10 Iconic Marathons Around the World
There are thousands of marathons around the world, but some offer much more than simply running 42.195 km. These events turn the classic marathon distance into a truly memorable adventure.
- Athens Marathon, Greece — Run from the historic town of Marathon to Athens, following the route that inspired the modern marathon. The race finishes in the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
- Great Wall Marathon, China — One of the world's most spectacular and demanding marathons, with runners tackling thousands of steps as they cross sections of the Great Wall and the surrounding countryside.
- Easter Island Marathon, Chile — A remarkable marathon on remote Easter Island, with runners passing the island's famous moai statues and volcanic landscapes along the route.
- Everest Marathon, Nepal — Starting at Mount Everest Base Camp at more than 5,000 metres above sea level, this is recognised as the world's highest marathon. The route follows rugged Himalayan trails to Namche Bazaar.
- North Pole Marathon, Arctic Ocean — A full 42.195 km marathon run on the frozen Arctic Ocean at the North Pole. It is recognised as the northernmost marathon on Earth and is quite literally a marathon on ice.
- Antarctic Ice Marathon, Antarctica — A marathon on snow and ice in the interior of Antarctica, at Union Glacier. With temperatures around -20°C and strong winds possible, it is about as far removed from a city marathon as you can get.
- Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc, France — A marathon through the vineyards of the famous Médoc wine region. Runners pass dozens of château estates and can enjoy wine and food along the course, making this one of the world's most unusual marathon experiences.
- Dingle Marathon, Ireland — A spectacular coastal marathon around Ireland's Dingle Peninsula, combining rugged scenery, hills, winding roads and views across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Patagonian International Marathon, Chile — A spectacular marathon in the far south of Chile, in the vicinity of Torres del Paine National Park. Runners tackle the 42 km course surrounded by mountains, glaciers and the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.
- Big Five Marathon, South Africa — A marathon through a private game reserve in South Africa, where runners share the landscape with wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards and rhinos. It is a very different kind of marathon experience, with no traditional city streets or cheering crowds.
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