Do you ever dream of taking a run on the wild side? Maybe in a remote wilderness, over cool lava rocks, near an active volcano. OK. Probably if you dreamed about this type of a run, it was a nightmare. However, in real life, there is such a run. Hundreds of people flock to it every year. It is called the Kilauea Volcano Marathon.

The Kilauea Volcano Marathon is held in Hawaii, normally in the summer months. This 26.2 mile marathon is not for the faint of heart. It is very challenging because of the location and terrain. The weather is hot and humid. The trail of the marathon is elevated and includes a field of lava rocks that are slippery. Runners often wear gloves to avoid cutting their hands from falls. (These runners just suck up the cuts and bruises on the other parts of their bodies.) There are no expos, mile markers or spectators. The only frill attached to this run is at the end when refreshments that are akin to local produce are given out along with artisan, hand-made awards. It's a tough race, but one that any seasoned runner should take on at least once.

Seasoned runners should take on the Kilauea Volcano Marathon for its scenic beauty and overall challenge. The area is remote and lovely to look at even though it's hard to run. Also, it will be a test of endurance and a chance to buff one's body in an unforgettable way. Then, after the race is over, runners can relax and enjoy the rest of Hawaii. It makes for a great get-a-way and photo-op.

Are you starting to see why the Kilauea Volcano Marathon might be a good marathon to run after all? For more information, visit their Web site at www.volcanoartcenter.org. It will tell you about race and other local happenings in the area.

The Pikes Peak Marathon is unique and, as a result, only right for a few runners. Therefore, In order to see if you are one of the special runners who can do this marathon, you must first take a quick questionnaire. Here are the questions. Answer the questions by circling yes or no.

(Yes/No) 1. Do you hate air?
(Yes/No) 2. Are you afraid to run on flat ground?
(Yes/No) 3. Can you walk like a zombie?
(Yes/No) 4. Does the idea of "falling out" seem okay to you?
(Yes/No) 5. Do you have a secret need to punish yourself?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are ready to run the Pikes Peak Marathon. This challenging marathon takes runners up Pikes Peak Ascent in Manitou Springs, Colorado. It starts at 6,300 feet and ends at 14,115 feet. The average grade for a "path" is 11 percent. In other words, this marathon is more like a hike. So you might want to find a pair of running shoes that act more like hiking boots in order to take on this marathon.

The Pikes Peak Marathon is so tough that the Web site gives warnings about "exerting too much energy" and the "lack of air" to potential runners. They basically want you to know that this is not a fun run that will exhilarate you. It actually will tire you out. Yet, despite all of this, you will get something from this race you can't get from many other marathons. Can you guess what it is? BRAGGING RIGHTS!

If you run the Pikes Peak Marathon, you can brag for years - even if you come in last place. It's just one of those marathons that most people won't do because it's scary. It requires more training than the average marathon and also more stamina. So keep this in mind as you decide if it is for you. Runners who tackle Pikes Peak Marathon are one-of-a-kind.

If you want more information on Pikes Peak Marathon, go their Web site. Enter at your own risk. Also, remember, do the race and BRAG, at your own pace.

Calling all single women! Are you looking for a place to vacation where you can find a hunk man who's well paid, physically fit and family oriented? Do you want your vacation to be centered on a special event? Should it be something fun for you and all of your desperate gal pals, as well as inexpensive? Well, here's the place for you: Anchorage, Alaska.

Anchorage, Alaska is known for its disproportionate ratio of single men to single women. No one is totally sure why. It's the cold weather and wild animals. However, for some reason, women aren't attracted to the area. Yet, the Alaskans make-up for this situation by creating events that attracts a lot of people. One of them is the Mayor's Marathon race.

The Mayor's Marathon race is held each summer in Anchorage. It's a popular race because the path isn't too challenging. Also, this race is one that qualifies runners for the world-famous Boston Marathon. The Mayor's Marathon is also known for giving out great prizes as well as tours. Yes. That's right ladies. So don't forget to pack a pair of Uggs to replace your Nikes. This marathon understands the needs of its participants. Runners can sign up to tour the local area, which will acquaint them with locals. It's a great way to find Mr. Right now.

OK, even if you sign up to participate in this race and don't meet anyone, it will still make for a great vacation. The Mayor's Marathon offers participants a chance to run a fun and relatively easy marathon with all of the perks of a bigger and more difficult one. Plus, it's held in an area famous for its natural beauty and clean air. What more could you want?

If this sounds like a marathon for you, visit their Web site. Check out the site and find out more reasons why you'll want to run this race.

If you're like me, love running and music pretty much equally, then the ING Philadelphia Distance Run will really rock your running shoes (and speaking of which, I'm coveting these rocking running shoes for race day). The ING Philadelphia Distance Run will be on September 21st this year, and at every mile of the half marathon course there'll be a local Philadelphia band just groovin' away to put you in the mood for winning. Bands this year include The Art of Self Defense, Fooling April, The Dogz and Last Perfect Thing. With sounds from blues to funk, from rock and roll to acoustics, there really is a music mood for everyone. There's even something for the kids as The Dogz are a group of 13 and 14 year olds who got together to celebrate the run and play some tunes - can't beat that, eh?

The race itself too is a doozy. It's pretty much the best half marathon race in the US, and because it runs through historic parts of Philadelphia, it's also a pretty race to run. It starts near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, runs past City Hall and Independence Hall, up Benjamin Franklin Parkway and through Fairmount Park and along the river. Runnning this race, you'll feel like you're in a movie too - opening credits, the mist lifts off the water, and coming through the haze towards the camera, looking like a winner is..........you. The support from the community is awesome too, as tons of folks turn out to cheer you on.

The ING Philadelphia Distance Run starts this year at 7:45am on race day. There'll be individual medals given in all divisions, and also team medals as a lot of runners run in teams. There's a really cool children's runs too. Starting at 9:45 am, there's a 1 mile race, a half mile and a quarter mile, from kids ages 3 to 12 years old. It's worth coming just to see the kiddies' race. There's nothing cooler than a 3 year old being egged on by Mom and Dad.

This year is the first year ING is the main sponsor of the Philadelphia Distance Run and, as it's my favorite bank, I'm happy they're giving their support to the race. ING also runs a program called Run for Something Better, which encourages school kids all over the US to run and get fit, so they're definitely serious about their running. This year is the 31st year of the race and over 15,000 people are expected to sign up for it. Sign up deadline is September 14th and starts at $55 per person, up to $65 for later registrants.

So, think about it. Rock and roll, elite runners, great food at the end of the course, a movie-like atmosphere, historical buildings and the history of the nation breathing down your neck. It's not known as one of the countries most prestitious distance races for nothing ya know.

Are you up for a challenging run? Try running the North Pole Marathon. It is the coolest marathon in America and one that has an upcoming race in April.

Last winter, I drove up an icy hill after a heavy snowstorm to get a roll of toilet paper. It was a scary drive, but worth it. After getting to the store, I was happy to pick up my desired item and get a few other items to comfort me through the upcoming stormy days. The whole incident made me realize one thing - if you really want something, you'll go for it even in harsh conditions. This mentality is one that I believe the originators of the North Pole Marathon must have adopted; they created a race in harsh conditions because they really wanted it. Now, lots of other people do too.

The North Pole Marathon is a certified 26.2 race that is ran entirely on water (frozen water). Runners are eligible to join the North Pole Marathon Grand Slam Club, which requires participants to finish a marathon on each of the seven continents. In addition, people who participate in this race are officially stomping on famous grounds; the North Pole Marathon was actually listed in the Guinness book of World Records for being the Northernmost Marathon on earth. It is just one of the many attractions to this race although the biggest one is the challenge.

The North Pole Marathon is a once in a lifetime challenge. It is a run good for people who want to stretch themselves physically and emotionally. After all, it isn't every day that you bear the bitter cold for a run. Most individuals only face arctic conditions in emergency situations - like a need for a roll of toilet paper. Yet, just as in an emergency situation, this marathon will give you a sense of satisfaction after you get through it. You will understand that it was a run you had to do.

For more details about the North Pole Marathon, go to their site at www.npmarathon.com. You will be able to get vital information on it. Also, you will find out more reasons why you really need to join this run. You still have time. The next marathon is on April 2009.

The Calgary Marathon was an idea conjured up over 40 years ago by an almost retired runner.

Now it's one of the biggest marathons in the area. Get the background story about it. If you are like me, you can't wait to retire. The idea of sleeping in makes you feel elated. It conjures up images of late mornings, warm Florida beaches and strong Margaritas. Yet, you know it's a long way off. You know that come Monday morning you'll be up shaving or putting on make-up in an effort to get out the front door and into an office. It's a fact of life that helps pay the bills and put gas in your tank. However, the strong desire for retirement isn't true for everyone. Some people get antsy as retirement approaches and search for new challenges. A great example of this is Doug Kyle.

Over 40 years ago, Calgarian Doug Kyle was about to retire. Consequently, in the 50's and early 60's, he was one of the fastest runners in Canada. This fact took him to the Olympic games in 1956 and 1960. Yet, on the eve of his retirement as a competitive runner in 60's, he decided to face a new challenge - the creation of a marathon. In his mind, a marathon would put Calgary, a providence of Alberta, Canada, on the map. Also, it might bring the Olympic trials to the area. How hard could it be? Uh . . . It was hard.

Doug Kyle worked hard with another man, Bill Wyllie, to drudge up 19 runners for his marathon. It was like pulling teeth. Apparently, Kyle's celebrity wasn't enough to draw a crowd. Yet, he didn't let this stop him. So, on August 10, 1963, the first Calgary Marathon (now referred to HSBC Calgary Marathon) was born. It was the first run of its kind in Western Canada. Today, the run is alive and well - it's also full of runners.

In the most recent Calgary Marathon, a record was set for the amount of runners. Thousands of people show up now to support charities, volunteer, run, wear funky t-shirts and celebrate an event that is a few decades old. It's a staple in the area. Isn't it great that Doug Kyle didn't just retire? In the year 1963, no telling what kind of trouble he could have gotten himself in. Or, he might have just fallen off the face of the earth and showed up years later on a commercial for dentures. Yikes!

If the Calgary Marathon sounds like something you want to run, check out its Web site at www.calgarymarathon.com. You'll be able to get additional details and see great photos of the participants on this site.

One of the best marathons in the world is the London Marathon. Find out about its origins and upcoming scheduled run.

Chris Brasher was the kind of man who didn't look the part. His glasses were big and thick. His smile was crooked and slightly curled. And, his legs weren't the kind that would ever be pictured on the cover of a box of Wheaties. Yet, none of these things stopped him from doing great things and creating one of the best marathons in the world.

It all started years after a stint as an under-rated runner and long career in journalism. Brasher had just come back from New York and running in the famed Boston Marathon when an idea hit him. He decided it would be great to bring the same type of marathon over to his home territory of London. So, with the help of an old running mate, Brasher brought to life the popular London Marathon. And in 1981, his dream came to life.

You may be wondering by now what makes the London Marathon so special. Well, it's one of the best marathons in the world for three reasons: the trail, the runners and the money. Here's a break down of each:

THE TRAIL

The London Marathon trail is a historic one that follows along the River Thames (south side and north side). It's a trail that allows the runner to see a variety of landmarks such as the Tower of London, Clipper Ship and Cutty Sark. As a result, the runners in this marathon not only get to stimulate their bodies, but also their brains which serves for great memories and, at minimum, interesting bar room chatter.

THE RUNNERS

The London marathon is a run that attracts a variety of people. Some folk are locals and other foreigners. However, they all get together for at least one common reason, which is to tackle the London Marathon. The fun part of it all is to see the different groups dressed in humorous customs in an effort to push their separate agendas or stand apart from other runners. It makes for a very festive day and also gives spectators (along with the media) something to catch on camera.

THE MONEY

No, the type of money most people gather for in the London Marathon is not prize money. It's actually in an effort to raise money for charity. Although the figures aren't firm, it is estimated that, since its origin, the London Marathon has raised over 300 million for charity. It's a number that keeps rising each year and the main reason for certain people to join in on the run. It also gives major athletes a chance to raise awareness about their specific cause and help out their fellow man.

So, are you ready to put on your Nike's yet? The next London Marathon is scheduled for April 26, 2009. If you go to the Website for the London Marathon at
http://www.london-marathon.co.uk, you can get details right now. It's not too late to sign up. Remember, it'll be one of the best marathons you've ever run.

Sources:

http://www.times-olympics.co.uk/historyheroes/stgbo08.html

Grandma's Marathon is a run fit for the entire family. Find out why.

When I think about my grandma, a lot of wonderful things pop into my head. Grandma's home-baked cookies. Grandma's sweet bedtime stories. And Grandma's warm hugs and kisses. Yet, never do I associate my grandma with a 26.2-mile race. It's a big reason why I was surprised to find out about a run called Grandma's Marathon.

Grandma's Marathon is located in Duluth, Minn. It's a 33-year-old race that began in the minds of locals desiring to run a scenic trek in their area. So, they set the course for this marathon and named it after their first sponsor: Grandma's restaurant. (See? Grandmas are always so supportive.) Through the years, the name stuck and today they have over 9,000 participants each year. So what makes this marathon so great? Here are a few highlights.

Grandma's Marathon

This marathon is a three-day event. It normally starts on a Thursday evening with the handing out of packets and a health expo. From this point on, the marathon sponsors smaller races (for kids), dinners and other activities great for the whole community. Then, on the last day, Saturday, the race is run. It's a great lead-up to a marathon that attracts a lot of people.

Grandma's Marathon supports charity.

Like many marathons, Grandma's Marathon is a gateway to giving to charity. You support the Young Athlete's Foundation, Minnesota Elite Athlete Development Program or a charity of your choice. The great new is that while you are raising money, you'll be having fun the entire time.

Grandma's Marathon has live music.

If you love live music, you will enjoy the festivities under the Big Top Tent at Grandma's Marathon. It is important to note that there is an age limit and cover charge for entry, but it's usually less than what you'd pay at a concert. Also, it's a great diversion for young adults who want to run and shake a tail feather too. <p>Ready to go visit a different type of grandma yet? Get more details about Grandma's Marathon at http://www.grandmasmarathon.com. It's a home-style marathon fit for the entire family and great for a mini-vacation.

If you believe the body and soul are connected, you will love running the Great Tibetan Marathon. It's one of the rare times that both the spirit and body are purposely mixed together in a marathon.

When you think about Tibet, images of monks probably pop into your head, and rightfully so. Tibetan monks are legendary sources of spirituality sought after by Westerners studying Buddhism. They are also figures incorporated in a lot of action movies and comedies. For this reason, the majority of people are familiar with their existence. However, what you probably didn't know about Tibet and Tibetan monks is that they host one of the best marathons in all of Asia.

The Great Tibetan Marathon is an excellent trek for locals and foreigners seeking to run a 10k in a tranquil area that reminds them of a higher power. It's unique because it's held at an altitude of 3,500 meters in countryside near the Himalayan mountains, fit for a Tibetan god. The lack of oxygen does present a challenge, but it is one that can be met by a physically-fit runner. Also, monks actually help facilitate the marathon, so if you hurt yourself, kind hands will care for you.

Other things that make the Great Tibetan Marathon a wonderful run are its special events. In 2007, an exclusive group of runners from all over the world gathered in Tibet to run a full marathon (10k) and a half marathon (5k). This run brought global attention for a variety of reasons, including the excellence and unity of humanity regardless of race, sex and creed. It was a feat that only a spiritual mind could put on public display.

So, as you can see, the Great Tibetan Marathon is not your usual marathon full of loud spectators, weird costumes and fanatical runners. It's one that feeds the body and the soul. If you are ready to run up high and chant a few positive words along the way, the Great Tibetan Marathon is for you. Get more details about it from www.greattibetanmarathon.blogspot.com. It includes photos and one blogger's account of this great marathon.

New York City is known for its fashion, food and skyline, but which activity draws celebrities like Puff Daddy out into the streets?

When Oprah Winfrey ran the Marine Corp Marathon in 1994, she not only inspired thousands of people to lose weight and raise millions of dollars for charity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, she was inspiring Puff Daddy, who years later publicly challenged her winning time of 4:29:20 - and beat it running in the New York City Marathon. Oh yeah, he also raised a little more than $2 million for charity. This public challenge let everyone see that these two celebs weren't so different after all. It also flashed a spotlight on the New York City Marathon, which has been growing in popularity ever since its origins in 1970 due to a great course and wonderful charities.

Here is a quick description of the New York City Marathon:

The New York City Marathon takes you through five key boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan) giving each runner a view of what makes this city great: diversity. You will see a variety of people, buildings and sideline events. Where's the finish line? At Tavern on the Green in the world-famous Central Park.

The New York City Marathon allows its runners to sponsor a lot of great charities including The New York Road Runner Foundation Team for Kids (children funds), The New York Road Runners Champion's Circle (athletic funds), Fred's Team (cancer fund) and Charity Partners (your charity of choice). All of these charities give participants and spectators a chance to open their hearts in a big way and promote great causes.

So, are you ready to take a run on the wild side? If so, get more details at www.nycmarathon.org.

One of the best new marathons in the country is the Run Wild Missoula Marathon. This is the second year the Missoula Marathon will be offered and it looks like it will be an even better race event than the city's first marathon event. If you want a safe course, great running conditions and absolutely breathtaking scenery, then you need to enter the Missoula Marathon.

The Basics

The second Annual Missoula Marathon is scheduled for July 13, 2008. Runners will leave the starting line in Frenchtown at 6 a.m. and follow the river into Missoula and end at the Higgins Avenue Bridge, located in Downtown Missoula. Running conditions will be near perfect for marathoners. It will be in the '50s in the morning and in the '80s in the afternoon, with low humidity all day long. (Last year the temperatures broke records and surpassed 100 degrees by the afternoon, so keep your eye on the weather reports the night before the race.) The cost of registration is $60 if you register before May 31, $70 if you register by July 11 and $75 if you register by July 12. There will be no race day registration opportunities, so get your registrations in early.

Events & Divisions

There are several different race events that will be held on July 13. The main event, of course, is the full marathon. However, a half marathon and a kid's marathon will also be offered. Wheelchair racers can enter the Missoula Marathon, however, there isn't a special wheelchair event.

Age divisions for this marathon are similar to those used by other marathons. Age divisions include the following breakdowns: 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. There will also be a relay division open to a variety of different types of teams.

Why You Want to Enter the Missoula Marathon

In addition to near perfect marathon weather and conditions, the Missoula Marathon is also just a great celebration of running and runners. Missoula is a great community that lends a lot of support to local events. Many of the local businesses have donated prizes, food, refreshments and other items to make your stay in Missoula a lot of fun. For example, you can get around Missoula free all day on Saturday because the Mountain Line bus service is offering free rides. There are a lot of great trails to explore, stores to shop in and community events to stop by. Goody bags will also be offered to runners and they will contain coupons, freebies and treats. They will also include items that will help you to explore the city while you are here for the race.

On race day you will find a complimentary shuttle from the parking garage in Downtown Missoula to the race's starting line. Warm up exercises will be led by Gold's Gym and aid stations will be set up along the route. At these stations you will find water, endurance sports drinks and PowerBar Gel. Portable toliets and medical services will also be provided at each aid station, at the starting line and at the finish line. This race even provides you with pacers. Just look for a balloon and you know who the rabbits are.

The final attractions to the Missoula Marathon are the Sports Expo and the Runner's Spa. The Sports Expo will be held the day before the race. This is where you can pick up your runner's packets and explore what sports vendors have to offer. The Runner's Spa will be located near the finish line in Caras Park. It will contain full body massage services, bathrooms, espresso, furniture to relax on, changing rooms and food and beverages. This is a great spot to unwind after the event, talk with the other runners and meet up with your friends and family members.