{"id":30968,"date":"2017-10-21T09:15:05","date_gmt":"2017-10-21T13:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=30968"},"modified":"2021-11-01T16:31:59","modified_gmt":"2021-11-01T20:31:59","slug":"best-marathons-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/best-marathons-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The 30 of the Best Marathons in the Entire World"},"content":{"rendered":"

Without boundaries or language barriers, running<\/a> is a universal sport that can truly take you anywhere. Run or watch any marathon and you\u2019ll see the power of the human body and the unity of our spirits alive and well. It\u2019s a distance that tests the grit and determination of its participants \u2014 from the elites to the back-of-the-packers \u2014 to just keep moving.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0Running USA\u2019s Annual Marathon Report<\/a>, there were more than 1,100 marathons<\/a> in the U.S. alone in 2015. But we\u2019re ready to think outside our borders to see just how far <\/i>we can go. That\u2019s why we\u2019re packing up our running gear and stamping our passports to seek out the ultimate destinations<\/a> to run 26.2 miles (or 42.195 kilometers!) in the world.<\/p>\n

These 30 international marathons (listed by 2018 date) top our list as the most popular, exciting, inspirational, crowd-favorite bucket list races you\u2019ll find on the planet.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>50 Running Resources for Speed, Strength and Nutrition<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 30 of the Best Marathons in the World<\/h2>\n
\"Best
Photo: International Marathon of Marrakech<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.\u00a0<\/b>International Marathon of Marrakech<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Marrakech, Morocco
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0January 28, 2018
\nIf you\u2019re looking for an adventure that\u2019s a bit farther off the beaten path, you\u2019ll find it in the colorful, enchanting land of Morocco. This 29th annual small, no-frills (as in there are no bathrooms) race offers serious speedsters a flat and fast course paired with mild weather. And where else can you say you took a destination run through olive groves and orange trees and past roadside camels with the snow-covered\u00a0Atlas Mountains looming in the distance?<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a0The 11 Best Running Camps in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Tokyo Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0<\/b>Tokyo Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Tokyo, Japan
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0February 25, 2018
\nThis annual\u00a0World Marathon Majors<\/a>\u00a0race has been synonymous with top-notch organization since it began in 2007. The temps may be chilly on the mostly flat, urban course, but the unwavering support of 10,000 volunteers (called TEAM SMILE) and enthusiasm of 1.6 million spectators (handing out everything from chocolates to tomatoes!) creates a marathon that\u2019s warm and welcoming to 36,000 runners from around the world.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3.\u00a0<\/b>Kilimanjaro Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Moshi, Tanzania
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0March 4, 2018
\nNo, you won\u2019t actually\u00a0climb to the top of\u00a0Mount Kilimanjaro<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0this 16th annual marathon. Save that for another day! But the world\u2019s highest freestanding mountain will tower over the race\u2019s 6,500 runners, including many locals. The weather\u2019s hot and the halfway point\u2019s slope can be hard, but the beauty of \u201cKill,\u201d its lush, green surroundings and the energy of local villagers help racers coast into the downhill finish. See <\/i>website for various travel itineraries and pricing.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 10 Most Incredible Hiking Trails in the World<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0Maratona di Roma<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4.\u00a0<\/b>Maratona di Roma<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Rome, Italy
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0April 8, 2018
\nThe course of this 24th annual marathon reads like a must-see list of Rome\u2019s most alluring attractions. Ditch the travel book and let 19,000 runners be your Eternal City guides on the loop that starts and ends near the\u00a0Colosseum. The tour includes stretches along the Tiber River, through charming piazzas and over cobblestone streets. Keep an eye out for historic sights like\u00a0St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, Circus Maximus, the Pyramid of Cestius and the\u00a0Spanish Steps.<\/p>\n

\"Boston
Photo: FayFoto \/ Boston Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5.\u00a0<\/b>Boston Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Boston, MA
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0April 16, 2018
\nIf there\u2019s any day that epitomizes the strength, endurance and hope of runners (and an entire city), it\u2019s Marathon Monday<\/a> in Beantown. Even after the horrific bombings at the 2013 race, more than 30,000\u00a0wicked<\/i>\u00a0fast runners (and 500,000 steadfast spectators) continue to celebrate the world\u2019s oldest contested marathon and its historic course \u2014 from the start in Hopkinton to the demanding Heartbreak Hill to the exhilarating finish on Boylston Street.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> How to Run the Boston Marathon Like a Pro<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.\u00a0<\/b>Virgin Money London Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0London, England
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0April 22, 2018
\nLike many great ideas, the concept of the\u00a0London Marathon<\/a>\u00a0started over a few pints at a pub. Today, 35 years since the first race, it\u2019s a beloved mainstay counted among the\u00a0World Marathon Majors<\/a>. What hasn\u2019t changed much is the flat and fast course. More than 35,000 runners will cruise along the River Thames, cross\u00a0Tower Bridge and catch sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Place \u2014 while some of the best fans around cheer them on.<\/p>\n

\"Big
Photo:\u00a0Big Sur International Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>Big Sur International Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Carmel, CA
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0April 30, 2018
\nIt\u2019s the world\u2019s largest rural marathon and a highlight\u00a0on just about every list of top marathons<\/a>\u00a0there is. While the energy and organization of the 4,500 runners is always on point, it\u2019s the sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas that are nothing short of breathtaking \u2014 and the reason the race sells out so quickly. Next spring marks the 33rd anniversary of the point-to-point, hilly course along Highway 1 and through the redwood forests of seven California State Parks.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0Great Wall Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8.\u00a0<\/b>The Great Wall Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Tianjin, China
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0May 19, 2018
\nIf you\u2019re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime race (but don\u2019t care about a PR), tackle the 5,164 steps of one of the world\u2019s most famous landmarks. The hot and humid weather is taxing, the steep climbs are intense, and the views of the Great Wall snaking through the countryside are dramatic. But many participants say it\u2019s the glimpse into the surrounding rural villages (and their spirited spectators) that stay with you for years to come.\u00a0See website for travel itineraries and pricing.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0Great Ocean Road Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9.\u00a0<\/b>Great Ocean Road Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Lorne, Australia
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0May 20, 2018
\nThis race is a true beauty, traveling along one of the world\u2019s most iconic coastlines. But it can also be a beast! The point-to-point course is winding, hilly and is technically 45K in distance to the finish in Apollo Bay (although you\u2019ll get a finish time at the 42K mark, too). Think of it as a little bit of extra time to listen to the waves crash below, take in all the incredible sights, and enjoy the friendly, small-town vibe buzzing all around.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Marathon de la Baie du Mont Saint-Michel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10.\u00a0<\/b>Marathon de la Baie du Mont Saint-Michel<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Cancale, France
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0May 26, 2018
\nRunners may be able to see the majestic\u00a0Mont Saint-Michel from the starting line, but the island abbey \u2014 and one of France\u2019s most famous sites \u2014 is still a whole marathon away at the finish line in Normandy. Five thousand participants keep their eyes on the prize as they travel through rustic seaside villages (known for their mussels and oysters) and the French countryside in this flat, point-to-point, early evening race.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 50 Best Half-Marathons in the U.S. <\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Rio De Janeiro Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11.\u00a0<\/b>Maratona Caixa da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0June 2, 2018
\nEven when it\u2019s not hosting the World Cup, Rio de Janeiro is one big party. With views of the city\u2019s chic and sexy beaches, the hardest part of this marathon might just be staying the course. The sandy shores of Ipanema and Copacabana can look\u00a0very<\/i>\u00a0inviting. Expect lively crowds, and views of the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, to welcome racers into the finish line before the real fiestas begin.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12.\u00a0<\/b>Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Cusco, Peru
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0June 2-10, 2018; August 4-12, 2018
\nNext summer\u2019s scheduled treks celebrate the 20th anniversary of \u201cthe most difficult marathon in the world<\/a>.\u201d While the\u00a026.2 miles<\/a>\u00a0along rocky Inca trails, tunnels and steps is a true marathon distance, you won\u2019t see any bibs or spectators along the route. But for the experienced trail runner, it\u2019s a strenuous (gain of 10,400 feet and loss of 11,000 feet in elevation) and rewarding journey to the ancient lost city of\u00a0Machu Picchu.\u00a0See website for travel itineraries and pricing.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

\"Midnight
Photo:\u00a0Midnight Sun Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13.\u00a0<\/b>Midnight Sun Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Troms\u00f8, Norway
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0June 16, 2018
\nPack\u00a0your favorite shades<\/a>\u00a0because the sun never sets during the most northern race in the world. With 24 hours of daylight in the summer, this unique evening marathon can start at 8:30 p.m! Sure, you have to deal with possible freezing temperatures and a few crossings of the grueling Bridge of Troms\u00f8, but you might also spot some polar bears hiding out in the snowy mountains, too.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0The Big Five Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14.\u00a0<\/b>The Big Five Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Limpopo, South Africa
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0June 23, 2018
\nThere are many renowned South African races, including the epic\u00a0Comrades<\/a> and\u00a0Two Oceans<\/a>\u00a0ultramarathons, but only\u00a0this trail marathon\u00a0runs right through the thick of the African savannah \u2014 and its wildlife! No fences, no barriers,\u00a0nothing<\/i>\u00a0separates runners from the elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards along the tough, hilly, safari-like course. That\u2019s one way to keep you moving!\u00a0Visit website for travel itineraries and pricing.<\/i><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0Sparkasse Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15.\u00a0Sparkasse Marathon der 3 L\u00e4nder<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Lindau Island, Germany
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0July 10, 2018
\nWant to check not one, not two, but three countries off your marathon bucket list? We give you permission to do so at this picture-perfect race that starts in Germany, runs through Austria, takes a quick stop in Switzerland, and finishes back up in Austria. More than half of the seriously flat course runs along the vast\u00a0Lake Constance, but there are also a few cobblestone roads, gravel trails and peaceful passages through reeds and woods.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a0Carbo Loading for Runners: How to Prep for Race Day<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The
Photo:\u00a0Australian Outback Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

16.\u00a0<\/b>Australian Outback Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Yulara, Australia
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0July 28, 2018
\nThe Australian Outback earns a spot on many buckets lists for its vast, off-the-grid appeal. But runners can cover 26.2 miles of \u201cthe bush\u201d by foot at this adventure race in the land of the Red Earth. Go down under (and off-road), along fire trails and over soft-sand dunes. Some say the terrain makes it a challenging run, but the sights of the colossal\u00a0Ayers Rock around the 36K mark are the ultimate reward.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Islandsbanki Reykjav\u00edk Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

17.\u00a0<\/b>Islandsbanki Reykjav\u00edk Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Reykjav\u00edk, Iceland
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0August 18, 2018
\nIf this enchanting loop course through Iceland\u2019s capital city looks like a breath of fresh air, that\u2019s because it is. The area\u2019s natural hot springs create some of\u00a0the cleanest air in the world<\/a>.\u00a0Soak it in and join nearly 1,000 other runners on a magical adventure along the bustling city streets and past picturesque Tj\u00f6rnin pond, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and woodlands.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0Jungfrau Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

18.\u00a0Jungfrau Marathon<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Interlaken, Switzerland
\nDate:\u00a0<\/strong>September 7-8, 2018
\nGet\u00a0lifted<\/i>\u00a0at this demanding marathon that races to the top of one of the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world. Don\u2019t be fooled by the first flat 10K along the lovely Lake Brienz in Interlaken. No hill training can prepare you for the relentless trail ascents to come as you approach the Eiger, M\u00f6nch and Jungfrau mountains. The mountaintop finish is legendary and its panoramic views at 2,100 meters above sea level aren\u2019t soon forgotten.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>A Runner\u2019s Guide to Hydration (And How Not to Overdo It)<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Marathon
Photo:\u00a0marathondumedoc.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

19.\u00a0Marathon du Medoc<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Pauillac, France
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0September 8, 2018
\nSign us up,\u00a0s’il vous plait<\/i>! In addition to French wine at more than 20 aid stations, runners will discover a bucolic loop course through vineyards with 8,500 new drinking buddies (dressed in hilarious costumes). Expect everything from entertaining acrobats at the start to all-you-can-eat oysters, cheese and ice cream in the last 4K. As quirky as this race is, keep in mind it\u2019s still a marathon and you\u00a0do<\/i>\u00a0have to run at some point.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Patagonian International Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

20.\u00a0Patagonian International Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0September 8, 2018
\nIt\u2019s only in its seventh year, but this international race is already making a big impact. The eco-friendly race gets you in touch with nature as you pass luminescent lakes and cliffside waterfalls in postcard-like landscapes. There\u2019s no prize money for winners, but for each of the 1,000 runners who finish the mountainous course in Torres del Paine National Park, the race plants a tree in their honor as part of the\u00a0Corre y Reforesta Campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a012 Secrets from the Pros to Achieve a Personal Best<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: BMW Berlin Marathon<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

21.\u00a0BMW Berlin Marathon<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Berlin, Germany
\n<\/span>Date:<\/strong>\u00a0September 16, 2018
\n<\/span>Want to drop time off your PR\u00a0<\/span>or earn a BQ<\/a>? Do it at one of the fastest marathons in the world (with 40,000 of your closest friends). The\u00a0<\/span>World Marathon Majors<\/a>\u00a0event is so fast, the 2013 winner\u00a0Wilson Kipsang of Kenya set a world record of 2:03:23 that year. The pancake-flat roads, slingshot-like turns, and 80 rockin\u2019 bands should help you push the pace toward your own personal best.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

22.\u00a0Niagara Falls International Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Buffalo, NY \/ Ontario, Canada
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0October 14, 2018
\nGet your paperwork in order for\u00a0this border-crossing marathon! The speedy and scenic course starts in the U.S. and finishes in Canada (you\u2019ll get cleared by customs at packet pick-up). After a short stretch in Buffalo, 1,500 runners make their way over the International Peace Bridge (the only hill on the course). Then it\u2019s into Ontario for 18 miles on Niagara Parkway before a classic photo finish at the edge of the awe-inspiring\u00a0Niagara Falls.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0Rock N Roll Lisboa Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

23.\u00a0Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Maratona de Lisboa<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Lisbon, Portugal
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0October 15, 2018
\nThe always-popular Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Marathon Series makes a stop in this coastal European city. With more than 30 live bands on the course, runners take on a flat, point-to-point race that starts in the beachy town of Cascais, travels along the banks of the Tagus River and ends in central Lisbon, where you\u2019ll marvel at the rich architecture of its historic churches, the\u00a0Castle of S\u00e3o Jorge and the stunning Vasco de Gama Bridge (Europe\u2019s longest bridge).<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a015 Best Fall Marathons in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0TCS Amsterdam Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

24.\u00a0TCS Amsterdam Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Amsterdam, Netherlands
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0October 21, 2018
\nVenice of the North has a little something for everyone \u2014 from flower gardens and windmills to its more liberal, \u201canything goes\u201d side of the city. Its annual marathon is a diverse experience, too, as 16,000 runners cruise through a fast urban\u00a0and\u00a0rural course. There\u2019s the thrilling start and finish at the\u00a01928 Olympic Stadium, a trek along the Amstel River and Vondelpark, and a pass through the heart of\u00a0Rijksmuseum, home to famous art by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and more.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Dublin Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

25.\u00a0SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Dublin, Ireland
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0October 28, 2018
\nThis 39th annual marathon, which takes place on Ireland\u2019s October Bank Holiday, gets the party weekend started early with a free breakfast 5K, Irish music and dancing the day before the big race. Earn your Guinness with 13,000 runners on an ever-changing loop course through the city\u2019s diverse parks and neighborhoods. One thing that doesn\u2019t change along the way: the charm of the rowdy, local crowds and their \u201cwell done!\u201d cheers all morning long.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo:\u00a0TCS New York City Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

26.\u00a0TCS New York City Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0New York, NY
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0November 4, 2018
\nBe a part of 26.2 of the most sought-after miles in history at the world\u2019s largest and most popular marathon. From\u00a0Sinatra\u2019s signature \u201cNew York, New York\u201d starting line send-off to the world-famous Central Park finish line, more than 50,000 runners (including\u00a02014 Boston Marathon champ Meb Keflezighi) will chase down their dreams amid the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple\u2019s five boroughs.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>How to Run the New York City Marathon Like a Pro<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Athens Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

27.\u00a0<\/b>Athens Marathon<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/b>Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Athens, Greece
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0November 11, 2018
\nEver wonder how the marathon got its name? Back in 490 BC, legend has it the Greek messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of the Athenian victory at the Battle of Marathon. Upon his arrival, all those miles later, he died of exhaustion. This race lets 13,000 marathoners follow his footsteps, over challenging hills and into the finishing arch at the white marble Panathenaic Stadium, with proud Greeks shouting \u201cbravo!\u201d the whole way.<\/p>\n

\"Standard
Photo: Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

28.\u00a0<\/b>Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Bangkok, Thailand
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0November 18, 2018
\nExpect a hot night in the city when 2,500 runners line up at the dazzling\u00a0Grand Palace, Bangkok\u2019s most famous landmark and home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. That\u2019s right, this loop marathon through Thailand\u2019s capital starts at 2 a.m. local time to beat the heat! The aid stations, filled with friendly local volunteers (and lots of watermelon!) should help you keep cool as you pass the course\u2019s many cultural sites in the \u201cLand of a Thousand Smiles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Antarctic Ice Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

29.\u00a0<\/b>Antarctic Ice Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Union Glacier, Antarctica
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0November 2018 (to be announced)
\nAre you one of those (extra crazy) marathoners who wants to run one on every continent? For the coldest, windiest, highest and driest of them all, choose the only footrace within the Antarctic Circle. Expect just around 50 brave men and women to pile on layers for this extreme adventure over the solid (yet serene) ice course. The camaraderie is what makes it such an epic experience, they say. Not even penguins live that far south.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Photo: Flickr \/ versello<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

30.\u00a0<\/b>Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0George Town, Cayman Islands
\nDate:<\/strong>\u00a0December 2, 2018
\nIt\u2019s an early 5 a.m start for\u00a0this race<\/a>, but who cares when you\u2019re waking up on a tropical Caribbean island? This 16th annual marathon is small, yet boasts some of the friendliest, most personalized vibes around. (Event staff will even greet participants at the airport!) Run two loops of the super flat course, grab an ice cold\u00a0Caybrew beer at the finish, and then bask beachside for the ultimate recovery. It\u2019s supposed to be a\u00a0run<\/i>cation, right?<\/p>\n

On the selection process:
\n<\/strong>To compile this list, we tapped into our network of running contacts around the country \u2014 including popular bloggers, experienced coaches and knowledgeable writers and editors \u2014 and asked them to think big, and outside\u00a0our own 50 states<\/a>. While we include many established and prominent marathons (like New York, Berlin and Tokyo), we also shine a light on bucket list races where the destination is more important than the finish time (like Antarctica, the Great Wall of China and the Australian Outback). With any of our top race lists, we believe it\u2019s most important what the runner has to say, which is why we spend so much time researching online reviews to confirm our selections are based on the participants\u2019 positive experiences, the reputation of the race and the unique value they offer to the marathoner.<\/p>\n

Originally published August 2014. Updated October 2017.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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\n<\/a>13 Awesome Podcasts to Get You Through a Long Run<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Get that passport ready! We’re taking our racing shoes on the ultimate destination run to find the best marathons in all corners of the globe. See our top 30 picks here. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":31304,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6],"tags":[288,104,111,103,108,249,341,357,174],"class_list":["post-30968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-cardio","tag-goals","tag-marathon","tag-motivation","tag-running","tag-slideshow","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2running","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}