Sports Tours International This Fall Lends Helping Hand to Marathoners In Dublin, Venice, Athens and Shanghai

Four international cities will come alive this fall with the rumble of thousands of international runners jockeying for position at world-class marathons as throngs of spectators cheer them along.

Sports Tours International www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/ reports that more and more people are participating in international sporting events and using them as a chance to explore the world. The company is the undisputed expert in this market with more than 45 years of experience in arranging packages around cycling and running events and competitions worldwide.

“In Dublin, Venice, Athens and Shanghai, we expect to assist hundreds of competitors,” said the company’s Head of Product and Operations Alex de Waard. The UK-based Sports Tours International services an international clientele of competitors whose hearts are set on entering international competitions. Sports Tours International holds spots for clients in coveted events, arranges VIP viewing and perks, transportation, hotels and more.

Following are the four cities where Sports Tours International is giving a professional helping hand to runners who may be competing internationally.

October 28 - Dublin Marathon 2018: Europe’s fourth largest marathon, Dublin Marathon is known for its relatively flat course. In 2017, 21,000 runners took to the streets of Dublin. Optional package activities include a Guinness Storehouse Tour or Private Half Day City Tour. Two and three-night lodging plans with breakfast are available that include the option to buy a guaranteed entry (£65) into the marathon and local ground support. A post-marathon gala at £50 per person includes transportation to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains where the Merry Ploughboy Pub presents a home-cooked meal and traditional music and dance. It’s widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin. For details see www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/dublin-marathon/

October 28 - Venice Marathon 2018: An optional guided walking tour helps explain the magic of Venice before runners tackle this marathon that starts in Stra which is a beautiful riverside town known for its collection of 18th century Venetian mansions on the Brenta Canal.  After passing through Saint Mark's Square and the Palazzo Ducale, the finish line is located on Riva Sette Martiri overlooking the Venetian Lagoon. Activities include a marathon expo and family fun runs. With three nights’ accommodation from £250 per person come breakfasts, transfers to the start, a pasta party, local ground assistance and reserved seats at the finish zone for all companions. The marathon entry is £65. A (temporary) pontoon bridge goes up the night before over the Grand Canal just for the runners who face 14 little bridges over canals. Wooden ramps are put in place to prevent athletes from running on the steps. The Venice Marathon is an international marathon certified by the IAAF Silver Label. For details see  www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/venice-marathon/

11 November - Athens Authentic Marathon 2018: A three-night program is arranged for runners competing in 10k and 5k events on the route of the original marathon run of the soldier Pheidippides, who in 490 AD ran from Marathon to Athens to bring news of the victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. Guests lodge at the Airotel Parthenon Hotel in the heart of the old city, where 15,000 runners conclude their efforts. The per person rate is from £239 including guaranteed entry (fee extra) with free public transport pass, a 50% discount in the entrance fee at the Acropolis Museum and many more extras. For details see www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/athens-marathon/

18 November - Shanghai Marathon 2018: Three and four-night programs with optional extensions are available for this 10k marathon. Rates from £449 include accommodation with breakfasts, guaranteed entry (£35) for runners, city tour (Shanghai Museum, the Bund where the marathon starts, Yu Garden and the old town Bazaar), a post-race dinner preceding a Huangpu River Cruise, airport transfers and English-speaking representatives who will be available for assistance. Sports Tours International can assist with extensions in Shanghai or a four-day program in Beijing at £599 per person double including high-speed train transport between the cities, hotel accommodation with breakfast, two lunches, one dinner, a city tour (Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace) on an air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide, a tour of the Great Wall and Temple of Heaven, transfer from the hotel to PEK airport. For details see: www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/shanghai-marathon/

Sports Tours International recommends booking race packages early. For more information, available packages, space availability and reservations please visit online: www.sportstoursinternational.com, email: [email protected], or call: (+44) 161 703 8161.

Sports Tours International is Europe’s leading specialist in sports travel. Since inception in 1973 they have hosted thousands of participants and spectators at major sporting events worldwide. With the tagline, Fanatical about Sport, the company’s initial roots came from a devotion to running when founder Vince Regan began taking runners to the NYC Marathon. Since the early 2000s, the company now embraces international cycling and running events, triathlon competitions, sports training camps and corporate hospitality.