
The African Challenge
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s African Challenge Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
African Challenge: From Cape Town to Madagascar
Embark on the ultimate running adventure with our African Challenge, a once-in-a-lifetime journey that blends iconic races, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences across Southern Africa.
Your adventure begins in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Enjoy a five-night stay at the Radisson Hotel, perfectly located for you to soak in the vibrant energy of the Cape Town Marathon. With Table Mountain as your backdrop and the Atlantic coastline at your side, this race offers both beauty and excitement in every stride.
After Cape Town, unwind and celebrate your achievement with a two-night escape to the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch. Nestled among rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery, this charming destination provides the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy world-class wines, and experience the rich flavors of South Africa.
Your journey culminates with Marathon Tours & Travel’s seven-night Madagascar Marathon Package, taking you to one of the most unique and untouched destinations on Earth. Here, you’ll run through the stunning landscapes of Isalo National Park, where rugged sandstone formations, canyons, and wide-open spaces create a race environment unlike any other. In Madagascar, runners can choose their challenge: 10K, Half-Marathon, Marathon or Ultra 50K.
From bustling city streets to tranquil vineyards and the raw beauty of Madagascar’s wilderness, the African Challenge offers a truly immersive experience. This is more than a race series—it’s a journey across diverse cultures, landscapes, and unforgettable moments.
Discover Africa. Challenge yourself. Create memories that last a lifetime.
IMPORTANT. Madagascar requires uncomfortable travel on bumpy roads from Tulear to Isalo, approx. eight (8) hours each way. This trip is not suitable for those who cannot handle long travel days or these conditions. Madagascar is also a third world country so one must be prepared for the poverty that exists.
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, May 19
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and transfer by taxi to your hotel. Upon arrival you will have the day on your own to acclimate to the city. Tonight you can enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants or bistros along the famous Waterfront. (No meals included)
Thursday, May 20
After breakfast, we will head to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Taking Helshoogte Pass into the Drakenstein Mountains, we enjoy wine tastings with breathtaking views and have lunch inspired by the local countryside and farm produce. We continue our journey into the Drakenstein Valley and the Paarl Wine Route to stop at Fairview Wine Estate for a cheese and wine pairing and time to shop at the Deli (itinerary subject to change).Tonight, you will enjoy a meet and greet with your fellow travelers at Marathon Tours & Travel’s hosted Welcome Reception and trip briefing. (Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Reception included)
Friday, May 21
After breakfast, we will depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of this beautiful city including all the ‘must-sees” of Cape Town, which is a geographical and cultural extravaganza. You will see Cape Town, from its historical beginnings to the dazzling modern shopping malls. A stop at the expo to pick up your race kits will be included in the tour.The evening is yours to enjoy. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, May 22
Enjoy a free day on your own in Cape Town. In the evening, Marathon Tours & Travel will host a pre-race dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday, May 23 – Cape Town Race Day!
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race day is here! After an early breakfast, please make your way to the start line. Marathon Tours & Travel will take escorted trips at key times and will be in the hotel lobby to provide guidance.
After the race, recharge with us in the International Tent. Meet up here to find us, your family and friends. For those who prefer not to walk back a shuttle bus service is provided. Following the race, you will have time to clean up and recharge before joining us for a post race celebration party. (Breakfast and included)
Monday, May 24
Enjoy a leisure morning before a morning transfer to the five-star Lanzerac Hotel. Upon being greeted at the hotel, enjoy a group wine tasting and tour of the hotel’s wine cellar. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. (Breakfast included)
Tuesday, May 25
Today is a full day tour of local wine estates with wine tasting and magnificent views all around you. Lunch with a wine tasting is included before heading back to the Lanzerac Hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy one of the local restaurants or dinner at the Lanzerac. (Breakfast and lunch included).
Wednesday, May 26
Prepare for an early morning departure to the Cape Town International Airport for our group flight to Antananarivo, Madagascar (via Johannesburg). Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar affectionately known as “Tana”, you will be met and transferred to the Relais de Plateaux Hotel (in close proximity to the airport) for your overnight stay. Airport transfers included. All meals are on your own today.
Thursday, May 27
Following breakfast, we will have our first encounters with lemurs at Lemur Park! After enjoying a morning walking through this lush park full of wildlife, we will head to a local restaurant for lunch. The afternoon will be a visit to the Rova of Antananarivo, which is a royal palace complex that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as of the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. Following this we will return back to the Relais de Plateaux for dinner and overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, May 28
Today is our very early morning flight to Tulear. The group will be transferred to the airport with your English-speaking guides for the one hour flight to Toliara (also called Tulear) on the southwest coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival, we will begin the six hour (approximate) drive to Isalo, with a stop for breakfast first. Arrival at Le Jardin du Roy will be in time for a late lunch and a restful afternoon to get acquainted with your new surroundings. Tonight, we will gather for our welcome dinner at Le Jardin du Roy. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 29
Following breakfast, we will have a guided hike around Le Jardin du Roy property and surrounding area. After lunch at the hotel, you are free to do one of the several optional activities offered by the hotel or rest for race day tomorrow! This evening will be our mandatory race briefing prior to our pre-race dinner. All meals will be enjoyed at the hotel today. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, May 30 - Madagascar Race Day!
Breakfast will be available early this morning. The races will begin at 7:00am outside your doorstep at the Jardin du Roy. The post-race party will include an awards ceremony, entertainment and will be followed by a buffet dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, May 31
Following breakfast is a visit to the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka. This area produces some of the world’s purest sapphires, which were first unearthed only 25 years ago. Enjoy afternoon activities at your hotel prior to our group dinner. All meals will be enjoyed at the hotel today. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, June 1
After breakfast, we will transfer from the hotels to Isalo National Park for a beautiful morning hike. The group will be divided into smaller groups and will then regroup at Canyon Namaza’s picnic area. For those who wish to continue their hike up to the stunning Cascades, a boxed lunch will be provided. This is a moderate to difficult hike, so guests should be confident in their balance and walking ability along wet and narrow paths. Those who wish to return to the Le Jardin du Roy for lunch will be transported back. All meals will be enjoyed at the hotel today. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, June 2
Depart your hotel today for the return drive to Toliara (Tulear) Airport for our flight to Tana where you can connect to you international flight home (typically this is only Air France around 11:00 PM). For those flying out the next day (Thursday, June 3), an additional night can be arranged for you at the Relais de Plateaux near the airport for an additional cost. Those extending their time in Madagascar on the extension, please see the Post-Race Extension Itinerary for details. (Breakfast and box lunch included)
Please plan for a very long day today!
(Itinerary subject to change)
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Extensions
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POST-AFRICAN CHALLENGE OPTION
Ifaty and Andasibe | Six Night Package
Spend more time exploring Madagascar. Find details below. -
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Wednesday, June 2: Isalo | Toliara | Ifaty
This morning you will depart with the group to Tulear and after lunch continue by coach bus north to the beach area of Ifaty. The rest of the day is to relax from a long day of travel at the Les Dunes located on the beautiful coastal line of Madagascar. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Thursday, June 3: Ifaty | Reniala Reserve
Today you have the option to relax and enjoy many of the water sports and activities Les Dunes offers or visit nearby Reniala Reserve, an eco-system known as the spiny forest consisting of towering spiny bushes and some spectacular ancient baobab trees. The botanical trail reveals a bird sanctuary, endangered radiated tortoises, various species of chameleons and lemurs as well. All meals will be enjoyed at Les Dunes.(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, June 4: Ifaty
Enjoy a free day to relax and take in your surroundings. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, June 5: Ifaty | Toliara | Antananarivo
Following an early breakfast, you will depart to the Tulear Airport for your flight to Tana. Upon arrival in Tana, you will have lunch and experience the Digue Market. Once you have purchased your souvenirs, the group will make its way to the Hotel Colbert for your overnight accommodations. Dinner is on your own this evening. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday, June 6: Antananarivo | Andasibe
Plan for an 8:00 AM departure for a three-hour (approximate) drive through the highland countryside to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park where you will spend the next two nights at the Mantadia Lodge (or Relais de Mantadia). This evening enjoy an optional nocturnal walk with your experienced guide before dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, June 7: Andasibe
Rise early to hike into Analamazaotra Reserve to see and hear the unforgettable babakoto (and other denizens). This is the largest of the lemurs, also known as the Indri indri, and has consistently refused to live in captivity – the only place in the world where to see them and hear their haunting call. Meals and overnight Mantadia Lodge (or Relais de Mantadia). (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Tuesday, June 8: Andasibe | Antananarivo
Following breakfast we will make a stop at Lemur Island and enjoy lunch at the Varkona Forest Lodge before we begin our drive back to Tana. A stop is planned at the Relais des Plateaux for a buffet dinner before your transfer to the airport (if applicable). An additional night is needed at the Relais des Plateaux for those on the June 10, 12:25 AM Air France Flight. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
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Packages & Rates
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African Challenge Tour | Fourteen-Night Package: May 19 – June 2, 2027
Cape Town Features:
- Five (5) nights’ accommodation at the Radisson Hotel (May 19 – 24)
- Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
- Full-Day Cape Winelands Tour or Full Day Cape Point Tour
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Welcome cocktail reception
- Race briefing
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with stop at Expo
- Pre-Race Dinner
- Escorted walk/transfer to race start for marathon participants
- Post-Race Celebration Party
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- All tourism/VAT taxes & tour guide gratuities included
- Guaranteed Race Entry – Additional Cost ($TBC)
Not Included:
- Race Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $TBC
- All activities listed as optional
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
Stellenbosch Features:
- Two nights at the five-star Lanzerac Hotel (May 24 – 26)
- Full English breakfast
- Select mini bar, replenished once daily
- Complimentary Jonkershoek wine tasting of Lanzerac wines with a guided cellar tour
- Complimentary use of the spa’s hydro facilities
- Complimentary transfer service between the hotel and downtown Stellenbosch at set times
- Full day tour of area wine estates with lunch
- Group coach bus transfer from the Radisson Cape Town hotel to the Lanzerac Hotel
- Group coach bus airport transfer from the Lanzerac Hotel to the Cape Town International Airport
- Flight from Cape Town International Airport to Antananarivo, Madagascar
Not Included:
- Beverages unless noted on the itinerary
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
- Incidentals
- Spa services
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Madagascar Features:
- Two nights in Tana (May 26 -28)
- Airport transfers on arrival day
- Services of English-speaking guides
- Excursions, entrance fees and local guides in parks and reserves as outlined on the itinerary
- Five nights at the Jardin du Roy or its sister property in Isalo (May 28 – June 2)
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Welcome reception (Isalo)
- Post-race party with entertainment (Isalo)
- Ground transportation according to the itinerary
- Domestic flights per the itinerary from Antananarivo to Tulear and return. Price is subject to change once domestic flights are confirmed.
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (this does not include local guides when visiting parks)
- Nature hikes as outlined on the itinerary
- Touring and sightseeing per the itinerary
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Race entry not included in the package price
Not Included:
- International airfare from Madagascar
- Half-Marathon, Marathon or Ultra 50K race entry fee (additional $TBC per entry); 10K (additional $TBC per entry)
- Incidentals
- All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic; bottled water at meals is not included)
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa Fee
- Optional activities
- Personal items such as phone, laundry, etc.
- Airport transfers not mentioned in itinerary
Post-Race Extensions | Six-Night Package: June 2 – 8, 2027
Package Features:
- Lodging and meals as specified on itinerary
- Intra-domestic flights and taxes on Air Madagascar
- Airport transfers within Madagascar as specified
- Ground transportation by bus as per itinerary
- Services of English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees and local guides in parks and reserves as mentioned
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents2027 Rates (all prices in US dollars) – Coming Soon
African Challenge Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy 14-Night Package $TBC per person $TBC Post-Race Extension Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Option 1: Ifaty & Andisabe $TBC per person $TBC Option 2: Andasibe & Palmarium $TBC per peson $TBC Race Entry Fee Rate Sanlam Cape Town Marathon $TBC Madagascar Marathon, Half-Marathon, Ultra 50K $TBC Madagascar 10K $TBC
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Hotels
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Cape Town
Wake to the sound of waves at this oceanfront retreat near Cape Town’s iconic attractions. Enjoy elegant rooms with sweeping views, dine at Tobago’s Restaurant, and unwind at the infinity pool or Amani Spa. With luxury amenities, sustainable practices, and a prime location by the V&A Waterfront (walking distance to the start of the marathon), every stay promises relaxation, indulgence, and unforgettable memories.
Antananarivo (Tana)Located at Ivato, only five kilometers from the International Airport, Relais des Plateaux is a perfect spot for a short overnight while in the capital of Madagascar. Nestled in a wooded park, the Relais des Plateaux offers you the mix between local tradition and modern. We believe you will find this hotel to be comfortable and welcoming.
IsaloRelais de la Reine and Jardin du RoyThese sister hotels will act as the Race Headquarters. The unique 4-star properties are hidden away off the main road and offer 15 buildings that include 3-4 rooms in each unit. Exteriors are constructed of hand cut granite with intricate stone work. Rooms are beautifully furnished from palissandre (Madagascan mahogany). The main buildings have a comfortable bar and restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy lovely views from the large pool or schedule treatments in the spa. An equestrian center is also on property. The course starts and at Jardin du Roy and finishes at Relais de la Reine.
Antananarivo (Tana) - Extension OnlyThe Colbert Hotel Spa & Casino shines its 4 stars in the heart of the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo. Located in the city center, its location offers panoramic views of the most beautiful monuments of the city of Miles. The Colbert Hotel has two buildings. The first offers its standard rooms and the new building offers offers deluxe rooms with additional comfort and upgraded showers and baths. There is free Wi-Fi in the lobby.
IfatyThe hotel is located along the Mozambique Channel just before the fishing village of Mangily, 27km north of Toliara. This charming resort nestled in a tropical park allows those who stay there to enjoy the pleasures of the lagoon, its great coral reef and excursions into the Baobab forest and its sand dunes.
It is built with local materials; a harmonious mix of dry stones for the walls and precious wood for the parquet floors, frames and furniture. The main building, whose roof of more than ten meters rests on a tree, includes the reception, the lounges, the main bar, the restaurant and its terrace. From there a large staircase provides direct access to the beach.
The beach bar is opposite the seaside swimming pool. An ideal place to admire the sunset while sipping a punch or a homemade cocktail. Electricity available 24/7 is produced by a solar power plant, allowing the hotel to be completely independent and ecological.
AndasibeMantadia Lodge provides the tranquility, space and light of this vast region. Inspired by the hilly area of the mountains on which it rests, Mantadia Lodge is a welcoming oasis from where you can endlessly admire the wild beauty of the landscapes and animals of the most beautiful National Park of Madagascar. A truly exceptional experience.
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Event Information
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Cape Town Event Info:
Race Date: Sunday, May 23 2027 (Marathon)
Race Time:
Marathon — Various 6:00AM
Elite wheelchairs — 6:10AM
Elite field 6:15AM — Batches will then go every 2 minsStarting Times and Bib Numbers: Allocation of start times and bibs is by Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Closer to the event we will ask for your expected pace and other details to complete the registration process for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. The organizers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information you provide.
Race Rules: All official race rules must be followed.
Course: The marathon course begins outside the iconic Cape Town Stadium and runs along a spectacular route, where you will take in the famous natural beauty of Cape Town’s mountains and sea, as well as many of the city’s great attractions, finishing back at the Cape Town Stadium. The course is ideal for athletes who aim to achieve fast times and for first-timers who want to finish their inaugural marathon.
Temperature: Average temperatures are between 17 – 20 degrees Celsius (62 to 68 Fahrenheit)
Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $TBC
Eligibility: In accordance with Athletics South Africa (ASA) Rules and Regulations, participants must meet the minimum age requirement for each event by the event date.
42.2km Marathon: 18 years
Time Limit & Cut-Offs: The course has a strict 6 hour and 30 minutes time limit. The timing is based on gun to gun. Due to IAAF requirements the race organizers will be strictly enforcing cut-off times in certain locations. There will be pick up buses for all athletes that do not make the cut-off times at the following points. Roving pick-ups will also take place. See the route map for details of all cut-off times
- Marathon – Cut-Off Points (subject to change)
- 8:15 AM – at 10.1km (Center Helen Suzman and Buitengracht Street)
- 9:40 AM – at 18.7km (Water Station 6)
- 11:10 AM – at 29km (Water Station 10)
- 12:20 PM – at 35.9km (Water Station 13)
- 12:48 PM – at 38.5km (Water Station 14)
- At Finish Line: 6h30m
Number Pickup: Time will be organized for the group to stop at the expo to pick up your race number during the city tour. The expo is located at the Century City Conference Centre.
- Friday, May 21: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, May 22: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Awards: Everyone who finishes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a medal, ASICS Shirt and goodie bag
Difficulty: Moderate. Fairly flat course with a couple of long hills.
Madagascar Event Info:
Race Date: Sunday, May 30, 2027
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Organizer: The race is organized by the Marathon Tours & Travel, Inc. in association with the National Park Association.
Course: Go here for a map of the course. The marathon is two loops of the half-marathon course; the 10KM is an out and back; the 50KM is two loops of the half-marathon course with an out and back.
Entry Fee: TBD. Entry is offered only by booking a package through Marathon Tours & Travel.
Eligibility: All runners traveling from outside Madagascar must purchase the special travel package and enter through Marathon Tours & Travel. Runners in the marathon must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Time Limit: Marathon and Ultra 50K: 7 hours; Half-Marathon: 5 hours
Number Pickup: Numbers and pre-race briefing will be held at Le Jardin du Roy, official race headquarters. The pasta party will follow.
Aid Stations: Portable water is a valuable commodity in Madagascar. Runners must be self-sufficient while running. Drink stations with bottled water will be positioned where possible. Camelbacks and other carrying devices for liquids is highly recommended. Runners must bring their own electrolyte drinks or nutritional supplements.
Awards: Top three overall for males and females in marathon, half-marathon and ultra-marathon races. All finishers will receive a certificate and medallion.
Temperature: May is the dry season in Madagascar so expect little to no rainfall. The average temperature will be a high of 30C (86F) and low of 16C (61F).
Packing Suggestions: Buying new shoes or clothes is not recommended. A better solution is to take old clothes and leave them behind as they will go to good use and you can travel light on the way home. Long sleeves and long pants for the forest are recommended as you will go off the trail and into the bushes at times. Also layers work best because it will be chilly at night and in the early morning. A sweatshirt, warm sweater and/or a scarf will come in handy! All carry-on items must comply with size, weight, and security regulations. A suggested packing list will be shared in your final documents.
Difficulty: Challenging Course. Although fairly flat with a few rolling hill, part of the course is on sand, through grass, and through shallow water at various points on the course.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Air and land prices may change due to currency fluctuations or changes in the tax or fuel surcharges.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with an initial non-refundable deposit of $TBC per person must be received before confirming your reservation. Final payment is due before February 15, 2027. Bookings made after February 15, 2027 will require full payment at time of booking.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. You must secure and pay for your visa to travel to Madagascar/Cape Town. Airfare is additional. Entry fee is additional.
Travel Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and/or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
With more than twenty years of experience in travel logistics, conference planning, and marketing it has been a dream to blend her passion of running and travel with her career. Karen has completed close to 40 marathons, including Boston (2011, 2022, 2023), sevral ultra-marathons, and many half marathons and local races. She earned her Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal in London (April 2023).
Karen is certified as a running coach with Road Runners Club of America, a member of USATF and Marathon Maniacs, is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), earned her MS in Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and BS in Economics/Finance from Bentley University. In addition to working on Marathon Tours & Travel marketing efforts, Karen manages our programs to Bermuda, Israel, Kenya, the Italy Coast to Coast Relay, Madagascar, Scotland, Athens and supports our U.S. packages to Big Sur and Boston. She is always looking forward to the next adventure!