Tuesday 7 June 2011

New contest!

Runners!  A chance to win some Bondi B's!

Simply comment on this post with your answer to the following question:

If you could run ANY marathon in the world, which would it be and why?

We'll announce the winner on July 1!

66 comments:

  1. I was really fond of my uncle Terry as far back as I can remember. I loved hearing stories about his crazy days as a kid in California jumping off of the family roof into their pool. It was my uncle Terry that took me on my first skydiving adventure; he'd done over 500 jumps at that point and watching videos of his jumps just seemed like so much fun. I haven't met a nicer, more lively person than him.

    A month before my wedding day I found out that he had died while surfing down in Florida. I've never really gotten over it, and will always be sad to not have him around. Not too long after that, when I first seriously started running long distances, my aunt Chris told me how my uncle Terry had once been a big runner. As it happens, used to run the trails that make up some of my favorite runs now. She told me he had run Boston numerous times, and actually gave me one of his finisher's medals and his Boston Marathon jacket. I pull it out of the closet from time to time when I feel like I might need a little motivation.

    So while it might not be out of the ordinary for a runner to say they'll always want to run the Boston Marathon, I'm not too worried about that. I'd love to run it and feel like I have yet another connection with my favorite uncle. When I do qualify, maybe I'll just imagine him running with me.

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  2. The Mt Everest marathon......because it's there......

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  3. Pike's Peak marathon. I love running up mountains and can't think of a better course.

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  4. Hi. My best friend (he was EVERYONE's best friend) Adam Dennis passed away in April in an avalanche. He was going to pace me at Leadville in August and we both love Hokas, having started running in them last summer. He was going to get me a deal on a pair (has a well-placed bud apparently) but obviously that is no longer happening. I am going to run in his honor and run in Hokas regardless, but at least I thought I'd share the story. I love my first pair and appreciate them saving my bacon in the Leadville 50 last summer when I ran the last 25 mi in them. Thanks, Rock

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  5. If I were to run a marathon, it would most likely be Skyline to Sea in California. Nearly a pure downhill trail marathon, and there is NOTHING like bombing some singletrack for mile after endless mile. For those of us with a screw loose, loving the out of control world of downhill running, what more could you ask for???

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  6. Pike's Peak Marathon. The history, terrain and challenge all make it irresistible.

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  7. What happened to the contest?

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  8. The Antartica Ice Marathon. It would be awesome to see 26.2 miles of Antartica.

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  9. Mesa Falls Marathon, Idaho
    Just ran it and it was a very nice run!

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  10. Jackson Hole marathon... Prettiest course

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  11. Marathon Des Sables - always wanted to check that one out

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  12. I'd have to say Pike's Peak as well. Being from the midwest I don't get to spend as much time in the mountains as I'd like, but having recently spent a week out west as well as a couple days on the Barr Trail I simply fell in love with the Pike's Peak area. The view from Barr as you head toward Pike's Peak is truly mind-boggling. I can't say that I can recall ever feeling so connected with an area as I did with Pike's Peak. It's a 'must do'.

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  13. The Great Wall Marathon, but I need to wait until all my kids are 18 so they can do it with me. Once in a lifetime race, once in a lifetime trip, and once in a lifetime event to share with four kids who love to run.

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  14. Second vote for the Great Wall Marathon. That just seems like insane bragging rights to run there.

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  15. A few years ago I wanted to do the Grand Island (Upper MI) Marathon but it was already sold out when I went to register. I've heard it's a knarly race and the reward is jumping into Lake Superior afterward for an ice bath!

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  16. Running on a volcano, across lava fields while enjoying breath taking scenery. All of that is why I would choose the Kilauea Volcano Marathon. Probably one the most difficult marathons next to Pikes Peak makes it a major challenge also.

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  17. Marathon Des Sables because I have never done a stage race or taken part in such a big event.

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  18. Long story short I broke my knee (ripped meniscus off of the bone) snowboarding last year and had surgery. My first run/hike was while on vacation in Hawaii 6 months after my injury. Saw people racing on the trails covered in mud almost from head to toe. Looked into the race and it turns out its a 30 mile trail run at Mt Tantalus just north of Waikiki on Oahu. Its three 10 mile loops in the awesome tropical forests of Hawaii. I'm planning on going back this year and doing it. Maybe BROKEN knee, but BROKEN spirit NO!

    http://www.hurthawaii.com/2011/08/tantalus-triple-trek-ttt-.html

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  19. Not necessarily a single event, but I want to eventually do the Four Deserts Ultra Marathons to prove to myself and others that I can and nothing needs to hold us back in life!

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  20. Hamilton Road to Hope. It would be my first marathon and if I can get my pulled calf muscle fixed it will be my summer training goal.
    kevinclay

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  22. The Midnight Marathon in Alaska -- Celebrate the Summer Solstice while pounding out a great event.

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  23. Connemara Marathon in Ireland. Being Irish, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my heritage.

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  24. 26.2 Miles on random unmarked trails through the woods with friends! Why? Because that is what is all about!

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  25. Hey Hoka blog team: There have been no new posts by you since June 2011. Really?!?! It would be great to get an update from the company in the past year. Is the company growing? What about discussion of new shoe models and updates, new contests, places to see your gear in action. Customer testimonials, etc.

    Hoka is a great product and the community seems inherently strong with advocates and enthusiasts. Let's keep the momentum rolling.

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  26. I'd go wherever I could with my dad. This year we traveled together to Mount Desert Island Marathon and Big Sur Marathon....two fantastic runs. He is now 74, has run 35+ years and countless races, although I think he could give me an exact count because he has kept a journal of every run he has ever done.
    I have traveled to antarctica and alaska as a geologist and hiker, hawaii too, but never as a runner. Those places would be great to revisit and run a marathon (or ultra)

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  27. I'd want to go back to my homeland of UK and run the London Marathon. I lived and worked in the UK for 27 years before moving to US. I've lived in the US now for 15 years and would like my very first full marathon to be in my home country - I think that would be appropriate and a way to pay respect to the country I left behind but will forever be a part of.

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  28. http://solar-eclipse-marathon.com/ Because I am ruled by the moon and happy in the sun

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  29. Was there ever a winner? Is it going to be announced July 1, 2012? In case there is still time to play, I'll take the emphasized "ANY" from the question to heart and answer the Olympic road marathon. Why? Most (though not all) marathons I could run today simply by signing up and paying my fee. In the realm of exclusive events, the Olympics seem to be at the top of the heap. Given the question's premise, why not gun for the top?

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  30. Everest Marathon. Completely nuts but also sacred and beautiful beyond measure.

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  31. I'd choose Pike's Peak Marathon. One of the hardest 26.2 mile courses there is and in some beautiful country.

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  32. Lithia Loop Marathon. Because it would be my first marathon and it's a trail marathon in Oregon.

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  33. I've never run a marathon before - but I would absolutely love to! It's on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I just got into running a few months ago - I ran my first half marathon with Team in Training 2 weekends ago and fell head over heels in love with it. I'm a goner :) My running idol (a local running blogger in the DC area) has bought several different pairs of Hokas and she SWEARS by them. I have read review after review after review and everything speaks to how amazing these shoes are. I have looked everywhere for a pair to purchase and I can't find them anywhere. I am a female and have a size 11 shoe - and I hear Hoka's run a little small so I would need a size 11.5 which means the female shoes are already out of the question. When I look for the male shoes in a size 10 (which is the equivalent of an 11.5 in womens) they are sold out everywhere I look! I would love to own a pair of Hokas and train in them for my first marathon and run my first marathon in them. If I could run any marathon in the world, I would choose to run the Honolulu Marathon. This is where I took my honeymoon and it is my paradise on earth. I can imagine running in a bright pair of Hokas along the beautiful landscape with beautiful bright views in Hawaii. I hope I win :)!! PS - Hoka should think about making larger size shoes for women :) I would buy you all out of stock!!!

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  34. Any marathon in the world..... I have more than one! For scenery, Big Sur for sure. History, Boston. But the one that stands out is Rome. I fell in love with the city a decade ago on a trip there, and have always wanted to run around the Coliseum. Nothing like it in the world

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  36. I would love to do the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope! (even though its 24miles...) I hope this still counts, thanks!

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  38. Hi, Nice post thanks for sharing. Would you please consider adding a link to my website on your page. Please email me back.

    Thanks!

    Randy
    randydavis387@gmail.com

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  39. Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland!!

    Just did Chicago :) http://outandbackrunner.blogspot.com/

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  40. I'd love to run Big Sur. I ran it in 2002 with a pretty bad stress-fractured tibia and was in too much pain to appreciate how breathtakingly beautiful the course was. I'm in much better shape so I know I can do it faster and with more joy. Maybe in 2014 since I missed the 2013 entry.

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  41. Hi, i would just love to run the Paris marathon!
    Such great views and an atmosphere that cannot be described,one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
    Priceless...

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  42. The Boston Marathon. The reason I would run this is because of the storied tradition of Boston. I have spectated the race a few times and no other race I have ever witnessed trail or road has the same energy and excitement as Boston. It is more then a marathon it is the celebration of running and America's freedom as it is run on Patriots day.

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  43. Boston would be nice for all of it's history and prestige.
    Big Sur would be good for the sights and scenery.

    But for me, it would simply be the next one I could find? Why?
    Because it'd be my first.

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  45. Even though I'm a born and raised New Yorker, I'd have to say the marathon I'd most like to run is Boston. My reason is simple; to get there, I'll have to qualify. And that ain't going to be easy.

    I see qualifying for Boston as the ultimate reward for years of hard-work and dedication: a reward that seemed completely inconceivable a year ago. Today, partly because of my Hokas, I can train harder and get in the weekly miles required for a solid attempt at BQing.

    Boston. It's the only marathon that you win simply by getting there.

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  47. The Philadelphia Marathon.
    I have been a native Philadelphia area resident my entire life. All of my running experiences have been in and around the Philly area. My next marathon will be my first one, and it's coming up on my list of things to do. I ran the Philadelphia Half Marathon last fall, and that was on the one year anniversary of my very first run ever. In that one year span I have dropped 130 pounds and transitioned from someone who could not complete a 1/4 mile lap around a track to finishing a Half Marathon.
    Given that history, any other race for my first marathon would not quite feel right...
    So Philly for sure. Granted, it's not as exotic as the Great Wall or as beautiful as Big Sur, but it's my town and I love it.

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  48. Mine would have to be New York. The electricity in the air and the sheer amount of people watching gets my blood pumping!

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  49. I'd run the Paris Marathon - I want a cool location if I'm going to train that hard. And the scenery would be so incredible!! What a tour!

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  50. I would love run the Rome marathon.

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  51. Running the London marathon (heck, running ANY marathon) would be a thrill. But I'd love to be able to run along the Thames.

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  52. If I could run any marathon, road or trail, in the world, the marathon I would pick would undoubtedly be the Trofeo Scaccabarozzi, or "Scaccabarozzi Trophy", in Italy. I was lucky enough to run the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in San Francisco, and afterwards, I talked to a finisher of the marathon. For those who don't know, the Scaccabarozzi marathon is a skyrunning event in Pasturo, Italy, and is one of the most beautiful trails in the world. To run this race would be the athletic accomplishment of my life.

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  53. I'd choose the Twin Cities marathon because of everything i have seen in done there and running that course would remind me of all the good memories of cities I love

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  54. Boston Marathon is still the top priority. I made it my goal for 2014,even before the horrible event, that happened this year.
    I was even more determined to run next year and planned to qualify at Ojai Marathon. But my left knee is saying slow down. That's why I am searching for new shoes and Hoka One Bondi B might be the answer. Everyone I talked to is stoked about these shoes.

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  55. Kona Ironman. Nothing can be harder and more rewarding than qualifying for and then racing that "marathon". Only a little extra warm up if you know what I mean. I would love the challenge and the thrill of Alii Dr and hearing those famous words. . .

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  57. Savannah Marathon (S.C.): In 2012, I was looking for a second marathon that wasn't too far away to help cut costs. Three months from the race, I suffered a hip injury. I was out, per doctors orders, AND I lost the registration money. After being a good girl - staying off the foot and going through physical therapy - I was back on the pavement. Fast forward to 2013. I don't want to jinx myself and sign up for the race too soon this time, but am trying again! I'm coming off a neuroma - figures - (swollen nerve/right foot). I'm going to switch shoes TODAY and try the Bondi B/Hoka One! Bondi's - bring me across the finish line in November!

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  58. If I could run any marathon in the world, it would be the Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu. The epic mountains and rich history would make for an amazing adventure.

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  59. I ran the 1988 Big Sur Marathon with a pretty jacked up knee. I still finished with a pretty decent time 3:52.
    I began training to return the following year and was sidelined with what evolved into an issue that required spinal cord surgery to avoid being paralyzed. Now at 60 years old, being a running coach and finally able to run again I'd like to fulfill my bucket list of returning to Big Sur. It is unquestionably the most scenic course in North America and I am hoping a Hoka can take me to the finish line unscathed!

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  60. Way to many choices out there. I am still only a year into my running career and just starting to see all the wicked trails and races to be done. Being more of an ultra marathon guy, I would have to say that my "marathon" would be without a doubt Western States 100 although Leadville was a close second.

    The Western States is the iconic race of ultras in North America. Between the history of the race, the high level of competitors, and what appears to be an amazing setting I would feel complete. Or as most runners know, satisfied until I start thinking about my next adventure. Cause of course their is still JFK, the Death Race, UTMB, some stage races. Man I think I have the next 15 years of my life planned out.

    Besides I would look pretty rocking bombing down the hills in some Bondi B's. Maybe throw in a couple heel kicks on the way just having a good old time.

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  61. The Big Sur International Marathon. As modern life is so fast paced, we tend to miss the beauty of our natural world. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with nature, in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful coastlines on the whole planet.

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  62. Boston. Because it's Boston. And because it would be a real accomplishment to shave 25 minutes off my marathon time.

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  63. Boston since you have to prove yourself to get there.

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  64. 3 marathons in 3 days in Cairns Australia - Great Barrier Reef, rain forest, amazing scenery, good chocolate, if it rains I won't get cold - what is not to like?

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  65. I would like to run the Portland Marathon. It would finally give me a chance to run with my sister in her backyard. And maybe she'd let me keep up with her!

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  66. I'm new to the Hoka One One community and have spent days wandering through all the information. Now that I have a show that will help me overcome my life long knee injury and after seeing the SpeedGoat 50K... I'm in love with the shoe and the race! Wish I could afford to go! Thanks for making such a great shoe.

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