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India.com
a day ago
- Climate
- India.com
From Monsoon Magic To Scorching Summers: The Ultimate Guide To Timing Your Pune Trip
Regarded as 'Oxford of the East', Pune portrays a distinct blend of heritage, culture, and modernization. The word 'Pune' brings in mind vibrant shopping locales, educational institutions, and an IT hub which attracts people round the year. However, coming to the weather, Pune can be quite moody and this influences the best time to travel. In this article, we will explore Pune's seasons and when is the best time to visit the city. (October to February): The Peak Season Tourism peaks in Pune during winter, and if you plan to visit in these months, do not forget to pack warm clothes! The cool temperature coupled with sunny days creates a perfect ambiance for outdoor activities, as well as, sightseeing. During the Pune winters, the temperature typically remains between 15 to 30 degrees Centigrade. Why visit Pune in winter? Improved weather conditions: Comfortable temperatures from 15-30 degrees Centigrade make the possibilities endless when it comes to exploring. Tourists, as well as locals can enjoy peace and tranquility while visiting historical sites such as the Shaniwar wada and the Aga Khan Palace, as well as meditation resorts like the Osho International meditation resort. Trekking and outdoor activities: Like birdwatching, trekking (on the hills and forts of Sinhagad and Lohagad) is an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed in the cool winter weather. Camping and cycling are additional fun exercises to do outdoors. Strawberry season: Along with winters comes fresh strawberries from Mahabaleshwar, and the delicious treats made with strawberries are unmissable. (March to June): A Hot and Dry Spell The dry and hot weather of the Pune summer usually has a daytime temperature above 35°C, and even if the daytime is hot, the evenings cool off relatively well due to the altitude of Pune. Why visit Pune in summer? Summers off-peak season means less visitors to Pune and allows more exploration of the popular locations scattered across the city. This makes for a more personal and peaceful experience. Mango season- Summers also means that mangoes, also referred to as the kings of fruits, are in season which means that the juicy and tasty Procreans are full of Pune. Indoor activities- Museums, art galleries, temples and evenings at Cafe and restaurants during the day while relishing in Pune's deliciously cooler sultry evenings. Nearby hill stations- If climbing the mountains is your escape from the heat. Lonavala and Khandala are both stunning with cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. (July to September): A Lush Green Transformation Starting from June, the Indian subcontinent falls into monsoon season and for Pune, this means moderate to heavy rain, transforming it into a lush green paradise and along with that, the temperature takes a significant dip, ranging from 20 to 30 celsius. Why visit Pune in monsoon? The rain along with the scenic Pune beauty makes for a treat for nature lovers, the hills and valleys around Pune come alive with waterfalls and greenery bursting which make for an eyeful view. Adventure activities: As the monsoons set in, the breathtaking views make trekking an ideal activity. You may also enjoy rafting and camping at this time. Cultural celebrations: Monsoons coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi, which is a festival celebrated widely in Maharashtra. Pune is one of the places that celebrates this festival in grand style, giving visitors a taste of rich culture. Less travelers: Monsoons bring with them quarantine type rains, which can be a hassle for tourists. For people who don't mind the rains, these monsoon months are an opportunity to enjoy a restful time. What is the ideal time to go to Pune? The best time to visit Pune varies as it depends on individual priorities. For a festive environment with enjoyable weather, the best time to visit is the winter season from October to February. For those on a budget and not keen on large tourist crowds, summer from March to June can give you some respite from the crowds, albeit in hot weather. For those enthusiastic about nature and looking for a unique experience, the monsoon season from July to September is an ideal time. Summing Up No matter what time of the year it is, Pune is a lively city that has something for everyone. Apart from its comfortable winter, The city also possesses unique charm during the monsoons with vibrant festivals and greenery, and has a much quieter and budget friendly summer. Whatever your interests, there is a perfect time available for everyone to visit this city and create wonderful memories.


Sinar Daily
a day ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Longer exposure, more pollen: Climate change worsens allergies
PARIS - Runny nose, itching eyes, worsening asthma symptoms -- the effects of hay fever are nothing to sneeze at, experts say, warning of an "explosion" of allergies as climate change lengthens and intensifies pollen seasons. The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has found that a shifting climate has already begun altering the production and distribution of pollen and spores. As winter frost thaws earlier and spring weather gets warmer, plants and trees flower earlier, extending the pollen season, numerous studies have shown. Air pollution can also increase people's sensitivity to allergens, while invasive species are spreading into new regions and causing fresh waves of allergies. More and more people, particularly in industrialised nations, have reported developing allergy symptoms in recent decades. Around a quarter of adults in Europe suffer from airborne allergies, including severe asthma, while the proportion among children is 30 to 40 per cent. That figure is expected to rise to half of Europeans by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. "We're in crisis because allergies are exploding," said Severine Fernandez, president of the French Allergists' Union. Whereas previously an allergic person would endure only what is commonly known as hay fever, albeit sometimes for years, "now that person can become asthmatic after one or two years", Fernandez said. - 'Irritant pollen' - Climate change affects allergy patients in multiple ways, according to a 2023 report by the WMO. Rising levels of carbon dioxide, one of the main heat-trapping gases produced by burning fossil fuels, boost plant growth, in turn increasing pollen production. Air pollution not only irritates the airways of people exposed, but it also causes stress to plants, which then produce more "allergenic and irritant pollen". Nicolas Visez, an aerobiologist at the University of Lille, said each plant species reacted differently to a variety of factors such as water availability, temperature and CO2 concentrations. Birch trees for example will wither as summers get hotter and drier, while the heat causes a proliferation of ragweed, a highly allergenic invasive plant. "There's no doubt that climate change is having an effect," Visez said. In a study published in 2017, researchers projected that ragweed allergies would more than double in Europe by 2041-2060 as a result of climate change, raising the number of people affected from 33 million to 77 million. The authors suggested that higher pollen concentrations as well as longer pollen seasons could make symptoms more severe. A person visits Horikiri Iris Garden in Tokyo where temperatures reached into the mid-30s Centigrade (90F ) on June 18, 2025. - (Photo by PHILIP FONG / AFP) - Allergy action - A Europe-wide "AutoPollen" programme under development aims to provide real-time data on the distribution of pollen and fungal spores. In Switzerland, a tie-up with MeteoSwiss allows patients and doctors to match personal allergy profiles with maps of specific allergens throughout the country. In parts of France, authorities have planted "pollinariums", gardens packed with the main local allergen species. These provide information on the very first pollen released into the air so that people can start taking antihistamines and other protective measures in a timely manner. "Hazelnuts have started to bloom as early as mid-December, which wasn't the case before," said Salome Pasquet, a botanist with the association behind the pollen gardens. "That's really because we've had very mild winters, so flowering has come earlier," she said. Some countries are taking an interventionist approach -- cutting off the pollen at the source. In Japan, the government announced a plan in 2023 to combat allergies caused by the archipelago's many cedar trees, which includes felling cedars to replace them with species that produce less pollen. Countries in Europe are also more mindful of species in the environment, both native ones that have been planted and invasive newcomers like ragweed. Preference is given to species with a lower allergenic potential, such as maple or fruit trees. "The idea is not to stop planting allergenic species," Pasquet said, but to be mindful of creating diversity and avoiding having "places where there are rows of birch trees, as was the case a few years ago". It was birch trees in a client's garden that originally set off symptoms for Simon Barthelemy, an architect who lives near Paris. "I had a major eye allergy, and it's been a recurring problem every year since," he said. "I'm on antihistamines, but if I don't take them I get itchy eyes, I'm very tired, I cough... I can't sleep at night." - Julien Mivielle / AFP
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alluding to ‘chemtrail' conspiracy theory, Mastriano floats ban on climate mitigation techniques
An image from the International Space Station on May 15, 2002, shows condensation trails over France. Condensation trails-or contrails-are straight lines of ice crystals that form in the wake of jetliners where air temperatures are lower than about -40 degrees Centigrade. Scientists have observed that newer contrails are thin whereas older trails have widened with time as a result of light winds. (NASA photo) Former GOP gubernatorial nominee and state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) has introduced legislation seeking to ban conceptual geoengineering techniques he falsely links to the 'chemtrail' conspiracy theory. In a pitch for his bill, Mastriano associated the theoretical techniques aimed at combatting climate change have been falsely associated with the baseless conspiracy theory that some condensation trails, or contrails, left by high-flying aircraft are being used to introduce toxic substances into the atmosphere. The 'Clean Air Preservation Act' would outlaw 'solar radiation modification or sunlight reflection methods' in Pennsylvania and impose strict penalties on violators. Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) is a cosponsor of the bill. Joshua Horton, project manager at the Harvard Solar Geoengineering Research Program, told the Capital-Star that research behind solar geoengineering aims to identify ways to mitigate climate change by reflecting sunlight back into space. Solar geoengineering methods are largely conceptual and there is little evidence to suggest these methods would harm the environment or public health. 'To be clear, there is no geoengineering going on. There's no solar radiation modification going on,' Horton said. 'So to the extent that this bill is premised on the belief that it's happening, it's just factually incorrect.' In a memo in December seeking support for the bill, Mastriano said the 'release of unknown, experimental, and potentially hazardous substances into the atmosphere without the consent of the people of Pennsylvania is a clear violation of Article 1, Section 27 of the PA Constitution.' He has previously proposed similar legislation. Mastriano's memo also cited a 2023 White House report on potential future solar geoengineering research, falsely claiming it proves the federal government 'may conduct solar radiation modification or geoengineering experiments involving the release of air contaminants into the atmosphere, and those activities may occur within the Commonwealth.' That report 'focused on potential research and its governance, not authorizing any deployment or specific activities,' according to Michael Thompson, managing director at the nonprofit Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Engineering. 'The report explicitly aimed to guide how research could be approached and managed, emphasizing transparency and risk assessment, and to reduce the risk that research is perceived as a step towards inevitable deployment.' Thompson's organization seeks to promote 'just and inclusive deliberation' on the research and possible future employment of solar geoengineering. He told the Capital-Star that controversy surrounding the theoretical practice is 'amplified when state-level discussions wrongly link scientific inquiry into solar geoengineering with debunked 'chemtrail' hoaxes.' 'For solar geoengineering, public concern is understandable,' Thompson said. 'People rightly want to know what is being researched and would be alarmed by pollutants being added to the skies for nefarious reasons, but that's just not happening.' A spokesperson for Mastriano did not respond to requests for comment. On May 31, Mastriano held a virtual roundtable to rally support for the bill, which is awaiting consideration in the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs committee. Jolie Diane, who runs a website called Zero Geoengineering, called in from California to give a presentation riddled with falsehoods on 'weather modification policy and the governance of geoengineering experimentation.' Diane has a history of lobbying state legislatures to ban solar geoengineering. She does not hold any scientific credentials, despite Mastriano calling her a 'leading expert in weather modification.' During the roundtable, which garnered thousands of views across social media platforms, Mastriano rallied against theoretical methods such as stratospheric aerosol injection. Horton explained that stratospheric aerosol injection, or SAI, is a conceptual solar geoengineering method that would involve aircraft introducing aerosols into the upper atmosphere to 'reflect a small fraction of incoming sunlight back to space.' 'It's pretty simple technology, but it doesn't exist yet. It's been explored almost exclusively through computer models,' he said. 'The research tends to show it would produce net benefits globally.' Mastriano also spoke against cloud seeding, a common practice employed for decades to increase rainfall that would be banned under the bill. A 1967 state law already requires anyone who wants to try cloud seeding to apply for a license from the state Department of Agriculture. No one has ever applied for this license, nor has the state's agriculture department ever investigated unauthorized cloud seeding, press secretary Shannon Powers said in an email. While cloud seeding is not practiced in Pennsylvania, 'there are … cloud seeding weather modification activities that have been ongoing for 75 years, and involve putting silver iodide in clouds to enhance rainfall,' Horton said. 'A lot of small counties all over the west, and places beyond the U.S., pay for services for pilots to go up there and spray this stuff.' Mastriano and Diane both alluded to the debunked 'chemtrail' conspiracy theory, which alleges that nefarious actors are spraying toxic substances into the atmosphere via contrails created by high-flying aircraft. He claimed that normal contrails should dissipate within minutes, falsely suggesting that if contrails are visible for longer, it's an indication they are infused with toxic substances. According to the National Weather Service, contrails form as hot, moist air from an aircraft's engine mixes with freezing outside air. That moisture condenses and forms a contrail, which can be visible for hours depending on factors like humidity and wind. 'These clouds are not part of a global conspiracy,' Thompson said. 'Lawmakers know better than this and should do minimal homework before bringing bills to their legislative bodies.' Mastriano has a history of sharing 'chemtrail' misinformation. In a November 2022 Facebook post, he shared a photo of contrails with the caption, 'I have legislation to stop this … Normal contrails dissolve / evaporate within 30-90 seconds.' 'When these bills appear, given there is no active nefarious geoengineering taking place … one has to assume they are brought forward primarily for political reasons, rather than a misunderstanding of the facts,' Thompson said. 'We worry that these kinds of politically motivated legislative efforts, by fostering confusion and fear, make such nuanced and forward-looking consideration far less possible.' Similar legislation restricting solar geoengineering has been proposed in more than two dozen states. Tennessee lawmakers passed a law banning the practice last year. 'We are concerned generally that legislation aimed at governing or banning non-existent activities, such as non-existent chemtrails, disempowers and distracts rather than enabling citizens to engage with decisions being made now that will impact them in the future,' Thompson said.


Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I watched own death on operating table before I was pushed back into my body'
Pam Reynolds Lowery's case is one of the most accurate near-death experiences on record - and now a woman who researched her case explained how the out-of-body experience occured A woman who had a near-death experience claims she saw things she shouldn't have whilst undergoing major surgery - and recalled the scary ordeal, leaving experts baffled. Pam Reynolds Lowery had one of the most well-documented near-death experiences on record when she had a risky brain operation. Pam had a "standstill operation" where doctors put her vitals into a near-death state in order to operate on the location of her brain aneurysm. During the procedure, she claimed to have 'floated above a doctor's shoulder' and despite being clinically dead, Pam 'observed' the operation where surgeons were drilling into her head. Christina Randall, a podcaster who has extensively researched the bizarre case, has detailed exactly how Pam's body went through an out-of-body experience. She explained how Pam had been experiencing symptoms of dizziness, temporary loss of speech and bouts of paralysis before a scan revealed a large aneurysm close to her brain stem. Christina explained: "As a last resort, a neurosurgeon of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, decided that a rarely performed procedure called a standstill operation could improve Pam's chance of surviving." She continued: "Pam's body temperature was lowered to 50° Fahrenheit – or 10° Centigrade – her breathing and her heartbeat completely stopped and the blood was completely drained from her head," as previously reported by The Mirror. During the operation, her eyes were taped shut, and she wore a headset playing a series of loud clicking sounds over her ears. These sounds, which would have been intensely annoying if Pam had been conscious, allowed the anaesthetist to confirm that there was no activity in the patient's brain. Christina said: "Pam said during this she felt more aware than normal and her vision was more focused and clearer than normal... her senses became so hyper-aware it was as if she had more than five senses." She was in such a heightened state that she watched as the surgeons drilled into her skull to access the aneurysm. "She was able to see the electric saw that was pulled out to use on her and she described it as looking like an electric toothbrush," Christina continued. Because of her specific details, it meant she had managed to watch the major surgery from outside her own body. In her own words, Pam recalled: "I was looking down at the body. I knew it was my body but I didn't care. My vantage point was sort of sitting on the doctor's shoulder. I remember the instrument in his hand, it looked like the handle of my electric toothbrush." She then explained: "I had assumed that they were going to open the skull with a saw. I had heard the term 'saw' but what I saw looked a lot more like a drill than a saw – he even had little bits that were kept in this case that looked like the case that my father stored his socket wrenches in when I was a child." She also remembered the conversations between the doctors and nurses - and while she experienced the whole thing, she wasn't alone. Christina stated: "When she tried making out the figures, she realised that it was her grandmother and uncle and other deceased people that she knew." Pam specifically mentioned her late uncle, who passed away at just 39, seemed to be acting as a guide. She continued: "My uncle was the one who brought me back down to the body but then I got to where the body was and I looked at the thing and I for sure did not want to get in it." She said her body appeared "lifeless" and was "hesitant" to return to it, but her uncle persuaded her to go back. She said he told her it's "like diving into a swimming pool, just jump in" and said he pushed her to give her a "little help". She compared the experience to "jumping into ice water" and, after her operation, amazed the doctors with her recollection while she was "dead". Despite many people being sceptical of Pam's story, Cardiologist Michael Sabom is convinced that Pam's experience is authentic. He has identified over a hundred instances of anaesthetised or seriously injured individuals having experiences that suggest some form of life after death.


Forbes
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Eight Popular Marathons In Europe For A Great Fitness Holiday
Runners at the Paris Marathon with the Arc de Triomphe in the background. Photo by Daniel Dorko Demand for 'fitness holidays' is on the rise, with marathons in Europe ascending to the top of the list of activities sought after by people looking to combine travel and sightseeing with physical challenges in 2025. A recent study by the online holiday company Travel Republic found that the demand for 'fitness holidays' went up by 84% in the past month and Google searches for 'European marathons' by 403%. Based on those indicators, the company ranked 'the most sought-after marathons for spring 2025,' including in the first five positions: 1. Vienna marathon, Austria, April 6; 2. Limassol marathon, Cyprus, April 27; 3. Prague marathon, Czech Republic, March 30; 4. Paris marathon, France, May 4; 5. Copenhagen marathon, Denmark, April 13. The list also features marathons in Rotterdam, Netherlands, May 4; London, U.K., April 13; Stockholm, Sweden, May 31; Hamburg, Germany , April 27 and Madrid, Spain, April 27. Here is a list of a number of the most popular European marathons that ,according to experts, are worth the trip to combine with a great vacation. Runners cross the Charles Bridge during the Prague International Marathon last year. Photo by Matej Divizna The Orlen Prague Marathon, one of the most prestigious on the continent, follows a scenic urban route. With average May temperatures ranging between 9 and 19 degrees Centigrade, it offers prime conditions for runners. The course follows the Vltava, the city's longest river, crossing the iconic Charles Bridge and passing by the Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle. These medieval and Gothic architectural landmarks, along with the fabulous gardens of the imposing Imperial Castle, give the marathon a very charming route. If too late to register, on the same day the city has the 'ČT 2Run Prague Marathon', 2 x 21 kilometers, offering a half marathon route. Also, on May 3, the 'dm Family Mile' marathon to run or simply walk is a non-competitive family mile for families, including kids, beginners, parents and grandparents. And the free 'dm Bambini Run' just for kids, also on May 3, is divided among three categories according to the age of the competitors and giving each participant a t-shirt, starting number and chocolate medal at the finish line. Participants run pass the Luxor Obelisk with the National Assembly in the background, during the Paris Marathon last year. With more than 50,000 finishers in 2024, the 'Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris', one of the five largest in the world, offers a picturesque sporting and cultural experience in the heart of Paris, running along the banks of the Seine River and passing by some of the city's most iconic locations including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier, the Bastille and the Arc de Triomphe. This year's 48th edition starts on the Champs-Élysées, with an exceptional view of the Arc de Triomphe, then heads east around the Palais Garnier, continues along Rue de Rivoli before reaching Place de la Bastille at the sixth kilometer. This edition will include hoofing through Place de la Nation and then back to the usual crossing at the Bois de Vincennes and returning to the city center along the right bank of the Seine, graced by the view of the Eiffel Tower. The final ten kilometers cross the Bois de Boulogne, leading to the finish on Avenue Foch. The race appeals to elite runners from Kenya and Ethiopia, among other global runners. It's a great way to test speed, timing and performance, and to prepare for other athletic challenges in the year. The event also features musical shows, spectators and a festive atmosphere along the route. This race is more challenging and less accessible to weekend athletes than the Paris Half Marathon, which already ran in March and has already opened registrations for the next edition on March 8, 2026. Also, children can run their own 'Marathoon's', a free, non-timed race especially dedicated to children ages 5 to 12, taking place at Place Fontenoy on April 12. Here is some advice on how to prepare. Participants wearing costumes in the Medoc Marathon, near Pauillac, southwestern France. Photo by Christophe Archambault Famous for its festive atmosphere, the Marathon du Médoc is known by a number of different names including 'the world's booziest marathon,' "the longest Marathon in the world,' and 'the funniest marathon.' This event offers wine and cheese stops, live music and plenty of creative costumes as it winds through Bordeaux's famous vineyards. 'The cheerful atmosphere and stunning vineyard views make it a joy to watch and join in the fun,' according to Travel Republic. Created in 1985 and held every year in September through the vineyards of the Médoc region, the race includes wine-tasting stops, musical breaks along the course, oyster tasting at the 38th kilometer and steak at the 39th. The marathon attracts thousands of participants from around the world, many of them wearing colorful and funny costumes, who run the circuit that crosses the vineyards and chateaux of Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Médoc and Haut-Médoc, beginning and ending in Pauillac. Runners in the London Marathon pass Buckingham Palace. Photo by Peter Macdiarmid. For many runners, this is the European marathon to participate in at least once in a lifetime. The London Marathon (also known by its sponsorships as the TCS London Marathon) is one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, which are the world's top-level marathon races and include Tokyo, Boston, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York. But it's in London that the marathon world record has been broken on seven occasions. Although probably too late to include it in your fitness holiday plans for this year, it's not late to start training. Given its popularity, with thousands of international runners trying to gain access each year, it's organized around a lottery system. The course, mostly flat, starts near Blackheath in Greenwich and goes along the River Thames, crossing the Tower Bridge, passing Big Ben and the London Eye and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. The event features a mass race for the public, professional races for men and women long-distance runners, elite level wheelchair races for men and women and a three-mile mini marathon event for under-17 athletes. The Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso, Norway, starts at 8 p.m and runs along the harbor. The 'official' name of this Scandinavian event is the Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon, drawing more than 6,000 participants from around the world each year. Last year, 7,000 runners from 88 nations took the challenge. Held since 1990 in Tromsø, the Arctic capital of Norway located at 69 degrees north and some 350 kilometers north of the arctic circle, most of the city is situated on a small island surrounded by the sea and beautiful mountains. The Midnight Sun Marathon also includes a 21-kilometer half marathon, a 10-kilometer Coop Mila marathon, a five-kilometer Mini Marathon and an 800-meter version. The race starts at 8:30 P.M., in total daylight — it doesn't get dark this close to the Arctic Circle in summer — and winds through gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks, the sea and wandering reindeer. Runners competing at the 50th edition of the Berlin Marathon in Berlin, Germany, on September 29, 2024. Photo by John MacDougal. The BMW Berlin marathon, defined by records, diversity and a unique energy , is one of the largest marathons in the world. As an event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series, it allocates race entries by lottery. Among the flattest of the World Marathon Majors, it runs along the most beautiful sights of Berlin including the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag, with massive crowds cheering runners on and is a favorite for record chasers. Held since 1974, the event includes many other races spread over a weekend, such as elite level road-running competitions for men and women, a race for the public, an inline skating race, a wheelchair race, a handcycle race and a children's marathon Runners compete during the 39th Budapest Half Marathon along the Danube River on Sept. 8, 2024. Photo by Attila Volgyi. Hungary's largest sporting event, the Budapest marathon, touted as 'the queen of distances,' is a two-day running festival. Taking part in the marathon is essentially a sightseeing-by-fleet-of-foot tour of beautiful Budapest. The course winds through the heart of the city, crossing several bridges and showcasing iconic landmarks including the UNESCO World Heritage Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle the Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament. Music performers and cheering crowds add a festive tone to the event. There are shorter distance races for less experienced runners ranging from 400 meters to 42 kilometers, in which everyone in the family can find their own challenge. Runners in the Amsterdam Marathon passing through the Rijksmuseum. Photo by Ana Fernandez. This is a special year for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon because it will mark two anniversaries: Amsterdam's 750 birthday and its own 50th anniversary. For that reason, the program has been expanded into a full weekend. On Saturday, a 7.5 kilometer race will take place in celebration of Amsterdam's anniversary and both full and half marathons will be held on Sunday. This event is a World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race, renowned for being one of the fastest courses in the world. Highlights of the flat course include the start and finish in the Olympic Stadium, the passage through the Rijksmuseum and along the Heineken Experience, stretches along the Amstel river and through the Vondelpark. Although a renewed route through the city center had been considered for this year, due to the high number of participants already registered, plans have been postponed for the 2026 edition. To keep in mind for next year: As the trend of Fitness Tourism abroad grows, marathons in Europe become more popular, offering something for everybody and at all levels. For that reason, travel experts advise to choose well in advance, register in time — and take time to prepare.