Marathons & Races You Don’t Know About
Ever wondered what it would be like to run the Empire State building? You can! From the timeless classics to the kooky and obscure, we’ve put together a list of our favourite races around the world.
By Ellë Bolland
From ancient routes steeped in history, to races where you’ll need to finish a set number of doughnuts along the way (our kind of race!), there’s something out there for every kind of runner. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of tackling treacherous ice across the depths of Lake Baikal or prefer sipping world-class wine as you jog through the sun-dappled vineyards of Bordeaux, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of marathons and races you might not have heard of. These events will inspire you to lace up your trainers, embrace the adventure, and clock those miles in unforgettable style…
MARATHONS
Athens Marathon, Greece
Run the historic course that started it all 2,500 years ago, following the fabled route of Greek messenger Pheidippides, who ran to the town of Marathon and back to Athens to bring news of a Greek battle victory against Persia. The modern Athens Marathon retraces his legendary journey, finishing at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It’s no surprise Athens is considered one of the most tricky of the world majors, with a brutal uphill climb from 10 km to 31 km, featuring an elevation gain of around 350 metres. It will all be worth it when you can treat yourself to gyros and even a shot of ouzo if you’re feeling brave.
Berlin Marathon, Germany
The flattest of the six world majors, Berlin is known for being one of the fastest marathon courses to run in the world, with Eliud Kipchoge setting the world record here in 2022 with a time of 2:01:09. Run for that PB while you’re taking in some of the iconic landmarks that reflect Germany’s significant role in European culture and thought, with sites like the Reichstag, a symbol of democracy, and the Brandenburg Gate. The course also takes you along wide boulevards with lively crowds cheering you on from start to finish. Before you leave, remember to snap a selfie at the East Side Gallery – your Hinge profile will thank you for it.
Honolulu Marathon, Hawaii
With a course winding along Oahu’s spectacular coastline, you begin the Honolulu Marathon in Ala Moana Beach Park and loop through Waikiki Beach, Koko Head Crater and Diamond Head, before winding to the finish line at Kapiolani Park. The race attracts over 30,000 participants annually, making it one of the largest marathons in the United States. Prepare for an early start; the race starts at 5 a.m. to avoid Hawaii’s humidity and heat! Unlike most marathons, Honolulu has no time limit, making it an accessible option for all abilities.
Baikal Ice Marathon, Russia
Get your balaclava and thermals ready; you could be racing across the world’s largest and oldest lake, Lake Baikal. The Baikal Ice Marathon covers a 42 km route across the frozen lake, which is over a mile deep and home to unique wildlife. Don’t be startled by the tremors that roll through your feet as ice plates grind against one another across the lake’s surface – use it to drive you to run faster! The ice, which can be up to 2 metres thick, is so clear in places that you can see down to the depths below. No, this isn’t a post-apocalyptic Hollywood blockbuster; this is real life and a thrilling challenge for the most intrepid athletes. If you want to make your trip even more thrilling, you can experience the real Siberian fairytale by booking a dog sledding adventure on Baikal or trying local delicacies like smoked omul fish.
Rome Marathon, Italy
Line up with the Roman ruins and Colosseum as you begin the 26-mile course, taking you around all of the archetypal Roman sites from the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Saint Peter’s Basilica, before winding back around to the Coliseum. While you’ll navigate the charming cobblestone streets, conquering them will only add to your Gladiator spirit as you cross the finish line! The Rome Marathon is known for its scenic route that showcases the Eternal City’s unmatched historical legacy, with thousands of years of culture lining the streets. It’s a journey through time, where you’ll run past UNESCO World Heritage Sites while being cheered on by locals.
Great Wall Marathon, China
Another race not for the faint-hearted! Climb the world’s largest man-made project, the Great Wall of China, which was originally made to protect the Chinese empire from foreign invaders. You won’t have to run the full 22,000 km (roughly 13,000 miles) of the wall, but don’t be fooled – you’ll tackle steep ascents and approximately 5,164 uneven steps by the time you cross the finish line! The race takes place at the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
chaos!
London Marathon, England
As the world’s largest annual fundraising event, this is the race that brings the feel-good vibes! A race for spectators as much as it is for the runners, you’ll never feel alone around the course with kids high-fiving you through the barriers, and pub bands gleefully playing to the crowds. Starting in Greenwich and finishing at The Mall, the route takes runners past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben. It’s notoriously difficult to get into (only 2% of ballot applicants get a place), so your best bet is to sign up with a charity. The atmosphere is unmatched, making it a bucket-list marathon for many runners around the world.
Everest Marathon, Nepal
Climbing Everest not enough? If you have a thirst for exhilaration, then you can run through the world’s highest glaciers and moraines. At a lung-stifling 5,364 metres and with around 50% less oxygen than at sea level, the Everest Marathon is an insane challenge. The race starts at Everest Base Camp, requiring a 12-14 day trek through Sherpa villages, monasteries, and lush forest trails for acclimatisation. The course itself winds down through rocky paths and steep descents, taking you through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Running on the roof of the world is never going to give you a marathon personal best, but it will be an incredible, life-changing journey.
The Big Five Marathon, South Africa
A safari rolled into a marathon! Named for the famed Big Five African game animals — leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, and buffalo — the course runs among wildlife in the Limpopo province’s Entabeni Safari Conservancy. With no barriers separating runners from the wildlife, the experience is equal parts thrilling and demanding. Navigating rocky footing, uneven terrain, and altitude changes makes this race a true test of endurance, but the opportunity to spot antelope, giraffes, zebras, and lions up close makes it all worth it. The dry winter season ensures a cooler race day, but don’t forget to watch out for the occasional elephant crossing!
Walt Disney World Marathon, US
Join Mickey Mouse and his pals as you run through storied lands at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This marathon takes you through all four Disney parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — alongside 14,000 other participants. With many runners dressed as their favourite characters, the atmosphere is whimsical and family-friendly. Along the course, you’ll be cheered on by bands, DJs, choirs, and, of course, Disney characters. Known for its charming touches, including a firework start and magical finish, this marathon is as much about the experience as it is about the run.
The Reggae Marathon, Jamaica
Fancy moving and grooving through your marathon? Take on the Reggae Marathon! The race starts at Long Bay Beach Park in Negril and takes you along picturesque white sand beaches with enthusiastic crowds cheering you on. Steel bands fill the air with vibrant tunes, and the rhythm of reggae keeps you moving towards the finish line. With temperatures typically reaching the high 20s Celsius, the early 5 a.m. start is crucial for staying cool. Struggling on the course? Just tell yourself, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna’ be alright.” Post-race, cool off in the beautiful Caribbean Sea, a perfect ending to this island experience.
Barkley Marathons, USA
A famous prison escape sparks the idea for a cult-like race that has seen only 10 finishers in its first 25 years. Instead of having a heaving expo, noisy crowds, and a garish free T-shirt at the end, here 40 people aim to run five 20+ mile loops in the woods, ripping pages from books to prove they’ve followed the unmarked route. Despite a generous-sounding 60-hour cutoff, since 1986 only 15 people have completed Barkley, partly because there’s approximately 13,000 feet of vert per loop! In 2024, British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris made history as the first woman to finish the full course within the time limit, crossing the line with just 99 seconds to spare. Brutal! This marathon is so secretive (and eccentric!) that even the entry process is shrouded in mystery. For the lowdown on the Barkley (and Jasmin Paris) read this Glorious story.
RACES/ NON-MARATHONS
Empire State Building Run-Up, US
The world’s first and most famous tower race challenges runners to dash up the 86 flights (or 1,576 stairs!) of New York’s iconic Empire State Building. While visitors can ride the elevator to the Observatory in under a minute, competitors rely solely on their legs. The record time of 9:33, set by Australian runner Paul Crake in 2003, remains unbeaten. This gruelling vertical challenge combines endurance and mental strength – reckon you could beat it?
The Vortex Race, Switzerland
Come and test yourself against the Vortex ramp! Created and organised by students at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2021, the race is open to everyone, whether you’re currently in school or not. Beyond the thrill of competition, the event has a meaningful mission — with the majority of the funds raised each year donated to a worthy cause. In 2024, all proceeds will benefit Loisirs pour Tous, a foundation dedicated to making sports and recreational activities more accessible to people with disabilities.
notorious
Krispy Kreme Challenge, US
2,400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour – the Krispy Kreme Challenge is a quirky test of fitness and gastrointestinal endurance. The annual charity event begins with a 2.5-mile run to a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts shop, where participants must devour a dozen doughnuts before sprinting back the remaining 2.5 miles to the finish line, all within an hour. This mix of fun, community spirit, and calorie-laden chaos has raised millions for charity over the years and left many runners with a story to tell (and likely, a bit of heartburn!).
Man vs Horse Challenge, Wales
Could you outrun a horse over 22 miles? That’s the question posed by this quirky annual race in Powys, mid-Wales, where runners compete against riders over rugged terrain. The event began in 1980 over a pint, when a spirited debate at a pub sparked the idea to settle whether humans or horses are faster across mountainous terrain. While horses usually have the upper hand, runners have occasionally triumphed, with the first human victory occurring in 2004. With steep climbs, boggy tracks, and Welsh weather to contend with, it’s a challenge steeped in British eccentricity and charm.
The Speed Project, US
A gruelling 340-mile race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas, The Speed Project pushes runners through desert terrain, extreme weather, and relentless conditions. Teams take turns running non-stop, focusing on speed, endurance, and teamwork. While most tackle the challenge as a relay group, some, like Tamra Green, take on the course solo, transforming an already brutal race into an extraordinary test of resilience.
Known for its grassroots approach and enigmatic reputation, The Speed Project has become iconic in the ultra-running world. Much like the Barkley Marathons, it remains shrouded in mystery, with no official website or traditional entry process. Learn more by reading Tamra Green’s solo Speed Project story here or exploring the event from the perspective of team We Are All Protagonists’ group TSP story here.
Marathon du Médoc, France
A marathon that’s as much about indulgence as it is about endurance! Covering 42.195 kilometres through the stunning vineyards of Bordeaux, this race is famed for its wine stops at nearly every kilometre marker, as well as gourmet treats like cheese, oysters, and foie gras. Fancy dress is encouraged, adding to the festival-like atmosphere, and live music accompanies runners through the picturesque course. Combining world-class wines, stunning scenery, and a touch of French joie de vivre, the Marathon du Médoc turns running into an unforgettable celebration.
Wings for Life, Global
Imagine a race where the finish line isn’t fixed—it’s a moving ‘Catcher Car’ gaining speed until it overtakes every participant. That’s the Wings for Life World Run, a global charity event organised by Red Bull that unites runners, walkers, and wheelchair users to raise funds for spinal cord research. In 2023, participants raced through the stunning landscapes of Kakheti, Georgia, with the simultaneous global start adding to the excitement. While the 2024 location hasn’t been announced yet, the mission remains the same: 100% of entry fees and donations go directly to spinal cord research, making it a global movement for those who can’t.
No matter where your running shoes take you, there’s a race for everyone. Lace up and pick your challenge—the world’s most epic races are waiting!
Let us know where we’ve missed! Tell us on social.
Title Image The Vortex Race, Switzerland via vortexrace.ch/
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