10 Unique Marathons To Run In 2025
13 December 2024
We’ve all heard of the World Major marathons with the likes of The London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon and so on, but there are some truly unique marathons around the World in some spectacular countries and cities, and we have listed just ten of what we think should be on every die-hard marathoners bucket list.
Antarctic Ice Marathon, Antartica
This race presents a genuine Antarctic challenge. With underfoot conditions comprising snow and ice and an average windchill temperature of -20C as well as strong katabatic winds to contend with, this event also taking place at an altitude of 700 meters.
icemarathon.com
Las Vegas Marathon, USA
The Las Vegas Marathon is an incredibly fast course that leads runners on an electrifying journey through some of the most iconic areas of the city, including a marathon start line at Red Rock Canyon, as well as a tour through Downtown Summerlin, Symphony Park, 18b Arts District, Las Vegas Boulevard, and an exciting finish at Fremont Street Experience.
vegasmarathon.com
Great Wall Marathon, China
Run the most demanding marathon of your life along one of mankind’s greatest monuments.
The route takes you along the spectacular Great Wall in the venue of Huangyaguan, threading through local villages as you are cheered on by its residents giving you the boost needed for its hilly routes and challenging last steps of the tower (5,164 to be exact!).
great-wall-marathon.com
Disney World Marathon, USA
Join Mickey Mouse and his pals and continue the decades-long tradition of discovering magic in every mile. With thoughtful touches reminiscent of a classic Disney era, you’ll find yourself inspired by whimsical character favourites, musical entertainment, and more.
rundisney.com
Athens Authentic Marathon, Greece
The Authentic is a historic race that follows the legendary route of Pheidippides, the Greek messenger who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory over the Persians
The race begins in Marathon, passing the tomb of Athenian soldiers and following the coast to Nea Makri. The course then climbs uphill from 10–31 km, which is considered the most difficult part of any major marathon. The course descends into Athens, passing the American Embassy and the Athens Concert Hall, and finishes at the Panathinaiko Stadium.
athensauthenticmarathon.gr/en
Victoria Falls Marathon, Zimbabwe
This marathon provides a platform for both local and international runners to challenge themselves against the best. With a variation of terrain, some incredible scenery and of course the opportunity to see wildlife along the way this marathon routes start in Vic Falls town, and then cross over the Vic Falls Bridge to the Zambia border, offering the social runner some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa, with beautiful views of the Falls from the bridge, the route continues along Zambezi Drive through wildlife areas.
vicfallsmarathon.com
Patagonian International Marathon, Chile
Patagonian International Marathon® features 3 classic race distances of 42km (marathon), 21km (half-marathon) and 10km in the extreme south of the American continent, at 51° south latitude, in a privileged location of Western Patagonia, located to the east of the Great Southern Ice Field and in the surroundings of Torres del Paine National Park.
patagonianinternationalmarathon.com/en
Inca Trail Marathon, Peru
Live the experience of running in one of the most fantastic places on the planet, the Inca Trail near the vicinity of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (Peru).
The race takes place between the valleys of Vilcabamba to the valley of Machu Picchu, ending in the hot springs of Santa Teresa and is a 7-day program including transfers, accommodations and all meals that combines the race with acclimatisation training, visits to places such as Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Vilcabamba, Sacsayhuaman and a Trekking through a part of the Inca Trail less traveled and more spectacular and safe that you cannot miss.
findarace.com/events/inca-marathon-peru
Man v Horse Marathon, Wales
The Whole Earth Man V Horse is a marathon that has legendary status amongst nutty endurance runners. As the name suggests, the annual race pits men and women against horses, with runners and riders heading out over 21 miles of challenging terrain in Powys, mid-Wales. It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse in 2004, with a time of 2 hours and 5 minutes – beating the fastest horse by 2 minutes. The feat was repeated 3 years later, but the horse has remained unbeaten ever since.
www.wholeearthfoods.com/our-events
Marathon du Medoc, France
The Marathon du Médoc is a French marathon race, created in 1985, held every year in September through the vineyards of the Médoc in the Gironde. It is considered “the longest Marathon in the world” because the race is interspersed with several activities: musical breaks with 50 orchestras scattered around the course, 23 wine tasting stops, oysters tasting at the 38th km, and steak at the 39th km.
marathondumedoc.com/en
