Top running destinations and marathon routes
Top running destinations and marathon routes
Scenic running trails and historic marathon courses
The world's best running destinations combine a genuinely good route with the kind of organisation, including closed roads, crowd support and logistics, that turns a long run into an event worth travelling for. Some routes pass through scenery that would be remarkable on foot under any circumstances.
The destinations on this list range from major city marathons with decades of history and six-figure entry fields to smaller, scenic races through landscapes larger events couldn't easily accommodate. Some are flat and fast. Others are deliberately scenic at the expense of a personal best.
Entry systems and travel logistics matter as much as training. Many of the most famous races require lottery entry or qualifying times well over a year in advance.
Lists by region
City in United States
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
The New York City Marathon starts on the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge in early November. Runners cover all five boroughs before finishing in Central Park. Crowds line First Avenue in Manhattan and cheer for hours. Central Park has a 6 mile loop road for daily runs.
City in United States
Bend
Mountain town that's got it all
Pilot Butte, a cinder cone inside the city, has a trail to the summit. The climb takes about 20 minutes for most runners and rewards them with views. Runners follow the Deschutes River Trail past lava rock and pine forest. The Cascade Mountains rise to the west above town.
City in South Korea
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
The Seoul Marathon starts near Gwanghwamun Gate and old palace walls each spring. Wide Han River paths run for miles beside the water. A loop of about 7 kilometres around Namsan hill leads to Seoul Tower. Bridges over the river light up in colours at night.
City in United States
Boston
Historic charm meets modern innovation
The Boston Marathon has been run since 1897 on Patriots' Day in April. Heartbreak Hill, a steady climb near mile 20, tests tired legs. Wellesley College students form a famous scream tunnel around mile 13. Runners finish on Boylston Street beside Copley Square and the old library.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
The Two Oceans Marathon, a 56 kilometre ultra, runs each Easter weekend. The route starts near Newlands and climbs over Constantia Nek. Table Mountain trails climb above the city with wide views of the sea. Sea Point Promenade is flat and popular with local runners at sunset.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
The Imperial Palace loop is about five kilometres around a moat and stone walls. Runners circle anticlockwise on the wide gravel path by the water. The Tokyo Marathon starts near the Metropolitan Government building each March. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors and ends at Tokyo Station.
City in New Zealand
Auckland
Where Urban Life Meets Nature
Runners in the Auckland Marathon cross the Harbour Bridge on a closed lane. Cool spring mornings suit the race, held each October or November. Waterfront trails link Mission Bay, Tamaki Drive and the harbour. Volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and One Tree Hill give runners steep climbs.
City in New Zealand
Christchurch
The Garden City of Adventure
Hagley Park has flat gravel loops around gardens, playing fields and old oak trees. The park covers 165 hectares in the middle of the city. The Avon River winds through it under weeping willows. The Port Hills nearby have steep trails with views over the harbour and plains.
City in Kenya
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
Karura Forest has about 50 kilometres of shaded trails inside the city limits. A waterfall drops into a deep gorge inside the forest. The city sits at about 1,800 metres above sea level. Kenyan runners have won many major marathons around the world in recent decades.
City in Greece
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
The original marathon route runs from the town of Marathon to Athens. It follows the path of a legendary messenger who brought news of victory in 490 BC. Runners finish inside the Panathenaic Stadium, a white marble arena from the 1896 Olympics. The Athens Classic Marathon takes place every November.
Island in Portugal
Madeira
Dramatic Cliffs and Eternal Spring
The Madeira Island Ultra-Trail runs from Porto Moniz to Machico each April. The 115 kilometre course climbs about 7,000 metres over peaks and valleys. Levadas, narrow irrigation channels, form flat paths through green laurel forest. Cliffs drop to the Atlantic along many of the trails.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
The London Marathon has been run every April since 1981 by thousands of runners. Runners pass the Cutty Sark and cross Tower Bridge near halfway. The route finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. Hyde Park has a loop path of about four kilometres around the Serpentine lake.
Town in Switzerland
Zermatt
Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn
The Zermatt Marathon each July finishes at Riffelberg, high above the village at 2,585 metres. Runners climb about 1,900 metres over the course from St Niklaus. The Matterhorn rises at 4,478 metres beside the final climb. The village bans petrol cars and the air is very clean.
City in India
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
The Queen's Necklace, a 3.6 kilometre curve of Marine Drive, glows at night. Runners share the sea front promenade with walkers at dawn. The Tata Mumbai Marathon draws tens of thousands of runners each January. Street vendors sell fresh coconut water near the finish of many runs.
City in Germany
Berlin
Wall history, Museum Island and all-night clubs
A flat course through wide avenues has produced many marathon world records. The race is held each September and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate. Runners pass the Reichstag and the Victory Column on the route. Tempelhof Field, an old airport, has huge open runways for training.
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
The Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas loop is about 7.5 kilometres around a calm lagoon. Christ the Redeemer watches over the loop from the mountain above. Runners also follow the beach path along Ipanema and Leblon. The Rio Marathon each June follows the Atlantic beaches and coastal roads.
City in Sweden
Stockholm
Where islands, history and modernity meet
The Stockholm Marathon finishes inside the Olympic Stadium built for the 1912 Games. It is held each June when the days are long and bright. Djurgarden park has forest trails beside the water and old villas. The Lidingoloppet cross country race takes place in nearby Lidingo each September.
City in Australia
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
The Tan is a 3.8 kilometre gravel loop around the Royal Botanic Gardens. Runners pass rowers on the Yarra River and joggers in colourful gear. The Melbourne Marathon each October finishes on the turf inside the MCG. Cafes along the river fill with runners at weekends.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
Trails from El Chalten climb to Laguna de los Tres beneath the granite spires of Fitz Roy. The round trip is about 20 kilometres with a steep final climb. Trail runners can finish it in a few hours with breaks. Condors soar over the ridges in strong wind.
City in United States
Honolulu
Aloha Vibes and Ocean Adventures
The Honolulu Marathon has no time limit and fireworks at the 5 a.m. start. Runners follow the coast past Waikiki and around Diamond Head. Thousands of visitors from Japan join the race every December. Ala Moana Beach Park has flat paths beside the water and palm trees.
Archipelago in Portugal
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
Runners circle the twin crater lakes at Sete Cidades on Sao Miguel island. One lake looks blue and the other looks green from the rim. Trails cross volcanic ridges and green pastures with views of the Atlantic. Pico, a volcano of 2,351 metres, is the highest peak in Portugal.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
The Stanley Park Seawall runs 9 kilometres around the forest by the water. Runners pass Lions Gate Bridge and a row of totem poles. The Grouse Grind is a steep trail with 2,830 steps up Grouse Mountain. The BMO Vancouver Marathon each May follows the waterfront and Stanley Park.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Mild spring like weather gives runners comfortable days all year. The metro cable car climbs to Parque Arvi and its forest trails. Cerro El Volador, a green hill in the city, has loop paths. The city sits at about 1,500 metres in a narrow valley.
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
The Amsterdam Marathon finishes inside the 1928 Olympic Stadium each October. Runners cross the finish line on the same track where Olympians ran. Vondelpark has flat paths and short loops under old trees. The Amstel River path runs south from the city for miles beside windmills.
Region in United States
Big Sur
Coastal cliffs and luminous sunsets
The Big Sur International Marathon runs along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel. A pianist plays a grand piano at Bixby Creek Bridge near halfway. Cliffs drop to the Pacific on the left for much of the route. The race is held each April when green hills bloom with wildflowers.
Island in Spain
Lanzarote
Volcanic Landscapes and Sunny Shores
Ironman Lanzarote ends with a marathon along the Puerto del Carmen seafront each May. Black lava fields and volcanic cones surround the island. Runners can explore roads near Timanfaya with its red and orange hills. La Geria vineyards grow in small pits dug into the ash.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
The Southern Ridges trail links hill parks along a 10 kilometre route. Henderson Waves, a curved wooden bridge, rises 36 metres above the road. The Singapore Marathon is run in the early morning hours each December. Warm humid air makes early morning training the norm.
City in United States
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
Delicate Arch trail climbs about 3 miles round trip to a red sandstone arch. The Moab 240 is an endurance race across 240 miles of canyon country. Slickrock trails give trail runners grippy footing on steep sandstone. Sunsets turn the canyon cliffs deep red and orange each evening.
City in France
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Alpine thrills beneath Mont Blanc
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc circles Europe's highest peak for about 170 kilometres. Runners cross France, Italy and Switzerland in one loop. The race climbs about 10,000 metres over high passes and forest paths. It starts each late August in Chamonix and finishes in the same square.
City in Canada
Whistler
Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun
The Valley Trail is a paved path of about 40 kilometres looping around Whistler village. It links lakes, forests and quiet neighbourhoods with shaded stretches. Lost Lake has soft forest trails for trail runners with lake views. Snowy mountains tower above the village in every direction all year.
City in Rwanda
Kigali
Vibrant capital blending tradition and modernity
Kigali has Car Free Day twice a month when streets open to walkers and runners. Thousands of people jog and cycle through the city centre. The Kigali International Peace Marathon is held each June. Steep green hills give runners a strong workout on every route.
City in France
Paris
The city of love, art and history
The Paris Marathon starts on the Champs Elysees each April in front of the Arc de Triomphe. It passes the Louvre and follows the Seine along the river quays. Runners finish on Avenue Foch after a long tour of the city. The Bois de Boulogne has forest trails on the city's western side.
City in United States
Chicago
Skyline, Deep-Dish and Jazz Nights
The Chicago Marathon passes through 29 neighbourhoods and past big skyline views each October. The course is flat and lined with dense cheering crowds in each neighbourhood. The Lakefront Trail runs about 18 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan. Runners finish in Grant Park beside the fountain and city skyline.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Bosques de Palermo has lakes, a rose garden and shaded loops for runners. Many locals meet there at dawn to run before the city gets busy. The Buenos Aires Marathon runs through the city each autumn. Costanera Sur reserve has flat gravel trails beside the river.
State/Prefecture in United States
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
The Pikes Peak Ascent climbs 13 miles to 14,115 feet each August. Runners gain about 7,800 feet on the way to the summit. The Leadville 100 Run starts at 10,200 feet in a mining town. Aspen leaves turn gold in late September and light the mountain trails.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
Elephant Mountain, called Xiangshan by locals, has stone steps and views of Taipei 101. The climb takes about 30 minutes for most people. Riverside paths run for miles along the Keelung and Tamsui rivers. Night markets nearby sell hot snacks and cold tea after the run.
City in Argentina
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
General San Martin Park has wide paths and a lake near the city centre. Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas, rises to 6,961 metres west of town. Vineyards of Malbec grow in the flat land around the city. Runners can train on quiet roads between wine estates.
City in China
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
The Beijing Marathon starts at Tiananmen Square and passes the Forbidden City. Wide avenues close to traffic on race day and fill with runners. Great Wall Marathon runners climb thousands of steps on the wall at Huangyaguan. That race is held each May in Tianjin near Beijing.
City in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won the 1960 Olympic marathon in Rome running barefoot. This high plateau capital sits at about 2,355 metres above sea level. Runners train on the eucalyptus covered Entoto hills above the city. The Great Ethiopian Run, a 10 kilometre race, draws tens of thousands each November.
Region in Portugal
Douro Valley
World's oldest wine wonderland
Terraced vineyards climb the steep slopes above the Douro River near Pinhao. Stone walled terraces, called socalcos, hold the vines on the hillsides. Trails between wine estates pass olive trees and tiny whitewashed chapels. UNESCO listed the wine region in 2001 for its farming heritage.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
The Lisbon Half Marathon crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge each March. Runners look down at the Tagus River from the roadway. Monsanto Forest Park offers wide dirt trails on the city's western edge. Tram lines and old stone streets fill the Alfama district near the river.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon starts at Everest Base Camp each 29 May. That date honours the day Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit in 1953. Runners finish in Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa town at 3,440 metres. Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla start the long journey to base camp.
National Park in Canada
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
The Banff Marathon each June follows the Bow River beneath snowy peaks. Mountain air stays cool and dry even in early summer sun. Trail runners can climb the switchbacks on Sulphur Mountain for wide views. Elk and bighorn sheep often graze beside the town trails and roads.
City in United States
Flagstaff
High desert charm meets mountain serenity
Elite runners train at about 2,100 metres in this Arizona mountain town. Thin air here builds fitness before big races at lower altitude. Buffalo Park has a two mile loop with views of the San Francisco Peaks. Ponderosa pine forests and volcanic hills surround the town on every side.
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
The MacLehose Trail runs 100 kilometres across country parks from Sai Kung to Tuen Mun. Trailwalker teams race it each November in a charity event. The Hong Kong Marathon crosses tunnels and harbour bridges each winter. Victoria Peak has a 3.5 kilometre loop road around the top.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Fushimi Inari Shrine has thousands of red torii gates along a mountain trail. The path climbs about 230 metres to the summit. Many runners follow the Kamo River path in the early morning. The Philosopher's Path, a stone canal walk, has cherry trees that bloom in April.
Island in South Korea
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
The Jeju Olle Trails wind around this volcanic island in 26 routes. Together they cover about 425 kilometres of coast and farmland. Hallasan, a volcano at 1,947 metres, is the tallest peak in South Korea. Black volcanic rock walls line the tangerine orchards and coastal paths.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
The trail to Tiger's Nest monastery climbs about 700 metres above the Paro valley floor. The monastery clings to a cliff at roughly 3,100 metres. Prayer flags flutter along the path through pine forest. Thin mountain air makes every kilometre feel longer than it looks.
City in Italy
Rome
The Eternal City of history and charm
The Rome Marathon starts and finishes near the Colosseum each spring. Runners pass the Circus Maximus and cross the Tiber River beside ancient walls. Cobblestones called sampietrini make many of the old streets bumpy underfoot. Villa Borghese park has shaded gravel paths under umbrella pines.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
The Marrakech Marathon runs each January with snowy Atlas peaks in the distance. Winter days are mild and sunny for running through the morning. The route passes the Koutoubia Mosque and old city walls. Palm groves at the Palmeraie have sandy trails and camel rides.
Town in New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
The Queenstown Marathon runs each November beside Lake Wakatipu with alpine views. Jagged peaks called the Remarkables rise across the water. The Ben Lomond track climbs steeply above town for those who like hills. Trails to Arrowtown pass gold rush relics and rows of poplar trees.
Town in Australia
Byron Bay
Bohemian Beaches and Laid-Back Vibes
Cape Byron is the most easterly point of mainland Australia. A 3.7 kilometre track loops around the headland to the 1901 lighthouse. Runners often spot dolphins riding the surf in the clear water below. Humpback whales pass by on their migration from June to November.
City in Australia
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
The City2Surf runs 14 kilometres from the city to Bondi Beach each August. Runners climb Heartbreak Hill, a steep stretch near the middle. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk runs about six kilometres past cliffs. Ocean pools along the coast offer a cool swim after the run.
City in Belgium
Brussels
Europe's cozy capital of culture
The Brussels 20 km draws tens of thousands of runners each May. The Sonian Forest, a huge beech forest on the city edge, has shaded trails. Cobbled streets around the Grand Place are quiet for early morning runs. Local bakeries sell waffles for a post run treat.
City in United States
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
The Bay to Breakers race crosses the city each May with costumed runners. It runs about 12 kilometres from the bay to Ocean Beach. Runners climb Hayes Street Hill, a steep block near the middle. The Golden Gate Bridge has a walkway of about 2.7 kilometres with sea views.
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
The Point to Pinnacle race climbs 21 kilometres from Hobart to the top of kunanyi. The summit is Mount Wellington at 1,271 metres with wide views. The Overland Track runs 65 kilometres through alpine country near Cradle Mountain. Wallabies and wombats graze beside the trails at dusk.
Region in United Kingdom
Scottish Highlands
Rugged Beauty and Ancient Legends
The Ben Nevis Race climbs 1,345 metres up Britain's highest peak each September. Runners cover about 14 kilometres up and down steep rocky paths. The Loch Ness Marathon follows the shore of the lake in autumn. Purple heather covers the hills and glens in late summer.
National Park in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's Rooftop Adventure
The Kilimanjaro Marathon starts in Moshi each February or March at the foot of the mountain. Runners see snow on Kibo, the summit cone, in clear weather. The mountain rises to 5,895 metres at Uhuru Peak. Coffee farms and banana groves line the lower slopes.
Desert
Sahara Desert
Endless dunes under starlit midnight skies
The Sahara Marathon is held each February near Tindouf in the Algerian desert. Runners raise money and awareness for the nearby Sahrawi refugee camps. Sand dunes and flat gravel plains fill the horizon in every direction. Cool winter mornings help runners handle the strong desert sun.
City in Brazil
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
Avenida Paulista closes to cars on Sundays and fills with runners and bikers. Ibirapuera Park has wide paths, shady lawns and quiet lakes. The Sao Paulo Marathon takes place each year on wide city avenues. Morning air is cool near bakeries selling pao de queijo.
Town in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
The Victoria Falls Marathon each June runs through parkland near the Zambezi River. Runners may see elephants, giraffes and zebras beside the route. The falls are about 1.7 kilometres wide and drop 108 metres. Mist from the falls rises high above the gorge like white smoke.
City in Colombia
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
Every Sunday the Ciclovia closes about 120 kilometres of streets to cars. Thousands of runners and cyclists take over the wide avenues until early afternoon. Monserrate, a steep stair path, climbs to a church at 3,152 metres. The city itself sits at about 2,640 metres above sea level.
Region in India
Ladakh
Himalayan Cold Desert of Contrasts
The Ladakh Marathon is held each September in Leh at about 3,500 metres. Thin air slows even strong runners and adds to the challenge. The Khardung La Challenge is a 72 kilometre ultra at 5,359 metres. Monasteries and barley fields line the quiet roads outside Leh.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress of huge stone blocks, overlooks the city. Stone paths from the fortress lead to quiet green hills and farms. The city sits at about 3,400 metres above sea level. The Inca Trail Marathon follows old stone steps towards Machu Picchu each year.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
The Bali Marathon runs through rice fields, palm groves and villages in Gianyar. Runners pass small Hindu temples and hear gamelan music at sunrise. Cool early mornings are ideal for running before the heat rises. Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud have quiet lanes for training.
Landmark in Australia
Great Ocean Road
Coastal cliffs and turquoise waves
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is held each May along the Victorian coast. Cliffs, surf and green hills appear around every bend in the road. The Twelve Apostles, giant limestone stacks, rise from the sea nearby. Koalas sleep in gum trees beside the road near Kennett River.
Forest
Amazon Rainforest
Lush canopy teeming with untamed wildlife wonders
The Jungle Marathon in Brazil is a six stage race of about 254 kilometres. Runners cross swamps, rivers and thick forest in the rainforest. They carry food and a hammock in packs between the camps. Howler monkeys and macaws call from the trees along the trail.
Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
The Atacama Crossing is a seven day stage race of 250 kilometres. Runners cross salt flats, sand dunes and canyons in a very dry desert. The town of San Pedro de Atacama sits at about 2,400 metres. Volcanoes and the Valley of the Moon rise in the distance.
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