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25 Most Epic Marathons to Run in 2026

25 Most Epic Marathons to Run in 2026
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Every year brings new chances to run somewhere remarkable—along golden coastlines, beside white glaciers, under desert skies, or through cities where every mile reveals a landmark.

Whether you’re chasing a scenic course, a remote destination race, or a travel story you’ll tell for years, here are 25 marathons on every continent—each chosen for its unforgettable setting and atmosphere worth traveling for.

North America

1. Big Sur Marathon

Big Sur Marathon runs along a closed section of Highway 1, giving you rare access to a coastline that most people only see from a car window. On race day, the road is closed to cars, and you get miles of open Pacific coastline, cliffs dropping into the ocean, and long curves that reveal new cinematic views every minute.

The course is paved but hilly, with long rolling climbs and the biggest ascent, Hurricane Point, coming early. The race has about 2,182 ft of elevation gain (665 m), but nothing technical—just sustained effort. Cool coastal air helps, and the quiet sections make the run feel almost meditative compared with big-city marathons.

Entry is limited, and you must finish within six hours because the highway reopens at midday.

People come from around the world because the course offers something memorable: a chance to run directly above the ocean on one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the United States.

2. Kauai Marathon

Kauai offers a tropical marathon with strong island character, blending racing, scenery, and travel into one memorable experience.

The course of the Kauai Marathon starts near the shoreline, climbs through jungle roads, and drops back toward sweeping coastal views of Hawaii’s “Garden Island.”

Expect warm, humid air from the Pacific and long climbs that demand respect. You’ll meet hula dancers and taiko drum troupes along the way and finish at a relaxed oceanfront party.

International runners come for the full experience: the views, the climate, and the island culture—it’s a marathon that blends naturally into a vacation. Many pair the race with hiking the Napali Coast or visiting Waimea Canyon.

3. Vancouver Marathon

  • When: May 3, 2026
  • Where: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Website: bmovanmarathon.ca

Vancouver Marathon is a scenic, point-to-point race built around the city’s natural beauty. The course moves from parks and quiet neighborhoods to long shoreline stretches with views of the Pacific, the North Shore mountains, and Vancouver’s clean, modern skyline.

The route is fully paved with rolling terrain—no extreme climbs, but enough elevation change to keep the race interesting. Much of the course runs beside the water, where cool ocean air and mild spring temperatures create perfect running weather.

The event draws participants from over 60 countries, creating a friendly and international atmosphere. Runners choose Vancouver for the mix of scenery and accessibility: dramatic mountains in the distance, ocean views through most of the route, and a well-structured race in one of North America’s most livable cities.

4. Mexico City Marathon

Mexico City Marathon gives you a full tour of one of the world’s largest capitals. The course moves past cultural icons like Chapultepec Park and Reforma Avenue, weaving wide boulevards, historic landmarks, and lively cheering zones into a route that pulses with energy from the first mile.

The course is mostly flat and fully paved, but the altitude adds a unique challenge. Mexico City sits at 2,240 m (7,300 ft), and running feels heavier than expected.

Crowd support is one of the race’s highlights. With tens of thousands of participants, the atmosphere is closer to a festival than a race.

Runners love Mexico City for its atmosphere, street food, culture, and the challenge of racing at altitude in a place that feels alive at every turn.

South America

5. Patagonia International Marathon

Few marathons drop you into a landscape as dramatic as Patagonia. The course winds through Torres del Paine National Park, with granite towers, turquoise lakes, and views of some of the most iconic peaks in South America.

Terrain mixes gravel, dirt, and compacted park roads. Weather can shift quickly—sun, rain, wind, and low clouds can trade places within an hour. Wind shapes the experience as much as scenery does; gusts push you sideways in one stretch and lift you forward in the next.

Participation is limited, giving the event a quiet, adventurous feel. Many runners combine race weekend with hiking or exploring this beautiful region.

6. Rio de Janeiro Marathon

Rio de Janeiro Marathon puts you right in the heart of one of the world’s most dramatic coastal cities. The route takes you along wide beachfront boulevards past landmarks like the Hilton Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, and finally into the bustling Marina da Glória finish area with Sugarloaf Mountain in full view.

Ocean waves, palm trees, historic architecture, beach crowds, music, and warm Atlantic air make the race far more than simply “another city marathon.”

The terrain is road-based and generally flat, making it accessible for many runners, though the early start (5:30 a.m.) reflects the city’s heat and humidity.

This is a large, energetic event with strong organization. Runners from across South America and beyond come for the blend of urban energy and coastal beauty.

7. Inca Trail Marathon

This is one of the toughest marathon-distance events in South America, now run on a high-altitude Andean route between Salkantay and Humantay after the Peruvian government banned races from the classic Inca Trail.

The new course climbs into remote mountain terrain, rising well above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) where the thin air adds a serious layer of difficulty to every climb and descent. The footing shifts between dirt paths, stone sections, and rugged alpine ground, making the effort feel like a mountain expedition.

Because this area is remote and tightly regulated, the marathon is only available as part of a guided, multi-day tour that includes acclimatization hikes and full logistical support from licensed operators.

What makes this race spectacular is the isolation and scale of the landscape. You move through wide alpine valleys, past towering ridgelines, and along ancient pathways far from any city or noise.

8. Buenos Aires Marathon

Buenos Aires Marathon winds through wide avenues, leafy parks, and cultural neighborhoods in Argentina’s vibrant capital. The route passes iconic locations such as the Obelisco, Puerto Madero waterfront, and Palermo’s expansive green zones.

The organizers call it the fastest marathon in Latin America, and with origins dating back to 1984, it has grown into one of the largest races on the continent.

Crowds gather along major boulevards, bringing music and flags—you can feel the city-wide running spirit that carries you toward the finish line.

If you’re looking for a destination marathon with a fast course, big-city energy, South American character, and international crowds, Buenos Aires Marathon ticks all the boxes.

Europe

9. Athens Marathon

Few races carry the weight of history like the Athens Authentic Marathon. The course retraces the legendary route from Marathon to Athens, moving through the same terrain where the original messenger ran more than 2,500 years ago.

You start near the ancient battlefield and follow a point-to-point road toward the capital, finishing inside the Panathenaic Stadium, a marble arena that hosted the first modern Olympics. It’s one of the most meaningful finish lines in the sport.

The terrain is fully paved but demanding: the defining feature is the long, steady climb from about 10 km to 31 km, a section that requires steady pacing and patience.

The event itself is large and international, drawing runners from more than 100 countries.

Athens is a destination race for those who want history, atmosphere, and a marathon experience deeply connected to the origins of the sport.

10. Jungfrau Marathon

Jungfrau is one of the most scenic and demanding mountain road–trail hybrids in Europe.

The course begins gently along Lakes Thun and Brienz, with alpine views unfolding behind the runners. The second half shifts dramatically, featuring long, sustained ascents. The surface transitions from road to hard-packed trail, and the final stretch delivers close-up views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

The elevation gain is significant, and the rise in altitude turns the race into a true mountain effort rather than a conventional marathon. Despite the difficulty, the atmosphere stays upbeat: small villages line the course with cowbells, music, and classic Swiss mountain spirit.

The event draws a large international field, and the organization is polished—Swiss efficiency applied to a high-alpine race. Jungfrau Marathon is challenging, but the landscape turns that effort into something memorable.

11. Rome Marathon

Rome Marathon gives you an up-close run past some of the most recognizable landmarks in Europe. The route flows around the Colosseum, along the Tiber River, and through historic streets, blending sightseeing with running.

The terrain is mostly flat with gentle variations. Cobbled sections appear in historic districts, but they’re manageable and brief enough that they don’t dictate your race strategy. Temperatures are usually mild, and the wide city roads help the crowd spread out early.

This is one of Europe’s larger marathons, attracting runners from across the world.

Rome is perfect for runners who want a city marathon with history at every turn. It’s easy to travel to, easy to navigate, and visually immersive from start to finish.

12. Reykjavik Marathon

  • When: August 22, 2026
  • Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Website: rmi.is

Reykjavik offers cool temperatures, ocean air, and a marathon route that showcases Iceland’s unique vibe. The course moves through colorful neighborhoods, along the waterfront, and past distant mountain silhouettes. It feels calm and open, a contrast to busy European city races.

The terrain is almost entirely flat with mild coastal rollers. Weather can shift, but extremes are rare during race season.

Reykjavik is ideal for runners who want a relaxed, scenic marathon in a destination that feels different from the rest of Europe. It’s easygoing and pairs naturally with a few extra days exploring Iceland’s waterfalls, geysers, and coastal trails.

The event coincides with Reykjavik Culture Night, which brings energy into the downtown finish area.

Africa

13. Cape Town Marathon

Cape Town delivers one of the most complete city–coast–mountain marathon experiences anywhere.

The course moves past the V&A Waterfront, Green Point, Sea Point, and Cape Town’s lively neighborhoods, with Table Mountain rising over the city.

Road terrain is manageable, with long, steady inclines. Weather tends to be mild and breezy.

This marathon has grown so consistently that it’s now an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate, which puts it on track to become Africa’s first Major.

14. Kilimanjaro Marathon

Kilimanjaro Marathon is built around the presence of Africa’s tallest peak. The course circles through Moshi’s roads and rural stretches, with Kilimanjaro appearing and disappearing behind cloud layers. It’s a rare chance to run in the shadow of a mountain that defines an entire region.

The atmosphere is lively and local, and the event attracts runners from across Africa and abroad.

The course is mostly road with a mix of paved and compacted surfaces. Expect a steady climb in the first half and a gradual return in the second. The altitude of Moshi—around 850 m (2,800 ft)—is noticeable but manageable.

Kilimanjaro is ideal for runners who want a genuine East African marathon experience without needing to tackle extreme altitude or technical terrain.

15. Victoria Falls Marathon

The Victoria Falls Marathon places you in an extraordinary natural setting—a road race that begins on the Zimbabwe–Zambia border and crosses into the lush terrain of Zambezi National Park.

You’ll be running past the mist of the mighty falls, over the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, and through landscapes that combine river views and safari plains. It’s the kind of setting where the environment becomes a distinct part of the race experience.

The course is largely flat and paved, making it accessible even though the surroundings feel adventurous. The route starts early—typically around 06:30 a.m.—to take advantage of cooler temperatures, but you’ll need to be prepared for heat and humidity.

The race attracts a mix of local runners and international visitors pairing the event with safaris or adventure travel.

16. Big Five Marathon

Big Five Marathon gives you a rare opportunity: a full marathon inside a private South African game reserve with no fences separating runners from wildlife.

The course takes you through open savannah where zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roam freely—and where rangers monitor the presence of the “Big Five.”

The terrain is a mix of dirt, sand, rock, and uneven road, with some sections containing loose gravel and short, steep climbs. Heat and sun exposure add another layer of difficulty, although the winter timing helps keep temperatures manageable.

The number of participants is intentionally small, and the entire experience is organized as a running safari—from pre-race briefings to post-race game drives.

For runners seeking a marathon that feels adventurous, immersive, and nothing like a traditional road event, the Big Five Marathon offers one of the most distinctive race experiences in the world.

Asia

17. Mount Fuji Marathon

Mount Fuji Marathon is ideal for runners who want a culturally rich, visually striking race that feels both Instagrammable and peaceful.

The course loops around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko, keeping Fuji in view whenever the clouds cooperate. Autumn colors peak around race week, giving you bright reds and golds reflected in the water and a perfect volcano silhouette above it all.

The event draws runners from around the world, and the organizers make travel simple with package tour options and hotel shuttles. It’s the kind of race where you arrive for the scenery but leave remembering the sense of calm that comes from running with a view of Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain.

18. Istanbul Marathon

Istanbul Marathon is globally unique: running from Asia into Europe via the Bosphorus Bridge, making it the only marathon in the world that spans two continents.

The course begins on the Asian side, crosses the bridge, and flows through historic European-side neighborhoods.

Registration criteria are stricter than in many big races—recent marathon or half-marathon results are required—but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Logistics are runner-friendly, public transport is free on race morning, and neighborhoods from Sultanahmet to Karaköy fill with cheering crowds as you pass.

The finish in the heart of the city brings your 42.195 km journey to a dramatic close, combining geography, culture, and spectacle in a way few city marathons can match.

19. Dubai Marathon

Dubai Marathon offers a different kind of epic: a road marathon in one of the most modern and dynamic cities in the world, laid out on a course that’s fast and flat.

The route takes you past landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with long, straight stretches where the skyline seems to glide alongside you.

The course is one of the flattest on this global list, with a profile designed for PRs, and the event carries Gold Label status from World Athletics.

If you’re looking for a fast marathon, Dubai delivers one of the most efficient and polished running experiences you’ll find. With countless hotels, high-end dining, five-star entertainment, and an airport connecting you to nearly every major city worldwide, Dubai turns marathon weekend into a smooth, sun-lit getaway.

20. Singapore Marathon

Singapore Marathon runs through one of Asia’s most futuristic and vibrant cities.

The course moves through Marina Bay and its glowing skyline, slipping past glass towers, waterfront promenades, and illuminated landmarks as the city shifts from night to dawn. The pre-sunrise start creates a surreal mix of neon reflections and quiet streets before the heat builds.

The terrain is flat, but the humidity is the real challenge.

After the finish, you can explore one of the world’s great food capitals. From hawker stalls to Michelin-level restaurants, Singapore makes refueling part of the adventure and turns marathon weekend into a sport-and-gastro trip you’ll talk about long after you fly home.

Oceania

21. Queenstown Marathon

Queenstown Marathon feels like a running tour of New Zealand’s South Island.

The course follows lakeside paths, vineyard roads, and sections of the Arrow River trail, with mountain ranges framing the horizon almost the entire way. The finish at Queenstown Gardens drops you straight into a lively town centre.

The terrain mixes road and hard-packed trail with rolling lakeside paths and wooden bridges. It’s one of those races where you look up more often than you expect because the scenery shifts constantly.

Queenstown itself adds to the experience. It’s a spectacular alpine town—small and buzzing during race week. And you’re steps away from wineries, alpine hikes, jet-boat rides, and some of New Zealand’s best food, making it easy to turn marathon weekend into an adventure.

Runners fly in from around the world for this event, drawn by the outdoorsy vibe and a marathon route that feels lifted from a film set.

22. Gold Coast Marathon

Gold Coast Marathon is one of the flattest, fastest courses in the Southern Hemisphere.

The route runs along the coastline with long, clean stretches where you can see the ocean on one side and palm-lined streets on the other. Morning light give the first miles a calm, golden feel that’s hard to find in big-city marathons.

As you run through beach suburbs, crowds gather near cafés and create a cheerful, coastal atmosphere. Cool winter temperatures support fast times, and if you’re chasing a PR, this is where everything lines up: weather, terrain, and smooth organization.

Gold Coast is ideal for anyone looking for a fast and scenic mid-year marathon that doubles as a beach-week getaway.

23. Sydney Marathon

Sydney Marathon gives you an iconic start across the Harbour Bridge and a finish near the Opera House—one of the most recognizable marathon experiences worldwide.

The course moves through city parks, waterfront sections, and downtown streets, blending modern architecture with pockets of greenery. The terrain is road-based with manageable rolling, and weather is typically mild.

Sydney is now part of the World Marathon Majors, which has brought significant upgrades to logistics, course design, and overall runner experience.

It’s a strong option for runners who want a big-city marathon with an instantly memorable setting. Between the beaches, ferries, harbour walks, coastal trails, and vibrant cultural scene, the city makes it easy to extend your marathon weekend into a full Australian adventure.

24. Auckland Marathon

Auckland Marathon delivers a city-running experience infused with scenic views and coastal charm.

The route begins on Auckland’s North Shore, crosses the iconic Harbour Bridge and then flows into the heart of the city, offering runners water views, skyline glimpses and a finish in Victoria Park.

What makes the Auckland Marathon particularly appealing for destination runners is the city’s travel-friendly infrastructure and post-race activities. Auckland International Airport connects globally, while the city’s compact size means good restaurants, cafés, coastal walks and islands are all within reach.

Antarctica

25. Antarctica Marathon

The Antarctica Marathon is one of the most unusual race experiences on Earth.

Runners travel by ship from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage, step ashore on King George Island, and line up near research stations surrounded by glaciers, rocky coastline, and a silence you won’t find anywhere else.

The landscape feels raw and untouched, and the race maintains strict environmental rules to protect it.

The course uses dirt and gravel roads built around the island’s scientific bases. Expect mud, slush, uneven ground, and rolling terrain shaped by snowmelt and wind. Weather can shift within minutes—calm one moment, sharp wind the next—so gear choices matter more here than in almost any other marathon.

Entry is only available through an expedition package, and spots often sell out years in advance. The atmosphere feels more like a shared expedition than a competitive race, with participants from around the world traveling together for more than a week.

Antarctica Marathon appeals to runners who crave remoteness and are comfortable with severe conditions. It’s less about speed and more about experiencing a place most people never see, let alone run through.

Read next: 15 Epic Half Marathons You Must Run in 2026

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