Havana Marathon

Post-Race Extension | November 18 – 20, 2024

Varadero (Must pay in full before June 2, 2024 in order to participate) 

Varadero is one of the world’s best known destinations, and no wonder. Its spectacular beaches of fine sand, the natural wonders that surround it such as the Cuevas de Bellamar (Bellamar Caves) or the Cienaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp), along with the variety of activities to do make it an ideal destination. Varadero is the perfect combination of natural beauty and traditional Cuban culture. Your experience these two days include spending two nights at Mystique Casa Perla.

Monday, November 18

Following breakfast and check-out we will begin our 2.5 hour drive to Varadero. Upon arriving in Varadero, we will check-in at the Mystique Casa Perla and the rest of the afternoon and evening are on your own. (Breakfast and lunch included)

Tuesday November 19

After breakfast, we will visit the baseball stadium “Palmar de Junco”, a historic facility where the first recorded organized baseball game in the country was played in 1874. Famous Cuban baseball players like Martin Dihigo, Jose de la Caridad Mendez (The Black Diamond), Gaspar “El Curro” Perez, and Lazaro Junco played on this field over the years.  The ballpark is still a working facility, serving as a provincial academy for young players.

Before returning to the hotel, we will visit Ediciones Vigia, a unique publishing house founded in 1985.  It produces handmade paper and first edition copies of books.  Only 200 copies of each book are made so each is a collector’s item.  We will meet with the Director Agustina Ponce, publishers and artists.

After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy until we gather at 5:00 PM for a visit to the Varadero Dance Academy for a rumba workshop. Dinner is at your leisure.(Breakfast and lunch included)

Wednesday November 20

Following an early breakfast we will begin the drive back to the Havana airport for your international flight home or we suggest your book the return flight below as the airport is only 40 minutes from the hotel. (Breakfast included)

Varadero (VRA)- Miami (MIA)

***WEAmericas is a program launched by The State Department in 2012 to support women’s economic advancement in the Western Hemisphere. Since its founding, the program has brought more than 140 women from 25 Latin American and Caribbean countries to the United States to hone their leadership abilities and entrepreneurial skills, build networks, and create strategies for successful enterprises. The initiative reduces barriers and increases opportunities for women entrepreneurs to start and grow small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) by improving access to markets, capital, skills and leadership opportunities.

Itinerary Subject to Change

Havana Marathon | Four-Night Package: November 14 – 18, 2024

Features:

• Travel visa
• Five star hotel accommodations
• Hotel taxes
• Most meals including a special welcome dinner and post-marathon celebration
• Exciting itinerary with the best expert english speaking tour guides
• All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
• Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
• In-country ground transportation (airport transfers will be on own)
• Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff

Not Included:

• Race Entry Fee:
  • Marathon – $95
  • Half-Marathon – $75
  • 10K or 5K – $65
• Round trip flight to/from Havana, Cuba
• Meals not outlined on the itinerary
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Tips not included in the package features
• Travel insurance
• Airport transfers

Important Notes:

• There are a limited number of single rooms available.
• Extension payments must be made before June 2, 2024.

Airfare:

Four-Night Package: 

You should fly in and out of the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba (HAV).  We recommend you arrive before 4:00 PM on arrival day (Thursday, November 14). You can depart at anytime on Monday, November 18.

Six-Night Package (Havana and Varadero): 

You should fly in to the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba (HAV).  We recommend you arrive before 4:00 PM on arrival day (Thursday, November 14). Your flight on Wednesday, November 20 should be 3:00 PM or later if departing from Havana or we recommend the flight below.

Varadero (VRA)- Miami (MIA)

(Please note that this package is available to U.S. Citizens only or International Citizens who depart from the U.S.) 

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents

Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents

Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)

Race Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Start Time: 6:30AM

Entry Fees: Marathon Tours & Travel will secure your guaranteed race entry. Instructions will be sent to registered participants.

Course: The race starts in front of the Capitolio on the edge of Old Havana. After one mile, it reaches the port and follows the Malecon for about three miles along the water. It then turns into the main city through many neighborhoods and past historical sites such as the National Sports Stadium and Revolution Square. The marathon is two loops of this route. The course is somewhat traffic-free and flat until mile five.  From there until the end of the loop you will find rolling hills.  The circuit of the marathon and half-marathon is certified by the AIMS/IAFF.  The 10K flat course is along the Malecon and is out and back.

Time Limit: The Havana Marathon starts at 6:30AM and ends at 1:00PM.  Therefore, there is a 6.5 hour time limit from the gun start.

Temperature: Temperatures will range from 60F to 80F. Humidity can be high.

Eligibility: All runners must be 18 years of age or older.

Awards: Every runner receives a commemorative t-shirt and medal.

Difficulty: Moderate due to humidity and rolling hills.