One more way to experience Cuba: Run in the Havana Marathon

It’s easier than ever for American runners to participate in the Marabana Havana Marathon on Nov. 15.

With the recent thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations, you can sign up to go on your own or travel with Runner’s World writer-coach Jenny Hadfield on a four- or eight-day package tour.

The 26.2-mile route takes runners past the Malecon esplanade, the famed Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Revolution Square and Havana’s Capitol building (which looks like the U.S. one in Washington).

U.S. travelers can book their own charter airfare to Cuba (CheapAir offers customers online options from New York and Miami) and register for the race, which costs 50 euros ($53) for those who sign up by July 30.

Or potential runners can sign up with InsightCuba, a host of the event. The tour operator has taken Americans on tours of Cuba for the last 15 years. Last year, the company sent a group of runners to participate.

Now the company offers tours (set up as people-to-people tours, one of 12 allowed reasons to visit) that start at $1,895 per person for four days and $3,495 per person for eight days.

Runners stay at the Plaza Hotel in Old Havana, a block from the starting line. Prices include guides, coach, meals, ground transfers and other extras.

Info: Marabana Havana Marathon; InsightCuba, (800) 450-2822