MARATHONS - 2011 marathons are completed now….

Great North Run – 18 September 2011     Fundraise:  €800 (CLOSED)

This super event in Newcastle is firmly established as the world’s most popular half-marathon. It is fast, friendly and atmospheric. Over 50,000 runners from all over the world will participate in the event. The local Geordies give an outstandingly warm welcome each year to the visiting Irish runners. Two nights in a city centre hotel, breakfast, and entry to the Marathon is included (direct flights are booked separately)*.

Berlin North Run – 25 September 2011     Fundraise: €900 (€450 by 15 Aug) (CLOSED)

 40,000 entries are expected from 100 countries in 2011. The course is flat, asphalted, traffic-free and fast – in fact the fastest course in the world. In 2008 Haile Gebrselassie broke his own world record, also set in Berlin the previous year, with a new time of 2:03:59. The course takes in some of East and West Berlin’s great sights, before finishing close to the start area at the magnificent Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Showers, massage and refreshments are provided at the finish area. The package includes race entry and 3 nights accommodation plus breakfast in an excellent 4 star hotel located in the heart of Berlin (direct flights are booked separately)*.

Chicago Marathon – 9 October 2011     Fundraise: €2,850 (€1,425 by 15 Aug) (CLOSED)

Up to 45,000 runners take part and over 1.5 million spectators line the course, cheering on every runner. To add to the atmosphere, there are live bands and music along the route. The flat, loop course is one of the fastest in the world and there are no qualifying restrictions. The start/finish is in Grant Park and the marathon passes through 29 of Chicago’s historic and ethnic neighbourhoods.  The package includes flights, 4 nights’ accommodation, breakfast, race entry and coach to start*.

ING New York City Marathon – 6 November 2011     Fundraise: €3,400  (€1,700 by 22 July or with substitution and late fee by 15 Aug) (CLOSED)

New York is undoubtedly the world’s No. 1 marathon.

The Big Apple is a fantastic experience, combining a superb marathon and a vibrant, unique city. Starting at the Verrazano Bridge on Staten Island, runners cross into Brooklyn and then proceed through Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, finishing in Central Park. We offer a choice of flights and excellent accommodation, ideally located for the marathon and also for exploring the city – 5th Avenue shops, Broadway, Times Square, Radio City, etc. The package includes flights from Dublin/Shannon/Belfast, 4 nights’ accommodation, return airport transfers, private coach from hotel to race start, marathon entry and breakfast run entry, celebration dinner, travel insurance and guide services*.

*Single Room Supplements, additional nights, upgraded rooms, etc. will be extra.