Beyond
the finish
line
Guaranteed entries to the world's great marathons. Curated by runners, for runners, with insider tips on the best espresso in every city.
Upcoming races
- Acea Run Rome The Marathon 2027 - Mar 14, 2027 - 42K. Run Rome The Marathon, 32nd edition: the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, St. Peter's and the Tiber in one course. Prices start at €980 marathon.
- Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid 2027 - Apr 25, 2027 - 21K, 42K. Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon, 49th edition: 30+ music stages and around 47,000 runners. Prices start at €950 half marathon, €970 marathon.
- Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2027 - May 23, 2027 - 42K. The first Abbott World Marathon Major in Africa. Start and finish by DHL Stadium, with Table Mountain on the horizon.
- Maratona do Rio 2027 - May 27-30, 2027 - 5K, 10K, 21K, 42K. Sunrise over the Atlantic, the beachfront promenades, and a finish-line city that knows how to celebrate.
- Copenhagen Half Marathon 2027 - Sep 19, 2027 - 21K. A flat, fast half marathon, impeccably organised, past Nyhavn's coloured houses and along the harbour baths.
- Cardiff Half Marathon 2027 - Oct 3, 2027 - 21K. A fast half marathon through the Welsh capital, with thousands of runners and a big city atmosphere.
Entries are sold only as part of a travel package, never on their own.
Why “Espresso”?
Short, strong, no fuss
Our name is how a lot of us take our coffee: small, intense, nothing extra. Travel works the same way. You get the race, a great hotel near the start and a local who knows where the good coffee is. The rest is yours to wander.
Most people book solo and leave with a crew. By Sunday you have people to run with, and a few to complain about the hills with. Clubs, couples, friends, first-timers: everyone's in. Want something built around your own plan? Tell us.
Travelling with friends or your running crew?
Bring the whole crew
Three or more runners? We set you up in an apartment of your own, close to the start line.
Runners say
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel solo?
Absolutely, most of our runners do. A solo traveller is never really alone on an Explorer trip. Single rooms carry a supplement; if you'd rather share, we can try to pair you with another solo traveller, subject to availability.
Can I buy just a race entry?
No. We do not sell race entries on their own. Every entry comes inside a travel package, with the hotel, the transfer to the race and the support of our team. We buy entries directly from the race organizers, which is how we guarantee your spot.
Are you an official partner of the races?
We have contracts with the organizers and buy entries directly from them. At the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon we are listed on the organizer's own website as an international tour operator. Every race page links to the organizer's website and contact, so you can check for yourself.
How do I confirm my booking?
World Major and group trips are confirmed at booking, once payment is made and the booking form is complete. Self-guided trips take a few days while we verify each property; if an option is unavailable we'll discuss alternatives, including refunding your deposit. Please don't arrange flights or visas before your confirmation arrives.
What kind of hotels do you use?
We partner with major hotel chains worldwide, from five-star and boutique stays to family-run hotels, always chosen for location first: close to the start, the finish and the expo.
Can you build a custom trip?
Yes, for groups, families, run clubs and individuals, across running, cycling and hiking. Those are the only travel styles we do, and we do them properly.
How can I pay?
By credit card, in one payment or in recurring monthly installments (installments are charged in USD or EUR only), by bank transfer to our IBAN, or by Pix. Payment in reais is available in a single payment only, and the reais amount comes with your quote, at that day's exchange rate. Paying by IBAN or Pix takes USD 50 or EUR 50 off the package. Every payment goes directly to Espresso Explorer, and a race bib, once issued, is not refundable.
Can I travel with friends or my run club?
Yes. With three or more runners we set you up in an apartment of your own, close to the start line, with room for the whole crew.
How much does a group trip cost?
Group packages are tailor made, so prices are only available on request. Tell us who is coming and which race, and we send a quote.
Is group travel available for every race?
Not for every race. Email us or use the contact form and we confirm whether your race can be set up as a group trip.