10 Marathons Worth Traveling for in 2026
Running 26.2 miles sounds miserable to most people, but add a chance to race past ancient temples in Cambodia or alongside giraffes in South Africa, and the whole experience can be worth it. These 10 marathons turn the standard race into an adventure. You’ll still get the usual blisters and sore legs, but at least you’ll have incredible stories and photos to show for it.
Boston Marathon
Credit: Facebook
The world’s oldest annual marathon hits 130 years on April 20. Organizers are planning special tributes to Bobbi Gibb, who unofficially sneaked into the 1966 race, six years before women were officially allowed to compete. There’s also recognition of the infamous 1976 “Run for the Hoses” when 96°F heat had spectators dousing runners with garden hoses. The aptly named Heartbreak Hill waits to humble some runners.
Great Wall Marathon
Credit: Facebook
If climbing 5,164 stone steps along the Huangyaguan section during one of the planet’s most grueling races sounds like a bucket-list adventure, this place is a must-see. It started in 1999 and passes through village sections where rural Chinese life remains unchanged. Race packages throw in accommodation and optional visits to the Qing Dynasty Tombs. Like other versions, the 2026 version will take place on the third Saturday in May.
Big Sur International Marathon
Credit: Facebook
Highway 1’s dramatic coastline serves as what some consider Earth’s most scenic marathon backdrop. While the elevation changes will test your training, towering redwoods and the Pacific crashing below provide a distraction. Michael Martinez plays grand piano in a tuxedo at Bixby Bridge’s halfway point to give runners a morale boost when they need it. April 26 brings thousands of participants to one of the world’s largest rural marathons.
Volcano Marathon
Credit: Facebook
Easter Island already feels like the edge of the map, so a marathon there hits differently. The Volcano Marathon on June 28, 2026, will spotlight the island’s ocean, volcanic terrain, and Rapa Nui culture. Rano Kau crater remains a late test for even well-prepared runners. For those who love archaeology, the famous moai head statues are the icing on an already delicious cake.
TCS New York Marathon
Credit: Facebook
In 2025, more than 59,000 runners from around 130 countries crossed the finish line, setting a new world record. The 2026 race marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course. The marathon begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island, then moves through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and back into Manhattan for a finish in Central Park near West 67th Street. Even with a brief stretch where cheering is limited, millions of spectators line the streets.
North Pole Marathon
Credit: Facebook
Known as “The World’s Coolest Marathon,” the 2026 race is scheduled for July 19. Runners complete the full 42.195 kilometers on floating ice over the frozen Arctic Ocean, with nothing but snow and ice in every direction. The sub-zero temperatures, shifting ice, and risk of whiteout conditions make this event designed for highly experienced endurance athletes. The field is tightly limited, and reaching the start line requires complex logistics. Finishing this marathon puts you in a very small group of people who can say they have run at the top of the world.
TCS London Marathon
Credit: Facebook
London’s marathon moves like a blockbuster with big landmarks and even bigger emotion. On April 26, 2026, the route will take you past iconic sights such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge, ending near Buckingham Palace. Reuters reported a record 1.1 million-plus applications for 2026 spots.
Big Five Marathon
Credit: Facebook
Entabeni Game Reserve in South Africa hosts the Big Five Marathon on June 13, 2026, placing runners in safari territory. Sandy paths cut through wide-open landscapes where elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo live in the surrounding reserve. Many runners choose travel packages that include extras like game drives and bush walks, so the wildlife doesn’t just blur by at race pace.
Angkor Empire Marathon
Credit: Facebook
The UNESCO World Heritage Site status can make the suffering feel worthwhile. Thousands of participants tackle ancient temples in Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park. For some, Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, is the crown jewel. Rice fields and villages line the course. Despite 2026 being the 11th edition, the course is becoming a must-do for passport-stamp collectors.
French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes
Credit: Youtube
These Mediterranean views will stretch from start to finish on November 8. Nice’s Promenade des Anglais kicks things off, then the coast guides you through charming towns. Palm trees line most of the route, and temperatures are usually chill. Azure water, yacht-filled harbors, and beautiful architecture make this France’s second-largest marathon and one of Europe’s most visually stunning races.