Use Your Starpoints for a Marathon Package!

One of my favorite things about SPG Starpoints is the ability to use them for memorable experiences – without having to actually put out any cash. There have been a few running ones in recent years (running a race and having a weekend in Greece with Dean Karnazes, getting a weekend clinic with Deena Kastor) but it has been pretty quiet lately. But, we now have another running package – but you will need to travel for this one!

Use Your Starpoints for a Marathon Package!

Link: Worldloppet Vasa Changchun Jingyuetan Forest Marathon

To start, this marathon is in China and it takes place a week from Sunday! Yes, that is very close and yet far away (distance-wise) for any US-based runners. But, one of the things that many of us love about our miles and points is the ability to just book a ticket and go when something comes up that we want to take advantage of.

The other thing? If you are running a marathon next Sunday, you should already be in taper mode! But, this package just popped up this week! Depending on your level of weekly running, you may be just fine running the marathon casually. Most of the time, I am in condition to go out and run a sub-4:30 marathon on any day just from muscle memory and basic running. You may be surprised at what you could do!

But, you do not have to run the marathon! There are other race distances available, a half-marathon and a 7km race. So, if you are up for a challenge, here is what this package has with it:

• Two (2) passes to run in the marathon on 18 June 2017
• Two-night (2-night) stay for two (2) in a suite at the Sheraton Changchun Jingyuetan with free breakfast, checking in 17 June 2017 and checking out 19 June 2017 (I changed that to checking out June 19 since the site had it wrong as they say it comes with 2 nights)
• Airport transportation for two (2)
• Access for two (2) to the official farewell party at Deer Valley Golf Resort

And, the best part? It is currently only at 6,000 Starpoints for this whole package! Considering that the Sheraton itself goes for 4,000 points per night (3,000 on the weekend since it is a Category 2), that is like paying just for the hotel room and getting the suite, 2 marathon reservations, transportation, and the party for free!

Of course, it could go up but I don’t think it will go up too much as there are not that many people that will travel this late for something like that so it will likely be runners already in China.

Here are the auction details:

• End Date:  10 Jun 2017 – 08:00 AM EDT

• Starting Bid: 6,000 Starpoints

• Bid Increment: 500 Starpoints

• Current High Bid: 6,000 Starpoints

Yes, that is right – as of this writing, no one has even bid on this auction yet! If I was able to that weekend, I would totally do it for the adventure of it!

SPG, More Running Packages, PLEASE???

I would really like to see SPG roll out more running packages with the SPG Moments package. I spoke with the VP last year about it and he said it is something they will look at but I would really like to see them move on it.

Out of all the US hotel chains, SPG is the one that could really swing this, thanks to their Westin partnership with the Rock’n’Roll race series. It would be so easy to just auction of their VIP packages in the Moments area and I think that would be pretty popular!

But, for now, someone go bid and win this marathon in China! If you do, let me know and maybe you could do a trip/race report here of your adventure!