11 of the Best Marathons in the World

Kicking off the list is the grandaddy of marathons, the Boston Marathon. Race day is such a big deal that it’s actually a public holiday—called Patriots’ Day or Marathon Monday—in Massachusetts. Whether you’re a budding six-star finisher, an elite runner, or just want to feel the thrill of qualifying for an iconic event, this globally famous marathon comes with plenty of bragging rights. Save your energy for “Heartbreak Hill”, the notoriously tough uphill slog at mile 20.

Did you know?: People have run the Boston Marathon every single year except one (2020) since its first race in 1897.

If there’s one marathon that’ll send your step count soaring, it’s the Great Wall of China Marathon. Not only will you cover the standard 26.2 mile (42.2 kilometer) distance, but you’ll also climb an exhausting 5,164 steps along the way. The sell-out event is already one of the top international marathons, so book your tickets early and spend time sightseeing in Beijing as you prepare for the big day. Another bonus is the opportunity to explore the ancient monument without the tourists and connect with the locals as you pass through China’s traditional villages and rice fields.

What could be a better marathon travel destination than the city that gave the event its name? Back in 490 BC, a messenger ran from Marathon in Greece all the way to Athens to pass on the fateful message of “Victory!” before collapsing dead from the effort (according to legend). To commemorate the event, that marathon route was revived at the first-ever Olympic Games in 1896, with competitors running from Marathon Bridge to the Panathenaic Stadium.

Did you know?: The original course was actually only 24.85 miles (40 kilometers). The additional distance was added at the 1908 London Olympic Marathon to extend the starting line to Windsor Castle.

Another one of the most popular marathon events in the United States, the Big Sur International Marathon follows a point-to-point route along California’s most scenic coastal road, the Pacific Coast Highway. The bucket-list race has sweeping ocean panoramas, forest trails through the California Redwoods, and an electric race-day atmosphere with live music and dancers to cheer you on—there’s even a classical pianist to greet you as you cross the Bixby Bridge at the midway point. An added bonus for serious competitors: the race is an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Australia’s own epic seafront road trip is the much-traveled Great Ocean Road, which winds along Victoria’s south coast and serves up 150 miles (240 kilometers) of ocean views, natural landmarks, and sandy surf beaches. For one weekend each year, runners and hikers of all ages are invited to take part in the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, where events range from a Kids Gallop to a 37.3 mile (60 kilometer) ultramarathon. Feel the sea spray as you run from Lorne to Apollo Bay, enjoy a great view of the Twelve Apostles, and perhaps even spot a koala.

One of the more recent additions to the international marathon calendar, the Angkor Empire Marathon started up in 2014 and takes place at the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Weave through rural villages, rice fields, and lush jungle, passing through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and seeing all the highlights of Cambodia’s most-visited attraction along the way. The mighty Angkor Wat Temple overlooks both the start and finish line.

Did you know?: There are more than 100 temples at the Angkor complex, and this marathon passes almost 40 of them.

Why hike the world’s highest peak when you can run it? Hardcore marathon runners seeking a challenge—and the ultimate runner’s high—can celebrate the anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s 1953 Mt. Everest summit by running a high-altitude downhill marathon, starting out from Everest Base Camp. The world’s highest marathon is a unique beast, and Everest marathon running tips include spending three weeks in Nepal to acclimatize prior to the race (the starting altitude of 17,570 feet (5,356 meters) is no joke), as well as practicing running over challenging, rocky terrain.

All roads might lead to Rome, but when it comes to running a marathon in Italy’s Eternal City, there’s only one route to follow. The annual Rome Marathon is as much a sightseeing tour as it is a test of endurance. Start right outside the Colosseum, run through Piazza Venezia and along the Tiber River to Castel Sant'Angelo, then loop through Vatican City to see St Peter’s Basilica, pass the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, and end the race by the Circus Maximus.

Insider tip: Missed the marathon? You can enjoy a running tour of Rome year-round.

The midnight sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets, can only be experienced from destinations on or above the Arctic Circle, making the town of Tromso in northern Norway the perfect spot. Each June, locals celebrate the arrival of the endless summer nights with the Midnight Sun Marathon, with runners setting out in the evening and running through the night until between 12am and 2am. Prepare to be bewitched by the soft glow of the sun on the horizon as you drink in views of the rugged Arctic coastline with its islands, fjords, and backdrop of snow-hatted peaks.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could outrun a lion or leopard, now’s your chance! South Africa’s aptly named Big Five Marathon takes you straight through the heart of the Entabeni Safari Conservancy with no barriers between you and the wildlife. Look out for the Big Five—elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard—in the distance as you follow the gravel and sand trails through the Savannah, and perhaps jog right past grazing herds of antelope and zebras.

Strictly one for the overachievers who’ve already worked their way through the worldwide marathon races, Morocco’s Marathon des Sables is no typical marathon. The legendary race covers a foot-blistering 157 miles (252 kilometers)—the equivalent of six marathons—over seven days, and takes place in the blistering heat and unforgiving conditions of the Sahara Desert. Crossing the finish line isn’t just a test of physical fitness; it’s also about survival, as competitors must be completely self-sufficient, carrying all of their gear along the way.

Insider tip: For a (slightly) more manageable challenge, there’s also a 4-day version with varying lengths.