There is no denying that a change of scenery—whether that be in striking architecture or awe-inspiring landscapes—can motivate you to put kilometres on pavement.
If you’re looking for that bit of extra motivation to run your first marathon or you’re a seasoned runner wanting an adventure, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular, unique, and aspirational marathons around the world to inspire your next step.
PWC Bermuda Marathon
This one-of-a-kind race begins with a free ferry ride from downtown Hamilton to the historic Royal Naval Dockyard where the race begins. Pass pristine beaches and historic sites, including the world’s smallest working drawbridge, as you run just about the entire island. For a truly Bermudan experience, enjoy two rum stops along the route serving up Goslings world-famous rum cocktails. With on-course entertainment and cheering squads, this will be a marathon to remember.
The marathon is part of the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge—running three distances over three days. push yourself to your limit.
January | Bermuda
www.bermudatrianglechallenge.com
@bermudatrianglechallenge
Photo: Burnt House Productions
The Life Time Miami Marathon
There’s nothing better than trading in the dark days of winter for the energetic vibes of Miami. While the course is mostly flat, a few gentle inclines over the bridges keep things interesting. As you run through Miami Beach and the city, let the ocean breeze keep you energized as you take in the sparkling water, palm-lined streets and bustling urban surroundings. This marathon is as much a celebration of the city as it is a race.
January | Miami, Florida
www.themiamimarathon.com
@themiamimarathon
Photography: We Fly Aerial Media
Big Sur International Marathon
For one of the most stunning marathons in the world, try this point-to-point course along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel. Spectacular scenery including crashing waves and towering redwoods will be a welcome break from thinking about the distance you have to cover.
This race has a limited number of entries, so don’t
wait to register.
April | Big Sur, California
www.bigsurmarathon.org
@bsimevents
Photography: Luis Escobar
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
With an elevation gain/loss of more than 2,200 metres, this race is as challenging as it is picturesque. Long climbs and descents will push your limits physically and mentally. The course begins in Roanoke and then takes you into the surrounding mountains along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The marathon has limited space available, so register fast if you think you have the legs for it.
April | Roanoke, Virginia
www.blueridgemarathon.com
@blueridgemarathon
Photography: Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
BMO Vancouver Marathon
You don’t have to travel too far to enjoy an incredible marathon experience. The BMO Vancouver Marathon offers breathtaking views at every turn, with most of the route along the shorelines of Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park. With the Rocky Mountains rising in the distance, follow Vancouver’s Seawall—the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path—past beaches and cherry blossoms, and breathe in the fresh, ocean air.
may | Vancouver, British Columbia
www.bmovanmarathon.ca
@bmovanmarathon
Photogrpahy: RUNVAN
Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon
Explore Canada’s capital city while participating in one of the country’s fastest marathons. Recognized as a prestigious World Athletics Elite Label Road Race, you’ll take to the streets with world-class athletes from around the globe. But don’t let that intimidate you. This is a race for beginners and advanced athletes alike. The buzzing atmosphere and the way the city comes alive for the race is an experience you won’t soon forget.
May | Ottawa, Ontario
www.runottawa.ca
@ottawaracewknd
Photography: Rémi Thériault
Servus Calgary Marathon
As the longest-running marathon in Canada, this race has been at the forefront of running for more than six decades. What started in 1963 with 19 men now sees thousands of people from around the world flock to the city to run through downtown and the quaint neighbourhoods of Calgary. In 2025, the marathon marked a significant milestone, splitting the race events over two days to make an already incredible event even more electrifying.
May | Calgary, Alberta
www.calgarymarathon.com
@calgarymarathon
Photographer: Angela Burger
North Olympic Discovery Marathon
This is a marathon showcasing the very best of the Pacific Northwest. The Olympic Mountains rise in the distance, while the rugged shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca stretch below. Perhaps catch a glimpse of seals by the shore, and breathe in the fresh scent of the surrounding forest. Is there a more serene marathon? It’s certainly hard to think of one, which is why this Boston Marathon qualifier should be on your list.
June | Port Angeles, Washington State
www.nodm.com
Photography: North Olympic Discovery Marathon
Nova Scotia Marathon
This race has been running for more than 50 years, but it certainly isn’t your average marathon. Forget the concrete jungle feel and bustling crowds. Instead, think rural coastal route with fishing boats bobbing in the distance and windswept shores. The course is quite flat with a few rolling hills, so you can use your energy to take in the peaceful Maritime charm.
July | Barrington, Nova Scotia
www.barringtonmunicipality.com
@seamerunns
Photography: Ken Chetwynd
Kauai Marathon
Ocean views, tropical breezes and palm trees await you on this marathon route in Kauai. Beginning in Poipu, a resort area on the sunny south shore, you’ll follow the coastline before heading inland, with sweeping, rugged mountains and tropical rainforests around you. Runners are encouraged by hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes along the course to add to the Hawaiian experience.
September | Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii
www.thekauaimarathon.com
@thekauaimarathon
Photography: Jo Evans Da Kine Images
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
This is a great marathon for first timers, currently holding the record for fastest marathon times for both men and women. Join more than 50,000 participants as they embark on an epic tour through 29 of Chicago’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Starting and ending at Grant Park, run in the shadows of skyscrapers downtown before experiencing the city’s character as you make your way through Boystown, Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Pilsen, where mariachi music fills the air.
October | Chicago, Illinois
www.chicagomarathon.com
@chimarathon
Photography: Kevin Morris
Columbia Gorge Marathon
Columbia Gorge Marathon is touted as more than just a marathon. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Oregon in the autumn. Come for the nature-filled hikes and cozy wineries and stay to enjoy the spectacular autumn colours as you run along the famous Columbia River Gorge. The route passes by waterfalls, winds through the small town of Mosier and offers a fantastic view at the Rowena Viewpoint turnaround.
october | Hood River, Oregon
www.columbiagorgemarathon.com
@columbiagorgemarathon
Photography: Adam Lapierre Breakaway Promotions
Marathon Beneva de Montréal
Since 1979, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal has been transforming Montreal into a runner’s paradise, inviting participants to be part of the largest running event in Quebec. This marathon allows runners of all levels to discover Montreal’s history, its parks and shores. The route starts at Espace 67 in Parc Jean-Drapeau, travelling from one side of Montreal to the other, finishing at Parc Maisonneuve.
October | Montreal, Quebec
www.mtlmarathon.com
@mtlmarathon
Photography: Montréal Beneva Marathon
Royal Victoria Marathon
With a total elevation gain of around 200 metres, the Royal Victoria Marathon is a great route for first-timers. Runners enjoy a refreshing run along the ocean with a few gentle hills. This magical course will take you through the famous Beacon Hill Park and past the B.C. parliament buildings, with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains of Washington.
October | Victoria, British Columbia
www.runvictoriamarathon.com
@runvictoriamarathon
Brynn Featherstone
TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
More than 30,000 runners from 50+ countries flock to the streets of Toronto to race in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. It’s a race that offers the chance to see Toronto and experience the buzzing atmosphere of Canada’s largest city. As the name suggests, the course takes runners along the beautiful Lake Shore Blvd., offering glimpses of Toronto’s harbour and Lake Ontario.
October | Toronto, Ontario
www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
@towaterfront42k
Photography: Todd Fraser
TCS New York City Marathon
There isn’t a spectacle quite like the TCS New York City Marathon, which holds the record for the most marathon finishers—59,226 in 2025. More than two million New Yorkers take to the streets to cheer on participants, and an additional 300 million watch on the live broadcast. There’s no better way to explore the city as you start on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge on Staten Island and run through all five boroughs before crossing the finish line in iconic Central Park.
November | New York City, New York
www.tcsnycmarathon.org
@nycmarathon
Photography: New York Road Runners, Scott McDermott
AFRICA
Kilimanjaro Marathon
Run in the shadow of Africa’s tallest mountain—Mount Kilimanjaro. Runners begin their race at the MoCU Stadium before tackling the hardest part of the marathon first. Expect a 290-metre altitude gain in the first eight kilometres as you head towards the looming mountain before coming back down through the town. Feeling extra adventurous? Extend your stay and hike to the top of the world-famous mountain.
March | Moshi, Tanzania
www.kilimanjaromarathon.com
@kilimanjaromarathon
Photography: kilimanjaromarathon
Big Five Marathon
This is your chance to immerse yourself in the African Savannah. Run through the Entabeni Game Reserve, and keep your eyes peeled for Africa’s big five: elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards. With a couple of big hills and surfaces ranging from deep sand to pavement, this race is sure to challenge your limits. This marathon is done as part of a safari package that includes accommodation, transportation, game drives and more.
june | Limpopo, South Africa
www.big-five-marathon.com
@albatrosadventuremarathons
Photography: Albatros Adventure Marathons
Victoria Falls Marathon
If you’re looking for some scenery to take your mind off the act of running a marathon, you might have just found your race. Starting in Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwe side of the falls, runners cross the famous Victoria Falls Bridge to Zambia, all while the magnificent Victoria Falls thunders nearby. Make this a trip to remember by adding a travel package to explore nearby wildlife areas.
July | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
www.vicfallsmarathon.com
@victoriafallsmarathon
Photography: Victoria Fall Marathon
EUROPE
Run Rome The Marathon
It’s hard to imagine a more fascinating marathon than one that winds through the streets of one of the oldest cities in the world. Featuring primarily flat terrain, runners do have to contend with cobblestones through some of the route. The race begins at the Imperial Fora, just blocks away from the Colosseum. Runners pass world-famous sites such as the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo and more.
March | Rome, Italy
www.runromethemarathon.com
@runrome_themarathon
Photography: Rome Marathon
TCS London Marathon
What better way to see the renowned sights of London than by running through the city? Beginning in Greenwich Park, runners must test their restraint as the first few kilometres are downhill. Runners pass over the Tower Bridge and follow along the Thames River past London classics like Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings, and the London Eye. Once beyond St. James Park, you’ll lay eyes on the finish line—the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
April | London, England
www.tcslondonmarathon.com
@londonmarathon
Photography: London Marathon Events
Icefjord Midnight Marathon
Imagine testing your trail-running skills on this spectacular midnight race where the sun doesn’t set. Beginning and ending at the historic Hotel Hvide Falk, runners head through the picturesque town of Ilulissat before tackling Greenland’s rough terrain. Run past impressive icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With virtually no flat parts along the trail, the surroundings more than reward the effort.
May | Ilulissat, Greenland
www.icefjord-midnight-marathon.com
@albatrosadventuremarathons
Photography: Albatros Adventure Marathons
Midnight Sun Marathon
Starting at 8:30 p.m., this race is for night owls. But don’t worry about bringing a headlamp—the sun won’t dip below the horizon at this northern locale in June. Located 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has 24 hours of sunlight in June. Expect a scenic route through the city with rolling hills framed by snowcapped mountains.
June | Tromsø, Norway
www.msm.no
@midnight_sun_marathon
Photography: Midnight Sun Marathon
Waterford Viking Marathon
Experience Ireland’s oldest city, founded in 914 by Vikings. The route takes runners through the historic city of Waterford and along the Greenway, a former railway track, now popular for cycling and walking. Run alongside the River Suir and head towards the magnificent Mount Congreve Gardens, known as “The Great Gardens of the World.” From lively music to energizing supporter zones, this is an unforgettable marathon.
June | Waterford City, Ireland
www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com
@waterfordvikingmarathon
Photography: Patrick Browne
BMW Berlin Marathon
Known as being flat and fast, with temperate weather in late September, runners aren’t exposed to the extremes they are in some of the other major marathons. Beginning west of the Brandenburg Gate, the course passes sights like the Victory Column, the German House of Parliament and Checkpoint Charlie. The perfect sightseeing tour of the city, after running through the boroughs of Berlin, runners pass under the famed Brandenburg Gate before crossing the finish line.
september | Berlin, Germany
www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com
berlinmarathon
Photography: Berlin Marathon
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon
This is another marathon on this list with dramatic scenery that is sure to distract. This point-to-point route takes runners along the southeast shores of the famous Loch Ness and northward to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. With a friendly atmosphere, spectacular vistas, and a spirited event festival including street food, pop-up bars, and Scottish music, we think this race might be more fun than it is work.
September | Loch Ness, Scotland
www.lochnessmarathon.com
lochnessmarathon
Photography: Courtesy Loch Ness Marathon
Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc
Are you up for the challenge of joining the largest eating and drinking race in the world? This marathon has over 20 places along the route to stop for wine tastings and treats including grapes and ice cream. The course takes you through more than 50 charming vineyards around the Médoc region in Bordeaux, and participants are required to run in costume, which just adds to the fun.
September | Bordeaux, France
www.marathondumedoc.com
marathondumedoc
Photography: AMCM/Mainguy
Sparkasse 3-Länder Marathon
Tick off three countries in one marathon. Starting in Germany, this marathon route will take you into Austria and Switzerland before circling back to Austria at Bregenz. The route starts at the tranquil spa town of Lindau, Germany, and takes you along the shoreline of Lake Constance, all the while surrounded by Alpine peaks. Enjoy enchanting villages and friendly cheering locals along the way.
October | Austria/Germany/Switzerland
www.sparkasse-3-laender-marathon.at
3_laender_marathon
Photography: Steurer
Oceania
The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Experience the Kiwi hospitality and charm during New Zealand’s oldest marathon. The unique route is quite distinctive, taking runners on a complete circuit of Lake Rotorua. Beginning at the Government Gardens, runners traverse through the geothermal landscapes the area is well known for. Along the way, runners are treated to idyllic views of the lake and surrounding rolling countryside.
May | Rotorua, New Zealand
www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz
Photography: The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Australian Outback Marathon
This race is the quintessential “Down Under” experience. Australia’s famous Uluru looms in the distance at the starting line, with the outback’s red dusty landscape stretching out before you. As you run, enjoy the majestic domes of Kata Tjuta and the barren landscape of Northern Australia. The course itself is relatively flat, with a few short sand dunes adding an element of spice to the route.
July | Yulara, Australia
www.australianoutbackmarathon.com
australianoutbackmarathon
Photography: Australian Outback Marathon
TCS Sydney Marathon
The newest edition to the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the TCS Sydney Marathon is the only major located in the southern hemisphere. It also happens to have the most elevation gain of any of the majors, but don’t worry—Sydney’s energy and urban character are sure to carry you through the course. Runners begin in North Sydney before crossing the Harbour Bridge, winding through Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanical Gardens to cross the finish line at the Sydney Opera House.
August | Sydney, Australia
www.tcssydneymarathon.com
sydney_marathon
Photography: TCS Sydney Marathon Presented by Asics
Asia
Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is one of the seven major marathons held in the world. Even though the marathon expects close to 40,000 participants, the organization and efficiency of the event are top-notch. Embrace the atmosphere as nearly two million spectators take to the street to cheer you on as you pass by modern skyscrapers and traditional Japanese temples. There is entertainment along the way and people dressed up in all sorts of exciting and outrageous costumes.
March | Tokyo, Japan
www.marathon.tokyo
tokyomarathon
Photography: TOKYO MARATHON FOUNDATION
Petra Desert Marathon
Is there any place more enchanting to begin a marathon than the ancient cave city of Petra? With the starting line in the Street of Facades, this marathon will treat runners to history, culture and nature. Runners will pass mountainside carvings, ancient tombs, monasteries and caves before being released into the arid Jordanian desert.
September | Petra, Jordan
www.petra-desert-marathon.com/
albatrosadventuremarathons
Photography: Albatros Adventure Marathon
Ladakh Marathon
Plan to arrive at least a week ahead to acclimatize before running this marathon at 3,500 metres above sea level. Known as one of the world’s toughest marathons due to the altitude, this race is not for beginners. The route begins in the historic town of Leh, then heads out along the Indus River and past several monasteries, churches and even a palace. With the Stok Mountain Range stretching across the horizon, this race is as captivating as it is challenging.
September | Leh, India
www.ladakhmarathon.com
ladakhmarathon
Photography: Ladakh Marathon
South America & Antarctica
Antarctica Marathon
Is it your dream to complete a marathon on all seven continents? Marathon Tours & Travel has been organizing this one-of-a-kind race since 1995. As part of the tour package, racers enjoy a stay in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia to catch a ship to Antarctica. The race itself takes place on King George Island, and participants can expect challenging conditions including snow, mud and temperatures below freezing.
March | King George Island, Antarctica
www.marathontours.com
marathontours
Photography: Marathon Tours and Travel
Patagonian International Marathon
Run the gravel roads of Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most striking regions in the world. The breathtaking expanse of untamed lakes and jagged, snow-capped peaks will be a welcomed distraction from the difficult course. From the strenuous, hilly terrain and relentless, hostile climate of the area, this marathon will test your limits.
September | Patagonia, Chile
www.patagonianinternationalmarathon.com
@patagonianmarathon
Photography: Patricia Ainol
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