EUROPE

20 Destination Marathons That Are More Than Just a Race

admin November 11, 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a a newbie planning the first race event, travel and marathons go hand in hand when pursued correctly. Combining destination races with active holidays gives runners the chance to tick off bucket-list marathons, enjoy the scenery, and apply smart running strength and conditioning. Below are 20 compelling marathon destinations where giving up a weekend of sightseeing for a 42.195 km effort pays off in unforgettable experience and global culture.

1. Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

2. Berlin Marathon (Berlin, Germany – Europe marathon classic)

  • One of the fastest courses in Europe, ideal for PBs via strong running strength and conditioning. SportCoaching+1
  • Entry: typically lottery/ballot opens many months in advance; check official site for current cycle.
  • Why it’s on the list: A major destination race, perfect for active holidays combining sightseeing and marathon prep.

3. Paris Marathon (Paris, France – Europe marathon)

  • April each year; entry by ballot and charity slots. SportCoaching+1
  • Site: official marathon Paris page.
  • The appeal: Historic city route, strong crowd support, and a great option for those seeking travel + running adventure.

4. Košice Peace Marathon (Košice, Slovakia)

  • The oldest continuously running marathon in Europe (established 1924). Wikipedia
  • Entry: Opens many months ahead; check kosicemarathon.com for ballot/places.
  • Why: A lesser-crowded European bucket-list marathon with rich history.

5. Midnight Sun Marathon (Tromsø, Norway – truly unique marathon)

  • Held June, under Arctic midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. Visit Tromso | Norway+1
  • Entry: Register via official site msm.no when opens; limited places.
  • Why: One of the most unique destination marathons you’ll encounter. Ideal for someone looking for a standout race.
  • Why not head to the Lofoten islands while you are the for a Lofoten road trip!

6. Jungfrau Marathon (Interlaken, Switzerland – extreme marathon)

  • Mountain marathon with ~1 953 m climb finishing at Kle­ine Scheidegg/Eigergletscher. marathons2025.com+1
  • Entry: Opens mid-Feb; high demand and waiting list.
  • Why: Truly an extreme marathon requiring high running strength and conditioning, set in spectacular Alpine scenery.

7. Marathon du Médoc (Médoc wine region, France – unique marathon)

  • Combines wine tasting, costumes, vineyards—running but with festival vibe. Wikipedia
  • Entry: Usually opens months ahead; check official site.
  • Why: Combines running with travel, culture and fun—a bucket-list choice for those who want more than just the race.

8. Athens Marathon (Athens, Greece – classic historic marathon)

  • Route follows roughly the original Marathon to Athens; strong travel appeal. Finishers
  • Entry: By ballot/qualification; check official website.
  • Why: Pulls together history, destination race, and serious challenge.

9. Rome Marathon (Rome, Italy – Europe marathon)

  • Spring race; course winds past ancient monuments. SportCoaching
  • Entry: Ballot/early sign-up; official site opens late previous year.
  • Why: Ideal travel plus race combo with emphasis on scenery and experience.

10. Venice Marathon (Venice, Italy – destination marthon)

  • Known for scenic route across lagoon and bridges; part of European marathon bucket list. hotelfollower.com+1
  • Entry: Usually opens around January for autumn race.
  • Why: Combines travel, unique cityscape and running.

11. Istanbul Marathon (Istanbul, Turkey)

  • Runs across continents (Europe and Asia), city-race for those seeking travel + running. marathonrunnersdiary.com+1
  • Entry: Early registration via official site; seats fill fast.
  • Why: Unique destination and marathon experience.

12. Lisbon Marathon (Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Listed among scenic European marathons with strong travel appeal. SportCoaching
  • Entry: Opens months ahead; check official site.
  • Why: Relatively light crowds but strong destination credentials.
  • Check out the history of Lisbon here.

13. Great Ocean Road Marathon (Victoria, Australia – extreme marathon)

  • The route along Great Ocean Road is scenic and challenging. Runner’s Goal
  • Entry: Likely early in the year for later race; check official.
  • Why: For runners who want “active holidays” plus marathon in spectacular terrain.

14. Zermatt Marathon (Zermatt, Switzerland – mountain marathon)

  • Steep ascent, classic Swiss Alps setting. Wikipedia
  • Entry: July race; registration opens months earlier.
  • Why: Running strength and conditioning vital; perfect for mountain-marathon lovers.

15. Marathon du Médoc (we already listed but to complete count we can include another) – Actually let’s include the Midnight Sun Marathon we already included, so for a fresh one: Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon (Ibiza, Spain – destination marathon)

  • April race on Ibiza; combining island travel and marathon. Cadena SER
  • Entry: Early registration opens late previous year/early year.
  • Why: Ideal for those seeking active holidays, sun, destination running and a “holiday” vibe.

16. Tokyo Marathon (Tokyo, Japan – World Marathon Major)

  • Entry: Strict lottery/ballot system; registration typically opens in August for the March race. See tokyo42195.org.
  • Why it’s special: A marathon bucket list essential — the Tokyo Marathon blends modern urban energy with centuries of culture. The course is flat, fast, and impeccably organised, making it ideal for those applying structured running strength and conditioning programs. Combine this with active holidays exploring Japan’s food, art, and temples for a truly immersive travel experience.

17. Big Sur International Marathon (California, USA – coastal scenic marathon)

  • Entry: Limited spots via lottery (opens July); charity and tour entries also available. See bigsurmarathon.org.
  • Why it’s special: Hugging California’s rugged Pacific coastline, Big Sur is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful races. The rolling hills, iconic Bixby Bridge, and ocean views require serious hill prep and running physio-supported strength training. It’s not a PB course — it’s an experience course — perfect for those turning running into an art form.

18. New York City Marathon (New York, USA – iconic urban marathon)

  • Entry: Lottery system opens February; guaranteed entry through charity or time qualification. See nycmarathon.org.
  • Why it’s special: The largest marathon in the world, crossing all five boroughs, lined with roaring crowds. For runners seeking energy, diversity, and a challenge, this is a pinnacle of the global marathon bucket list. Strong hips, quads, and calves — developed through targeted running strength and conditioning — are key for the bridges and rolling course.

19. Patagonia International Marathon (Torres del Paine, Chile – extreme scenic marathon)

  • Entry: Direct registration; sells out quickly, with entries opening January for the September race. Visit patagoniamarathon.com.
  • Why it’s special: Run through the windswept wilderness of Patagonia, with views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and granite spires. Harsh winds, uneven terrain, and unpredictable weather make this an extreme marathon requiring proper preparation, technical running advice, and resilience — a true test of physical and mental strength for those seeking a wild active holiday.

20. Honolulu Marathon (Honolulu, Hawaii – tropical marathon)

  • Entry: Open registration (no qualifying time); early bird sign-up opens April for the December race. See honolulumarathon.org.
  • Why it’s special: One of the few major marathons with no entry cap, offering a stunning sunrise start along Waikiki and Diamond Head. Warm, humid conditions test hydration strategies and running physio-guided conditioning. It’s ideal for runners wanting a marathon combined with a tropical recovery escape — an active holiday that balances effort and relaxation.

Tips for Preparing (especially for a running physio-aware approach)

  • Start early: Destination marathons often require early planning for travel, accommodation and entry — many open 9-12 months ahead or use ballot/lottery.
  • Incorporate running strength and conditioning: If you’re training for a scenic or extreme course (e.g., mountain marathon, sea-level marathon), your program should include hills, core stability, controlled descent training — all aligned with running physio best practices to minimise injury risk.
  • Choose travel + recovery wisely: Active holidays mean you’re combining race with exploration; schedule downtime, pre-race taper periods, proper sleep and recovery nutrition so your body is primed.
  • Logistics matter: When running in a foreign destination, check time zones, weather variation, course profile (flat vs climb), aid station frequency, and surface conditions — these impact planning for nutrition, pacing and injury prevention.
  • Bucket list mindset: Select marathons not just for times but for the experience — combining destination travel, cultural immersion and the joy of running adds meaning beyond the finish line.

By selecting from the list above, you align your running goals with global travel, ticking off a true marathon bucket list while respecting your body’s needs for running advice, running strength and conditioning, and the wise involvement of a running physio perspective. Lace up, travel well, and run strong.