Valentines Day ideas; the most romantic cities to run marathons in

What’s more romantic than running? Answer: nothing. An opportunity to improve your stamina, feel euphoric and set a personal best, there really is no greater feeling than completing a marathon!

With Valentine’s Day fast-approaching, what better way to treat the runner in your life than with a marathon package in some of the most beautiful cities and countries in the world. Here’s a selection of the most romantic cities we sell packages for…

Paris

Where better than the international city of love? Paris is world-renowned for its beautiful architecture, charming cafes and delicious cuisine; the capital of France is the perfect place to take a loved one and a great location to run races in.

Marathon Tours & Travel offer packages for both the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris (half marathon) and Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (marathon), both of which operate on fast, flat courses that take in some of Paris’ best sights. Starting on the iconic Champs Elysees and running alongside the tranquil River Seine, there really is no better city to race in and experience the joys of Parisian life before and after.

Our Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris 2025 packages offer 2 to 5-nights in Paris at a hotel very close to the Place de la Bastille and Gare de Lyon station, making for a very convenient location on race day, as well as for seeing the sights and sounds of Paris.

For the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025 we offer 2 to 5-night packages in Paris at a fabulous hotel situated just off the famous Champs Elysées and within easy access to the main tourist attractions of Paris.

London

One of the most famous and iconic cities in the world, London has something for every tourist that visits it, but especially for couples. It also has two of the most famous running events in the world; the London Marathon and Royal Parks Half Marathon.

London has so much to see and explore for couples throughout the year. If it’s restaurants and bars you want, the perfectly-located Soho district in the centre of London is great for good food and great drinks. You can also catch a theatre performance or treat a loved-one to a special gift in London’s west end, or check out the sights, sounds and smells of the trendy East End around Brick Lane. If you fancy a romantic stroll around the capital, London has a number of beautiful parks to stroll around with your loved one.

If strolling isn’t enough for one or both of you, why not take part in the Royal Parks Marathon? Viewed as one of the most beautiful half marathons in the world, the 13.1mile run leads its 16,000 participants through four of London’s eight Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. Check out our 2024 packages here.

Amsterdam

There are few cities in the world more romantic than Amsterdam, indeed it is reputed to be the third most romantic city in the world behind New York and Paris! With beautiful tree-lined waterways, gorgeous traditional Dutch architecture and plenty of tourist attractions it is the perfect place to wander around with a lover.

Amsterdam is the perfect European city to explore with your partner. You could take in some of the 165 canals that make up the Dutch capital, viewing the mainly 16th century buildings and houseboats as you serenely travel through the city. Alternatively if you and your partner are nature lovers, the city’s main park, Vondelpark, is a beautiful setting, perfect for strolling through in the autumnal months around the time of the Amsterdam Marathon.

Marathon Tours & Travel’s Amsterdam Marathon 2024 packages include a conveniently located hotel (new for 2024) with breakfast for 3 or 4 nights.

Cape Town

Purportedly the fifth most romantic city in the world and regularly the winner of the best city in the world, Cape Town has plenty to see, do and experience. The Cape Town Marathon 2024 takes place in October and this world-renowned city on the tip of South Africa is the perfect place to catch some winter sun with your partner.

Cape Town experiences some beautiful weather, with temperatures averaging between 21 and 27 degrees all year round and the peak season coming to an end just after the Cape Town Marathon. There are beautiful sights throughout the city and wider area, with stunning natural landscapes such as the incredible Table Mountain, a world heritage site. If you want to treat your significant other to a meal out, Cape Town has a fantastic and vibrant restaurant and bar scene which has been voted the third best in the world.

There is plenty to see and do during your stay with lots of internationally acclaimed restaurants, shops and attractions to visit. Marathon Tours & Travel offer 4 or 5-night packages staying at deluxe accommodation, located within the course limits and the heart of the city centre.

Rio de Janeiro

Sun, sights and stunning beaches, what’s not romantic about Rio de Janeiro? Arguably Brazil’s most famous city, the beaches, feel-good party atmosphere and incredible scenery are a draw for tourists from around the world, and plenty of couples flock there to experience Rio’s joys.

It goes without saying, but there really is nowhere more romantic in Rio than its numerous beaches. Whether you’re heading to the iconic Copacabana beach or another lesser-known beach, there’s so much to see, hear and smell, with live sports, street food and surfing all on offer as you stroll! If beaches aren’t your thing, drink some of the finest cocktails anywhere in the world in Rio’s vibrant bar scene or take in one of the most iconic sights in the world – the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Now is the time to experience South America’s most beautiful city and run along its famous coastline at the Rio de Janeiro Marathon. The name of the city is synonymous with sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous samba. Few places on earth can match the hospitality, natural charm, beauty and excitement of this city. Take a look at our Rio Marathon 2024 packages here.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the gothic charm of the Scottish capital proves alluring for millions of tourists every year. Whether you’re cosying up from the cold weather in one of its cosy cafes or taking in the majestic nature of the omnipresent castle, Edinburgh is a fascinating city with so much to see and do.

Romantic highlights in this historic city are easy to come by. You could watch the sunset from the centrally-located Carlton Hill, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take in the views from the dominating Arthur’s Seat. Not many people would associate Edinburgh with beaches, but Portobello Beach lies within easy travelling distance of the city centre and is the perfect place for a romantic walk.

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2024 is the perfect opportunity to run with a partner or loved-one, with the festival offering a number of distances from 5k, through to the full marathon distance. Our package includes an ideally located hotel, experiences and support from our experts during your stay, making us the perfect company to book your stay with. View our package here.

Fancy running a half marathon? View our full range of half marathon packages here…

Fancy running a marathon? View our full range of marathon packages here…