“How would you’re feeling about operating the London Marathon this 12 months?”
For any runner, this could normally be the dream textual content to obtain. In any case, the London Marathon is among the six World Majors and is usually celebrated as probably the most hype-inducing race on the earth, due to a crowd that will not cease cheering till the final individual crosses the end line. However I obtained this textual content from my editor right here at Journey + Leisure on Feb. 18, simply shy of 10 weeks out from the marathon. As even novice distance runners know, the standard lead time for coaching is, at minimal, 16 weeks. However as an alternative of claiming no, I replied, “I feel I can?” To which she replied, “You 100% can.”
That religion in me was all I wanted to kick off probably the most hardcore coaching of my life—simply as my fortieth birthday landed, too.
There’s one thing else it’s best to learn about me earlier than we go on. I’m a researcher (i.e. proud nerd) to my core. I have been a journalist for 20 years and am actively ending up a PhD. I like faculty and I like to science the crap out of something I can. So, the day I obtained that textual content, I went into full academia mode, researching the perfect operating apps to assist me by means of (I landed on Runna, which makes use of AI to create a custom-made coaching plan primarily based on earlier race instances and present operating distances), diet experience (I ought to in all probability now simply get a PhD in carb-loading as an alternative) and perfected the artwork of restoration, thanks largely to Sizzling Chilly Membership, a brand new sauna and chilly plunge spot right here in my house metropolis of Lisbon, Portugal. (In case you did not know, saunas have loads of scientifically backed advantages, together with enhancing restoration of neuromuscular efficiency and muscle soreness.)
Silas Dunham
After which, I ran. And ran. And ran some extra. I stated “no” to each social occasion, I went to mattress early, and I bought up early to slot in lengthy runs. I ran by means of the worst rainstorms Lisbon has seen in many years and ran 10 miles whereas visiting a mile-long island within the Maldives on my fortieth birthday, which means it was a really repetitive expertise that examined my willpower greater than my legs. To additional assist me by means of, I made a decision to boost cash in assist of the British Coronary heart Basis, the most important impartial funder of coronary heart and circulatory analysis within the UK, to honor the researchers and docs who saved my dad’s life following his coronary heart assault.
Although I put within the work over these 10 weeks, I felt nervous all the way in which—till I checked into my house base for the race, the Westin London Metropolis. And it’s best to take my expertise as all of the analysis you have to know that that is the place to be should you determine to run the London marathon someday.
Silas Dunham
Welcomed by a sea of yellow Westin T-shirts, I used to be embraced from the second I walked by means of the resort doorways, everybody asking how they might care for me and every other runner who walked by.
“As a runner myself, I do know firsthand the dedication it takes to coach, journey, and race,” Raffaele Ruocco, the resort’s common supervisor, informed me. “The London Marathon is a real celebration of willpower, resilience, and neighborhood, and at The Westin London Metropolis, we’re enthusiastic about supporting runners at each stage of their journey, from coaching by means of to restoration, serving to them really feel their greatest whereas pursuing their objectives.”
That dedication included internet hosting a pre-race shakeout run, mixers for the runners within the foyer, a restoration space with compression leggings, and, when you completed the race, a glass of Champagne ready at Hithe + Search, its riverside restaurant.
Silas Dunham
“Supporting runners is a pure extension of our dedication to wellness at The Westin London Metropolis,” Ruocco added. “Whether or not somebody is chasing a private greatest or just operating for pleasure, we perceive the distinctive challenges of balancing coaching and journey.”
I adopted all the opposite Westin runners within the early morning when it was time to go to the beginning. The nerves became excited butterflies as my wave kicked off. And there I used to be, operating by means of a few of London’s coolest neighborhoods, getting cheered on by strangers and my husband, who biked the size of the marathon by means of again streets to fulfill me each third or fourth mile (I’m pleased to ship you his map should you ever have to cheer on a London marathoner). I cried going over Tower Bridge, once more on the sight of Huge Ben, then at mile 19 once I noticed my husband throughout a tough stretch, and eventually on the end on the Mall. Marathons aren’t for the faint of coronary heart, however they’re for these with loads of coronary heart to offer. As soon as I completed and kissed my medal, I had probably the most stunning emotional response of all: I used to be able to do it once more.
However the place? Nicely, let’s as soon as once more take a look at the analysis.
In accordance with an April report by Journey Republic, the demand for “health holidays” is up 84% 12 months over 12 months, with Google searches for “European marathon” skyrocketing by 403% in the identical timeframe. So it’s clear I am not alone in my quest to push my physique to the restrict.
The all-inclusive vacation firm additionally compiled an inventory of probably the most in-demand marathons primarily based on Google search knowledge to see month-to-month search will increase, combining it with TikTok search knowledge for the top-performing marathon hashtags, giving me loads of concepts of the place to coach subsequent.
For 2025, the Vienna Metropolis Marathon in Austria and the Limassol Marathon in Cyprus tied for first place as probably the most in-demand, with Google searches up by 1,016% and 391%, respectively.
Subsequent is the Prague Marathon, with Google searches up by 364%, adopted by the Paris Marathon, the Copenhagen Marathon, the Rotterdam Marathon, the London Marathon, the Stockholm Marathon, the Hamburg Marathon, and the Madrid Marathon rounding out the highest 10.
And whereas none of those will get me nearer to that coveted Six Stars medal, given to those that run all six majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York), what I additionally realized finishing this race is that it truly is in regards to the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. Plus, attending to see your favourite cities 26.2 miles at a time positive does offer you numerous bragging rights.
Need in for London in 2026? Take a look at all of the charities providing bibs in alternate for fundraising right here. Or, do what I am doing and whittle down an inventory of potential second marathon spots which have particular which means to you. So, does anybody wish to begin coaching for Boston, Los Angeles, or Madrid (all my one-time houses) for 2026? As a result of I am extra prepared than ever to start out this “analysis” undertaking over again.
First-time marathon must-haves
The appropriate sneakers: The very best factor you are able to do in your coaching is put money into getting a correct shoe becoming, which can let you know the sneakers which are probably the most well-suited in your ft. For me, it was the Saucony Endorphin.
The very best apps: There are limitless apps on the market to help in your coaching, however the crème de la crème embrace the ever-popular Strava app (which doubles as a social media app and apparently a courting app too), together with Nike Run Membership, and my choose for this race, Runna.
The right gel: There is no different method round it, however this a part of the coaching is whole trial and error. Check out which gels, sweet, or no matter different gas works in your abdomen (really, please map out some lavatory stops the primary few instances you intend to run with gas). The appropriate gas can actually make or break a race.
Pack the creature comforts: Each operating professional says to not change a single factor on race day from what you have finished over coaching. Meaning carrying your race day outfit for at the least a handful of coaching runs and guaranteeing your morning gas stays the identical. To maintain to that promise on my race—and nearly each journey I take anyway—I take alongside my little Aeropress Go Plus so I could make my very own espresso vs. counting on teeny, tiny in-room espresso pods. Don’t fret, I did the homework right here too. Espresso has been proven to do every thing from “muscular endurance, motion velocity, and muscular energy,” so go forward and revel in that cup.