HARRIERS INTERNATIONAL
Join the Harriers....see the world
The Club usually arranges at least one
overseas running party each year - each visit incorporating
marathon / half / 10k races. In recent years members have
visited Cyprus, Vancouver, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Dublin,
Cuba, Amsterdam, Lanzarote & Benidorm.
In 2008 one group of members re-visited the Dublin marathon
and another group travelled all the way to Cuba (see lower
this page) for that country's major marathon race.
In 2009 Pete Sarson ran the Hong Kong marathon in early
February and Pete Burns took a small contingent to Prague
in March for the Half Marathon. In October Pete Sarson
& Graham Williams travelled into deepest Scotland to
run the Aviemore Half marathon at the foot of the
Cairngorms - great scenery and a brilliant course on hard
paths - and mainly downhill!.
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VIETNAM HALF
MARATHON - OcTober 2010
Here is the finalised itinerary and costing
The Nha Trang International Half Marathon (21.0975km) –
this year will be held on Sunday 10th
October 2010
After the meeting held just before Christmas the final
itinerary is as follows.
17
night itinerary
01 Oct – Depart London for Saigon
02 Oct – Arrive Saigon - 4 nights – Saigon (Ho Chi Minh
City)
06 Oct - Depart Saigon for Nha Trang – 6 nights – Nha Trang
– Beach location of Marathon
12
Oct - Depart Nha Trang for Ha Long via Hanio – 1 nights –
Ha Long
13 Oct - Transfer from Ha Long to Hanio – 3 nights - Ha
Long
16 Oct - Depart Hanoi for return flight back to UK
£1530.00pp
approximate price per person –
price can not be guaranteed until proposed itinerary is
confirmed
Price
includes:-
Not include:-
Vietnamese Visa Fee £38.00 per person + Postage (approximately)
Flights
London Heathrow – Bangkok 1230hrs-0605hrs + 1 day
Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh City 0900hrs-1030hrs
Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang 1320hrs-1415hrs
Nha Trang – Hanoi 0930hrs-1110hrs
Hanoi – Bangkok 2045hrs-2235hrs
Bangkok – London Heathrow 0110hrs–0715hrs flight arrives day after leaving
International flight total journey duration 16 – 16 ½ hours
Duration of time on ground 2 ½ - 3 hours
Aircraft types
UK- Bangkok-UK Boeing 747-400
Seat Pitch 32-34” Width 17”
Aircraft size - seats 384 Configuration – 3 – 4 - 3
Bangkok-Vietnam-Bangkok Airbus A330-300
Seat Pitch 32” Width 17.2”
Aircraft size – seat 263 Configuration – 2 – 4 - 2
Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly the southern capital of Vietnam know as Saigon, is an intriguing mix of Indochina’s
ancient world and Asia’s increasingly modern future. Bicycle
filled streets and bustling local markets add to this city’s atmosphere, whilst visitors can indulge in the fragrant cuisine
and fascinating historical sites. Not to be missed are the
intricate Cu Chi Tunnels and the nearby waterways of the
Mekong Delta region.
Nha Trang – Considered to be Vietnam’s most picturesque
coastal town, Nha Trang offers long sandy beaches.
Hanoi – The capital of Vietnam, is one of Asia’s most
captivating cities. Steeped in culture and tradition but
grappling with modernity, Hanoi’s wide boulevards and
magnificent French colonial architecture provide the setting
for special Vietnamese experience. Sightseeing highlights
are plenty and include the legendary Halong Bay, historical
Ho Chi Minh Quarter and chilling ‘Hanoi Hilton’.
Halong Bay – A 3 hour drive from Hanoi east to Halong Bay
– through rural Vietnam. A UNESCO World Heritage site and
considered Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, Hong Bay
boasts over 3,000 islands that rise out of the sea to provide
a spectacular scene.
The Hotels
Saigon – Lavander Hotel, 3*
Nha Trang – Yasaka Hotel, 4*
Ha Long – Ha Long Plaza Hotel, 4*
Han Noi – Hilton Hotel, Deluxe, 4*
PRAGUE HALF
MARATHON
Rejected for
London Marathon or want a Half warm-up race ?
Why not try the Prague Half Marathon .
After the success of our
2009 trip we are going again this year.
Ideal for you that are preparing for London or those who
just want a spring break in a fantastic city.
The trip will be flying on Thursday
25th March 2010 for the Half Marathon on
the Saturday and returning on Monday 29th March.
Four nights in a central hotel in Prague on a bed and
breakfast basis. See the latest plans &
prices.
It is still not to late to
go. Let Pete Burns know (Mob. 0797 688 4892) if you are
interested in 2010. He has 22 names already booked.
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Edinburgh
Marathon May 2010.
Several Harriers have entered this marathon already and are
making plans for a weekend trip up to Bonnie Scotland.
Kirsty Stephenson is coordinating the travel plans so if
anyone is interested get in touch.
See
www.edinburgh-marathon.com
to get your race entry in.
ONLY 500 PLACES LEFT AT THE END OF 2009
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26 SEPTEMBER 2010 - SEE -
http://www.parisversailles.com/index.php
MICK HALL has planned a coach trip to this event - Contact
him direct if you may be interested.
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AVIEMORE HALF
MARATHON - 17 Ocober
2010
Harriers International
plan another overseas trip in 2010 - all the way to
Scotland !
(OK not overseas, but definitely
cross-border)
‘ A spectacular scenic course on road and excellent forest
tracks set in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountains, around
breathtaking Loch Morlich, through stunning Glenmore Forest
Park and Rothiemurchus Estate, across the River Spey and
finishing in the new Aviemore Highland Resort ’
And it's downhill, not uphill !
Stafford Harriers
and Happy Days Coaches have made arrangements for a four
day visit to the Highlands of Scotland which will include
the Aviemore Highland Half Marathon.
PRICE PER PERSON - £144
~ which includes 3
nights dinner, bed and breakfast; excursions as listed;
Highland Entertainment.
Single room supplement £20. Children (in 3 or 4 bed rooms)
£102. PLEASE NOTE ALL COACH
TRAVEL IS NON SMOKING
If you wish to take part, or for more details, please
download the booking form and post it to Bill
Whitworth.
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AND HERE ARE SOME MORE
EUROPEAN MARATHONS TO CONSIDER IN 2010:
Copied from www.runnersworld.co.uk
2010 Date: March 21 For architecture and history, the Eternal City’s marathon is up there with the very best. You’ll feel like a gladiator when the race starts and finishes at the imposing Colosseum in the centre of the city before taking in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City (for some divine intervention), the Olympic Stadium and the Trevi Fountain, among other world-famous sites. It still leaves a little to be desired organisationally - it doesn't match London or Stockholm - and the abundant stretches of cobblestones on the course, especially in the last few miles, make PBs rare. But, run in March, the temperature is warm rather than hot and the hoards of summer tourists have yet to arrive so you're guaranteed a memorable weekend in a wonderful city. Expected runners: 14,000 PB Potential: 7/10 Contact: Viale B, Bardanzellu 65, 00155 Roma, Italy; 0039 06 40 65 064; fax: 0039 06 40 65 063; e-mail: info@maratonadiroma.it; web: www.maratonadiroma.it
2010 Date: April 11
Runner's World recently chose this as one of the top 20 races to do before you die. And rightly so. The view from the Champs Élysées is hard to beat - throw in the banks of the Seine, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower and you have one of the most beautiful city races anywhere in the world. It’s also flat and fast, offering PB potential aplenty under the right conditions. Don't forget you'll be asked to provide a doctor's certificate stating that you're fit to race - a requirement at any French race.
Expected runners: 30,000 PB Potential: 9/10
Contact: ASO Athlétisme, BP 182, 92135 Issy les Moulineaux Cedex, France;
0033 141 33 15 68 2; fax: 0033 141 33 15 69; e-mail: info@parismarathon.com; web: www.parismarathon.com
2010 Date: April 11
Europe’s largest port city isn't exactly picturesque, but you’ll hardly have time to notice: the Rotterdam Marathon is, quite possibly, one of the fastest courses in the world. The nearest you will come to a hill are the underpasses and occasional bridges, It’s the largest one-day sporting event in the Netherlands and also attracts a large number of runners from overseas, including numerous elite athletes who have broken world records on the flat wide streets of this city.
Expected runners: 15,000
PB Potential: 10/10
Contact: Rotterdam Marathon, PO Box 21955, 3001 AZ Rotterdam, The Netherlands; fax: 0031 10 291 9172; e-mail: info@fortismarathonrotterdam.nl; web: www.fortisrotterdammarathon.nl
2010 Date: May 9
One of the most popular marathon destinations for Britons, though it’s worth remembering that strong Czech beer and 26.2 miles don’t necessarily mix. A relative youngster compared to some of its older European cousins - the first race took place in 1995 - its draw is universal, and this is one of the few marathons where foreigners outnumber home runners. The city is bustling, but while the course starts and finishes in the famous Old Town Square, much of the race is run outside the city, following the Vltava river. It’s fast though - apart from the odd cobbled section - meaning you should be able to outrun any British stag parties that have descended on the city.
Expected runners: 5,000 PB Potential: 8/10
Contact: Prague International Marathon, spol. sr.o, Zahoranskeho 3, 120 00 Prague 2; 00420 2 24923355; e-mail: info@praguemarathon.com; web: www.praguemarathon.com
2010 Date: April 25
The city where the Beatles first cut their teeth as performers is also where former British number one Richard Nerurkar made his marathon début. Like Rotterdam, Hamburg is best known for its port, but it too has a highly regarded marathon. The race can boast typical Teutonic efficiency, and the route is an attractive one, passing along the Reeperbahn and including a section around Aussenalster, the city lake. The superb organisation goes some way to explaining its popularity but it's really the flat and fast course that marks this race out from the competition - plus the fantastic support from thousands of loud locals along the entire length of the course.
Expected runners: 20,000 PB Potential: 9/10
Contact: tel 0049 40 8803 52; e-mail: info@marathon-hamburg.de; web: www.marathon-hamburg.de
2010 Date: April 25 If you failed to secure a place at the Virgin London Marathon, this lesser-known race in the Spanish capital takes place on the same day. It differs from London in many ways though: there's a hillier course and higher altitude - it's the highest capital city in Europe, which may affect your breathing. Factor in also, that Madrid can become extremely hot - even in April - and it certainly makes for a tough race. But, as well as taking in some of the city's great tourist sights, support is fantastic. The Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real are all good viewing points to watch the race and then celebrate with some of the city's famous nightlife! Expected size: 14,000 PB Potential: 4/10 Contact: Calle Galileo 74 Local Viajes Sandra's, 28015, Madrid; tel 0034 91 447 96 31; fax 0034 91 447 94 11; e-mail: inscripciones@mapoma.es; web: www.maratonmadrid.org
2010 Date: June 12
First run in 1980, this beautiful city marathon, held in one of Scandinavia’s liveliest cities, now attracts more than 8,000 competitors and this year became the first marathon in the world to use GPRS-based Tractrac technology that allows real-time positioning of the leading runners on giant screens or the Internet. The course is scenic and flat, taking in many of the city's major landmarks, but it does twist and turn. Support is good but it's worth bearing in mind that the Danes are rather quieter supporters than their vocal German counterparts.
Expected runners: 8,500 PB Potential: 8/10
Contact: Sparta Atletik og Motion, Sparta Lobskontor, Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads II, 2100 Kobenhavn, Denmark;
e-mail: info@copenhagen.dk; web: www.copenhagenmarathon.com
2010 Date: June 5
Scandinavia’s largest marathon has previously been voted the world’s top destination marathon. The two-loop course runs partly by the side of the Baltic, and passes many of Stockholm’s most historic points including the Parliament, City Hall and Opera House as well as the Djurgarden, a large tree-lined park. There are many wonderful waterfront views along the course - the city is built around 14 islands - and as one final touch, it finishes on the track inside the 1912 Olympic Stadium. The crowd support is excellent, the organisation meticulous and the city is a joy to be in. If there is a downside, Stockholm in late May can be hot – a steamy 80ºF is not abnormal.
Expected runners: 15,000 PB Potential: 8/10
Contact: Stockholm Marathon/Tjejmilen AB Box 10023 SE-100 55 Stockholm, Sweden; 0046 8 545 664 40; fax: 0046 8 664 38 22; e-mail: info@marathon.se; web: www.marathon.se
2010 Date: June 19
This is one international marathon where we can almost guarantee you will make the first 200. The race takes place 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle and takes its name from the 24-hour sun Northern Norway receives during the summer months: it goes without saying, that the experience of running in broad daylight in the middle of the night is one that you're unlikely to forget in a hurry. Don't expect to return with a PB though: there’s quite a steep climb over the bridge connecting the Tromsoya Island to the mainland. The crowds are also limited by the 10pm start, but it’s a unique experience nonetheless.
Expected runners: 300 PB Potential: 5/10
Contact: Postboks 821, N-9258 Tromso, Norway; 0047 77 67 33 63; fax: 0047 77 67 33 64; e-mail: post@msm.no; web: www.msm.no
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The Aviemore half marathon October 2009.
992 runners finished this year’s half marathon, run on paths and trails at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains in the Central Highlands of Scotland.
The race was won by Tommy Lawrence of Carnegie Harriers in 1:15:15.
Peter Sarson finished in 41st place in a time of 1:26:26, was 1st MV60+ home and set a new age group course record.
Graham Williams finished in 356th place in 1:50:22
The view
from the course at about 5miles____________________________________________________________________
The Prague Half
Marathon - March
2009
So
Harriers International have been off on their ventures
again. Just a small party this time to check out the Prague
Half marathon scene. With Graham Williams a stalwart
International injuring himself in Hong Kong and New Zealand
he decided to be part of the support group this time. This
just left Dave Preece and John Finney to wear the yellow
vest round the streets of Prague.
Over 4500 runners took part with a serious race up front
that saw Kiprutto of Kenya finish in 1:00:07 with his
fellow countryman Kamakya just 2 seconds behind. If that
wasn’t enough excitement two more Kenyans finished 3rd
& 4th in 1:00:15 and 1:00:19. In fact the first 9
finished in under 1:03.
In the ladies race yet again Kenyans finished 1,2,3 with
the winner Kosgei finishing in 1:09:03.
So as you can see this was a seriously high quality field
and so it was for our two Harriers. Dave Preece finished in
a good time of 1:33:59 which was 2 minutes faster than his
Stafford time of two weeks previous.
John Finney who has not run a half for some time was more
than pleased with his 1:43:27.
Here are
Dave and John working hard at the 8 K mark
Both of them agreed it was one of the better Half Marathon
Courses and was extremely well organized. It was a figure
of eight course crossing the river twice and taking in all
the sights of Prague. Other than a couple of underpasses
and a tunnel it was very flat.
There was extensive TV coverage of the race with motorbikes
and helicopters covering every move. There was fantastic
support from everyone around the course. The Harrier
supporters found it easy to follow the race and were able
to see the runners at various points around the course.
Although some did miss seeing Dave near the finish as they
were in a bar. No names.
The weather on the day was very sunny and warm.
As for Prague everyone was impressed with the city and the
people. The food was excellent and we believe the beer was
good as well. We didn’t really Czech that out. (Much)
“Czech that out.. see what I did there?”
We were in the same hotel as Rothwell Harriers a great
bunch from Yorkshire (more yellow vests). They had three
runners under 1:30 and 2nd L50 and 3rd V55.
Unfortunately they really showed us up by staying in the
bar later than us.
We have promised a rematch next year on that one. We are
already booking the hotel so put it in your diary 27th
March 2010 (see above).
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The 2008 Cuba trip:
Everyone on the trip enjoyed their visit to CUBA as a
holiday, but only two of the party managed to run in the
Marathon.
Dave Preece finished 108th position in a time of 4:18:46
and Lew badger was close behind in 114th place in time of
4:23:49.
The race was won in2:20:56 by Aguelmis Rojas De Armas and
149 finished.
Frank Evans enjoyed himself in spite of not being able to
run :
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