Magnificent marathon destinations

Next month thousands will be taking to the streets of London to compete in the famous Flora London Marathon. For those who have always wanted to race, but haven’t made it into this year’s event, Flight Centre’s expert travel consultants have identified some of the top alternative and inspiring marathon destinations for your consideration.

Whether you want to pound the pavement in New York, visit the home of the very first marathon in Athens or run among the safari wildlife in South Africa - with more than 800 marathons organised around the globe each year, there is an abundance of destinations to choose from.

To book any of these holidays, visit Flightcentre.co.uk

Great Wall of China Marathon (17.05.08) – 7 nights from £775.00
Fancy a real challenge? How about a marathon along one of the wonders of the world? This holiday includes return flights and seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Novotel Peace hotel, Beijing. This offer is valid for travel on 13 May and offer ends on 30 April 2008.

South Africa Big Five Marathon (28.06.08) – 7 nights from £1195.00
Run amongst the fabulous wildlife of South Africa and take part in one of the most adrenalin filled marathons in the world. This holiday package includes return flights to Johannesburg, transfers and seven nights’ full board accommodation at the 4* Entabeni Ravineside Lodge including daily game drives. The offer is valid for travel on 24 June 2008 and offer ends on 31 March 2008.

New York Marathon (02.11.08) – 3 nights from £625.00
This holiday includes return flights and three nights’ accommodation at the 3* Washington Square hotel in New York – a perfect destination for those taking part in the New York marathon. This traditional, family-run hotel comes with a fully equipped exercise room for any last minute training. This offer is valid for travel on 1 November 2008 and offer ends on 31 March 2008.

Athens Marathon (09.11.08) – 5 nights from £595.00
The birthplace of the modern marathon is Athens and this holiday includes return flights with British Airways and five nights’ accommodation at the 5* St George Lycabettus Boutique hotel, Athens. The offer is valid for travel between 5 November – 12 November and offer ends on 30 April 2008.