Ever heard of a mara-cation? Combining a holiday with a marathon has become a very popular trend amongst sporty vacationers over the past few years. For those who are still looking for their next destination, we’ve made a list of some of the most adventurous marathons to try at least once in your life.
Madagascar Marathon
Madagascar is also known as the Eighth Continent and offers a unique selection of wildlife, making it a destination not to be missed by any adventurer. During the Madagascar Marathon, sporty souls can choose between a marathon, half-marathon, 10K and ultra 50K parcours through the Isalo National Park. The marathon can only be booked via a seven-night package and is considered challenging, as part of the course is on sand, through grass, and through shallow water.
Next date: 31 May 2026
Iceland Volcano Marathon
For those who have always wanted to discover Iceland and its breathtaking selection of geysers, hot springs, and lava rocks, the Iceland Volcano Marathon offers the ideal way to do so. The running parcours is situated in the North Volcanic Zone and centred around the Hverfjall crater. Thanks to the Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Quarter Marathon, the race is accessible to a wide range of runners, although it is more likely to cater to trail lovers than to those who are used to running solely on asphalted roads.
Next date: 27 June 2026
Kangaroo Island Run Festival
Considered as one of the must-visit regions in Australia by Lonely Planet, Kangaroo Island most certainly is a spectacular location for a marathon. The Kangaroo Island Run Festival marathon, half-marathon, and 10K take runners on a journey through the Flinders Chase National Park. The post-bushfire regenerating flora and fauna, as well as the spectacular, ocean-overlooking landscape, simply cannot be enjoyed anywhere else in the world.
Next date: 23 August 2026
Antarctic Ice Marathon
Not many people get to see Antarctica, and even fewer get to experience the continent like those running the Antarctic Ice Marathon. With an average temperature of -20°C, snow, ice, and what is likely to be a strong wind, this race is not for the fainthearted. Both the Frozen Continent Half-Marathon and the Antarctic Ice Marathon will provide runners with unforgettable sights, but given the USD $22,500 entry fee, the race clearly is not fit for everyone. Also good to know: there won’t be any penguins on the parcours due to its location.
Next date: 12 December 2026
Lost City Marathon
The Lost City Marathon presents itself as a run through time, and that might be quite correct. Participants will run through the Chiapas jungle in the Mayan city of Palenque on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, offering a spectacular backdrop for the challenging race. The spectacular rivers, unique fauna and flora, and UNESCO World Heritage Site make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience well worth the while.
Next date: 27 February 2027
