October marathons off and running

(Relaxnews) -

With autumn's cooler weather upon many cities around the world, runners are hitting the pavement and signing up for marathons. Coming up this weekend is the Twin Cities Marathon in the US city of Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota on October 4.

The Twin Cities Marathon is one of about a dozen marathons scheduled in October, between Berlin's marathon on September 20 and New York's on November 1. Some runners try to qualify for races and others walk for charities, while amateurs and athletic stars try to beat their personal best as well to beat records.

Here's the upcoming schedule, including one of the five major marathons in the world in Chicago on October 11.

Twin Cities Marathon
October 4
Called "The most beautiful urban marathon in America," this 26.2 mile (42.16 km) course begins near the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis and finishes at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Fairly flat to rolling and very scenic with miles of parks, lakes, rivers and tree-lined boulevards. Over 250,000 spectators make the marathon a treat to experience.
www.mtcmarathon.org

Chicago Marathon
October 11
The third largest 26.2-mile (42.16 km) race in the US, with everyday and elite runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, including Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, and Ethiopia, as well as women from Russia, Romania, Japan, and Germany. A fast and flat course that's home to World Records. Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya returns to beat his 2:05:10. It starts in Grant Park and weaves through 29 neighborhoods and a dozen historic landmarks.
www.chicagomarathon.com

Other upcoming marathons:

Amsterdam Marathon: finish the marathon in an Olympic stadium, October 18
www.amsterdammarathon.nl

Beijing Marathon: from Tiananmen Square, through ancient and modern sites, October 18
www.beijing-marathon.com

Toronto Marathon: "More fun than just a run," October 18 www.torontomarathon.com

Denver Marathon: A flat-course in the Mile High city, October 18 www.denvermarathon.com

Venice, Italy, October 25, www.venicemarathon.it

Dublin Marathon, October 26, www.dublinmarathon.ie

RC