Planning to push the limits of your body this 2020? Here is a list of 8 captivating marathons you can participate in that would bring you through some of the most beautiful cityscapes and natural sights on the planet.
Kyoto Marathon
When: February 16, 2020
This urban marathon covers over 42 kilometers and takes marathoners through some of the most beautiful sights of Japan.
The Kyoto Marathon starts at the Nishikyogoku Athletic Park, taking challengers through seven UNESCO World Heritage sights, including the gleaming Kinkaku Temple and the sprawling Shimogamo Shrine.
The path also offers stunning views of the mountains that surround Kyoto, making the race all that much more memorable (and perhaps tolerable) before ending at Heian Shrine.
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Bhutan International Marathon
When: March 7th, 2020
Runners in the Bhutan International Marathon © Bhutan Peaceful Tours & Treks
Known for being one of the most isolated nations in the world, Bhutan is one of the most enchanting places in existence.
With never-ending vistas of unspoiled terrains, stately architecture that blends seamlessly into its landscapes, and warm hospitality from the happiest country in the world, Bhutan seems like a Kingdom of another planet.
The race itself is a half or full marathon and takes marathoners through the incredible sights of the country before finishing at the Punakha Dzong. Is there a more idyllic place to run?
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Paris Marathon
When: April 5, 2020
Undoubtedly one of the most prominent marathons on the world stage, the Paris Marathon sees over 50,000 participants each year soldering through the beautiful city of Paris. The race starts off at the iconic Champs Elysées and takes competitors through some of Paris’ best sights.
The route encompasses the stunning parks of Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne, and also along the Seine, with magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, amongst many other landmarks.
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Great Wall Marathon
When: May 13th, 2020
Runners climbing the Great Wall of China in the Great Wall Marathon © Remote Lands
The race through one of the greatest feats of human engineering is not for the faint of heart. The Great Wall Marathon would have participants traverse through some truly challenging and dangerous paths.
Due to the state of disrepair of many parts of The Great Wall, the journey is laden with loose rocks, missing steps, uneven surfaces, and intensely steep elevations, making it extremely tough even for the seasoned.
The views along the journey, however, is incredibly beautiful with some absolutely jaw-dropping scenery.
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Gobi March
When: June 21, 2020
Participant running in the Gobi March © Remote Lands
Widely considered as the “ultimate test of human endurance,” the Gobi March is part of the 4 Deserts ultramarathon series, which includes the Sahara Race in Egypt, the Atacama Crossing in Chile, and what is arguably the toughest of them all, The Last Desert in Antarctica.
Along this intense trek comes some truly spectacular and distinctive sights that encompass verdant plains, serene salt plains, and expansive sand dunes, and this journey across Mongolia’s southern wonder is expected to take 24 to 70 hours.
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Australian Outback Marathon
When: July 25th, 2020
Segment of the Australian Outback Marathon © Australian Outback Marathon
Taking place in one of the most remote regions of the world, the Australian Outback Marathon sees competitors racing through rusty plains and stunning rock formations.
The offerings include 6km, 11km, half marathon, and full marathon packages, making it an experience even beginners can enjoy.
All these can be booked with the participant’s choice of accommodation in the Ayers Rock Resort, which ranges from the luxurious Sails in the Desert to the rustic Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge.
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Patagonian International Marathon
When: September 5th, 2020
Marathoners in the Patagonian International Marathon © Sidetracked Ltd
With the Patagonian International Marathon, the race would make you feel almost Liliputian with the sheer scale of the backdrops in the southern tip of Chile.
The route would have you surrounded by soaring jagged snow-capped peaks and the expansive mirror-like lakes in the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park.
The climate is also highly volatile, which makes for a tough run to soldier through, but, at the end, you’ll be treated with an insanely magnificent view of the Monte Almirante Nieto.
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Antarctic Ice Marathon
When: December 13th, 2020
Competitors racing through the snow in the Antarctic Ice Marathon © World’s Marathons
Few people in the world can say that they’ve visited Antarctica, much less to say that they’ve done a marathon there. The Antarctic Ice Marathon is one of the few marathons that pit the human physique against one of the most treacherous terrains on the earth.
With temperatures hitting -20°C and winds reaching 300km/h, it takes an incredible amount of strength and will and to persevere through. Want breathtaking views of one of the purest lands left on Earth and unrivaled bragging rights? This is it.
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