Don’t let the cold weather and treacherous conditions sideline running momentum. Sign up for a winter marathon and continue training for endurance gains.
Why Run a Winter Marathon?
Runners spend the spring, summer, and fall months working to build endurance, improve their form and stride efficiency, and increase running speed. Then the winter weather moves in and it’s easy for runners to lose focus, lessening mileage and decreasing fitness levels. Adding a winter marathon to the schedule provides a tangible goal with benefits beyond the obvious fitness gains.
First, with the temperature dropping and the sun setting earlier, the winter blahs can strike. Depression, lethargy, and even physical aches can be the result of this change in the seasons. Exercise is a simple way to banish the winter blahs, and training for a marathon can increase energy levels and improve mood.
Second, winter marathoners have an advantage during the summer racing season. The racing season typically begins in late April and continues through early October. Runners who did not train consistently through the winter months will need to gear up for the early races, putting in extra time and mileage to regain endurance and fitness lost during the colder months. A runner who trained through the cold for a winter marathon will have a leg up when the summer racing season begins.
Third, winter marathons are most often held in warm, sunny locations. What better incentive to run a winter marathon? Runners can train hard through the cold, snow, and ice and then reward themselves with a trip to a warmer clime – all in the name of running!
Where to Run a Winter Marathon
Runners looking to participate in a winter marathon have many choices. The most comprehensive list can be found at Marathon Guide, but athletes should consider the following winter running events:
Disney World Marathon:Held in January, the Walt Disney World Marathon draws more than 20,000 runners each year to the streets of Disney. Participants race through all five Disney theme parks, enjoying the magic of the Mouse and cheered on by park visitors.
Chevron Houston Marathon: The Chevron Houston Marathon is held in mid January, with a course that takes runners on a tour of the city and is billed as flat and fast. With more than 200,000 spectators on hand to provide energy and support, this is a popular event and the marathon caps at 11,000 participants.
P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon (Arizona): Also held in January, the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon combines the warmth of the Arizona sun with the fun of the Rock ‘n Roll marathon series. Live music, enthusiastic spectators and teams of cheerleaders, and a spectacular postrace party draw more runners each year.
New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon hits the streets in February, touring the historic districts of the city, including the famed Bourbon Street. Also a Rock ‘n Roll event, the New Orleans Marathon features bandstands along the course and a New Orleans-style party at the finish line.
26.2 Marathon with Donna (The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer): Runners can dedicate their winter training to breast cancer awareness by participating in the 26.2 Marathon with Donna in February. 100 percent of the money raised through this event goes toward breast cancer research.
Winter weather can sabotage months of running progress. Training for a marathon can help beat the winter blahs, build endurance for the summer racing season, and provide a respite from cold seasonal temperatures.
Dianna Brodine - Dianna is a professional writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience in the publishing, marketing, fundraising, and insurance ...
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