I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon
ON THE RHODES I went to the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
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I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go.
On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky.
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The mountains of Halki island near Rhodes
Credit: Getty
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The TUI Rhodes half-marathon
Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa
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The majestic Acropolis
Credit: Getty
Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon.
I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful.
Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping.
I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon.
And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here.
At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course.
And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace.
Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins.
I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me.
I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive.
The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach
After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently.
And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race.
TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19.
Swim-up suites
Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach.
While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months.
The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool.
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Runners pass the Rhodes Windmills
Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa
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The adults only Atlantica Imperial Resort
Credit: Supplied
Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers.
And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort.
But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area.
The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava.
Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island.
Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport.
But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday.
After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir.
And we do all deserve a little reward now and then.
GO: RHODES
GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5H Atlantica Imperial Resort is from £1,029pp including flights from Gatwick in September, 23kg hold luggage and transfers.
See tui.co.uk
MORE INFO: Sign up to run in the 10k, half-marathon or full marathon in Palma, Majorca, on October 19.
See tuimusement.com
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