9 Best Marathons To Do Around The World

By Your Health Magazine

Taking on the challenge of a marathon for the first time is a huge life event. It’s a monumental task and one that takes a lot of training and should be marked properly. For many people, to do that, finding an exotic or interesting place to do one is the preferred choice, setting the occasion apart from simply doing one in your local town.

People decide to take on the challenge of a marathon for all manner of reasons. For some it’s something to concentrate on, for others it’s to get fit, while more people are now taking them on as a follow-up to another challenge in their life, whether it be overcoming grief, battling illness, or in many cases these days, having overcome addiction and looking forward to a new, healthier life.

Of course, you don’t have to go through a drug rehab centre to run a marathon, and whatever your reason for deciding to do one, it poses an exciting new challenge. But where in the world are the best places to cross that finishing line?

London Marathon, UK

The London Marathon is one of the world’s most famous marathons, attracting over 40,000 runners from all over the world each year. The route takes runners through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Tower of London. With a mix of flat and hilly terrain, the London Marathon is a challenging but rewarding race and is one of those events that you can say, “I’ve done it”.

Boston Marathon, USA

The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world, first held in 1897. The route takes runners through the picturesque towns of Hopkinton, Ashland, and Framingham, before finishing in the heart of downtown Boston. The Boston Marathon is a challenging course, with the famous Heartbreak Hill providing a steep climb towards the end of the race. But for many runners, the historic and prestigious nature of the Boston Marathon makes it a must-do event.

Tokyo Marathon, Japan

The Tokyo Marathon is a relatively new addition to the marathon calendar, but it has quickly become one of the most popular and prestigious races in the world. The course takes runners through Tokyo’s vibrant streets, offering a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and history. With a relatively flat and fast course, the Tokyo Marathon is a great choice for runners looking to set a personal best time.

Great Wall Marathon, China

The Great Wall Marathon is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are up for the challenge, it will provide memories that last a lifetime. The course takes runners along the steep and uneven terrain of the Great Wall of China, offering breathtaking views and a unique test of endurance. With over 5,000 steps to navigate, the Great Wall Marathon is one of the toughest marathons in the world, but it is also one of the most rewarding.

Paris Marathon, France

The Paris Marathon is a beautiful and scenic race that takes runners through some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, including the Champs-Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. With a relatively flat course and an electric atmosphere, the Paris Marathon is a great choice for runners of all levels. Plus, the chance to experience the beauty and culture of Paris makes it an unforgettable experience.

Chicago Marathon

The course of the Chicago Marathon is well-known for being particularly flat and quick, and it passes through many of the city’s most well-known neighbourhoods. The race is well-organized and receives plenty of support from a large number of enthusiastic spectators; as a result, it draws in over 40,000 runners from all over the world.

Boston to Big Sur Challenge

The Boston to Big Sur Challenge is a one-of-a-kind two-marathon challenge that takes runners all the way across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast. The challenge consists of running two of the most scenic marathons in the world, namely the Boston Marathon and the Big Sur International Marathon.

Two Oceans Marathon

The Two Oceans Marathon, held in Cape Town, South Africa, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful marathons because it takes place along the city’s breathtaking coastline. Over 26,000 runners from all over the world participate in the race every year because the course offers breathtaking views of both the ocean and the surrounding mountains.