You can decide to discover a new destination running or make the run itself the reason for the trip.
Alongside the classic marathons in Boston, New York, London, Milan and so on there are races in more distant and unusual destinations to test the desire to cross the finish line.
Safaricom Marathon, Kenya
A marathon in the wilderness, with no physical barrier between you and 26 lions, 137 rhinos, 182 giraffes and 1160 zebras. Curious giraffes may join you from time to time, while 140 armed rangers and three helicopters monitor the route to ensure it is free from super predators. The heat, the climbs and an average altitude of 1700m contribute to making the challenge even more demanding.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a four-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Nairobi. The marathon takes place in June. www.safaricommarathon.com
North Pole Marathon
The coldest marathon in the world: pack very warm clothing, travel to Svalbard, Norway, and then board a plane to the polar ice cap for a truly unique run. The 42.2km route runs along the icy waters of the Arctic: extreme conditions and snow suits and boots require a slower pace than usual.
The hefty participation fee of € 16,000 includes round-trip flight from Svalbard to the North Pole camp and helicopter tours.www.npmarathon.com
Marathon du Médoc, France
Reaching the finish line of a marathon is always a challenge, but the Marathon du Médoc, with its many wine stages in the acclaimed Bordeaux vineyards, is a truly unique physical test. We said ‘numerous’ because many competitors don’t even remember how many stops they made! Along the way, cheese, pates and other delicacies are offered.
The run, held in September, starts and ends in Pauillac, which can be reached from Bordeaux by train, bus and shuttle.www.marathondumedoc.com
Marathon des Sables, Morocco
Are you ready to run the equivalent of six marathons in a week, including 80km in one go? OK. Try doing it in the soft sands of the Sahara. Ah, and turn up the thermostat
over 50 ° C and carry a week of food on your shoulders (minimum 2000 calories per day). This multi-stage event will take you to the limit of your possibilities and beyond, guaranteed.
The Marathon des Sables, which covers around 250km in southern Morocco, takes place in the first half of April. www.marathondessables.com
Grand to Grand Ultra, USA
The first self-financed multi-stage race in the United States, this 273km ultramarathon takes competitors from the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the top of the Grand Staircase, one of the most celebrated geological formations on the planet. The desert route passes through red sand dunes and narrow canyons and passes towering hills, slender hoodoos (pinnacles) and vast rocky plateaus.
Las Vegas International Airport is 320 km from the ride base in Kanab, Utah. www.g2gultra.com