10 Bucket List Marathons For Runners

[@LifeofPano]

I ran the Athens marathon today. Absolutely amazing experience cant recommend enough. The vibe is unreal and 20000 runners battling the hills is definitely a sight. Finishing in the Panathenaic stadium is for sure the highlight. Also Fidipidis ran from Athens to Sparta (about 200km) to get help, then ran to Marathon to battle and then from Marathon to Athens to tell the people of victory and then died

[@regularcyclist4852]

Did the Midnight Sun Marathon in 2023. The 24 hours a day of daylight does mess with your head and it’s alien to me starting a marathon that late in the day. Still, I managed a PB at it that I only recently beat. MSM is definitely worth doing.

[@bases100]

I did Antarctica ice marathon in 2023! It’s breathtaking beautiful. I also recommend Auckland, Gold Coast, Mont Blanc, Rio de Janeiro marathon. I will be doing Great Wall in 25 and Everest in 26!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woahhh this is a ridiculous list!!

[@SantaCruzRunner]

EVEREST?!?!? Incredible

[@MusicChristo]

Not exactly Budget marathons😂😂😂

[@FlatToRentUK]

I did Bury St. Edmonds trail marathon last year so I'm pretty sure I win......

[@BruceWayne-us3kw]

The Antarctic ice marathon is on my bucket list.

[@SantaCruzRunner]

So glad you have the Big Sur marathon in there. That’s my home course and first ever marathon five years ago! It’s stunning!

[@MusicChristo]

Thumbs up for including Tromsø Midnight marathon👍. As a Norwegian I have to do it myself one day😂. Btw, I did Athens marathon 8 years ago, highly recommend Athens at that time of the year (mid November)!

[@TimberNinja-kr5tl]

The great ocean road marathon is in Victoria, so in the south *of* Australia, but not in "South Australia." Same same but different haha.

[@rebeccagreen6143]

Came to say the same thing. Southern Australia yes, South Australia no 😂 it is a stunning run though

[@Nayz13]

The great ocean road is beeeeautiful!! I’m a South Aussie

[@davidrogers7787]

Queenstown Marathon is this Saturday! A stunning run with lakes and mountains, with a big party at the end of it.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Oooh we love Queenstown! Great part of the world 😍

[@jennierayner2152]

i'm thinking about doing that next year as my first marathon! a bunch of people i know are doing it, it sounds amazing!

[@simonerussell1154]

I'm an American half marathon runner. I ran my first race in August 2023. I highly recommend three I ran this year: Glacier Half Marathon in Montana and Mt. Rainier Half Marathon in Washington, both by Vacation Races, and St. George Half Marathon in southern Utah. I have a goal to run HALF Marathons in HALF the States in HALF a decade, which I started when I was HALF a century. My races in 2025 are Albuquerque Half Marathon in New Mexico, YOSEMITE Half Marathon in California by Vacation Races, Huckleberry Running Festival Half Marathon at Mt. Hood in Oregon, GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN Half Marathon in Tennessee by Vacation Races, Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon in Indiana, and Fayetteville Half Marathon in Arkansas. In 2026 - Tuscaloosa Half Marathon in Alabama, Jackson Hole Half Marathon in Wyoming, Anchorage Mayors Half Marathon in Alaska - Alaska's most popular one for 40 years, Rocky Mountain Half Marathon in Colorado by Vacation Races, Queen Bee Half Marathon in Ohio, and Springfield Half Marathon in Illinois - Abraham Lincoln's home town. In 2027 - Heart of the Ozarks Half Marathon in Missouri, Myrtle Beach Half Marathon in South Carolina, Trenton Half Marathon in Michigan, Pocatello Half Marathon in Idaho, Mankato Half Marathon in Minnesota, and Orlando Half Marathon in Florida. In 2028 - Irving Frost Half Marathon in Texas, Maine Coast Half Marathon in Maine, and Lake Placid Half Marathon in New York.

[@AylaFuhriKriel-ic7jz]

It’s an Ultra (56k), but Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in South Africa is beautiful and currently on my list for April 2025

[@dorothygraham6183]

Going for number 9 next year. Awesome race.

[@AylaFuhriKriel-ic7jz]

@ amazing achievement! See you in Cape Town! 😄

[@stevenlowry1833]

Technically not a marathon, but the length of two - the Comdrades marathon. I have not run it, but after reading a book about it, I might sign up for the May 2025 race.

[@BobutBrody]

What's the book, Steve?

[@dorothygraham6183]

Go for it you won’t regret it. Awesome race.

[@AylaFuhriKriel-ic7jz]

Second that! My husband is doing his 13th Comrades next year. I’ve been supporting for many years, and it is a must! It’s very emotional at the end; the camaraderie of that race is something I’ve never experienced on any other race! You should def come to SA and do it!

[@stevenlowry1833]

@@BobutBrody Comrades Marathon - the Ultimate Human Race. Part way through - it looks like i talks about the history of the race in blocks of time - the influence of the race on the country and vice versa. And then it details the race from each year. There are a few vieos on youtube about it - one by Sarah Place, girlfiend of Ben Parkes.

[@jcoosthuizen8550]

Just a small correction, it is 8 June 2025. And it is truly a life changer

[@julietwistguernsey]

Whilst not a marathon runner myself, I live in Guernsey, Channel Islands, and we have a marathon every April which pretty much goes around our entire island. Tough start up a steep hill but once the first 4.5 miles are done, it's generally flat and our west coast is beautiful. I've been part of a relay team a couple of times, and my longest leg was 7.5km!

[@christinaclementson]

I agree with your recommendation of the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso! It’s so surreal crossing the finish line at gone midnight in daylight. Got my first BQ at that marathon in 2018 (although didn’t make the cut that year 😢)

[@perwestereng]

I can confirm, ran it this year, and can totally recomend this marathon, very special experoence

[@Tonyr2]

One of my club runners, John, recently ran the Greenland marathon and from his posts he loved it. He must like the snow and cold as last year he ran the Everest marathon but it didn't end well as he collapsed around mile 20 and got airlifted off. Altitude sickness was the cause but obviously he's right as rain now. So many awesome looking marathons around the world you've highlighted here Ben.

[@AmarKumar-gx3nz]

Great set of marathons for a bucket list! I ran the 2024 Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø. The whole experience was surreal. The scenery was stunning, and the crowd support from the locals was incredible!

[@jefffraser3205]

I ran the Angkor Wat Half Marathon last December and was impressed with how well it was organized. It definitely wasn’t perfect but the scenery and people more than made up for any shortcomings. If you’re into history I highly recommend this race. Running through the Angkor Thom gates was absolutely incredible.

[@ChrisDixon-e1u]

Australian Outback Marathon is mine. Around Uluru (Ayers Rock)in late July each year. Just did Auckland and would definitely recommend.

[@sleepgadgets5006]

Ran the 'Classic' Athens last year. My first marathon, I was doing great until the last km of the uphill when my hamstrings seized, I totally crashed and had to walk run for the next 3-4 km. If you're signing up for it, do lots of hill runs in training, then do lots more! Awesome atmosphere, well organized, nothing really scenic or historic to see on the route, but very atmospheric because of the history and the ending at the stadium is awesome. Bucket list approved :)

[@tjok4]

Two ultras in South Africa. The Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans in Cape Town.

[@JLoweRuns]

Disney World Marathon is great and has a special pace in my heart. Definitely going to change your weather alert though. I’ve ran it 4x. Last year runners started off cold (40 degrees F), ran into rain around the half way point, and finished warm around 78 degrees. The weather is polarized in FL this time of year but it is Magical. Definitely recommend recommending especially if you’re a Disney fanatic and also if you want a real fun sleep deprivation challenge. Do Dopey, all 4 races in 4 days. Goofy the half and full if you’re just wanting a weekend trip.

[@thegallopinghousewife]

On my bucket list is the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. It takes you past all the amazing monuments in the city and is relatively flat and very friendly. There are teams from all the difference service branches and run at the end of October so the weather is usually cool and clear. Just happened to be in the city that weekend 11 years ago and it’s been on my list since.

[@elisabethstaab5818]

To add to your comment about the Disney marathon and the weather, Florida weather is pretty unpredictable in the winter. They’ve had freezing temps and hail and they’ve also had temps of 86f (30 Celsius?) and they’ve shortened the course due to the heat before. It’s such a fun race though, so much that many people sign up just for the experience, even if they know they can’t finish.

[@Mr_Fairdale]

Blue Ridge Marathon in Virginia! I personally have never ran it but have heard from others it's well worth it. Big Sur, Honolulu, Vancouver, San Francisco and St George are very spectacular scenic marathons in the west (there's more than this too) but honestly if you're coming for beauty out in the American West just pick a 50k or do a day hike in a national park. You have a lifetime supply to choose from. We are spoiled out here 😊

[@Duffers782]

Athens is definitely on my 'list'. Greece is superb and .................it is the original!!

[@UtahRunning]

We are planning to do the Athens Marathon next year. So excited for it!

[@kirstyj6291]

Great list! I highly recommend marathon du medoc for the epic experience like no other! I've run it 3 times & hope to return in the next few years.

[@quirckybaldguy]

My favorite marathon experience would be the ‘Marathon pour Tous’ during the Paris 2024 Olympics! I hope this concept is here to stay and that future Olympics all have a mass participation marathon on the Olympic course ❤️

[@travisbooth78]

Just to correct you Ben, the Great Ocean Road is in the state of Victoria, Australia While it's close to one of the most Southerly points in Mainland Australia , South Australia is a separate state altogether. Love that you mentioned it though, keep up the great work

[@alisonS4708]

Great Ocean Road Marathon (or sneaky Ultra) was my first marathon. Highly recommend. Beautiful views of the Victorian coastline, hilly but worth it!

[@jimbagsh9569]

Aiming for the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in 2028 at age of 70.

[@Bunny-t5l]

Thank for this info. Never know that there are so many great marathons around the world.

[@michaelrockow5461]

The Ann Arbor Marathon (alma mater), St Louis Marathon (DNFed in '92), Marine Corps Marathon (in DC), Big Sur, California Redwoods

[@georges-travel3385]

Great video. One of the top marathons is the Jungfrau Marathon, right around the corner from me. Maybe we'll see each other in Buriram for a Shake Out Run.

[@bcockton]

Thanks... now my list is bigger than before; Bir Sur is one, First Light Marathon in New Zealand; The Yukon Marathon; Volcano Marathon in Iceland; gotta add New York too

[@emmawagenvelt4533]

So many Marathons, so little time!! I want to do all of these :)

[@beachbumis]

I just ran the Disney Wine and Dine 10kand I am registered for the half marathon in January. My family was in the spectator area for the 10k and they want to run a Disney race in the future.

[@olly24c]

"we're runners, we need more (pain)"

[@jamesfinneran9039]

Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@zou1953]

Great list! It would be nice to do one for south east Asia only.

[@headstart.running]

Not a bad list Ben - but Id have to throw a recommendation to the Everest Marathon. I ran it in 2023 and it was incredible. Starting with a 10 day trek up to Everest Base Camp in Nepal at 5400m above sea level. You stay i a tent on the ice at base camp and then run down the valley to the town of Namche Bazaar. Freezing cold, gasping for breath - it will NOT be quick… but the scenery is mind-blowing. Unforgetable

[@stolts34]

I was going say the Miami Marathon has some pretty scenes. Then I listened to the video and thought it might be top 50 (lol). Big Sur, Athens and Rome are on my marathon bucket list.

[@MrCarFanatic]

hey , on this theme , next year ill do the Lisbon Marathon , and the year after i want to run the french riviera marathon, check those out too!

[@themussile3335]

Pretty much any marathon organised by Sussex Trail Events. Done marathons in a prison, in a mine, in a multistorey car park, in a museum etc

[@lutomierska1]

Istanbul Marathon - a marathon of two continents. It starts in Asia and ends in Europe, in the heart of the former Constantinople.

[@mahesharuge]

You should try The San Francisco Marathon in California, it goes across the Golden Gate Bridge and has many hills on the streets of San Francisco.

[@equigal1]

You should add some Canadian marathons to your list… Vancouver #1, Ottawa #2 and Toronto #3!

[@dangmatic]

Need a part 2 Ben!

[@OliverTacke]

Don't forget the counterpart of the midnight sun marathon in Tromsø: the mørketidsløpet early in January. You'll run in darkness, because the sun does not make it across the horizon at that time of year.

[@Bwebber99]

For me it was New York which i ran in 2023, on my bucket list is Boston. There is the option of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, (Southern Ocean) as a half marathon a lot less marathon training required.

[@michaellelacheur7305]

Ran GOR this year. Fabulous run, great scenery

[@smep-v6z]

Out of those, I would like to do Athen Marathon due to the history. Otherwise my choice would be Malta Marathon. It has a strict cut-off time of 5 hours and so cannot do being a slower runner. Should I find myself at the start line and then finished within this time, it would mean that I had improved immensely. My personal best for marathon is 5:56, however, experience tells me that marathons have quirks and times cannot be guaranteed. So running the Malta Marathon comfortably is on my bucket list.

[@raoniar]

Istanbul marathon should be fun. You start running in Ásia and finish in Europe!

[@gem5627]

Australian here! Would 100% come and join you on the great ocean road if you come, but it’s in Victoria, not South Australia 😊❤

[@havensole]

Try the Disney Dopey challenge if the Marathon isn't enough. I'll be doing it in 2 months. Such a blast in a type 2 fun kinda way.

[@emillsommer-kt4mb]

I enjoy the spirit of ultra marathons more.

[@CristyandSal]

Epic!

[@peterrashev4144]

One more vote for Athens matathon! It is a must, if you are into marathons. This is where it all started... very emotional and historic, perfect organization and atmosphere.

[@AlexandrosRoumeliotis]

Athens Marathon! The original and best 👌

[@overmyheadphotography6186]

Kielder marathon

[@kennethsmeby3429]

MY TOP 20 LIST: 1. New York City Marathon - 2. Bergen City Marathon - 3. Gold Coast Marathon - 4. Bahamas Marathon - 5. Chicago Marathon - 6. Miami Marathon - 7. Boston Marathon - 8. London Marathon - 9. Berlin Marathon - 10. Nice-Cannes Marathon - 11. Buenos Aires Marathon - 12. Medoc Marathon - 13. Barcelona Marathon - 14. Rome Marathon - 15. Copenhagen Marathon - 16. Valencia Marathon - 17. Rottedam Marathon - 18. Athens Marathon - 19. Kilimanjaro Marathon - 20. LA Marathon

[@okubes]

Petra Desert Marathon ... thats probably more authentic than Athens :-)

[@wk633]

Mine isn't a marathon, it's Western States. Just have to get in while I'm young enough to finish.

[@danielpascua3241]

Vancouver Marathon

[@jameshmd]

Fact check… the Great Wall of China can NOT be seen from space. Not without a really good zoom lens. The GWofC marathon has been on my to do list for a long time though.

[@ChairmanAntelope]

I’ll get slated for saying this, but the idea of flying to Antarctica to run with everything we know about climate breakdown is pretty grim.

[@garydaniels4934]

True. I have lost the love for UTMB as the environmental footprint is horrific.

[@TimoPijnappel]

Dammit, that will get expensive fast....

[@jeroenberendsen5282]

Great Wall can’t be seen from space mate 😘. Nevertheless, love the channel.