5 Tourism Gym Bucket List Runcations: Ladies Take Your Pick!
I have taken more than 100 people on one of my tours. They love knowing that they can go the distance, expand their boundaries, and reach the destination at the end. Many of them are amazed they can walk 5, 6, 7 miles. I always say the same thing: so, you have walked 6 miles, have you ever thought about completing a half marathon? If they still don’t they can do it, I pose the question that makes them think. What if your race was in an bucket list destination like Thailand or Australia? Would you do it. At this point, their eyes glaze over as they imagine themselves there. If you are looking for a new goal for 2023 and you can see yourself at the finish line in a bucket list destination, keep reading. Here are 5 half marathons that you can plan this year.
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
In this amazing race, you can run among the magnificent ruins of the Khmer Empire including the famous Bayon Temple. The Angkor Wat International Marathon accommodates all fitness levels including walkers. Enjoy a Sunset River Cruise in Siem Reap to celebrate your accomplishment. Before coming home, be sure to stops in Hanoi, Vietnam and Halong Bay to enjoy the Surprising Caves and Vietnamese culture. Added bonus: Angkor Wat International Marathon benefits victims of landmines and HIV/AIDS. Another added bonus: there are monkeys on the race course so take plenty of pictures! Check out a video of a past race here.
Dramathon Half Marathon.
Speyside, Scotland
Whenever I think of running a marathon, I think about hydration, water, maybe beer, but never Scotch. That is until I discovered the Dramathon. This is one amazing race. It takes place in the Speyside region of Scotland with castles and rich farmland. You get to pass by the most prestigious scotch distilleries like Glen Farcglas, Cragganmore, the Balvenie on this grassy trailed race. The race ends with a scotch tasting at Glenfiddich Distillery. But, you have to be quick. This race usually closes within the first week of opening. It may already be too late. Check out a video of a past race here.
Victoria Falls Half Marathon.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
What if I told you there was such a race where you can see a waterfall, see the Big 5 game, and receive a medal., would you believe me? And this is all from the race course. That is the Victoria Falls Half Marathon. This runcation comes with great food, safari excursions, and a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River complete with hippo. Pro tip: Stay at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge. Each room faces the animal’s watering hole. You are guaranteed to see all the animals you want. Added bonus: There are baboon on the start line. Check out the video of a past race here.
Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Serra do Mar mountains rising out of the sea with every breathtaking view, makes Rio de Janiero Half Marathon one of the most beautiful race courses in the world. This race takes place in Brazil and leads participants along the majestic shoreline, through the city streets, and to the sandy beaches of the Copa….Copacabana. Imagine the music and Bossa Nova dancing at a Brazillian marathon after party. While you are still there, don’t forget to take a train ride to the Summit of Corcovado Mountain. Visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Iguassu Falls. Check out a video of a past race here.
Saint Clair Half Marathon.
Marlborough, New Zealand
While there are many wine themed races, I have never seen a race course that allows participants to go along the river and through the vineyard. This race is called the Saint Clair Half Marathon. This has lady tourists written all over it. Each finisher not only gets a medal, but also bottle of Saint Clair wine. After the race, make it a weekend of gourmet cuisine, bed and breakfasts, farmer’s markets, and of course the best wine in Marlborough, New Zealand. If you happen to need a break from decadence, you can take a guided kayaking tour on the Queen Charlotte Sound. Check out a video of a past race here.
Jovan Abernathy has been running international marathons since 2010. She has participated in many runcations including the Great Wall Half Marathon in China, Victoria Falls Half maratho in Zimbabwe, and Angkor Wa in Cambodia. She is owner of Tourism Gym which focuses on using tourism to improve mental health. She leads women on her carefully curated long distance walking tours in Houston, Texas. Fill out the form below to get more information.