It is 50 years since Fidel Castro and Che Guevara marched into Havana to start the modern Cuba but it all started two years earlier when they landed in the pleasure yacht The Granma, which the rebels purchased in Mexico, on the coast of south eastern Cuba and launched the guerrilla struggle against the Batista regime.
The history of the fight in the Sierra Maestra is clear to be seen and you can following many of the trails that Fidel, Che Guevara and the other guerrilla fighters hacked their way through for two years. The marathon and half marathon runs in the challenging foothills of the Sierra Maestra, through the beautiful tropical mountains of eastern Cuba, with spectacular views of the Caribbean glistening temptingly below.
The start is at the resort hotel and the finish in the small village of Marea and in between you will run through communities and farms of coffee and mango growers through the hills - it's quite something to be told by the local guides that the farmer at check-point 4 was a well known collaborator - even better that they all come out of the farms to cheer you on.
We are working closely with the local Cuban Tour Operator Cubanacan to bring you this unique Trail Marathon and we have an excellent two centre holiday for UK based travellers taking advantage of the flights into the East of the Island (Holguin) with Cubana, allowing a stop over at Cuba's second oldest city Bayamo, a week at the beach and 2 nights in Havana.
Run this event for charity.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
Travel Package
Jan 7: Mornign flight with Virgin Atlantic to Havana from Gatwick. Over night on B&B basis in Havana.
Jan 8: City tour of Havana including the rum factory, cigar factory, Old Havana, Capitolo.
Jan 9: Transfer to Havana Airport for the internal flight to Holguin Airport and transfer to Marea del Portillo on the remote Sierra Meastra coastline. Arrangements are on full board including all drinks.
Jan 10: Recce walk on part of the marathon route.
Jan 11: Pasta party and race briefing.
Jan 12: Early morning start of the races from the hotel at Marea del Portillo and finishing in the village.
Jan 13: At leisure in Marea - optional excursion on horse back.
Jan 14: Transfer to Holguin Airport and flight to Havana. Transfer to the Virgin Atlantic flight to London Gatwick.
Jan 15: Morning arrival in Gatwick.
Transfer on to Marea del Portillo with visits to historic monuments of the Revolution on the way. Check into Marea del Portillo Hotel or it's sister hotel the Farallon del Caribe Hotel on Fully inclusive board basis. The hotels are of 3-star standard and both overlook the beautiful Playa Marea del Portillo with the lush vegetation of the Sierra Maestra Mountains rising behind.
Evening slow run to Marea to meet the local runners.
Jan 9: Walk on part of the Marathon & Half Marathon route.
Jan 10: Race Registration & Pasta party
Jan 11: Early morning start of the Marathon & Half Marathon. Celebration dinner and prize-giving.
Jan 12 & 13 : At leisure on the beach or optional horse trek to a picturesque waterfall and bathing pool (booked locally, prices to be confirmed).
Jan 14: Transfer to Holguin Airport for internal flight to Havana. Transfer and check-in to the 4-star Plaza Hotel on B&B basis (upgrade available for the 4-star superior Telegrafo Hotel - recommended). Evening at leisure.
Jan 15: La Habana City Tour - old and new Havana including cigar factory & rum museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. Final celebration dinner at a well known restaurant in Havana.
Jan 16: Late evening transfer to Havana Airport for the return flight to London with Cubana.
Jan 17: Morning arrival in Gatwick.
Extended stay:
Flights to London Gatwick from Havana with Cubana depart on Tuesdays and Fridays so you can extend your stay in Havana at the extra night prices below or travel on in Cuba under your own arrangements and return on one of these scheduled dates (must be pre-booked).
Run this event for charity.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
In Portillo we will be staying at Marea del Portillo Hotel or it's sister hotel the Farallon del Caribe Hotel on Fully inclusive board basis. The hotels are of 3-star standard and both overlook the beautiful Playa Marea del Portillo with the lush vegetation of the Sierra Maestra Mountains rising behind. All rooms have bathrooms en suite and colour TV. There are swimming pools at both hotels and both are on the beach where you will also find the beach bars.
In Havana we will be using the Plaza Hotel. At 99years old it is one of the historic buildings of Havana. This 4-star hotel is due for renovation, although it is comfortable enough, however for a small amount you can upograde to the refurbished Telegrafo Hotel.
Run this event for charity.
2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks
