Destination Marathons Around the World

Take a trip around the seven continents and choose your next race

BY EMILY MEYER  EDUARDO HERNÁNDEZ IMPACT assistant editor, fitness and travel enthusiast in Calgary, AB. EMILY.MEYER.TRAVELTALES EMILY MEYER

After a few years of virtual races, travel restrictions and uncertainty, it’s time to start dreaming big again. We’ve compiled the ultimate bucket list of marathons from around the world. From our own backyard to the chilly shores of Antarctica and everything in between, we’re taking you on a global adventure.

Get your passport ready and lace up those runners because whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or you’ve flirted with the idea of running one, these marathons are going to inspire you.

North America

Big Sur International Marathon

For one of the most scenic marathons in the world, try this point-to-point course along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel. Spectacular scenery including crashing waves and towering redwoods will be a welcome distraction from the distance you have to cover. This race has a limited number of entries, so don’t wait to book.

APRIL | Big Sur, California

WWW.BIGSURMARATHON.ORG

BSIMEVENTS

LUIS ESCOBAR

Columbia Gorge Marathon

Enjoy spectacular fall colours as you run along the Columbia River Gorge. The route passes by waterfalls, slips through the small town of Mosier and offers a fantastic view at the Rowena Viewpoint turnaround.

OCTOBER | Hood River, Oregon

WWW.COLUMBIAGORGEMARATHON.COM

COLUMBIAGORGEMARATHON

ADAM LAPIERRE/ BREAKAWAY PROMOTIONS

Reggae Marathon

Good vibes, reggae music and an unbeatable pre-race pasta party make this marathon a standout. A massive spread of every kind of pasta plus other carbs will fuel your muscles through the marathon and beyond.

DECEMBER | Negril, Jamaica

WWW.REGGAEMARATHON.COM

REGGAEMARATHON

KAREN FUCHS/REGGAE MARATHON ➝

Royal Victoria Marathon

With an elevation change of only 74 feet, the Royal Victoria Marathon offers runners a scenic route along the ocean with a few gentle hills. You’ll run through the famous Beacon Hill Park, past the B.C. parliament buildings and enjoy views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains of Washington.

OCTOBER | Victoria, British Columbia

WWW.RUNVICTORIAMARATHON.COM

RUNVICTORIAMARATHON

MATT CECIL

Servus Calgary Marathon

Not only was the Calgary Marathon the first in Western Canada, but it is also Canada’s longest-running marathon, celebrating its 59th birthday this year. A lot has changed since 1963 when 19 men took part in the first-ever event. Now thousands of people from around the world flock to Calgary to run through downtown and the scenic southwest neighbourhoods of the city.

MAY | Calgary, Alberta

WWW.CALGARYMARATHON.COM

CALGARYMARATHON

ANGELA BURGER

Banff Marathon

To get your fill of fantastic mountain scenery, you can’t beat this marathon. Your race begins in the mountain village of Banff and takes you on an incredibly beautiful journey through amazing natural landscapes. You’ll pass Vermillion Lakes and travel along the scenic Bow River returning to cheering crowds in downtown Banff.

JUNE  | Banff, Alberta

WWW.BANFFMARATHON.COM

BANFFMARATHON

PAM DOYLE