If you're into both reggae music and running, why not combine the two? In the Reggae Marathon, you can. This annual event takes place on the coastline of Negril, Jamaica. Beginners and professionals alike can get in on the competition and entertainment of the Reggae Marathon.

Considered one of the world's finest beaches, the tropical atmosphere of Negril is appealing to many. The Reggae Marathon includes a full marathon and a half marathon event. The course leads through the village and offers beautiful scenery of green pastures and plant life. While this is a fairly mild course open to participation from beginners, any marathon event requires some training beforehand. With that in mind, before the event, start looking for the best gear for the race and try it out while you are training. This way, when you get to the actual event, you will be comfortable and can concentrate on the race.

Negril, Jamaica has a tropical climate. Weather, for the most part, is warm and humid. Therefore, thin, breathable clothing will be beneficial. Short sleeves and thin running shorts are ideal. When considering clothing, think about pockets, as plenty of pocket-sized hydration packs will be handed out at various stations. These consist of a water and Gatorade mix. Also, don't forget the sunscreen. It helps if clothing is treated with sun protection.

Shoes for this event should have good grip for running, but not too thick. Thicker traction is best for snowy and icy conditions, none of which you will find in Negril. Running shoes for the Reggae Marathon also should be lightweight, so as not to weigh the feet down. Besides, you likely will want to hear the drums in the blaring Reggae music, rather than the pounding of your shoes on the pavement.

Breathability is a must in running shoes for a Jamaica marathon. Because of the hot and humid weather, precaution against feet getting too warm is a must. This means socks also should be thin and breathable. If your hair is long, consider a bun or ponytail to keep from getting hot.

SOURCE:
http://reggaemarathon.com

The Denver area is home to many marathons. One quickly gaining momentum is the Colorado Colfax Marathon. The Colorado Colfax Marathon runs along Denver's famous Colfax Avenue, starting at Denver City Park, circling through an area just past Wadsworth Avenue in the city of Lakewood, and ending up back at the City Park Pavilion in Denver. The full marathon is about 26 miles long. There's also the option of running the half marathon. Kids in K - 8th grade also can run in the non-competitive Colorado Kids Marathon Mile.

All Colorado Colfax Marathon races are open to varied levels of expertise. Using the relay team strategy is welcome for those running for fun, for a business, or for a charitable cause. This is where friends or business partners team up and tag each consecutive racer at certain intervals of the race.

Terrain for the Colorado Colfax Marathon races is mostly asphalt, since the whole length of the main race extends down Colfax Avenue. In this race, suitable for beginners, expert training is not required. However, before running any race, of course, a person should always check with their physician, as well as prepare their body for the new physical activity.

Denver's weather is a bit unpredictable in the Spring, when this event is usually held. Weather could be sunny and mild or it could even be raining or snowing. If you're coming from out of town to participate in this race, be sure you have running gear suitable for varied weather conditions. Running shoes should have slip-proof technology (in case of rain or snow) with traction that is suitable for flat terrain. They also should be lightweight, so that feet and legs don't tire easily. A windbreaker also is a good idea, in case it gets breezy.

SOURCES
http://www.coloradocolfaxmarathon.org/

For the average weekend warrior, or for those just entering the sport, throwing on a pair of sneakers and lumbering through a local 5k on a Saturday morning with the primary motivation of the free juice and bagels at the finish is enough. However, for those who experience the "itch," the continuous desire to get out and run, the sport becomes a healthy obsession. Runners begin to scrutinize each detail in an effort to streamline their performances, so finding legitimate ways to go faster becomes a priority. For some, the answer comes in the form of racing flats.

Yet before whipping out the credit card in hopes of shaving off a few precious seconds, consider a few ideas. First, how experienced are you? If you are just beginning, you will see no real difference, as your strength and endurance simply do not yet exist, not to mention the fact that you may very well injure yourself with a smaller, less supportive shoe. Second, think about your goals. Do you run to finish, or do you compete to cut time? Third, what distance do you want to run? Shorter events tend to favor the racing flats, whereas normally only elite runners can manage these shoes over a marathon distance.

If racing flats fit what you want, there are distinct advantages. Initially, you will feel psychologically quicker. Warming up in trainers and then putting on what will feel like feathers will do wonders for your confidence. Aside from the mental boost, racing flats will actually make you faster. Approximately one second is gained per mile for each ounce you subtract from the shoe. Since the average racing flat is roughly five ounces lighter than the standard sneaker, you should save about five seconds per mile. Multiply that over your desired distance and you will see a considerable improvement.

Take the time to decide if they are right for you, but remember that racing flats do not take the place of trainers. Flats should only be used on race day or for short jogs to break them in. Best of luck.