American Runners Have A Place To Stay During The Marabana Havana Half And Full Marathon On November 20

NEW YORK, May 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Want to see Cuba before it changes? Better run!

As the official U.S. travel provider for the Marabana Havana Marathon half, full and 10k races, insightCuba, along with longtime hotel partner Meliá Cohiba, delivers increased hotel capacity and favorable rates for its new four- and eight-day tours for the November 20 event. Thanks to changes in U.S. regulations, 2016's tour offers more time for self-guided activities, giving runners and their companion's flexibility to explore Havana before and after the race. 

As the U.S. continues to loosen travel restrictions to Cuba, interest in this once off-limits destination has created unprecedented shortages in hotel space, resulting in huge price increases, making visits for Americans difficult and expensive. "It took us 11 years to persuade the U.S. Department of the Treasury to allow American runners to participate in the Havana Marathon. It didn't seem right that hotel prices and room shortages would threaten to sideline many runners," says insightCuba president Tom Popper.

This year, insightCuba, the foremost provider of legal people-to-people travel to Cuba since 2000, will be joined by accomplished author, runner, and Marathon celebrity coach Jenny Hadfield. She will guide insightCuba runners on their training journey leading up to the race and provide an insider perspective on the course and the city. Once in country, insightCuba and Coach Jenny will guide runners through Havana, ensuring a one-of-a–kind experience. 

One of the Americas' most exceptional races, the Havana half and full Marathon and 10K wind through magnificent avenues lining UNESCO World Heritage sites, and passes places of historic interest, including the famous Malecón, a roadway and seawall which stretches along the coast of the capital city from Old Havana to the vibrant Vedado neighborhood. Along the way, runners can take in the sights: the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba, expansive Revolution Square, and the monument to national hero José Martí. The course takes runners through the Parque Central, a hub of Havana's social activity, and passes the impressive El Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, which protect Havana's beautiful harbor.

The day before the race, insightCuba runners and companions may also participate in the MaraCuba 3K fun run or walk, which occurs simultaneously in every Cuban province. It's a must-see as residents and children join the crowd of runners making their way through Old Havana. Afterwards, participants join the post-race parade, which, like so many things in Cuba, features music and dancing.

In addition to the race, runners and companions will have time for self-guided people-to-people encounters. They'll view Old Havana's cobblestone streets and sixteenth-century Spanish colonial architecture, and learn about the country's culture and history.

On the Havana Marathon 8-Day Cool Down Tour, guests on this small and intimate journey will celebrate and travel together beyond the capital city. Visitors will explore some of Cuba's virgin natural treasures in the western province of Pinar del Río, known for its undisturbed red-earth pastures, rustling tobacco fields, and Viñales National Park, often described as the Yosemite of Cuba.

The 4-day Havana Marathon Tour, November 18-21, costs $1,995 per runner and $1,895 for companions, double occupancy. The 8-day Cool Down Tour, November 18-25, costs $4,695 per runner or companion, double occupancy.

InsightCuba Marathon Tours include:

• Superior accommodations at the Meliá Cohiba, on the famous Malecón
• Marathon coaching by running celebrity Coach Jenny Hadfield
• Private insightCuba concierge to facilitate your in-country experience fueled by people-to-people activities
• Marabana Havana Marathon, half-marathon and 10K entry fee and bib and private race check-in by insightCuba (runners only)
• Welcome cocktail reception, orientation, and address by Havana Marathon race director and insightCuba staff
• All in-country ground transportation to races, and airport transfers via luxury motor coach
• All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
• Travel health insurance, emergency medical evacuation and trip-cancellation coverage (up to $1,000)
• InsightCuba travel guidebook
• 24-hour emergency customer-service hotline
• Gratuities for luggage handling and breakfast
• U.S. Department of the Treasury travel certification

A flight package for both tours costs an additional $645 per person, and includes round-trip charter air from Miami to Havana, priority check-in at Miami International Airport, Cuban visa, baggage fee for the first checked bag, and Cuban airport departure tax.

For more information about the Havana Marathon tours and other insightCuba tours, visit www.insightcuba.com or call 800-450-CUBA. Or visit insightCuba's Marathon Facebook and Twitter pages.

About insightCuba
InsightCuba is the leading provider and pioneer in legal people-to-people travel for Americans to Cuba. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has sent more than 14,000 guests to Cuba and has crafted hundreds of private group tours. InsightCuba offers six regularly scheduled Signature Cuba tours with 250 departures annually, a series of Specialty Cuba tours, and dozens of private group tours each year.

Related Links:

Website: www.InsightCuba.com

Facebook (Marathon): https://www.facebook.com/havanamarathon/

Twitter (Marathon): https://twitter.com/HavanaMarathon

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SOURCE insightCuba