The most beautiful marathons in the world: top 8

In the first Olympic marathon in 1986, 17 athletes participated. Since then, the opportunity to overcome oneself and see the most beautiful places of the planet on the run attracts thousands of athletes from all over the world every year. We have selected the most picturesque marathons from different corners of the Earth, which are worth running at least once in your life.

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The six largest marathons in the world – Abbott World Marathon Majors – are known all over the world. Most of them take place on popular urban routes in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Whoever manages to finish all six receives a Six Star Finisher medal. The Tokyo Marathon usually starts in March, the Boston and London Marathons in April, the Berlin Marathon in September, the Chicago Marathon in October and the New York Marathon in November.

Boston Marathon

Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris

The world-famous Paris Running Marathon (April) also follows the line of iconic landmarks – from the Champs-Elysees along the banks of the Seine through the main squares, past Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris Marathon

Run Rome The Marathon

The Run Rome The Marathon (March) is no less beautiful than the Run Rome The Marathon in Paris – the distance passes the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain and other architectural monuments – there are about 500 of them along the route.

Rome Marathon

Midnight Sun Marathon

Daniel: Among the most beautiful marathons on the planet is the Midnight Sun Marathon (June), which takes place in the city of Tromsø in Norway. At this time the sun does not sink below the horizon even at midnight and allows you to see all the beauty of the northern fjords.

Marathon in Tromsø

Marathon Loch Nis

No less interesting is the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland – Marathon Loch Nis (October) along Loch Ness. It starts at the White Bridge – a monument of architecture of the XVIII century, runs along the shore of the lake and ends in the park of the city of Inverness.

Marathon along Loch Ness

Great Wall of China Marathon

Daniel: One of the most difficult marathons in the world, in which statistically only a quarter of participants usually finish – Great Wall of China Marathon – a race along the Great Wall of China. It starts in May – almost 42 kilometers of the non-tourist fragment of the wall is open to runners. The finalist must overcome 5164 steps, steep ascents and descents.

Running on the Great Wall of China

Inca Trail Marathon

Another unusual route – Inca Trail Marathon (June) – runs along the Inca Trail in Peru and finishes in the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The route is 42 kilometers and is considered one of the most difficult in the world. The marathon is held in June-September.

Run along the Inca Road

“Jeyrakh”.

Among the Russian scenic distances, the international marathon “Jeyrakh” can be noted. It takes place in Ingushetia at the end of September – throughout the entire distance you can observe beautiful mountain scenery. A beautiful route, an impressive race and unforgettable impressions are assured.

Jeyrakh Marathon

Where can you go now?

Of the foreign marathons, Russian athletes now have several options available to them. The first is the Istanbul Marathon (November) – the only transcontinental marathon in the world. Its distance starts in the European part and ends in the Asian part. Here, participants will enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. The course is accredited by the World Athletics Gold Label Road Races, the gold status of the International Association of Athletics Federations.

Istanbul Marathon

Daniel: Another option is the Belgrade Marathon (May), which runs through the central streets of the Serbian capital. The Athens Classic Marathon (November) is also among the possible options. The legend of the marathon runner who, according to one version, covered the distance from the city of Marathon to Athens and announced the news of his victory is connected with this distance. Participants finish at the white marble Panathinaikos Stadium. Another affordable option, the Dubai Marathon (held in January – and you can still make it after the New Year), has one of the biggest prize pools.