If you’re thinking of adding some excitement to your travel plans - or, indeed, if you just want a big audacious goal to get you back on your feet - a marathon is a great way to do it. I’ve been on three marathon holidays with pals, and it never fails to add an extra layer of excitement and achievement to your getaway.

Some of these marathons are incredibly scenic. Others are incredibly difficult. Some are just plain bonkers. Get ready to lace up your running shoes, book some flights, and enjoy some of the best marathons the world has to offer.

Great Wall Marathon

Combining a wonder of the world with a marathon is an efficient way to tick two things off your bucket list at once! Since it started in 1999, the Great Wall Marathon has become revered as one of the worlds most challenging, featuring a huge 5,164 steps along the 42km course. You’ll probably need to incorporate a bit of step machine into your training!

The route is spectacularly scenic, not only taking you along the Great Wall of China itself but also through local villages where villagers will come out to cheer you on. It’s a tough slog - but definitely worth it!

Marathon Du Medoc

The Marathon Du Medoc was the first marathon I ever ran, in a disaster time of around 6.5 hours. It’s also the most fun I’ve ever had on a run. 

Based in Bordeaux, France, this marathon features samples of wine from nearby chateâus throughout the course. Fancy dress is mandatory, and as well as drinking wine on the way round you’ll also be able to sample local delicacies towards the end of the course, including steak and oysters.

Additionally, the vineyards are stunning and the chateâus are like castles from Disney movies. The atmosphere is amazing, the wine is incredible and the pasta party the night before comes highly recommended.

Marathon Des Sables

The Marathon Des Sables is probably the hardest marathon in the world - it’s certainly the toughest I’ve ever heard of. In fact, covering 250 km in six stages over the course of a week it’s not really a marathon at all - but it’s certainly an adventure.

As if the massive distance isn’t enough, the MDS takes you through the desert of Morocco in blistering temperatures. It’s a serious event, where participants must be self-sufficient and carry everything with them except water & a tent, which are provided.

With 99% of runners finishing, this is one of the only marathons that will guarantee you a free spot the following year if you don't finish. This one definitely features on my bucket list!

London Marathon

Of course - it’s a classic. The largest marathon in the world is held in England’s capital every year, with races for the public, professionals, wheelchair users and a mini-marathon for under-17s. Since it was founded in 1981, participants have raised over £1billion for charity and seen the world record broken many times over. 

Given its popularity, you’ll have to apply to be a part of the London Marathon, with around 840,000 applicants already for the 2025 event - which will be whittled down to around 50,000 competitors. Unsurprising for the world’s most famous marathon!

Midnight Sun Marathon

During the summer in the town of Tromsø, Norway, you’re far enough north that the sun never actually sets. Any excuse to do a marathon!

Held every year since 1990, the Midnight Sun Marathon takes place at around 69 degrees north, 350 km north of the Arctic circle. Most of the city is situated on a small island with intensely beautiful nature, contrasting between mountains and the sea. With most marathons starting first thing in the morning, the 8:30pm start for the MSM might be a nice change of pace - though it’ll still be light, of course. 

Man v Horse Marathon

This marathon is the kind of event you’d expect to transpire after a couple of blokes had an idea in the pub - which is exactly what happened in 1980. This one actually came to fruition though, in 1982.

Since then, the almost marathon (22 mile) race has taken place in Wales every year, on a course that is designed to provide a more-or-less even chance for men & horses. Each year, the prize for coming ahead of the first horse & rider increases by £500. By the time it was first claimed in 2004 it had reached £25,000, but with a winner in 2023 it’s now back at £500.

NYC Marathon

Probably the biggest marathon in the United States (alongside the Boston & Chicago marathons), the New York City marathon is extremely popular. Participation is therefore predominantly decided by a lottery, although you can guarantee entry by running in nine other sponsored events and making a $1,000 donation or volunteering. 

No other marathon attracts runners from such a range of countries, testament to the unique appeal of the city and incredible atmosphere created by the NYC marathon. 

Athens Marathon

This one is for traditionalists! It is said that in 490 BC the soldier Pheidippides saw a Persian ship heading to raid Athens during the battle of Marathon and took it upon himself to run to Athens as quickly as possible to spread the news that the Greeks had triumphed.

The run from Marathon to Athens is, of course, how the race got its name. For a unique experience, participants can follow the original route in the Athens marathon, passing various historical sights to finish in the legendary stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. 

Include the World’s Best Marathons in your Travel Plans

We won’t judge you if your holiday time is all about putting your feet up and enjoying some R&R time at the beach - but for the thrill-seekers, running a marathon during your holiday is an unrivalled way to add excitement and achievement to your getaway.

You don’t have to be an elite athlete for many of these marathons. They’re fun, packed with incredible scenes and a great sense of community for runners, spectators and locals alike. If you’re looking for a sign to try something different, this is it!