Have you ever thought of running some off-the-wall races? Now is your opportunity. Here is a list of some of the coolest running races around the world. From the most extreme races to the best scenery, best food, entertainment, kid-friendly events and boozy runs, you’ll be inspired to start planning, training and packing your bags.
MOST SCENIC RUNS
Avenue of the Giants Marathon
May | Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California
There are arguably hundreds of scenic marathons that could end up on this list, but with a route that takes runners along roads lined with
300-foot Redwood trees in California’s majestic Redwood Forest, it’s not hard to see why the Avenue of the Giants Marathon ended up on the list.
Running under a canopy of beautiful Redwoods, runners traverse a scenic and tranquil route that meanders along the Avenue of the Giants, a renowned stretch of Highway 101 known for its towering trees. Don’t worry about getting too hot, as the red giants provide shade for much of this double out-and-back race.
This race certainly takes the idea of forest bathing to an entirely new level. Bask in the soulful benefits of running in nature and cherish your beautiful surroundings as you push yourself to your limit.
Jungfrau Marathon
September | Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Mountains, Switzerland
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more mystical marathon than the Jungfrau Marathon, which takes you on a gruelling yet sensational route through the Swiss Alps.
You’re not likely to get a PB here, and beginners beware, as this marathon is sure to test your limits. Although the route starts relatively flat for the first 10 kilometres, by the end, runners will climb 1,953 metres, finishing the race at an altitude of 2,320 metres. To put that into perspective, Canada’s highest community is Lake Louise at 1,600 metres.
Despite the challenging route and high-altitude conditions, the Jungfrau Marathon is simply magical, with scenery that makes the entire run worth it. Runners are treated to panoramic views of meadows, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, with the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as a backdrop to the marathon.
Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon
November | Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam—it’s a traveller’s dream. A country with such a rich culture, world-famous cuisine, bustling cities and pristine landscapes, this isn’t just the location of a marathon. It’s the location of the trip of a lifetime. Considered one of the new seven natural wonders of the world,
Ha Long Bay is comprised of more than 1,500 islands and islets famous for the limestone pillars that rise from the Gulf of Tonkin.
With such rich biodiversity and geological interest, it’s hard to think of a cooler place to run a marathon. Each stride takes runners through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a landscape adorned with caves, lush forests, tranquil waters and impressive limestone cliffs. This scenic route doesn’t just take runners on a physical journey, it takes them on a journey of discovery that won’t soon be forgotten.
BEST BOOZY RUNS
Half Corked Marathon
May | Osoyoos, B.C.
Canadians are lucky to have such a stunning and enchanting wine region to call their own. If you’ve never made the trip to B.C.’s wine region, this is the perfect opportunity. The Half Corked Marathon is a unique run through the vineyards and valleys of the Okanagan River.
Winery stations are set up along the route, so participants can sample the delicious wines of the region as they go, and, of course, there is also a finish-line party with even more wine. Is there anything more motivating than a wine-fuelled party?
As much fun as a boozy run with wine samples and stunning views is, it’s made even better by the fact that creative costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for the best individual and team costumes. So, gather your friends and get training because this annual event is not one to miss.
Penticton Beer Run
October | Penticton, B.C.
Named Canada’s craft beer capital by Lonely Planet in 2020, Penticton, B.C. is the perfect place to join a beer run. Participants choose to run six or 10 kilometres along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the Okanagan Valley—a truly beautiful stretch of land.
If the stunning scenery of this run doesn’t motivate you, surely the fact that runners will enjoy tastings at 10 local breweries will. This is the perfect opportunity to get the whole gang together for a day of fun. Dress up in an outrageous costume, sample the local flavours of the Okanagan and enjoy a spectacularly fun post-race event.
The cherry on top of this already pretty spectacular race is that partial proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Youth Outdoor Recreation Programs, encouraging youth to focus on more green time and less screen time.
Beer Lover’s Marathon
May | Liège, Belgium
The Belgians are known for their beer, so of course they throw one epic beer race. Each year, people from around the world flock to Liège, also home to the Belgian waffle, to partake in the run that also sees them sampling 16 different Belgian beers.
If sampling beer isn’t enough, each year follows a theme to really amp up the party vibes. The 2024 Belgium Beer Lover’s Marathon theme? Prohibition. The ironic choice in theme will see runners dressed up in Gatsby-inspired attire enjoying speakeasies and an incredibly fun after-party.
This is the perfect marathon to travel to because not only is there a stellar pasta party on the day before the event but on the Monday following the marathon, runners can join a guided tour of Liège, which of course includes a farewell drink scheduled into the itinerary.
BEST POST-RACE PARTIES & FESTIVALS
Bay to Breakers
May | San Francisco, California
With the Bay to Breakers 12-kilometre run, you’re getting a lot more than just a race—you’re getting a wildly fun experience.
The race began in 1912 with less than 150 runners to raise spirits following the 1906 earthquake that devastated the city. Now all these years later, tens of thousands flock to the hilly streets of San Fran dressed in colourful, wacky and outrageous costumes (we’ve even heard rumours of people running in their birthday suits), and tens of thousands more come to cheer on those participating in the event.
The race is undoubtedly vibrant, so it’s no surprise that the post-race festival is something to behold. It’s a testament to San Francisco’s cultural mosaic, featuring live music, dance performances, and spontaneous street parties that reflect the city’s unique spirit of inclusivity and celebration.
Rock ’n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon
April | Nashville, Tennessee
If anyone knows how to throw a good post-race party, it’s going to be Nashville—the Music City. Before runners even cross the line, they can revel in the party atmosphere because there are live music stations along the race route.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon course is enough to get runners pumped up, hitting iconic landmarks such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
But when runners do cross the finish line, that’s when the event really kicks off, celebrating more of what Nashville has to offer. Set against the backdrop of the Music City’s downtown, runners and spectators alike come together to enjoy top-notch performers taking the stage at the post-race party. Grab a drink, toast the day’s accomplishments and soak in the lively atmosphere of the true Nashville experience.
Love Trails Festival
July | South Wales, United Kingdom
There’s running. There’s adventure. There’s a music festival? Yes, you read that correctly. The Love Trails Festival on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales has everything a runner could want packed into this four-day festival of fun.
Runners can choose to run a five-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half-marathon, ultra or multi-day race, and when the sun goes down, the party begins with an exciting line-up of live musicians, bands and DJs across four stages. There are even secret pop-up events happening all weekend.
It doesn’t stop at running and music either. There is a full program of adventure activities, like stand up paddleboarding, hiking, surf lessons, rock climbing and more, as well as talks, films, and movement activities like yoga, martial arts, meditation, strength and conditioning.
One thing is for sure—this jam-packed weekend is one you won’t soon forget.
BEST KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS
RunDisney® Kids Races
September | Anaheim, California
It doesn’t get much more kid-friendly than a fun run at the happiest place on earth — Disneyland!
Hosted by your kid’s favourite friends from Disney and Pixar’s Cars, the “Git-R-Done” runDisney® Kids Races is the perfect event for kids to get out that never-ending energy. This event is for kids ages nine and under, and the little ones will go home with their very own finisher medal. There is even a Diaper Dash for the crawlers.
Disney is a huge advocate for kids (and adults) being active. With fun runs for the kiddos and more challenging runs like 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre, and marathons for the “kid” in all of us, there is something for everyone in the family at Disney. Experience the magic and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
CASA Superhero Run
September | Austin, Texas
Dress up, show up and get ready to have some serious fun! Bursting with energy and excitement, runners don their favourite superhero costumes, transforming the streets into a spectacle of capes and masks. Runners choose to show off their fabulous attire in either
a 5-kilometre walk/run or a 1-mile kid run.
The race doesn’t just encourage physical activity and camaraderie amongst youngsters; there is also a deserving cause behind the event. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, speaks up for children who’ve been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. The CASA Superhero Run helps raise money and awareness for this great cause—just another reason to sign up!
Spartan Races
Various dates | Various locations in North America
Your little one can become a spartan, just like you. Spartan Races have a fun and safe age-appropriate obstacle course experience for children aged four to 14, with the challenge increasing for the older kids.
Just like with any Spartan Race, it’s sure to be an epic experience. There will be running, jumping, climbing, and crawling, so your little ones will walk away with grit, toughness and a day full of memories.
It’s always a fun time for the kids to get outside and get active, but there is also glory on the line. Kids 10 to 14 years old compete to earn special medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, although all finishers regardless of age do receive Spartan Kids swag they can proudly show their family and friends.
MOST EXTREME RACES
The 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series
Various dates | Chile, Mongolia, Namibia, Antarctica
The marathon is as the name suggests—a race of four deserts across the globe, currently comprises the Atacama Crossing in Chile, the Gobi March in Mongolia, the Namib Race in Namibia and the Last Desert in Antarctica.
This is a race sure to push you to your absolute limits. The race takes place over seven days, and runners will traverse 250 kilometres across these famous and unforgiving deserts, battling extreme weather from plummeting temperatures to sweltering heat. Runners traverse vast expanses of arid landscapes, confronting towering dunes, rocky plateaus and long stretches of relentless sun exposure.
This is a race that is about more than just crossing the finish line. It is about pushing past mental and physical blocks, embracing the natural world in all its raw forms, and discovering inner strength.
The Western States ® 100-Mile Endurance Run
June | Olympic Valley to Auburn, California
Often regarded as the pinnacle of ultra-distance trail running, The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is considered the oldest 100-mile trail race in the world. The course begins in the Olympic Valley and winds through the traditional lands of the Nisenan, Washoe and other neighbouring Indigenous Peoples. Climbing more than 18,000 feet and descending nearly 23,000 feet, runners are truly put to the
test before crossing the finish line in Auburn, California.
Along the way, runners will traverse remote wilderness, picturesque meadows, dense forests, and soaring mountain passes, facing extreme physical and mental challenges as they battle fatigue, altitude and unpredictable weather conditions.
The Western States 100-mile run offers legendary competition for runners from around the world, all vying for the sport’s most coveted prize possession—a sub-24-hour silver belt buckle and a sub-30-hour bronze belt buckle.
Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc
August – September | France, Italy, Switzerland
Several of our IMPACT Contributors have competed in this goliath of a race. One of the most famous trail races in the world, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, better known as UTMB, is a 171-kilometre race through the Alps. Beginning in Chamonix, France, runners traverse into Italy
and Switzerland before returning to France to finish the epic journey.
A route usually hiked in 10 to 12 days, runners have to finish the UTMB in less than 46.5 hours. It may sound like a daunting task, but Jim Walmsley set the record for the fastest time in 2023, crossing the finish line at 19:37:43. Unsurprisingly, nearly half of all participants do not finish, but don’t let that little fact deter you. For ultra-trail runners, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience, and the majestic scenery of the Alps will motivate you to keep pushing.
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Read This Story in Our 2024 Running Issue
Featuring Canadian Olympic, National & North American Marathon Record holder Cameron Levins. Run your way around the world with some cool, quirky and unconventional races. Train for 10 km right up to a marathon – plus a 25 km trail run and 70.3 program. Strength workouts for runners, spice it up to improve your performance and so much more.
