Some people travel to tick off bucket list destinations or to satisfy their craving for the best culinary experiences. For thrill-seekers, there’s often a whole other itinerary, such as conquering Asia’s highest peaks, or if you’re a seasoned runner, joining a marathon.
Over 800 marathons are organised in a year, but finishing any, if not all, of the six World Marathon Majors is a dream for serious runners. Outside the competitive realm of running and collecting finisher’s medals, there are also unique races with either a quirky twist of serving wine at aid stations or set against an extraordinary backdrop like a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can’t deny those as one-of-a-kind travel experiences.
Read on for eight such unique races around the world that will test varying endurance levels.
1. Marathon du Medoc, France
One can expect to find good wine in France, but how does running a 42.195km marathon through the 59 vineyards in the wine-growing Medoc region of Bordeaux sound? To top it off, the most asked question at the race’s aid stations is “red or white?” and yes, they’re referring to wine. Fret not, water is also an option and at the 38th kilometre, they even serve oysters! Held every September, the Marathon du Medoc also incorporates a theme, allowing runners to dress up in costume.
2. Great Wall Marathon, China
How many people could possibly boast that they’ve run a marathon from an old fortress, up the steps onto the Great Wall of China and then through the nearby rural villages? However, be warned as it’s no easy task with plenty of steps (5,164, to be exact, if you’re doing the full marathon) and elevation changes. The Great Wall Marathon may have started in 1999 but it continues to sell out all 2,500 bibs for its May race annually. On the bright side, it’s open to runners of all levels as there is also a half marathon and an 8.5km Fun Run category.
3. Mt. Fuji International Marathon, Japan
The Tokyo Marathon may be one of the World Marathon Majors, but it doesn’t have the breathtaking views the Mt. Fuji International Marathon has to offer on its route. Don’t be fooled by its name – the course doesn’t take runners up the mountain but rather along the scenic shores of Lake Kawaguchi, which offers perfect views of the iconic Mt. Fuji. The event is in its 49th year (and counting) and features three categories: full marathon, charity fun run (10.5km) and ‘Around Kawaguchiko’ (17km). As it’s typically held in November, runners will thoroughly enjoy the corridor of maple leaves at Momoji Tunnel, which is part of the route.
4. Empire State Building Run-Up, USA
Not all races are mapped out the same – true. But for the Empire State Building Run-Up, the only way is up and it has built a name of its own as one of the most famous tower races in the world. The average tourist would take a minute to reach the top via elevator but the world’s fastest professional tower runner, Malaysian athlete Soh Wai Ching, last clocked in 10 minutes and 36 seconds to race up 1,576 stairs across 86 flights. Fun fact: As the world’s number one tower runner, he has won the Run-Up for three consecutive years.
5. Walt Disney World Marathon, USA
Elsewhere in the United States of America is a marathon for the young at heart who has a penchant for all things Disney. The Walt Disney World Marathon takes runners through all four magical Disney Parks in Florida with opportunities for Disney character sightings and entertainment. Those who finish the race will be rewarded with a unique Disney-branded medal as well as qualify for the Boston Marathon. Open to runners of all levels, one can also choose to participate in the 5k, 10k, half marathon, Dopey Challenge or Goofy Challenge instead.
6. Puffing Billy Running Festival, Australia
Believe it or not, some races involve being chased by bulls or competing with a horse but in Australia, runners face off against a beloved Puffing Billy steam locomotive. Built in the 1900s for the residents of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, the train remains well-kept and has since become a popular tourist attraction. On average, the Puffing Billy takes 52 minutes to complete a full course; the current race record for the Puffing Billy Running Festival‘s 13.5km Classic route – against two steam locomotives – is 42 minutes and 56 seconds, held by Nick Earl. Runners’ companions can even hop on the Puffing Billy to join in on the fun and add a little pressure, especially since competitors have to give way to the train at rail crossings. Alternatively, there’s a 1km Junior Dash, a 5km Family Fun Run, and a 21.1km half marathon category.
7. Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway
While most marathons have runners waking up before the crack of dawn, the Midnight Sun Marathon kicks off at 8.30pm when the sun is still shining bright. After all, being 350km north of the Arctic Circle meant the sun never sets below the horizon in the summer for the city of Tromsø. Thus, the thrill of running under the ‘midnight sun’, surrounded by the calm seas and majestic mountains – an annual event that has been held since 1990 and has captivated more than 6,000 runners worldwide. Catering to a wide range of participants, the event includes a 500m children’s race, a 5km or 10km run, and a half marathon.
8. Inca Trail Marathon, Peru
Ready to put your endurance to the real test? Test your limits by running on the Inca Trail for 42km and be rewarded with an unshakable sense of achievement when you cross the finish line at Machu Pichu. The views will no doubt be spectacular but it’s known to be one of the most challenging marathons in the world for good reason. The trail passes over rocky terrain and around 1,300m of positive elevation gain. The good thing is that the race organisers typically offer packages that include permits, medical support, a training plan, local transport, and more so all you have to focus on is the race.
