30 Marathons in 30 days around 30 countries..at 30

[30in30around30at30]

Hi all,

First ever post so please forgive me if I've put this in the wrong area.

I'm a journalist for the BBC and have hatched a silly idea for Sport Relief but can it happen?

Is it possible to run 30 European marathons in 30 days (I'm also 30 this year incidentally)

I think I've come up with a route and the countries required but wondered whether any of you guys could help with the quickest/easiest route by road as that will be the biggest challenge and not the running I think?

Would a plane from The Netherlands to Poland after having done Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria etc be best?

The final marathon will be in England so I need 29 within Europe.

I've connections within various Universities and support networks and believe I could make it happen and raise some good money for a brilliant charity but need some kind assistance with the best route.

If you fancy posting your list with the best way of driving (maybe with 1 flight in there) 29 European countries then I'd really appreciate it.

Kind regards,

Ian

[Eagle]

30in30around30at30,

First of all, welcome to GFE! I have a few comments on your proposed travel plans.

While it's an interesting idea and certainly a worthwhile endeavor to raise money for charity, I'm not sure whether it will be feasible? Even if you have the physical stamina to run the marathons, the logistics of getting to 30 different cities within a 30-day time frame could be difficult.

I've found that changing locations in Europe usually requires at least half a day in each case, which includes time checking-in / out of Hotels, travel from the stations / airports, etc. It could also be difficult to co-ordinate the marathons with rail or air schedules. I wouldn't suggest driving, as the travel times will be longer. No car can (legally) travel at 300 kmH, so fast trains would probably be needed.

I haven't really tried to plan this out in any detail, but my initial impression is that it's going to be a very challenging project! Possibly others here will have some useful suggestions.

Good luck!

[thinkingbouteurope]

Good day ...

Having run 3 marathons in 13 months (2 of them within 4 weeks) when I was 36-37, I would strongly dissuade you from your plans. Healthy marathoners will run no more than 1 marathon every six months, have a recovery period and then begin building up their mileage.

Note: I suffered mental burnout (and had to stop training) about 3 months after the 2 in 4 weeks marathons.