Tue 29 Aug 2023 • Nick Kershaw
A Beginner's Guide to International Marathons: Why Start with Guatemala
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Considering your first international marathon? How about broadening your horizons to a race that offers more than just miles and medals? Welcome to Guatemala, a destination that will redefine your running experience in the most fulfilling way.
The Big Picture: An Empowering Way to Run
Transform Your Running into Regenerative Travel
Imagine a marathon that doesn’t just end at the finish line. Imagine one that ripples through communities, positively affecting lives as you pound the earth beneath your feet. That’s the spirit of regenerative travel: to create a greater positive impact, deeply support communities, and make sure our personal travel creates a better world. Your running gains a new purpose, and the joy you feel isn’t just personal—it’s collective.
It’s Your Run: Shape It Your Way
Beyond Six Stars: The Fulfilment of Impact Running
Sure, the allure of chasing those big city marathons and earning that six-star medal has its charm. I have been in the London Marathon ballot 12 years in a row, to no avail! It's my annual tradition and I do hope one day to run my home marathon. But I also deeply believe that our marathon running dreams have the power to unlock a sense of fulfilment that’s larger than just ourselves? Come discover a running experience that’s rich with purpose, one that resonates far beyond the race itself.
Starting Line: Making the Decision
A Community Waiting for You
The Guatemala Impact Marathon isn’t just a race; it's a journey you share with like-minded souls. You're not just another bib number here. You’re part of a community that believes in meaningful interactions, in understanding the story of the lands we tread. When we give our race briefing, you will feel this care, this deeply felt love for you as an individual taking on an extraordinary challenge and our responsibility to bring you home safely. This is something felt across our entire team, and you will feel as you approach each aid station, each turn point where our local volunteers are stationed. We aren't just there to keep you safe, show you the way - we are there to ensure you take on that volcano with a level of positive energy you never even knew you had.
The Land Tells Its Own Story
When you run in Guatemala, every mile has a narrative. The routes weave through history, culture, and community. Your race isn't just a physical exertion; it's an intellectual and emotional journey, too. We didn't design these routes to tick off a race distance (they are definitely not measured to the standard required at a World Major!), they are created to tell as story of a nation. On our route you will: run through pineapple fields of our home finca (small farm), through towns and villages in rural Guatemala, across moon-like lava fields that role out in front of you, starkly displaying the force of the volcano on which you run, and, of course, that iconic climb that stops just shy of the live crater of Pacaya Volcano. This is an experiential race, not a kilometre driven one. Although, you'll be pleased to know that you will have hit that famous 26.2mile marker by the time you've finished having the best and toughest day of your running life!
The Logistics: Closer Than You Think
Direct and Doable: U.S. to Guatemala
Guatemala might seem far away, but it's incredibly accessible with direct flights from key U.S. cities. This means less travel hassle, more time for impact. Direct flights are available from major U.S. cities including Miami, LA, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Washington.
What You Invest and What You Gain
An international marathon is a commitment, sure, but the returns are incomparable. When you factor in the deep social and emotional gains, the cost becomes an investment in something far greater than just another race. Moreover, all those costs of your trip are included in your Impact Marathon - you just need to book the flights. After you're registered, you'll receive all the information to prepare your way to Guatemala and we will ensure all the project visits, dinner spots, accommodation, race day delivery are included in the cost. No unexpected costs - just unbelievably moments.
Conclusion
The Guatemala Impact Marathon is an invitation to redefine your running journey. It's an adventure that offers both challenge and change, for you and for the communities you'll run through. After all, why limit yourself to a PB when your running could change lives? A bright new world is waiting for you, and it's just a marathon away.
