April 12th, 2026
It’s new year already, which means it’s time to start planning for a 2026 marathon. As in previous years, two questions needed to be answered:
First: Is it possible to combine a marathon with holidays ? (Like in Sweden in 2022, in the USA in 2023, and in Scotland 2024.). Second: What works better — a marathon in the European spring (March, April, May) or one in autumn (August, September, October) ?
A marathon in spring means that long training runs must be completed in February, March, or April. The advantage is that temperatures during these months tend to be cool, allowing to start at almost any time of day. Another benefit is that I am free for other weekend activities during the summer months.
Running a marathon in autumn means that long training runs must be completed in August or September. The advantage is that there is a much wider range of marathon events to choose from. However, a clear disadvantage is that temperatures are higher at this time of year with the consequence that the long training runs often have to start very early in the morning.
What to do ?
My marathon collection currently includes races in Europe, in the Americas and in Asia. Not yet covered are Africa and Oceania.
Online research revealed that interesting marathons take place in Australia - specifically in Canberra and in Hobart (Tasmania) on April 12th. At the same day a marathon is also scheduled in Christchurch, New Zealand. Having toured Tasmania in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the decision was easy: I will run the marathon in Hobart, Tasmania, on April 12, 2026.
Planning the journey and the following holidays in Tasmania including a road trip along the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne was quickly sorted out.
To be continued ...