Are you looking for a new way to have an adventure in another country? Love running and want to challenge yourself? Why not bring the two things together in one epic adventure by running a marathon?
These are the top 11 bucket list races that will change how you experience the world and travel forever.
Saharan Challenge
What is it?
2 Marathons in 2 days.
Where is it?
Draa Valley, Morocco
When is it?
Typically this two day race takes place in October each year
The details:
The Saharan Challenge caught my eye several years ago and has been on my list since then. This unique 5-day adventure includes Bedouin style camping, full support and the opportunity to raise money for charity. Starting in Marrakech you will be transferred over the Atlas Mountains to the Bedouin style camp created just for the event and end up on the edge of the Saharan Desert.
The full package has a lot included from 3 nights of camping plus all the gear, all your meals, a night at a hotel in Marrakech, flight transfers, plus all the usual access to the app, finisher medal, a cold beer when you finish and the bonus of a free spot in a 50km ultra challenge in the future.
How can I sign up?
Check out their website for more details.
Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc
What is it?
An ultramarathon of around 171km (106mi) with a total elevation gain of 10,040 meters (32,940ft).
Where is it?
The route follows the Tour du Mont Blanc in the alps through France, Italy and Switzerland.
When is it?
The event typically falls on the last weekend of August or first weekend in September every year.
The details:
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a popular trek in Europe. That in of itself would be a challenge. This race takes it up a notch and challenges people to run it. Walking this route would typically take 11 days, whereas the winners of the mountain race usually complete it in 22-26 hours.
You need to qualify for this race or get lucky and get one of the lottery spots.
How can I sign up?
Everything you need to know about this race and others like it can be found on UTMB’s website
Come to Galapagos Marathon
What is it?
The Come to Galapagos Marathon offers the chance to run a full or half marathon or a 10k in one of the most pristine areas in the world.
Where is it?
The Galapagos of course.
When is it?
Current dates are in August and October, though space is limited so sign up early.
The details:
The beauty of this race, aside from the obvious wildlife there, is that you sponsor a local runner as well. It is required that you pay the entrance fee for a local runner in order to participate. This event has been called by ESPN “The best marathon on the planet.”
You stay at a hotel next to the starting line and have your own personal driver/caddy who waits down the line to offer you hydration, moving every 2km down the line throughout the entirety of the race.
It’s also combined with a week’s stay on the island. So, not only do you get to experience a marathon in a unique setting you get to take the time to visit this wildlife wonderland while you’re there.
How can I sign up?
Check out the Come to Galapagos website for all the details.
Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon
What is it?
This marathon is considered a high altitude adventure sports event that starts at Everest Base Camp that crisscrosses the high Sherpa trails of Khumbu Valley. You have the option of a 60km extreme ultra, 42km full marathon or a 21km half marathon.
Where is it?
Everest Base Camp.
When is it?
May 29th every year.
The details:
Started in 2003 this race is the world’s highest marathon. But it’s not just about the marathon itself, though it’s a big part of it, there is also the trek to basecamp, the visit to the area, and the chance to see the highest mountain in the world.
It’s also one of the most difficult races in the world, due to the extreme altitudes. So, if you are really looking to challenge yourself and see what your body is capable of this might just be the race for you.
How can I sign up?
Check out the Everest Marathon site for all the details and how you can sign up for this once in a lifetime kind of race.
North Pole Marathon
What is it?
Considered the “World’s Coolest Marathon” (pun intended) this marathon takes place in one of the remotest places on the planet.
Where is it?
The geographic north pole.
When is it?
April
The details:
You can become one of only a few people to race at the top of the world. You will face extreme cold with subzero temperatures and exposure. You will run along Arctic ice floes (not land) with only 6-12 feet of ice separating you from the Arctic Ocean.
If you are looking to run a marathon on every continent this race will give you the opportunity to join the exclusive “North Pole Grand Slam Club.” I mean, how cool is that?
How can I sign up?
This one isn’t cheap, that’s for damn sure, but again, it’s a bucket list dream item for some. Check out the North Pole Marathon website for all the details.
Borneo International Marathon
What is it?
Started in 1984 this destination marathon and half marathon was voted one of the 50 best running races in the world in 2018 by Runner’s World Magazine.
Where is it?
Sabah, Bornea
When is it?
The full marathon is in June and the half takes place in February (why they are on different dates I am not sure, I am also not sure if these dates change each year as these dates were taken from the 2020 race – which of course was cancelled).
The details:
This race happens on a unique island in Bornea with incredible wildlife and a unique culture. It’s the opportunity to combine running with an adventure trip of a lifetime.
The registration fee is 30 USD, probably one of the least expensive of the races.
How can I sign up?
Head over to the Borneo Marathon website for more information and to register for your race.
Bagan Temple Marathon
What is it?
A marathon, half marathon or 10k that takes you through some of Myanmar’s 2,000 temples giving it the other name of the “Temple Run.”
Where is it?
Myanmar
When is it?
November of each year (day changes slightly)
The details:
This is a relatively flat course but don’t think that makes it easy. It’s hot and dusty but one of the most unique experiences that takes you through historic temples and tiny villages like stepping back in time.
You can come for the race, or you can book a package where you can race and then spend a week exploring the area, really getting the opportunity to truly experience Myanmar and its friendly people and unique history.
How can I sign up?
For all the details, from cost to clothing to how you can enter head over to Bagan Temple Marathon.
Great Wall Marathon
What is it?
A race that offers 3 distances – a full marathon, half marathon and a 8.5km (5.5mi) fun run (a non-competitive race)
Where is it?
The Great Wall of China!
When is it?
The end of May each year
The details:
Considered one of the most challenging marathons in the world, this race gives you the opportunity to run across one of the manmade wonders of the world.
Why is it so tough? It might be the constant ups and downs of the wall or it might be the 5,164 stone steps you have to climb. It might also be the loose stone, missing steps and crumbling walls but the views and the opportunity to experience the Great Wall in such a way is well worth the pain.
How can I sign up?
Secure your spot in next year’s race at Great Wall Marathon.
Safaricom Marathon
What is it?
A marathon that supports work done by the charity Tusk in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Where is it?
Kenya
When is it?
June
The details:
Looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience that also provides funds for wildlife conservation in one of the most wildlife rich areas in the world? This one is for you.
This marathon is in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and has provided funding for the protection of the critically endangered Grevy’s Zebra and recovering Kenya’s black rhino population and has also provided healthcare, water and infrastructure to communities in the area.
How can I sign up?
Head over to their website so you can “Run Wild” and help raise funds for this very worthy cause.
Marathon des Sables
What is it?
250km in 7 days through the desert
Where is it?
The Moroccan Sahara
When is it?
October
The details:
A race that you can walk or run but you are required to carry your own backpack with food, sleeping gear and other items. This race is no joke, 2 people have died (which still makes that highly unlikely that it will happen but just for the reality check I put it here).
This ultramarathon is like running 6 marathons in a row, with the longest day being 2 in one day at around 91km. In the sand. In the desert. Unsupported. This will push your body to its breaking point on more than one occasion but once your hooked your hooked.
There have been over 22,000 competitors since 1986, 30% are repeaters, 20% have been women (I think we can do better than that don’t you think?). The youngest to ever do the race was 16, while the oldest was 83. Don’t think you can do it? Re-read those stats one more time.
How can I sign up?
For all your race info and registration check out the Legendary Marathon des Sables website.
Concluding Thoughts
No matter what your race, you will find it around the world. There are more races happening than you could ever count, from fun runs and 5k’s to ultramarathons like the Marathon des Sables.
Once you are bitten by the race bug, you will be left wanting more and a bigger challenge with each passing race. Which of these races have you done? Or, the better question is, which of these races do you want to do?
Maybe I will see you there.
Check out the Best Epic Adventures for more recommendations on how to make your next trip unforgettable.
Comments
I’m a half marathon runner and that’s Galapagos half marathon sounds amazing. I’d love to run that some day!
Author
That one sounded amazing to me too! All that incredible wildlife and such a beautiful setting. Maybe I will see you there one day!