Beneva Montreal Marathon: Discovering the City from East to West!
Every September, Montreal opens its doors to over 25,000 runners! ๐ From all over the world, participants gather at the starting line of Quebec's biggest running event: the Beneva Montreal Marathon ๐คฉ. More than just a race, it's a true journey offered to you right in the heart of Quebec's largest city. If you dreamed of a sightseeing tour, we're offering you one at a running pace! ๐
When you combine the marathon, a road race ๐ฃ๏ธ, in Montreal, one of the largest cities on the continent ๐, one immediately thinks of an urban race, right in the middle of skyscrapers ๐ข. Well, think again! โ The city of Montreal is among the top 3 greenest destinations in North America, so say bye-bye to the big city stereotypes ๐. The Montreal Marathon takes you on a journey from East to West โ๏ธ, through parks ๐ณ, across bridges, and along boulevards! A route with two faces that will win the heart of any runner ๐.
Parks, bridges, islands: It almost feels like being in nature! ๐
Photo Credit: Beneva Montreal Marathon
What makes the Beneva Marathon so charming (and renowned ๐) is the diversity of its course. You will literally cross Montreal from East to West, starting at an iconic location: Saint Helen's Island ๐๏ธ, on the Saint Lawrence River, in the famous Parc Jean-Drapeau ๐๏ธ. Right from the start, you are plunged into a postcard setting, as if Montreal and its skyscrapers no longer existed ๐. It's not a mirage; you have indeed started a marathon in a global metropolis! ๐คฏ And the magic trick is just beginning ๐ช. Very soon, you will cross Notre-Dame Island, then several bridges, including the Concorde Bridge, offering a panoramic view of the continent ๐ฑ. What's next? A real green immersion ๐, a return to nature ๐. You will thread through a string of iconic parks: Parc La Fontaine โฒ๏ธ, Parc Jarry, Parc Ahuntsic, Parc Maisonneuve, Parc du Pรฉlican, Parc รtienne-Desmarteauโฆ and many more! Even the trail runners will find delight in running the Beneva Montreal Marathon ๐.
The illusion ends: Welcome to the asphalt and city excitement ๐๏ธ
Photo Credit: Beneva Montreal Marathon
Montreal wouldn't be Montreal without its downtown and major boulevards ๐โโ๏ธ. Indeed, due to the nature of a road race, the marathon is the perfect chance to dive into neighborhoods full of history and diverse cultures ๐. To discover this, head to one of the most iconic avenues in the city: Saint Laurent Boulevard, also known as "The Main" ๐๏ธ, in reference to the English Main Street ! ๐คช It's quite ironic as this artery divides the English-speaking ๐ฌ๐ง (to the west) and French-speaking ๐ซ๐ท (to the east) neighborhoods. From km 15 to km 22, you'll shoot straight up this boulevard that traverses the entire island of Montreal, from the river up to the Riviรจre des Prairies ๐ง. A perfect stretch for performing, but also for discovering vibrant neighborhoods: the Chinatown ๐ฎ, the former Red Light District, now integrated into the Quartier des Spectacles ๐ญ, the Mile End (where you can easily grab a drink after your race) โ๏ธ, and the delicious Little Italy for those hearty appetites ๐. Youโll traverse this avenue twice, so take note of interesting places if you wish to return later! ๐๏ธ For now, you still have a few parks to cross and a few kilometers to go ๐จ. The calm before another storm... ๐ฅณ the finish line! ๐
Its landmarks, its greenery, its vast natural spaces ๐ฌ๏ธ, its atmosphere๐... The Beneva Montreal Marathon has pulled out all the stops to offer you an extraordinary experience ๐, so come show what youโre made of by clocking your best time ! โฑ๏ธ
So, will we see you at the starting line in September? ๐
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