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10 of the world's best marathons
21.07.2023 - 08:42 / roughguides.com / Jack Kerouac
Running along the shimmering Arctic tundra in Greenland, jogging across the African savannah and racing through the Amazon are some of the exhilarating marathon experiences now on offer around the globe. From coastal routes in Jamaica and California to challenging courses in the blazing Sahara and freezing Polar Circle, a growing number of endurance events provide a dramatic change of scene and pace. Read on for our pick of the world's best marathons.
Not for the fainthearted, the legendary Marathon des Sables is one of the world’s toughest long-distance races. Laden with backpacks, competitors brave the sweltering Sahara desert during a six-day ultra-marathon that covers 257km of golden dunes and stony plateaus. Over 13,000 runners have taken part in this extreme desert event since 1986 and its popularity endures today.
The Marathon des Sables races across Morocco's desert sands © James Carnegie/Shutterstock
An inspiration to writers Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac, California’s Big Sur region really delivers on scenery. Now in its 34th year, the Big Sur International Marathon follows a spectacular route along the Pacific coastline between Big Sur Station and Carmel. Starting beneath the shade of Giant Redwoods, competitors race over bridges and through rolling hills. The sparkling ocean and craggy Santa Lucia Mountains are a beautifully distracting backdrop.
Hurricane Point in Big Sur, California © Chase Dekker/Shutterstock
For those who like sightseeing at speed, the Great Wall Marathon is a memorable way to see one of China’s most famous landmarks. Featuring vertiginous climbs up sections of the wall, plus trails through fields and villages, it’s a demanding, mountainous course. But although the steep gradient can reduce runners to clambering up the Great Wall’s ancient steps, the views are magnificent and villagers offer encouragement along the route.
© Jana Herzberg/Shutterstock
London might be one of the world's best marathons, but the Lakeland Trails Ultra is arguably the UK's most scenic. Beginning in Ambleside in the Lake District, the challenging 55 km course meanders through rugged fells and peaceful valleys. Undulating, mountainous terrain means this isn’t the race for marathon PB's, but this stamina-testing event offers a close encounter with one of England’s most wild and beautiful regions. For the truly heroic there is a 100-km course too!
Dawn light over Ullswater, Lake District © Steward Smith Photography/Shutterstock
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Wedged between India and Tibet, remote Bhutan is home to sacred monasteries, Himalayan peaks and forested valleys. Competitors in the annual Bhutan Marathon cross bridges decked in colourful Buddhist prayer flags, and race through paddy fields and farms: all at
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