Marathon Details - Marabana Havana Marathon

International Marathons > Cuba > Havana > Marabana Havana Marathon

Marabana Havana Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Havana, Cuba

November 17, 2024

http://www.maratondelahabana.com/en

More Info:	News
Results:	Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Carlos R. Gattorno Correa
Address:	Ciudad Deportiva Vìa White and Cattle Section 5130 Havana
Phone Number:	(537) 6410911, (537) 6410953
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.2

Organization 3.0

Spectators 2.1

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Number of comments: 13 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

A. A. from USA (8/28/2017) "Good marathon, unique experience" (about: 2017) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A different marathon, but a great opportunity to be in touch with Cuban people, and is important to recognized that they are unique. 2016 was an excellent experience and for this 2017 I'm already decided, I'm going with Letty's Cuba for just 849, in my opinion right now is the best offer, I invited everybody to participate in this event, will be in November 19.
T. G. from South Carolina (12/10/2016) "Worth doing for the experience" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Fun (especially for a US resident) to run in Cuba . . . but organizational problems abound! The website said where to pick up the race packet - but the place was locked, and the people behind the gate said to go somewhere miles away - luckily a passing German runner told us that that information was correct too, and gave us the correct info - turns out the Spanish website you connect to when you register didn't update the info, so unless you went to the separate Cuban website you would never know! The 10k and half-marathon and full marathon runners all start together, with no corrals, so the start is a mess with people bumping into each other all over . . . very few people do the full marathon, so on the 2nd time round the half-marathon course there are very few spectators, and there was very poor organization at the end to separate out the finishing half-marathoners from the full marathoners, who seem to be treated as a bit of an after-thought. The roads were not very well cleared, and the famous Havana diesel pollution didn't help. But all in all it is worth doing!
S. C. from Portland Oregon USA (11/24/2012) "That was different" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Positives: Started right on time. LOTS of water stops. About every 2 km. Nice shirt. Good medal. Issues: No port-a-potties. Not even at the start area. Those old cars were somewhat of a problem. A few places we were running too much with traffic. Not much, but a little concerning. It was hot and humid, so a real challenge for this northerner. The course is a two lap event. Not many people doing the second lap! It got a little lonely out there at times. Nearly everyone I encountered the last 10k was from Canada or Europe. VERY few Americans. STAY AT A HOTEL by the start/finish area. You'll appreciate it if you need to use the toilet. Our guide picked up our shirts and numbers so I have no idea how chaotic it might have been inside that dank building.
D. H. from Canada (11/21/2012) "A well-staffed, fun experience" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 First, don't expect this event to be organized and run like any (half-) marathon you've run in the US, Canada, or EU. It's run with an 'Island-time' frame of mind. Nevertheless, the race was well-staffed, well-organized, and the runners were able to run the route safely. There were plenty of water stops and, given the temperature for that time of year, it was more than adequate. What I found neat was the water/'Gatorade' they handed out comes in small plastic pouches a little smaller than a sandwich-sized ziplock bag. Nothing eco-friendly about them, but damn if they don't make drinking and running at the same time quick and easy! For some reason, at the last 2 water stops the runners only option was a 12-oz bottle of water. For me the worst part of the run wasn't the lack of spectator support nor any of the headaches that can come with registration. Rather, it was the air quality. Given the age of the cars on the roads and the lack of emission standards, there was all kinds of black smoke billowing here and there which, when paired with the heat/humidity, made it difficult for me to run fast for long periods of time, for fear that breathing too deep would make me ill. Then too, maybe I was just paranoid. My plan to race this event was quickly changed to having a nice long run in a foreign land to take in the scenery. In the end I'm not sad to have run it, but I also can't help feeling a little bummed that runners of the 1/2 marathon receive the same shirt/medal as marathon runners.
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (11/28/2010) "Tropical Run in Havana City" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 In order to run Marabana, I booked one-week vacations in a resort 20 kilometers from Havana. I registered on Saturday, the day before the run. Registration took place in a sport center called Kid Chocolate in front of the Capitolio. The process was rather long and chaotic in a crowded hall. Foreign runners pay 60 convertible pesos, which is approximately $60. On the registration day, before the start and after the finish, I was approached by many young, local, barefoot runners who asked me for a pair of my old running shoes. I was prepared for this and I gave away all of the running equipment that I brought with me. They were very grateful for the gifts. Before the start, I ventured to the washrooms in the Kid Chocolate Hall. It was a disaster area without lights and running water. Never again! The start and the first loop were smooth in the low 20s Celsius. Vast majority of runners did the half-marathon and the second loop was very different. Temperature climbed to the high 20s and the street traffic became heavy with 50-plus-year-old cars emitting thick and ugly exhaust fumes. There were no portable WCs and runners in the urgent need were forced to improvise. Volunteers at the water stations offered 250 mL plastic pouches with warm water and orange juice. The half-full, half-empty pouches that were thrown away on the pavement were more slippery than banana peels. To my surprise there were several hills along the course. After crossing the finish line, I was directed to walk through a dark corridor in the hall to be congratulated, get my medal, see medical crew and leave the building. Spectators were present and loud at the start and near the finish line only. People on the streets did not pay much attention to the event. Overall it was a unique marathon experience, different from my American and European runs.
Marek Tronina from Warsaw, Poland (8/10/2010) "Not spectacular, but all you really need is there." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The biggest problem is registering. Just go to Havana and believe. The race office is located right of front of the capitol (can't miss that) and be ready with 60 CUC - they do have you on the list and are very enthusiastic. Well, they had me, anyway.... The course has two loops and the crowd support is scarce. But the water and orange juice stations are located probably every 2K and the guys are very helpful. The city is very smoggy but on the other hand - so is Mexico or Tokyo. Importantly, it is very safe. Do not expect any fruit along the course. Oh, the the water they serve is, well, sour. Drinkable, but you do miss the regular taste, if you know what I mean. One thing I would do differently - I'd take a few pairs of my old-but-still-good running shoes. The guys in Cuba keep begging you to give them your pair - and if you look at what they wear for the marathon you will understand. A few pairs of your old Pegasus would make you many friends in La Habana.
Gilbert Sopakuwa from Netherlands (12/1/2007) "Pretty hot double half marathon" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Marabana Havana Marathon is small marathon with, by my estimation, fewer than 1,000 runners. The marathon is 2x a half marathon. Most of the runners run the half. Registration: Registration is opposite the Capitolio and costs 60 pesos (US $60). It doesn't say "registration marathon" but just ask around in that neighborhood - someone should know. Everything is in Spanish but they have a translator in case you don't know any Spanish (like me). You'll get a shirt and a race number. All documentation is in Spanish so ask all English questions you may have while there. Course: Start is at 7:00 a.m. opposite the Capitolio. The starting gun was fired by Cuban high jumper Sotomayor. First part is over the great Malecón 7 KM. Then to the zoo, the stadium (around it), to Revolution Square (Che will watch you go by) and back to the Capitolio. This is half the marathon; you have to run it twice. Circumstances: It's held in November in the morning. Temperatures from about 17 Celsius in the morning to 27 Celsius in the afternoon. Cool water and oranges every 2 KM. Plenty of it. Sometimes orange juice. No power drinks. A few medical posts and (salty) showers. As expected: pretty hot marathon if you're not used to these temperatures. Many international runners. Roads in the city are being blocked when runners approach. The air in the city is not good because of the bad exhaust from the old cars. Very small crowds. This is not a big event in Havana and running is not a big sport. I didn't get a medal. I think its organized pretty well and it has some nice parts in the course. I did enjoy it and am happy having raced it.
A. M. from Panamá (12/2/2006) "Great city - tough half marathon" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I just came back from Havana, where a business trip took me just in time to run the Marabana Half Marathon on November 19. Registration goes fairly easy if you get in touch with the Canadian tour operator advertised in the marathon website. It was $145 Canadian (the most expensive for me so far). I got to Havana on Friday, Nov 17, and on Saturday morning took a shuttle from the hotel I was staying at to the colonial center of the city (Habana Vieja) and from there I walked about 10 blocks to the Kid Chocolate Sports Center where I was to pick up my race number. The package included also a t-shirt, coupon for the pasta dinner and a course map. Race day Got up at 5 a.m., had some bread and fruit ordered the previous night from room service and took a taxi to the same place I picked up the package the previous day. The race was to start at 7 a.m. and I got there around 5:45 a.m. Registered and checked my bag on the back side of the complex. The process was a bit chaotic at first but proved to be effective at the end. There must have been around 2,000-3,000 runners at the starting line, but that included those running 5K, 10K, 15K, half marathon and full marathon, as well as the relay race, so it's hard to tell how many were actually running each. They were playing salsa music and reaggeaton through loudspeakers, which made for a nice warm up dance. Javier Sotomayor and Emilio (?) Juantorena (famous Cuban athletes) were at the starting line and one of them even gave the start, which was at 7 a.m. sharp. The race took us through Del Prado Avenue down towards the malecon, in which we ran for about 6K. The waves were hitting real hard on the malecon and we would get sprayed with salt water every couple of minutes. The temps were real nice at this point, mainly because there was a cold front approaching Cuba. Water/orange stations were located every 2-3K, some had ice and others had sponges too. The first 9K were flat (malecon) and then we turned right into a hilly section of the course and it remained hilly 'til the finish line (if you're running a full marathon you have to run the same course twice). The course takes you south all the way to the Raul Diaz Sports Complex and from there you turn right back towards Habana Vieja, passing by major icons of Havana like the Plaza de la Revolucion. By this time I was trying to stick to my plan of walking through water stations but it was getting hard as there was a group of 6-7 of us racing each other and taking turns at the lead so I did not want to fall back. I had just run a half marathon in Panama a week before, where I managed to set a new PR (2:01:31), but was hoping that this time I could at least break the old record of 2:05:29 for a second time in a week. Got a little confused at the end with a series of turns around a plaza but finally was able to see the finish line at the end of long straight street. Finished in 2:06:44 but feeling strong and with just a little pain in my right knee caused by the final attempt not to get passed by the woman in our pack (failed miserably). The after-race goodies were more of the same water and oranges; I was handed my medal, picked up my bag and walked 10 blocks back to where I would pick up the shuttle back to the hotel (did this intentionally to give my legs a little rest from running while avoiding to stand still in one place). In short, Marabana was a different experience for me, since I usually run in either the US or Panama, but really enjoyed it. The organizing committee did a wonderful job of having volunteers at all water stations and all other aspects of the event seemed to run without any trouble. The course is tough, especially if you are running the full (the hills will hit you right at mile 20). I brought my own power gel and regretted not having any PowerAde or Gatorade with me... so my best advice is that you better bring your own stuff. They will not provide any and there's nowhere to buy some. On the other hand, La Habana is a beautiful city, full of history, great food, and live music in every corner. Alvaro
P. M. from Landgraaf (Netherland) (1/11/2006) "Heavy marathon with simple registration" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I only speak English, therefore the registration was difficult. The marathon was heavy through the weather and its heavy route. I started not too fast but after the half marathon, it became very difficult, and I was very glad when I arrived at the finish. Normally one gets the medallion at the finish, but at this marathon you get it at registration.
B. D. from Fort McMurray Alberta Canada (11/27/2005) "well worth the trip" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Marabana Havana Marathon s COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 For those who like to combine a race experence with a cultural one, the Cuban Marathon (or Half) should be on your list. I have run several marathons in Canada, the United States and Europe. This one does not have the big flare as most international marathons but makes up for it with the very strong historical presence. If you want to step back in time and run with a group who run for the sake of running. Come run and make friends with a Cuban who is running with no shoes. This is a hard race - not flat, warm temperatures and high humidity.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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A. A. from USA (8/28/2017) "Good marathon, unique experience" (about: 2017) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A different marathon, but a great opportunity to be in touch with Cuban people, and is important to recognized that they are unique. 2016 was an excellent experience and for this 2017 I'm already decided, I'm going with Letty's Cuba for just 849, in my opinion right now is the best offer, I invited everybody to participate in this event, will be in November 19.
T. G. from South Carolina (12/10/2016) "Worth doing for the experience" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Fun (especially for a US resident) to run in Cuba . . . but organizational problems abound! The website said where to pick up the race packet - but the place was locked, and the people behind the gate said to go somewhere miles away - luckily a passing German runner told us that that information was correct too, and gave us the correct info - turns out the Spanish website you connect to when you register didn't update the info, so unless you went to the separate Cuban website you would never know! The 10k and half-marathon and full marathon runners all start together, with no corrals, so the start is a mess with people bumping into each other all over . . . very few people do the full marathon, so on the 2nd time round the half-marathon course there are very few spectators, and there was very poor organization at the end to separate out the finishing half-marathoners from the full marathoners, who seem to be treated as a bit of an after-thought. The roads were not very well cleared, and the famous Havana diesel pollution didn't help. But all in all it is worth doing!
S. C. from Portland Oregon USA (11/24/2012) "That was different" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Positives: Started right on time. LOTS of water stops. About every 2 km. Nice shirt. Good medal. Issues: No port-a-potties. Not even at the start area. Those old cars were somewhat of a problem. A few places we were running too much with traffic. Not much, but a little concerning. It was hot and humid, so a real challenge for this northerner. The course is a two lap event. Not many people doing the second lap! It got a little lonely out there at times. Nearly everyone I encountered the last 10k was from Canada or Europe. VERY few Americans. STAY AT A HOTEL by the start/finish area. You'll appreciate it if you need to use the toilet. Our guide picked up our shirts and numbers so I have no idea how chaotic it might have been inside that dank building.
D. H. from Canada (11/21/2012) "A well-staffed, fun experience" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 First, don't expect this event to be organized and run like any (half-) marathon you've run in the US, Canada, or EU. It's run with an 'Island-time' frame of mind. Nevertheless, the race was well-staffed, well-organized, and the runners were able to run the route safely. There were plenty of water stops and, given the temperature for that time of year, it was more than adequate. What I found neat was the water/'Gatorade' they handed out comes in small plastic pouches a little smaller than a sandwich-sized ziplock bag. Nothing eco-friendly about them, but damn if they don't make drinking and running at the same time quick and easy! For some reason, at the last 2 water stops the runners only option was a 12-oz bottle of water. For me the worst part of the run wasn't the lack of spectator support nor any of the headaches that can come with registration. Rather, it was the air quality. Given the age of the cars on the roads and the lack of emission standards, there was all kinds of black smoke billowing here and there which, when paired with the heat/humidity, made it difficult for me to run fast for long periods of time, for fear that breathing too deep would make me ill. Then too, maybe I was just paranoid. My plan to race this event was quickly changed to having a nice long run in a foreign land to take in the scenery. In the end I'm not sad to have run it, but I also can't help feeling a little bummed that runners of the 1/2 marathon receive the same shirt/medal as marathon runners.
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (11/28/2010) "Tropical Run in Havana City" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 In order to run Marabana, I booked one-week vacations in a resort 20 kilometers from Havana. I registered on Saturday, the day before the run. Registration took place in a sport center called Kid Chocolate in front of the Capitolio. The process was rather long and chaotic in a crowded hall. Foreign runners pay 60 convertible pesos, which is approximately $60. On the registration day, before the start and after the finish, I was approached by many young, local, barefoot runners who asked me for a pair of my old running shoes. I was prepared for this and I gave away all of the running equipment that I brought with me. They were very grateful for the gifts. Before the start, I ventured to the washrooms in the Kid Chocolate Hall. It was a disaster area without lights and running water. Never again! The start and the first loop were smooth in the low 20s Celsius. Vast majority of runners did the half-marathon and the second loop was very different. Temperature climbed to the high 20s and the street traffic became heavy with 50-plus-year-old cars emitting thick and ugly exhaust fumes. There were no portable WCs and runners in the urgent need were forced to improvise. Volunteers at the water stations offered 250 mL plastic pouches with warm water and orange juice. The half-full, half-empty pouches that were thrown away on the pavement were more slippery than banana peels. To my surprise there were several hills along the course. After crossing the finish line, I was directed to walk through a dark corridor in the hall to be congratulated, get my medal, see medical crew and leave the building. Spectators were present and loud at the start and near the finish line only. People on the streets did not pay much attention to the event. Overall it was a unique marathon experience, different from my American and European runs.
Marek Tronina from Warsaw, Poland (8/10/2010) "Not spectacular, but all you really need is there." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The biggest problem is registering. Just go to Havana and believe. The race office is located right of front of the capitol (can't miss that) and be ready with 60 CUC - they do have you on the list and are very enthusiastic. Well, they had me, anyway.... The course has two loops and the crowd support is scarce. But the water and orange juice stations are located probably every 2K and the guys are very helpful. The city is very smoggy but on the other hand - so is Mexico or Tokyo. Importantly, it is very safe. Do not expect any fruit along the course. Oh, the the water they serve is, well, sour. Drinkable, but you do miss the regular taste, if you know what I mean. One thing I would do differently - I'd take a few pairs of my old-but-still-good running shoes. The guys in Cuba keep begging you to give them your pair - and if you look at what they wear for the marathon you will understand. A few pairs of your old Pegasus would make you many friends in La Habana.
Gilbert Sopakuwa from Netherlands (12/1/2007) "Pretty hot double half marathon" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Marabana Havana Marathon is small marathon with, by my estimation, fewer than 1,000 runners. The marathon is 2x a half marathon. Most of the runners run the half. Registration: Registration is opposite the Capitolio and costs 60 pesos (US $60). It doesn't say "registration marathon" but just ask around in that neighborhood - someone should know. Everything is in Spanish but they have a translator in case you don't know any Spanish (like me). You'll get a shirt and a race number. All documentation is in Spanish so ask all English questions you may have while there. Course: Start is at 7:00 a.m. opposite the Capitolio. The starting gun was fired by Cuban high jumper Sotomayor. First part is over the great Malecón 7 KM. Then to the zoo, the stadium (around it), to Revolution Square (Che will watch you go by) and back to the Capitolio. This is half the marathon; you have to run it twice. Circumstances: It's held in November in the morning. Temperatures from about 17 Celsius in the morning to 27 Celsius in the afternoon. Cool water and oranges every 2 KM. Plenty of it. Sometimes orange juice. No power drinks. A few medical posts and (salty) showers. As expected: pretty hot marathon if you're not used to these temperatures. Many international runners. Roads in the city are being blocked when runners approach. The air in the city is not good because of the bad exhaust from the old cars. Very small crowds. This is not a big event in Havana and running is not a big sport. I didn't get a medal. I think its organized pretty well and it has some nice parts in the course. I did enjoy it and am happy having raced it.
A. M. from Panamá (12/2/2006) "Great city - tough half marathon" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I just came back from Havana, where a business trip took me just in time to run the Marabana Half Marathon on November 19. Registration goes fairly easy if you get in touch with the Canadian tour operator advertised in the marathon website. It was $145 Canadian (the most expensive for me so far). I got to Havana on Friday, Nov 17, and on Saturday morning took a shuttle from the hotel I was staying at to the colonial center of the city (Habana Vieja) and from there I walked about 10 blocks to the Kid Chocolate Sports Center where I was to pick up my race number. The package included also a t-shirt, coupon for the pasta dinner and a course map. Race day Got up at 5 a.m., had some bread and fruit ordered the previous night from room service and took a taxi to the same place I picked up the package the previous day. The race was to start at 7 a.m. and I got there around 5:45 a.m. Registered and checked my bag on the back side of the complex. The process was a bit chaotic at first but proved to be effective at the end. There must have been around 2,000-3,000 runners at the starting line, but that included those running 5K, 10K, 15K, half marathon and full marathon, as well as the relay race, so it's hard to tell how many were actually running each. They were playing salsa music and reaggeaton through loudspeakers, which made for a nice warm up dance. Javier Sotomayor and Emilio (?) Juantorena (famous Cuban athletes) were at the starting line and one of them even gave the start, which was at 7 a.m. sharp. The race took us through Del Prado Avenue down towards the malecon, in which we ran for about 6K. The waves were hitting real hard on the malecon and we would get sprayed with salt water every couple of minutes. The temps were real nice at this point, mainly because there was a cold front approaching Cuba. Water/orange stations were located every 2-3K, some had ice and others had sponges too. The first 9K were flat (malecon) and then we turned right into a hilly section of the course and it remained hilly 'til the finish line (if you're running a full marathon you have to run the same course twice). The course takes you south all the way to the Raul Diaz Sports Complex and from there you turn right back towards Habana Vieja, passing by major icons of Havana like the Plaza de la Revolucion. By this time I was trying to stick to my plan of walking through water stations but it was getting hard as there was a group of 6-7 of us racing each other and taking turns at the lead so I did not want to fall back. I had just run a half marathon in Panama a week before, where I managed to set a new PR (2:01:31), but was hoping that this time I could at least break the old record of 2:05:29 for a second time in a week. Got a little confused at the end with a series of turns around a plaza but finally was able to see the finish line at the end of long straight street. Finished in 2:06:44 but feeling strong and with just a little pain in my right knee caused by the final attempt not to get passed by the woman in our pack (failed miserably). The after-race goodies were more of the same water and oranges; I was handed my medal, picked up my bag and walked 10 blocks back to where I would pick up the shuttle back to the hotel (did this intentionally to give my legs a little rest from running while avoiding to stand still in one place). In short, Marabana was a different experience for me, since I usually run in either the US or Panama, but really enjoyed it. The organizing committee did a wonderful job of having volunteers at all water stations and all other aspects of the event seemed to run without any trouble. The course is tough, especially if you are running the full (the hills will hit you right at mile 20). I brought my own power gel and regretted not having any PowerAde or Gatorade with me... so my best advice is that you better bring your own stuff. They will not provide any and there's nowhere to buy some. On the other hand, La Habana is a beautiful city, full of history, great food, and live music in every corner. Alvaro
P. M. from Landgraaf (Netherland) (1/11/2006) "Heavy marathon with simple registration" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Marabana Havana Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I only speak English, therefore the registration was difficult. The marathon was heavy through the weather and its heavy route. I started not too fast but after the half marathon, it became very difficult, and I was very glad when I arrived at the finish. Normally one gets the medallion at the finish, but at this marathon you get it at registration.
B. D. from Fort McMurray Alberta Canada (11/27/2005) "well worth the trip" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Marabana Havana Marathon s COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 For those who like to combine a race experence with a cultural one, the Cuban Marathon (or Half) should be on your list. I have run several marathons in Canada, the United States and Europe. This one does not have the big flare as most international marathons but makes up for it with the very strong historical presence. If you want to step back in time and run with a group who run for the sake of running. Come run and make friends with a Cuban who is running with no shoes. This is a hard race - not flat, warm temperatures and high humidity.

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Marathon Details - Marabana Havana Marathon