 27 |
| Athens | November 8 |
