16 Races All Avid Runners Should Check Out

Marné Amoguis 4m 1,038 #running

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Running is only part of being an avid runner. Those who are passionate about running enjoy watching other people race while learning about all the different types of races they can compete in. As a runner, you need to know all the races around the world that you can watch and participate in. If you’re traveling to participate in any of these marathons, make sure to stay safe while you travel around the world. Here’s our list of races all avid runners should check out. 

1. The Big Five Marathon

Running is more than just an exercise; it’s a lifestyle that allows you to live a better life. The Big Five Marathon is a 26.2-mile safari race through the savannah in just one of Africa’s big five game reserves. This marathon offers runners the chance to see elephants, rhinos, lions, and more. Of course, for this marathon, you’ll need different types of running shoes since you’ll be running on dirt instead of the road. 

2. Paris Marathon

The Paris Marathon should be on every avid runner’s list of race goals. It has over 35,000 runners that participate. This marathon begins on the Champs-Elysees, then courses through the Seine and past some of Paris’ most popular attractions, including the Place de la Bastille and the Louvre. 

Perhaps one of the best parts of participating in this marathon is the fact that locals serve wine and cheese to runners once they get close to the finish. 

3. Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon is where records are made with fast and flat terrain as you run through Berlin and crows of people. This marathon begins and ends near the Brandenburg Gate. 

4. Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is an exotic major that puts you in the middle of Tokyo to experience a marathon unlike any other. 

5. Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon takes runners through 29 neighborhoods located in Chicago. Even though this race takes place in the U.S., contestants are from over 100 other countries. 

6. Galapagos Marathon

The Galapagos Marathon is another marathon with beautiful scenery. It’s also the only race where you can find giant tortoises and sea lions as you run your way to the finish line. All international runners sponsor a local by paying the local’s entrance fee, so all you have to do is pay for a local to join the race, and you can run among the tortoises. 

7. Mount Everest Marathon

The Mount Everest Marathon is the highest race, starting close to the Everest Base Camp. You can expect wondrous views in the Himalayas for a one-in-a-lifetime experience. 

8. Vienna City Marathon

The Vienna City Marathon begins between skyscrapers near the UN complex and crosses the Reichsbrucke bridge, then down through the green scenery of Prater Park and past the Opera House. 

9. French Riviera Marathon

France’s second-largest race, the French Riviera Marathon, is a beautiful race that hugs the coast beginning on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. It winds its way along the Cote d’Azur and finishes at the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes. Unlike marathons in London and New York, the supporters of this marathon aren’t all over the place. Instead, you’ll experience the sound of other runners instead of cheers in some areas. However, the quiet, combined with the views of the sea, make for a perfect marathon even if you don’t have much support. 

10. Ultra Trail de Mont-Blanc

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc occurs in three countries, including France, Switzerland, and Italy. To qualify for this race, you need to get qualifying points and commit to a 30-hour marathon to finish. Participating in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc requires you to stay overseas longer than other marathons because of its grueling but rewarding length. You can sublet an apartment for the duration of your stay or book a stay at a hotel. 

11. Star Wars Half Marathon

The Star Wars Half Marathon is for Star Wars lovers, where you’ll run with Darth Vader and other cast members through the Disneyland Resort. This marathon is only 13.1 miles, making it a half marathon, but it’s one of the best ones to enjoy with friends and family, especially if you’re a fan. 

12. Inca Trail Marathon

The Inca Trail Marathon begins at the Llactapata ruins and follows a breathtaking view of the Andean trails through Incan sites. Your race will end at Machu Picchu. 

13. Volcano Marathon

In the Atacama Desert, you can run a marathon in the driest place on earth through sand dunes and rocks. During your marathon, you’ll have beautiful views of ten volcanoes in the area. Because this marathon is so dry, make sure to pack extra water to ensure hydration throughout the entire run. 

14. Antarctic Ice Marathon

In the Antarctic Ice Marathon, you can run just a few hundred miles away from the South Pole near the Ellsworth mountains. Temperatures average at around 20 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest marathon on our list. Because it’s so cold, you can’t expect much support from a crowd. 

15. The Red Bull 400

The Red Bull 400 is a tough competition that tests your commitment and endurance the entire time. The event first began in 2011 in Austria but is now international, with participants coming from a variety of sports. Race times for this marathon get faster every day, so the competition is fierce. 

16. Hood to Coast Relay

The Hood to Coast Relay is a long-distance race consisting of 192 miles from the top of Oregon’s Mount Hood to a small town called Seaside just off the coast. This race has a 36-hour time limit, and every team member runs three legs to total 17 miles each. During this race, you’ll drive to each checkpoint in a van, which you can decorate however you like. You’ll also overtake runners along the way and mark the numbers on the side of your van as you race.

Participating in the World’s Best Races

Being an avid runner means you’re always looking for your next event. When looking for the best race, consider things like travel plans and location. Always do your research on a race to find out what you need to do to participate and qualify.

(