In terms of the service of Marathon Tours: Everything was planned for us! I didn't have think about anything but how was I going to get to/from the airport, and I hope I don't get lost on my shake out runs. Coordinating with the hotel for an early start to the breakfast on Sunday morning was fantastic as well. I don't normally eat a large breakfast on marathon mornings due to timing, but this worked out perfectly. I was full three hours prior to the race, and had a banana about 45 minutes before the start. Perfect fueling. In terms of Berlin: What an amazing city. I had only ever been to southwest Germany in the past, so coming to Berlin was an opportunity to truly immerse myself in the history - good and bad - of the country. The city did not disappoint. I used the four-hour city tour on Friday to pick out spots where I wanted to explore further on Monday (as I was leaving early on Tuesday). This was so helpful - and having a tour guide like Ulli made it even better. She was so down to earth, and genuine. I wish the folks who do the course tour for the NYC Marathon would take note! In terms of the marathon: I've run big marathons in the past - heck, this was #4 of the six majors for me. But it was such an incredible experience being on the international runner side, as opposed to being a runner in the NYC or Chicago races. The spectators were awesome - and it was great to hear them call out my name, even though no one had any idea who I was or where I was from. The global community of runners was so strong. And ... what's a marathon in Berlin without beer on course? Thank you to the beer stop (unofficial, I believe) at mile 25!
The City Tour was beyond fabulous. I also loved the pre-race dinner. It was spot on. I loved the camaraderie. Meeting new people during the Thursday night Happy Hour and then seeing them again and again over the weekend gave the trip added depth and meaning.
I really feel like I got my money's worth with the social events (which I was not actually expecting) and the bus tour. You can tell you guys have been doing this for a while, a very well oiled machine.
I was amazed on how well the whole Marathon Tours package was delivered. Very professional folks, very timely communication.....this was all new to me and it went extremely smooth!!! As a matter of fact, we are now looking at Tokyo and reaching out to fabulous Nicole for help!! Woohoo!!
This is the 3rd time we have booked with Marathon Tours and they do a fantastic job. All the extra events they had planned for the runners and families were amazing! Can't wait to book with them again!
Such a beautiful hotel - perfect for the start of the race as well as finishing right there as well!!
I enjoyed this hotel and I felt that it was close enough to everything that I wanted to see including the start line of the race.
I am typically someone who plans out EVERYTHING, so going through Marathon Tours was a huge departure from my norm. I was more than pleasantly surprised at how easy the team made everything for us. We literally didn't have to think about anything but where we were going to go to dinner on Friday night (as that was the ONLY night something wasn't planned for us)! Thank you to everyone on the team - but most especially to our two hosts for the Marriott. They were both so attentive and personable - and really made an effort to get to know the runners. Thanks Marathon Tours - I'll definitely plan to go through you again for the two majors left in my quest - Tokyo and London!
The adventure extension was amazing.
“I would highly recommend this trip and race to everyone.the food, people and race was very unique. This is one of my favorite trips.”
I wanted to send you all a quick note to congratulate and thank you for a first class trip and an unforgettable experience. Everything about your all's operation was excellent, from the communication with you personally pre-trip, to the information and itineraries, support in country (including great tour guides and all the sites), and knowledgeable and upbeat staff. I have zero suggestions for improvement.
I just wanted to take a moment to say "Shae Shay Nee"…Stephen and I had a WONDERFUL and AMAZING experience in China. Your attention to detail and organization made out trip stress-free and totally enjoyable. From the Wall to the Warriors we couldn't have and a more seamless transition to tours, airports and hotels. Words can not totally express the gratitude we really feel.
It was a pleasure meeting you, Jeff, Lee and Jacqui. We also LOVED our Beijing tour guide, Lilly…she was funny, pleasurable, accommodating and informative…learned so much from her.
Thanks for making this once in a life time trip to China so extraordinary, memorable and a trip to remember.
Well organized fun in the sun!
It was a great experience in a world famous beautiful city.
Marathon Tours & Travel does a great job to make sure runners are taken care of with pre and post logistics of running a marathon in a foreign country allowing participants to focus on the task at hand.
Amazing race! Amazing experience! Support from the many Maasai people along the course was predominantly wonderful. Loved the support from all at the finish line.
Definitely a "trip of a lifetime"! Thanks so much!
Thank you for a wonderful experience! It was my first time traveling with Marathon Tours and I was blown away! The tour was well organized and it just got better and better as the days went on. I will definitely join Marathon Tours again in the near future.
I was so appreciative and impressed with Jeff and Nicole because they helped me up to the end. I was a bit confused at the airport and they still helped me and did it with an attitude that made me feel like I wasn't being a burden to them. Thanks so much!!
Jeff was very considerate and organized. He waited for all the runners to finish at the finish line, gave us each individual attention and kept track of all the events. Perfectly planned vacation with someone else doing the work.
