The world's most scenic marathons

Fancy a run with a view? Take your pick from these scenic destination marathons and get more than you bargained for as you cross the finish line, says Ian Valentine

The Big Five, South Africa

For any serious runner, this is one for the bucket list. As the name suggests, you'll be running past some of Africa’s most famous game, with a stunning savannah backdrop to boot. There's nothing like being chased down by a hungry lion for helping you achieve your personal best.

big-five-marathon.com

The Big Five, South Africa

Australian Outback Marathon

For this relatively new but popular race, you’ll jog between Uluru – aka Ayers Rock – and Kata Tjuta on the red earth of the Aussie bush. Wildlife to watch out for includes the ring-tail dragon, so bring your camera. Although if you can snap and run, you're more coordinated than we are.

australianoutbackmarathon.com

Australian Outback Marathon

Great Wall Marathon

For sheer agony, the 5,164 steps of the Great Wall take some beating. If you can make it through your own wall (of pain), the views are hard to outdo. Luckily, only a small part of the race takes place on the wall, and for most runners, the warm welcome from the local villagers makes it worthwhile.

great-wall-marathon.com

Great Wall Marathon

Patagonian International Marathon

Set in the ruggedly beautiful Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, this is the most eco-friendly race in the world. Instead of medals, each runner has a tree planted in their name, while the organisers insist that all competitors carry their own bottle to avoid cup waste. With lengthy climbs and strong winds, you’ll need plenty of bottle to finish.

patagonianinternationalmarathon.com

Patagonian International Marathon

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Published: Tuesday 21st April 2015

Culture

If you’re going to run hard for 26 miles, then at least do it somewhere pretty…

The grandstand city marathons of London, New York, Boston, Paris, Chicago and Berlin have swelled the popularity of endurance running during the last 30 years. Marathon tourism is now a big-buck industry with a worldwide circuit of smile-raising – and gut-busting – race venues to choose from.

Simply completing the distance used to be the goal. Now, runners are looking for exotic and taxing courses to conquer. It’s not the finishing line snap that sits on the mantelpiece, but trophy shots by Uluru, the Great Wall of China or a herd of passing elephant.

At these destination events, you can expect to forget about beating your personal best. Besides, it would be a crime to put your head down and run, without soaking in the spectacular views. But please keep one eye on the clock. On some of the wilder races, you certainly don’t want to be left behind...

Click through the gallery above to see our run-down of the world's most scenic marathons

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