Best Places to Run a Marathon

Adventure seekers and endurance junkies are always looking for the next best place to test their limits. Why not see the globe while conquering physical challenges? See below for the world’s best cities for marathon races.

Great Wall

Who can say they have run a 26.2-mile race along one of the world’s most beautiful and ancient structures? The Great Wall is home to an annual race each May, but flat-course runners beware: This course is full of rapid ascents and descents, including more than 5,000 steps.

London

London’s Virgin Money Marathon takes place every April, with a route that passes some of the royal city’s most noteworthy sites like Big Ben and Parliament, the Tower of London and the London Eye, ending at Buckingham Palace. What’s more, you have your selection of some of the world’s best pubs in which to enjoy a post-race pint.

London Marathon, United Kingdom © Jrockar | Dreamstime

North Pole

While Santa Claus and his elves are toiling away at their workshop, take your courage to the next level by running this 10-lap race on the frozen Arctic Ocean. Guards are on duty in case of curious polar bears.

Athens

If you’ve always dreamed of running the marathon in the country where the term originated, then Greece is calling your name. Full of strenuous hills but glorious ancient history, this race ends at the stadium that was home to the first Olympics in 1896.

Inca Trail

Ascents are not the only challenge in this hilly marathon. Runners must also face altitude changes and potential shifts in oxygen availability. Not for the faint of heart, the views along this course do not disappoint, and you’re rewarded at the end in the village of Machu Picchu.

Marathon Runners on the Great Wall of China © Domer2001 | Dreamstime