We get it, you’re on a mission to wear out as many pairs of shoes in as little time as possible. We can help. These marathon races offer more than just competitive camaraderie. It’s the epitome of fitness training.
They take you through amazing scenery in exotic locations. Make sure you’re up to speed on the best times to book your hotel room if you’re traveling to one of these events.
Boston Marathon
United States
Boston is world-renowned for many things, including its sports bars. But you’re in training, so a frothy one will have to be your reward at the end.
Welcome to the Boston Marathon. This is one of the most famous marathons for runners worldwide and also one of the oldest. Inspired by the revival of the marathon in the 1896 Olympics, the first Boston Marathon was run in 1897.
The Boston Marathon offers a net downhill course with many famous landmarks and a big-city finish.
Entrants must meet rigorous qualifying standards, and there are around half a million spectators to cheer you on.
Should you qualify as one of these elite runners. Part of the glory of this race is having to qualify and the bragging rights that brings.
Athens Authentic Marathon
Greece
The Athens Authentic Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in Greece. This memorable race follows the course of the original 26.2-mile run from the ancient city of Marathon through to Athens.
This was first run in ancient times by the Greek soldier Pheidippides in 490 BC. No doubt the other soldiers called him a “big show-off.”
This top marathon race takes runners through the scenic hills of Athens on the same route taken in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Adding running events at shorter distances a total of more than 60,000 athletes will run through the Attica region and Athens.
This record total puts the Authentic Marathon among the biggest running events anywhere in the world. Every marathon runner who crosses the finish line this year will receive the first medal of a new series.
This year’s medal will show the Battle of Marathon. For those of you who can’t stand the suspense- the Greek army decisively defeated the more numerous Persians in the Battle of Marathon, marking a turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars.
Best to make sure your shoes are tied tight before this one starts.
Paris Marathon
France
Just a few thousand shy of the Greek marathon, the well-established Paris Marathon sees around 55,000 runners taking part each year. Starting at Champs Elysées, the course takes in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
These iconic places include the Louvre, the Bastille, and the Eiffel Tower. The race finishes along Avenue Foch, with the Arc de Triomphe within sight.
Uganda International
Africa
The Uganda International is definitely not your average marathon. For starters, it takes place over an entire week, and participants run on dusty tracks past rural villages and along the heights of Pine Ridge.
Looking down on Lake Victoria, this is a sight so epic you’ll forget the heat. Participants don’t just take on the physical challenge, they also raise funds to help local, sustainable community projects which they can visit and actively help out with during the week.
During this time they also get to know the local community. This is the ultimate do-good, feel-good week in the heart of Africa. By the way, we have some most excellent lodges for you to recoup while you’re in the neighborhood.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon
Scotland
We end our top races with the Baxter Loch Ness marathon. A race that is absolutely breathtaking. Starting between Fort Augustus and Foyers, spectacular Highland views set the tone of this spectacularly scenic race.
The course then drops down to the banks of Loch Ness, following the stunning loch shore, before heading into Inverness.
A far cry from the hustle and bustle of many city marathons, much of this route is quiet and remote, giving lots of opportunities to take in the views and chat with other runners.
Although a well-established event, it has a really friendly and informal feel, with lots of local support – particularly as you arrive in Inverness, where there’s even a hot meal waiting for you.
In fact, since this marathon is all about the look, you might take this trek in one of our top expensive sneakers we discussed.
These happy runners might know the truth about Nessie, the famed Loch Ness monster. Although this might be more fun to watch while drinking a great whisky straight from the barrel.
Nothing like the mother of all fish tales coming from a lake surrounded by distilleries. No coincidence from where we’re sitting.
