What did I like best? Meeting people with similar interest, all the details planned, having my race number already picked up so I didn't have to waste time going to the race expo. Jeff was a fabulous host and made an extra effort to include people who were single travelers and ensure everyone was having an enjoyable vacation. He waited for all the runners to finish at the finish line, gave us each individual attention and kept track of all the events
This was my first marathon, I had a thousand questions and Scott had a thousand answers. Scott was FANTASTIC
The race was fabulous, but sharing it with the people I met on the trip -- including the MT folks -- made it so much more memorable. It was this incredible group vibe of excitement and anxiety. I had so much admiration for everyone I met, who, like me, wanted to take on this challenge and visit this far away place. I never thought I'd say this, but I loved being part of a tour that involved riding on buses with new friends. It was like camp for grown-ups, and I didn't want it to end.
The whole trip was amazing! We were discussing that it would have been great to have another night in Xi'an, but then we would have to give up something else. It was a very packed itinerary, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The Tibet extension was great and I would definitely recommend it to others. The Marathon Tours staff was great as always. This was my second trip with Scott and my fourth with Jacqui. They made me feel right at home and like a member of the family. On every trip I've taken, I've met great people and we still keep in touch (on social media and in person).
This trip was an awesome experience. Marathon Tours provided an excellent service. This trip was well worth the money.
I was so well taken care of I did not even wear a watch. It was nice to have all the decisions and logistics taken care of so we could focus on the venues and the overall experience. It was really a downer having to make my own breakfast and drive my own car!!
The atmosphere of traveling with a group of fellow runners. I have been on several group type trips and nothing has had the same sort of camaraderie, support, respect and level of understanding as runners traveling together.
What I liked best was the camaraderie. This trip was filled with supportive individuals with a similar purpose--to run the Great Wall. I also enjoyed the tours and excursions. Some may want more free time, but being in a foreign country, it was good to be structured-making sure we saw the important areas of the country.
First of all I'm probably not like most of the runners on this trip...I'm not a marathon/running maniac... I am going after my 7 continents only if it can take me to places I have never been before... I signed up to experience Madagascar...I don't like to feel like cattle being herded around so I loved the small group setting... I am an outdoor action traveler... I like to get out and enjoy - experience - take part in the culture where I travel - ... so I really enjoyed the hike to the Waterfall and was the first one in the water - and the trip to the Sapphire mine...I got to go down into the test hole .. when else would I ever get a chance to do that...I loved all the rock formations and climbing around on them... what can I saw .... I totally enjoyed myself - start to finish.
Zeid and guides Lala and Lova where very knowledgeable, great personalities and fluent in English. Made excursions very enjoyable and I learned a lot about the country.
Adventure, challenging, exciting, eye-opening fantastic experience.
New, exotic destination. Gorgeous location for a marathon. Outstanding medical support. Great initial group of participants.
I loved the marathon course. Going through streams and villages were pluses.
I wanted to tick off the African continent and was also attracted by the opportunity to travel to a county that is so far off the standard tourist route. It carries an air of mystique about it.
I think Marathon Tours has an exquisite trip to the Tokyo Marathon. There really isn't a thing I'd change. Also, I should mention that each member of the Marathon Tours staff (I will not mention all the names as I fear I'd leave someone out), went above and beyond to make the event amazing. Then on the Kyoto extension, Nicole (who from the very early planning stages amazed me with her responsiveness and attention to detail) and Alyssa were THE BEST.
Marathon Tours took care of the details - I didn't have to do a lot of pre-trip planning. I knew things would move along smoothly. I also appreciated Marathon Tours lining up the Six Star Finishers Medals - we just let you know it was our 6th and you handled everything from there. Thank you!
How can we improve this trip for the future? Nothing really other than make sure people know the value they are getting from the package in terms of the city tour and lunch and two dinners. And breakfasts included with hotel. Real value here that I hadn't appreciated ahead of time.
What I liked best about this trip with Marathon Tours is their organization. Great hotel, delicious breakfasts that are included in the package and a sightseeing tour with a buffet lunch that is over the top! From the amazing view to the delicious meal, they really pay attention to every detail. I know that when I book with Marathon Tours my hotel will be excellent with a great location. I only have to focus on the race, because they have taken care of the rest
"A marathon that I would encourage any marathoner to participate in. Marathon Tours did a great job on making all the arrangements (from arranging a driver to meeting me up at the airport, and return to the airport after my stay ended; hotel accommodations, etc.) The hotel was nice, and the hotel staff were friendly - this also applies to the Swedish people I met while there. The Expo was large. The start and finish line is within a few minutes walking distance from/to the hotel. The finish line had runners walking into the soccer field where the Race T-Shirts were given to all runners. A great trip that I highly recommend - I plan to repeat again in the future."
Jeff was brilliant. We had some issues with my wife's plane ticket when we were leaving for Ushuaia, and he remained cool and calm the entire time while he worked with the airline to make sure that she had a seat on the plane. Thanks Jeff!!
