For some, lacing up a pair of trainers and taking to the pavements is a daily ritual, with a marathon representing the ultimate form of accomplishment. Others prefer to occupy the role of cheerleader, watching from the side-lines and offering some much-needed moral support. Whichever sounds more up your street, why not plan a holiday around the run and use your rest time to explore a new place? From racing down New York’s iconic First Avenue and London’s Mall, to traversing the African savannah and Chilean Patagonia, marathon running can take you all over the world. With a growing number of whackier offerings, including in-race wine-tasting and a reggae soundtrack, some events provide a complete change of pace from the traditional 26.2 mile race. Whether you’re an avid runner or loyal supporter, prepare to go the distance with our list of the best marathons around the world. On your marks, get set, go…
- New York City Marathon, USA
- Marathon des Sables, Morocco
- Patagonian International Marathon, Chile
- Marathon du Médoc, France
- The Great Wall Marathon, China
- The Big Five Marathon, South Africa
- Reggae Marathon, Jamaica
- Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway
- The Athens Marathon, Greece
- London Marathon, UK
New York City Marathon, USA
A city as iconic as the ‘Big Apple’ demands a marathon as legendary to match. The route snakes its way through all five boroughs, allowing you to experience the full scope of the city, with spectators lining the streets every step of the way. Manhattan’s wide avenues lend themselves to this epic run and the festival-like atmosphere is bound to spur you on, all the way down Fifth Avenue and through Central Park towards the finish line. Having seen the city at a jogging pace, if you’d like to explore in more depth, our travel experts can arrange an itinerary that includes all of the concrete jungle’s best bits.
Marathon des Sables, Morocco
Widely renowned as the world’s most difficult long-distance race, the famed Marathon des Sables isn’t for the faint hearted. The six-day ultra-marathon sees backpack-laden participants traversing the scorching Sahara Desert, covering a total distance of 160 miles (more than the length of six regular marathons). If you’re contemplating taking on the challenge, consider factoring in some well-earned R&R afterwards, with a stay in a luxury lodge and a visit to a traditional hammam steam room.
Patagonian International Marathon, Chile
There are few landscapes more dramatic than the towering granite peaks, snow-capped volcanoes and glittering glaciers of Chilean Patagonia. Given the rugged mountain terrain, the marathon course is incredibly hilly, while weather conditions here are famously unpredictable. Yet if you’re willing to brave these less-than-ideal conditions, you’ll be blessed with breath-taking running backdrops in return. Make the most of your visit to this ribbon-shaped country and discover other equally epic landscapes, including the Atacama Desert and Torres Del Paine National Park (although you may wish to hold off on any hiking for now).
Marathon du Médoc, France
Probably one of the least competitive marathons around the world (and also the booziest), Bordeaux’s Marathon du Médoc demands fancy dress, alcohol intake and indulgent food consumption along the way. Following a scenic route through the region’s vineyards, participants stop off at 23 wine-tasting spots to sample various vintages and local specialities (think oysters, steak and ice-cream). Another race where you’re unlikely to be breaking any records, the marathon’s president has declared that ‘it isn’t about getting a good time – it’s about having a good time’. At the finish line, contestants are presented with a souvenir bottle of wine and engraved wine glasses, a far cry from the isotonic drinks and protein bars gifted at more serious events.
The Great Wall Marathon, China
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, why not opt for a 26.2 mile jog along the world’s largest man-made structure? This marathon is one of the world’s most taxing due to humid weather and the amount of climbing involved, with a steep ascent up 5,164 steps. Most runners take twice as long as normal to complete the race (so this probably isn’t the time to try and achieve a PB), but the legendary setting, picturesque rural villages and unbeatable vistas make it worth the graft.
The Big Five Marathon, South Africa
Akin to embarking on an on-foot safari, the Big Five Marathon is undoubtedly the wildest option on our list of marathons around the world. Race right through the thick of the South African savannah, counting sightings of the Big Five as you go (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). There are no fences separating runners from the wildlife, offering a rare chance to cross the plains on foot, although fear not - rangers patrol the course to ensure runners’ safety. With part of the course crossing into lion country, this should serve as enough motivation to keep your pace up.
Reggae Marathon, Jamaica
There’s no need to pack your headphones for Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon, as entrants are serenaded by the magical sound of steel drums and reggae music as they dash along Negril’s golden coastline. ‘Carb-load’ in preparation at the fun-loving event’s ‘pasta party’ hosted the night before, with restaurants from all over the town supplying delicious pasta dishes. The best thing about crossing the finish line? Heading straight for the nearby Caribbean Sea and taking a celebratory dip in the gin-clear ocean.
Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway
Calling all night owls, the Midnight Sun Marathon makes the most of Norway’s natural phenomenon whereby the sun barely sets during the summer months. The event takes place in the small city of Tromsø, deemed the gateway to the Arctic Circle, with the route taking runners along the town’s stunning waterfront, past snow-dusted summits and glistening fjords. Most marathon training plans wouldn’t recommend staying up until the small hours, but with a kick-off time of 8.30pm, you’ll be finished in time to celebrate at one of the town’s lively bars.
The Athens Marathon, Greece
For a truly authentic running experience, head to the race’s namesake city (and birthplace) to follow in the footsteps of the original marathon runner, Pheidippides. As the story goes, the Greek soldier ran the 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens to announce victory over the Persians in the battle of Marathon, back in 490BC. Today, the Athens Marathon takes competitors through the scenic Grecian hillsides, before concluding with a lap of the city’s ancient Olympic stadium.
London Marathon, UK
Last but certainly not least, we have the London Marathon, usually held in April but moved to October in 2021 and 2022. Welcoming runners of all abilities, you’ll find some clad in hilarious costumes and others in smart lyra, energy gels at the ready. Cruise beside the River Thames, taking in the iconic attractions of Big Ben and Tower Bridge along the way. No matter how exhausted you are at mile 25, the sight of Buckingham Palace and the roaring crowds along the Mall are sure to spur you on to the finish line.
Written by Luisa Watts