If you are tired of the same old landscape you watch every day on your run, plus you are feeling adventurous, then running at some of the world’s most beautiful places will make your races more exciting and wonderous.
But with so many fascinating trails and tracks on our planet, how to choose where to go, and what to see? Here is the list of some of the most amazing running experiences an adventurer can get.
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Golden Gate Headlands Marathon, California
This race is an adventure for everyone who is starting to get into trail running. It is a versatile one, because the participants start the race at Rodeo Beach, at at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This marathon, half marathon, and 6K race is not something you would think about when you think about trail races. But running through San Francisco’s urban skyline can be a hilly and challenging task.
If you are a beginner or thinking about running your first trail race, The Golden Gate Headlands Marathon is definitely something you should not skip. For more information about trail running, how to train for it, and what gear is necessary, you can read this trail running for beginners guide, and start preparing for a journey you will not regret.
Inca Trail Marathon, South America
This epic 26.2-mile trail starts at Cusco, the richest archeological site in the Americas, at staggering 11,150 feet and leads to the most legendary city in history – Machu Picchu. Apart from being a challenging and exciting trail, this is also an adventure through the history of the old and lost Inca civilization.
But this is not an easy trail. You will need a lot of strength and endurance to run this beautiful trail. But, apart from the training, trail running requires different equipment than treck running.
Two Oceans Marathon, South Africa
Known as ‘the most beautiful marathon in the world’, this race takes place in the spectacular scenery through the Cape Peninsula. This is probably the most famous race in the world, as well, because it sells out every year, with 16,000 participants racing every Saturday of the Easter weekend.
Even the ultramarathon is widely popular among the most adventurous runners – 11,000 participants run this 35-mile race each year!
Jungle Marathon, Brazil
Is this the most dangerous race in the world? With so many swamps and rivers, and dangerous wildlife, it is evident that this race is only with the brave-hearted.
Although this race is called a marathon, the 26-mile race is one of the shortest to choose from. Some races are run in multiple stages, such as 127K race and 254K race through Amazon Rainforest.
But there is no question that this race is absolutely stunning. According to the race’s web site, the participants might find themselves in a company of anacondas and piranhas. Although the competition is quite pricey, it is definitely worth experiencing at least once in your life. There is no better way to get to know the Amazon than running through the rainforest for days.
Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway
“People don’t come here expecting a personal best – it’s an experience race,” says one of the organizers of this race. It takes place at night, but as its name says, the sun is still visible in the sky. With more than 4,000 runners, you can run either a 10k, half-marathon, or the whole marathon. The city of Tromsø, where this race takes place, is located 200 miles north of the Arctic circle, which means that the sun does not set for nine weeks during the summer. The run takes place mostly on an island where the city is with the majority of its area, but the race takes you over the Tromso Bridge, which will provide you with the view you will never forget.
Limpopo, South Africa
Limpopo is the place where the Big Five Marathon takes place. This race takes you through Entabeni Game Reserve, where you will be able to run alongside zebras, antelopes, and giraffes, and even spot packs of lions on the side of the road. Although this race takes place in June, this race is not really hot, because June is the winter month in the southern hemisphere, but it is still very dry and sunny. The most exciting and unique thing about this marathon is that its race time is determined by the position of lions, elephants, and other gorgeous and wild animals.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
So far, we have listed only the unique running experiences, but now it is time to turn to the common races that you simply have to run, such as the Amsterdam marathon. Amsterdam marathon started in 1928 during the 1928 Summer Olympics, so that is the reason why this race starts and finishes in this beautiful Olympic stadion. The race takes you through the history of this old Dutch city.
The Amsterdam Marathon takes place in October and invites over 16,000 participants all over the world.
Big Sur, California
This is one of the most challenging and most beautiful marathons in the United States. The runners have to run up very steep inclinations, and battle headwind as they run from Big Sur State Park to Carmel California. Although this is a tough one, the Big Sur Marathon takes rewards the participants with visually stunning rural ranches, views of California redwoods, and, most of the Pacific Ocean. So if you are an adventurer with a preference for a little challenge, head over to the Big Sur marathon. The picturesque view will be enough to motivate you to have the run of your life.
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