Marathon de la Havane (Marabana Cuba)

Get your passport, your swimsuit, your sunscreen, your sneakers, and hop into a coco-taxi toward… Cuba 🇨🇺! Nestled in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, there’s this certain je ne sais quoi on this paradise island 🏝. An atmosphere as spellbinding as a Caribbean, with beaches, clear turquoise water, mountain ranges tinged with the green of tropical forests, and its iconic capital, Havana! It’s this city of a Thousand Columns, as it’s nicknamed, that invites you in November for the 36th edition of the Havana Marathon (Marabana for its local nickname). 🏃

The event mirrors the island nation that gave it birth: monumental, joyful, and unforgettable. Each year, at the start of the dry season, more than 1,000 runners from all over the island and from four corners of the world gather to take part in this big sporting celebration, and you’ll understand why 🎉! The course is simply spectacular 😍. You’ll have the chance to run in the heart of the Cuban capital, a real open-air museum, where you can admire the magnificent Hispano-colonial architecture that graces several city monuments. The grand avenues will lead you to discover the charming district of the Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the majestic Capitol that houses under its dome a 25-carat diamond, or the Plaza de la Revolución, a place steeped in history! And yes, the list goes on. But is it possible to run on an island without seeing the sea or ocean? Not in Cuba at least! In fact, part of the route will run along the Malecón, a famous 8-km promenade along the waterfront. You’ll have horizon as far as the eye can see! 🌊

Even though its name is deceiving, the Havana Marathon isn’t just a 42 km race, so don’t tie your shoes just yet 😉. In addition to the legendary marathon, 3 other distances are also on the program: a 21 km, a 10 km, and a 5 km. Depending on your desires and the challenge you want to take on, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to run Forest on the Marabana! 👟

To refresh yourself after your race or to improve your tan (short marks aren’t super sexy anyway), how about lounging on one of the splendid beaches a few kilometers from the capital ☀️? Bacuranao, Santa Maria del Mar, Guanabo, you’ll have plenty of choice 😎. Of course, we also hope you won’t leave the island without tasting Cuban nightlife 🌙! And yes, when the sun goes down, Havana’s still just as bright. You’ll simply need to stroll the streets to feel that festive and authentic atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else: salsa steps, salsa, concerts of guitars, trumpets and percussion; you’ll never want to leave this little piece of paradise 💃🏻! And for you foodies curious about tasting traditional dishes and trying new flavors, the Moros y Cristianos, the Picadillo, or the Arroz con pollo will delight your palate! 😋

Simply exceptional, the Marabana leaves an indelible mark on the memories of every runner! So, would you add a little piece of Cuba to your memories?