Working 26.2 miles isn’t simple. However very long time runners typically discover that they need a completely completely different problem from say aiming for a PR and even working an Ultramarathon. As an alternative, they’re looking for out the toughest marathons on the planet.
We wouldn’t need you to spend precious coaching time looking throughout, so as an alternative our crew has gone out to domesticate that checklist for you! And naturally quite a few the athletes we practice via customized 1-1 run teaching have accomplished many of those races!
For every we’ll provide the when, the the place, the why and a few suggestions from different runners that can assist you resolve!
Pikes Peak Marathon (September 21, 2025)
The place Is It?
The Pikes Peak Marathon kicks off in Manitou Springs, CO, on the base of Pikes Peak.
The path ascends after which descends the mountain, which tops out at 14,115 ft.
What Makes It Powerful?
- The path positive aspects 8,000 ft of elevation in simply the primary half of the race, and among the spots close to the summit are extremely steep.
- The common gradient of the path is 11%.
- The peak altitude is over 14,000 ft.
- Excessive alpine environments are identified for quickly altering climate, so understanding the way to gown for sudden modifications is a should.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- The path consists of rugged terrain like unfastened gravel, rocks, slender paths, and sharp turns.
- The typical time is almost three hours slower than the typical end time at different marathons.
- With the intention to enter, you need to run a qualifying occasion to show you’ve a health stage that may deal with the trek.
Why It’s Price It
Many who’ve accomplished the Pikes Peak Marathon discover that the race’s important assessments of their bodily and psychological fortitude gave them a way of accomplishment they haven’t felt as strongly after different races. Finishing this harrowing race was a turning level that allowed them to imagine they may do something they put their minds to.
There’s additionally a powerful sense of group among the many runners and volunteers, in addition to these runners who’ve accomplished it up to now.
MarathonMary had nothing however optimistic issues to say after her expertise:
This was a dream come true for me! I had saved it for my CO race state and was ready….effectively I simply determined it was going to be my 12 months! Then COVID hit and I used to be frightened it was not going to be my 12 months……effectively it was the very best 12 months to do it! I had a lot of time to coach, ran each hill in PA and hoped for the very best! It was completely superb!!!! In case you are debating….simply do it! You by no means know the way you’ll do until you give it a strive! I used to be a rock star on the ascent…nevertheless what killed me was the downhill! I didn’t practice for that and it was onerous on my physique….however I did it! The city was superior and simply tremendous cute! A lot to do, I in all probability did an excessive amount of after the race, together with the incline and climbing Pikes from the opposite aspect a couple of days later! I assume I’m a mountain junkie 😉 Cherished each minute!!!
Kilimanjaro Path Marathon (August 30, 2025)
The place Is It?
The Kilimanjaro Path Marathon begins at Ushirika Stadium at Moshi Cooperative College in Moshi, Tanzania, earlier than winding via trails close to the bottom of Mount Kilimanjaro.
What Makes It Powerful?
- That is one other altitude run, so if you happen to’re not skilled with that side, coaching is a should.
- The temperatures in Tanzania are sweltering, with race day highs simply reaching 100°F.
- You’ll ascend round 9000 ft in altitude through the first a part of the race.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- Attending to Moshi generally is a trek for marathoners coming from different components of the world, so that you would possibly wish to mix your marathon with a couple of additional days to see the sights when you’re there.
- The street is not solely paved and also you’ll face terrain modifications alongside the best way.
- The course is a loop that runners full 4 occasions to complete.
Why It’s Price It
Not solely is Mount Kilimanjaro breathtaking, runners can even be handled to views of banana and occasional plantations and native villages alongside their means.
After the race, many runners select to stay round and benefit from the vibrant tradition and sense of group as they immerse themselves in Tanzanian tradition.
Runner chimikey says it was tougher than he anticipated:
First, this ought to be a referred to as a “Path” run, because it appears 20 of the 26 miles is off street with excessive undulating elevation, and also you’re already at over 2000′ elevation! It’s been some time since I’ve misplaced a toenail, however I’m shedding each large toenails actual quickly, a small share of this could possibly be attributed to my sneakers not being 100% damaged in but, however most of this comes from the hilliness and off-road half, I simply wasn’t ready or anticipated it. A really well mannered, completely satisfied, proud and respectful nation.. I’m glad I did this and am form of glad I didn’t know the way onerous it might be going into it, ignorance is bliss, my completely satisfied place.
Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon (Could twenty ninth, 2025)
The place Is It?
The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, named in honor of the primary males to efficiently summit Everest, takes place within the Solukhumbu area of Nepal. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, his Nepalese sherpa, completed the feat on Could 29, 1953.
Marathon runners take off from Mount Everest Base Camp and end their race at Namche Bazaar.
What Makes It Powerful?
- The place to begin, Everest Base Camp, is at an elevation of 17,598 ft, and is the highest start line for any marathon on the planet.
- Runners rountely cope with altitude illness or low oxygen, even when they take into account themselves acclimated to working in excessive altitudes elsewhere on the planet.
- The terrain is diversified and difficult, and contains glaciers, steep climbs, and rocky paths.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- The route is taken into account marginally harmful, with a higher-than-usual likelihood of slipping or contending with rockfalls.
- Climate circumstances can change quickly, with snowstorms and excessive chilly being routine within the space.
Why It’s Price It
The marathon route follows historic Sherpa trails of the Khumbu Valley, so if you happen to’re a historical past buff, this one positively affords a bit of one thing additional.
The views are awe-inspiring and embrace many Himalayan peaks, together with Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Runners are additionally in a position to spot monasteries, villages, and forests, and supply the chance to glimpse Sherpa tradition and traditions.
Runner chimikey says it was an enormous dedication, however price it large time:
It is a 3 week dedication.. held each Could 29, the anniversary of the primary climbing, a couple of 12 day hike (a pair relaxation days) to the beginning line.. the altitude and terrain is a superb equalizer. It’s the toughest factor, emotionally, bodily and mentally that I’ve ever achieved. I’ve by no means stop a marathon, as my kidneys have been shutting down.. I wished to stop, however there was no the place to stop to.. I completed in darkness, about 3 hours previous what I wished.. probably the most stunning views ever.
Antarctic Ice Marathon (December 13, 2025)
The place Is It?
The Antarctic Ice Marathon begins at Union Glacier, round 600 miles from the South Pole.
This race is taken into account the southernmost marathon on Earth.
What Makes It Powerful?
- Temperatures can dip very low, making frostbite and hypothermia very actual considerations.
- The race is run on snow and ice, so falls and slips are a daily occurence.
- The terrain is uneven and onerous to foretell, since nobody is acquainted with it forward of time.
- Climate circumstances are an element, with sturdy winds, snow flurries, and blizzards influencing the course.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- Between the terrain, the climate, and the all-around harsh circumstances, this marathon is a important bodily problem.
- The distant location is tough to entry, and makes it difficult to entry medical help.
Why It’s Price It
Finishing this race is an achievement like no different, and the unparalleled problem attracts excessive adventurers from everywhere in the world.
Whereas the toughness of the Antarctic Ice Marathon is likely one of the largest attracts, the breathtaking, stark great thing about the area is one thing most individuals won’t ever see with their very own two eyes. Runners say the vastness of the panorama supplies a way of humility, and the reminiscences and camaraderie discovered on the ice are certain to final a lifetime.
If you happen to’re somebody who has a “seven continent problem” in your bucket checklist, that is definitely a great way to test the toughest one off the checklist.
This man wouldn’t do it once more, however he’s completely satisfied to have achieved it as soon as:
Our Zodiacs (rubber rafts) the ship about 11:15 and we sat for a bit off-shore whereas Wave 1 people completed and boarded an adjoining Zodiac. As soon as 10 we’re off the island, the subsequent 10 may land. As soon as on land, we shedded our “Antarctica Gear” (rubber boots and waterproof pants and parka) and placed on our trainers as shortly as doable. No heat up time; we had about 5 minutes to line up.
6 laps for the marathon alongside a gravel/grime/mud street. The footing was superb and we solely had a few unavoidable muddy patches. On this a part of KGI there is no such thing as a snow this time of 12 months (finish of Summer time), however a lot of streams from the seen melting glaciers crossed the street. I had introduced two pairs of path sneakers, yet one more rugged (with gaiters!), however may have used a strong street shoe. My light-weight Adidas Terrex race sneakers have been good for the circumstances.
The views have been spectacular and served as a relentless reminder that we have been in a really particular atmosphere. The solar turned the bays into a lovely darkish blue coloration and there have been beautiful glaciers and rock formations round each curve. It was breathtaking.
And good factor it was, as this course was a monster. We had a lot of time to admire the views. The overall climb was over a mile, with a number of hills that compelled sub-3hr runners to stroll (after the primary joyful lap, not less than). It was cruel. Hill after hill, with solely about ¾ of a mile of comparatively flat course (<4% grade) every means towards the Uruguay turn-around.
The final lap was met with curses, however I reveled in telling myself that this was the final time I’d must climb every hill alongside the best way. I ran the final mile via gritted tooth and tears, having accomplished the toughest bodily occasion of my life.
The employees and supporters rushed me out of my sneakers and into my boots and parka (I’m SO appreciative to not have to alter by myself) and I used to be rushed right into a Zodiac and again to the ship.
Am I glad I did it? Heck yeah. Would I do it a second time? No means.
The issue of this was off-the-charts. If the climate wasn’t good, I don’t suppose many greater than half of the runners end beneath the time cutoff. Because it was, some runners have been allowed to exceed the time cutoff solely due to the nice and cozy climate. Those that miss the cut-off time obtain “NFT” but get “credit score” for checking this continent off their checklist (Marathon Excursions “owns” the Seven Continents Membership factor, in order that they get to make the principles.). It was a really costly journey, although respectable worth for the cash. It wasn’t “working throughout glaciers,” which I’m certain is a few people’ thought of what this ought to be, however I’m grateful for that in hindsight.
The sense of accomplishment right here is fairly near what I felt after my first Marathon. It was unforgettable
The Inca Path Marathon (August 27, 2025)
The place Is It?
Thought of by some to be probably the most tough marathon on the planet, the Inca Path Marathon begins close to the village of Ollantaytambo on the KM82 checkpoint, which has an elevation of roughly 8,650 ft.
Most runners arrive in Cusco, Peru earlier than the race, after which take non-public transportation 2 hours to the checkpoint.
What Makes It Powerful?
- The excessive altitude means thinner air and decrease oxygen ranges, and with out correct coaching, runners are more likely to get altitude illness.
- The terrain consists of a 500-year-old cobblestone path that’s uneven and steep. It additionally traverses rocky terrain with steep drop-offs.
- The elevation achieve all through the course is critical, because the path contains two mountain passes over 13,000 ft, and two different peaks round 12,000 ft.
- The climate circumstances are onerous to foretell and fluctuate between day and evening to the tune of 60-70 levels.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- That is an extraordinarily demanding race bodily, and your coaching must embrace excessive altitudes, difficult terrain, and elevation positive aspects and losses.
- There’s additionally restricted room within the marathon and the spots promote out shortly.
- Money and time will play an element, as specialists suggest spending a number of days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude and atmosphere.
Why It’s Price It
This is likely to be one of the tough marathons on the planet, however there’s no query amongst those that have run it that the time, expense, coaching, and journey are all price it.
The Working the Inca Path not solely permits breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, cloud forests, and historical ruins, however it provides runners the prospect to attach with a chunk of historical past within the course of. It culminates at Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage web site and one of many New Seven Wonders of the World.
Runner dougiefres1 positively agrees after seeing it for himself:
Billed because the world’s hardest marathon, it lived as much as the expectations. You cowl over 10,000 ft of elevation achieve over the course together with Lifeless Lady’s Cross at 13,800 ft. If the altitude doesn’t get you then the a number of uneven stone steps will. Stunning course with end at Machu Picchu. Nice tour and help with Erik’s adventures. Strict 12 hour cut-off to complete in a single day-otherwise spend a second evening on the path to complete the subsequent day.
The Sahara Marathon (February 25, 2025)
The place Is It?
The Sahara Marathon begins on the Western Sahara Refugee Camps close to Tindouf, Algeria.
The beginning line is close to El Ayoun and ends close to Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania, at Smara Camp.
What Makes It Powerful?
- The desert is understood for intense warmth, with temperatures averaging round 104°F through the day whereas dropping to a lot colder lows through the evening. This could trigger runners to battle with dehydration and warmth exhaustion.
- The terrain is sandy, although there’s a paved stretch of about 5K. The sand is difficult packed in some locations and unfastened in others, and strikes from flat to rolling dunes.
- Staying hydrated generally is a problem, since support stations run low on water and don’t all the time inventory snacks like carbohydrates.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- The race is isolating and the circumstances are harsh, which might take a psychological toll on a runner along with a bodily one.
- Rivals stick with households within the refugee camp earlier than the race.
- Circumstances are pretty primitive, and a few won’t benefit from the latrines or the delicacies choices within the camp.
- There’ll doubtless be a language barrier together with your host Saharawi household.
Why It’s Price It
Those that’ve participated within the Sahara Marathon really feel a way of journey touring via such a distant, hostile panorama.
Runners even have the privilege of experiencing Sahrawi tradition. The marathon raises consciousness and funds for these refugees, who’ve lived in exile since Morocco invaded and occupied Western Sahara in 1976.
Individuals who full this race typically really feel a way of camaraderie that turns into lifelong friendships and intense connections with the Sahrawi individuals.
Additionally, participant YanisNanashi says it’s a run he’ll always remember:
Working the Sahara Marathon is likely one of the finest experiences ever. You stick with a household in a refugee camp within the south west of Algeria along with runners from everywhere in the world. The spirit is superb and so is the race. The climate was superior for the primary 20 km, getting heat and even scorching for the final a part of the course. The Sahrawi individuals have been cheering like loopy and everybody was having enjoyable. Wonderful group spirit! Good T-Shirt and a home made medal! Superior race!!!
Nice Wall Marathon (Could 17, 2025)
The place Is It?
The Nice Wall Marathon begins and ends on the Huangyaguan part of the Nice Wall of China in Tianjin province.
The race takes runners alongside a piece of the wall itself throughout a difficult loop that travels backwards and forwards from Yin & Yang Sq..
What Makes It Powerful?
- Runners traverse 5,164 historic stone steps of various heights and widths.
- The terrain is difficult with sections of unfastened stones, gravel, crumbling partitions, lacking steps, and sections of the wall which can be in want of restore.
- There are important elevation modifications all through the race, with each steep inclines and steep descents.
- The “goat observe” is a particularly steep ascent that’s a part of the course.
Different Issues To Contemplate
- The race is run in each excessive warmth and excessive humidity.
- The climate will be unpredictable, which might create slippery terrain or require extra climate gear.
Why It’s Price It
The setting and surroundings are picturesque, with beautiful views of each the Nice Wall and the encircling countryside. Runners additionally get a glimpse into historical Chinese language historical past and might work together with villagers alongside the route.
The occasion affords many non-compulsory tour packages together with their registration, so runners can even take time away from race day to discover Chinese language tradition and historical past.
Participant Erk.M.Hernandez describes a race he’ll always remember.
This was a very powerful race however superb to have achieved! Attending to run on the Nice Wall was one thing to always remember; the primary mile takes you up a mountain after which while you get to the highest you get to climb up on the wall to considered one of it’s tallest peaks and down once more. By the point you end that you simply suppose: I’ve run not less than half the race already, however no, solely 4 miles! The remainder of the course retains you on road stage and also you run via a neighborhood nation/mountain village. You actually get to see the native individuals and expertise a race like none different.
Searching for extra attention-grabbing races world wide?
Take a look at these guides we’ve put collectively!