Ron Hills’ Top Marathon Picks for 2018

Sports Tours International ambassador Dr Ron Hill MBE is an absolute running legend. If there’s one person who should know the top marathon experience, it’s Ron Hill. Ron has run over 100 marathons, winning some of the very top marathons in the World including Boston and Athens. We asked Dr Ron Hill MBE, legendary marathon runner, for his recommendations of the top events to run in and Ron has been kind enough to give us some marathon running tips and advice.

Ron’s advice…..

• Build up your running distances slowly and steady
• Always tell someone your running route….just in case!
• Wear the right clothing for the conditions
• Wear high viz if at all any darkness
• Listen to your body, if its tired then have a break – doing too much can be detrimental
• Listen to your body, drink when you’re thirsty. Just drinking lots for the sake of it can really disrupt your running
• Prepare your mind, have a rough goal (time) and try and stick to it, and maybe use a stopwatch feature on your watch
• Enjoy running, its great for the body and mind!
• If you are needing a push or assistance in any way, look to joining a local running club or Park Run as it will get you used to running in groups

Ron recommends…..

New York City Marathon

“I ran 4 times in New York, with the first being at the age of 38, when I came 10th in a time of 2:19:43.  It is one of the best Major Marathons and I urge all runners to run it at least once.”Sports Tours International have been taking runners from the UK to the Big Apple for many years now so you are in good hands for your NY city Marathon trip

Malta Marathon

“One of the most enjoyable places to run a marathon, as it’s mostly downhill and a great place for a holiday!”

Marine Corps Marathon

“The Marine Corps Marathon is such a well organised event.  I was there last time around and run in the 10km, which takes place on the same day.  As Washington is a interesting town, this is a good place for running a marathon and having a city break at the same time.”

Berlin Marathon

“The fastest recognised marathon course in the World.  I have watched with wonder over the last few years as the current crop of top marathon runners have gradually reduced the World Record time on this course.  The same applies to ordinary runners, as you can improve your own marathon times on such a good course.”

Athens Marathon

“Where it all started.  I won my first Gold medal on this course, when the European Championship were held in this city in 1969 – 2:16:48.  I ran again in 1973 – 2:21:29 – and finally ran my 100th marathon there in 1985 – 2:43:56.   Every runner must have Athens Marathon on their running CV!”

Boston Marathon

“The oldest marathon in the World starting, the year after the resurrected Olympics, in 1969.  I won the race in a time of 2:10:30, taking 3 minutes 19 seconds off the Course Record.  My prize was a medal!  I returned in 1975 and ran 2:13:28 for 5th palce; 1990, on the 20th anniversary of my 1970 victory, 2:45:22; and finally in 1996 when i ran my 115th and final marathon in 3:12:46.”

Chicago Marathon

“Another one of the Marathon Majors and a pretty quick course too.  It sometimes gets forgotten behind New York and Boston, in terms of top American marathons, but Chicago is a fantastic city and well worth the visit.”

Sports Tours International ambassador Dr Ron Hill MBE is an absolute running legend. If there’s one person who should know the top marathon experience, it’s Ron Hill. Ron has run over 100 marathons, winning some of the very top marathons in the World including Boston and Athens. We asked Dr Ron Hill MBE, legendary marathon runner, for his recommendations of the top events to run in and Ron has been kind enough to give us some marathon running tips and advice.

Ron’s advice…..

• Build up your running distances slowly and steady
• Always tell someone your running route….just in case!
• Wear the right clothing for the conditions
• Wear high viz if at all any darkness
• Listen to your body, if its tired then have a break – doing too much can be detrimental
• Listen to your body, drink when you’re thirsty. Just drinking lots for the sake of it can really disrupt your running
• Prepare your mind, have a rough goal (time) and try and stick to it, and maybe use a stopwatch feature on your watch
• Enjoy running, its great for the body and mind!
• If you are needing a push or assistance in any way, look to joining a local running club or Park Run as it will get you used to running in groups

Ron recommends…..

New York City Marathon

“I ran 4 times in New York, with the first being at the age of 38, when I came 10th in a time of 2:19:43.  It is one of the best Major Marathons and I urge all runners to run it at least once.”Sports Tours International have been taking runners from the UK to the Big Apple for many years now so you are in good hands for your NY city Marathon trip

Malta Marathon

“One of the most enjoyable places to run a marathon, as it’s mostly downhill and a great place for a holiday!”

Marine Corps Marathon

“The Marine Corps Marathon is such a well organised event.  I was there last time around and run in the 10km, which takes place on the same day.  As Washington is a interesting town, this is a good place for running a marathon and having a city break at the same time.”

Berlin Marathon

“The fastest recognised marathon course in the World.  I have watched with wonder over the last few years as the current crop of top marathon runners have gradually reduced the World Record time on this course.  The same applies to ordinary runners, as you can improve your own marathon times on such a good course.”

Athens Marathon

“Where it all started.  I won my first Gold medal on this course, when the European Championship were held in this city in 1969 – 2:16:48.  I ran again in 1973 – 2:21:29 – and finally ran my 100th marathon there in 1985 – 2:43:56.   Every runner must have Athens Marathon on their running CV!”

Boston Marathon

“The oldest marathon in the World starting, the year after the resurrected Olympics, in 1969.  I won the race in a time of 2:10:30, taking 3 minutes 19 seconds off the Course Record.  My prize was a medal!  I returned in 1975 and ran 2:13:28 for 5th palce; 1990, on the 20th anniversary of my 1970 victory, 2:45:22; and finally in 1996 when i ran my 115th and final marathon in 3:12:46.”

Chicago Marathon

“Another one of the Marathon Majors and a pretty quick course too.  It sometimes gets forgotten behind New York and Boston, in terms of top American marathons, but Chicago is a fantastic city and well worth the visit.”