TCS New York City Marathon 2014 - Not Just for Runners!

Online, December 19, 2013 (Newswire.com) - New Zealand's walkers could be missing out on an exceptional opportunity to take part in the New York marathon this year, because they think the event is aimed at runners. However, approximately 20%-30% of all entrants actually walk, and an even greater percentage combine walking and running. This is a message that Auckland-based Marathon World Travel are keen to emphasise in order to encourage more Kiwi walkers to take up the challenge!

Marathon World Travel's managing director Judy Wolff explains, "We receive many enquiries from walkers who are interested in overseas marathons, but are concerned that they'll be 'looked down on' by the runners or the organisers. I'm here to tell you that that's simply not the case! The figures speak for themselves; the organisers want walkers there."

In fact, marathon organisers are so keen to attract walkers that they frequently offer a choice of distances. For example, the Great Wall of China event has full-marathon, half-marathon or 8.5 km options.

Just as marathons are not just for runners, nor are they just for the young. New York 2013's oldest participant was 89 year old Colin Thorne from Whangarei. It was Colin's 47th marathon, and he came in with a most respectable time of 6 hours 31 minutes. "New York 2013 was my favourite event so far!" says Colin. "The atmosphere was amazing, and my daughter went round with me which made it so much fun."

Judy Wolff confirms that many of her marathon clients are there for the atmosphere and experience, rather than the competitive aspect. Indeed, she even had a mother and daughter at The ING New York City Marathon who stopped for a coffee half-way round, but still managed a time of about 7 hours 30 minutes!

For anyone considering their first marathon, Colin Thorne has these simple words of advice. "Take it seriously, do the training. Develop a solid routine and stick to it. The last 10 km are always the hardest - but you'll get there, and you'll feel great when you do." This inspirational gentleman has no immediate plans to quit marathons. He confirms that Rotorua on 3rd May will be his 50th event.

Spaces for the TCS New York Marathon 2014 are strictly limited. To find out more, please visit www.marathons.co.nz or phone Judy Wolff on +64 (0) 9 479 7589.

-- press information ends --

20th December 2013

Editor's notes:

A photograph of Colin Thorne proudly holding the New Zealand flag after the New York 2013 marathon is available (as a hi-res JPG).

Marathon World Travel's managing director Judy Wolff is both an experienced travel planner and a seasoned marathon competitor. She is available for interview. Please phone + 64 (0) 9 479 7589 (landline) or +64 (0) 274 446 190 (cell phone).