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The world’s weird & wonderful marathons and what they actually entail

By Frances Doherty on March 22, 2016 in Adventure

Great Wall Marathon, China, 21 May  

great wall the landmark of china and beijing

Now in its 17th year the Tianjin Province’s Great Wall Marathon tends to fill its 2,500 places quickly. With registrants from over 60 countries, people come from all over the world to run along China’s magnificent Huangya Pass. The Great Wall Marathon is generally acknowledged as being even more difficult than your typical marathon, with participants challenged to run up 5,164 stone steps. Unique features of the race are of course, running alongside the Great Wall itself, traversing through picturesque traditional villages, while enjoying sweeping views of the ancient lower valleys.

Easter Island Marathon, 5 June

Easter Island

Famous for its incredible moai – large monolithic stone statues carved by the Rapanui people – and now as the host of one of the world’s most exclusive marathons, the Easter Island Marathon offers only 180 spaces! The route runs from the main town of Hanga Roa to Anakena Beach and is mostly flat at the beginning and end of the race, and hilly during the middle miles. Runners should be prepared to encounter cows and wild horses along the course, the local dogs have also been known to join in on the action.

Midnight Sun Marat, Tromsø, Norway, June

Lake in Norway

The world’s northernmost race, the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromo, takes place in the Arctic Circle during the month of June. Runners get to experience the unique feature of the sun not setting, finishing the race at midnight and it still be broad daylight. The course includes the bridge of Tromsø and stunning views of Arctic mountains, and has been described by former runners as a completely breath taking experience.

Le Marathon du Medoc, September

MARATHON DU MEDOC. 24° édition. Pauillac (33), le 06 septembre 2008

Depending on your point of view and general approach to running, Le Marathon du Medoc will either seem like an absolute recipe for success or total disaster. The course includes 23 wine stops and offers French specialities including oysters, steak, and ice-cream. Based in the Bordeaux region of France, the race passes through 53 vineyards. Participants are allowed up to 6hrs 30mins to complete the course.

North Pole Marathon, North Pole, April

North Pole Marathon

Taking place at the top of the world, the North Pole Marathon is the only marathon run on water. Participants will run on Arctic ice floats, with as little as 6 feet separating them from the Arctic Ocean. It is the most extreme marathon to partake in and has been described as a “running experience of a lifetime.”

Walt Disney World Marathon, Florida, January

Disney Marathon

Comprising 26 magical miles crossing 4 theme parks including the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studio, the Walt Disney Marathon is billed as being “the most magical race on earth”. The perfect race for all those big kids who see the entertainment value of running a long distance marathon alongside Mickey and Goofy. And to top off the experience participants are presented with a Mickey Mouse medal at the end of it all.

Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu, Peru, August

Machu Piccu

If it’s a high altitude race you are after, they don’t come much more elevated than the Inca Trail Marathon. Designed to be breath taking in more ways than one, the course includes a particularly steep 13,800-foot mountain pass. Perhaps one of the most beautiful marathons around, runners will make their way up to one of the world’s seven wonders passing lamas and sheep en-route. Former runners have said it was both the hardest and best thing they have ever done.

Big Sur International Marathon, California, April

Big Sur Marathon

Billed as 26.2 miles of the most beautiful coastline in the world, athletes participating in the Big Sur Marathon can expect spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Features of the race include the super steep hills of Highway One, idyllic costal scenery and live music being played along the way – the 2015 race saw Michael Martinez playing the Yamaha Grand Piano at Bixby Bridge, halfway through the Marathon course.

The Reggae Marathon, Jamaica, December

Reggae Marathon 2

A distinctly Jamaican affair, this laid back race is undertaken alongside a party-like atmosphere with an advertising slogan that reads, 'Come for the run, stay for the fun!'. And people certainly do just that! Beginning at Long Bay Beach Park situated along Negril’s 7-mile white sand beach, the course loops into the town of Negril then heads north towards the town of Green Island. The mostly flat course is ran alongside cranked up sound systems banging out reggae tunes. It is also worth mentioning that the winner of the race leaves with a Bob Marley trophy!

 

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