Marathons of the World, Updated Edition: Complete Guide to More Than 50 Events on Seven Continents

Here is the ultimate guide to 50 of the world's best marathons. If you're a long-distance runner looking for a new challenge, or a marathon novice with a spirit of adventure, this informative guide will help you choose the perfect course. The marathons included here embrace far flung corners of the globe and every continent. They include fast and flat city runs, endurance events in hot and humid climates, scenic mountain challenges, the chance to run through historic sites and even in the polar regions.

Whether you're chasing a personal best time, hoping to compete with the elite, taking on a personal challenge and raising money for charity, or are a back-of-the pack runner taking in the sights and sounds of a life-affirming event, this informative guide will provide you with all you need to make an informed decision about each event. Each marathon is rated for difficulty, and includes an expert analysis of the course. Included too, are practical details such as the organizing body to contact for each event, when to enter, and when the run takes place, so that you can plan ahead. Stunning photography provides an overview of each marathon experience.

Hugh Jones is a five-time English Marathon Champion who has won marathons in London, Oslo, Stockholm (twice), and Reykjavik. Now a sports journalist, he is editor of Distance Running Magazine and secretary of AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. Hugh is one of four international measurement administrators for track and field's world governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations. He regularly measures the London, Berlin and Olympic Marathons, as well as many others around the world. His other books include The Expert's Guide to Marathon Training and How to Run: From Fun Running to Full Marathons.

Alexander James is one of Britain's leading lifestyle journalists. A former senior writer and travel editor at Men's Health magazine, his articles on health, travel, and nutrition appear in Cosmopolitan, The Times, The Guardian, iVillage, Metro, Marie Claire, and Esquire. His radio features have been broadcast on BBC radio and LBC radio. Alex's marathon experiences include the Great North Run from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields UK, and the Vancouver Marathon, Canada.