Destination Races: Your Comprehensive List
If you’re looking to enjoy destination races, then we want to be your source for finding what’s right for you. As you know, members of our team love running as much as you do. However, as we know, in 2020, things got disrupted. For our women marathon runners, they didn’t get the chance to run the races they wanted. Still, they’re preparing to make up now and in the future. Now that things are heading in the right direction, runners are ready to get back to in-person racing.
So, if you search for destination races, you quickly end up with thousands of races worldwide. Moreover, we know it could be challenging for runners to decide which races to run when there are so many. So, what we did was take the lists of the world’s best races and consolidate them here. In short, we did the research for you and have great listings—you’ll need nothing else!
Also, if you want to jump to any location, click on the links below, or scroll through the entire resource guide.
- Destination Races in North America
- Vacation Races in Europe
- Races in Asia and Australia
- Road Races on the Continent of Africa
- Running in Mexico, Central, and South America
- Races of the World
Consequently, while most of the races on our list are marathons, make sure to check out your favorite destinations. Often, the major races include half-marathon or shorter road races. So, here goes!
Destination Races in North America
The biggest marathon of them all in the U.S. is the Boston Marathon. As of this writing, it’s celebrating its 125th. For qualifying information, check out this link.
Not to be outdone, Canada has one of the best marathons and races globally, which is the Midnight Sun Marathon. Moreover, the marathon and various races happen just below the Arctic Circle. Take a look at this link for more information.
Not to be outdone, New York also has one of the top races in North America. Annually, the streets of New York brim with excitement as thousands run the 26.2 miles through the city.
4. Big Sur International Marathon
One of the toughest and most highly rated races is the Big Sur International Marathon. Consequently, the race happens from Big Sur to Carmel on Highway 1 in California. Highway 1 is the nation’s first Scenic Highway. Interested? Find registration info here.
Well, the Honolulu Marathon is another one of the top destination races in the U.S. And known for its scenic beauty, it’s one of the largest races in the world, with participants from many countries arriving each year.
6. Canada Running Series (List of Races in Canada)
As we know, Canada is a beautiful country, and our northern neighbor has plenty of fantastic road races. So, if you want to consider a holiday in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or other Canadian destinations, check out this race guide for Canada.
7. Running in the USA (List of Races in the U.S.)
One of the best directories that our marathoners use is Running in the USA. Therefore, if you want to check out the largest online directory of road races in the U.S., Running in the USA has to be on your list.
Vacation Races in Europe
So tops on our list is the birthplace of the marathon itself, Greece. Therefore, if you want to do one of your destination races in the country where more than 2,500 years ago, it all started, then consider the Athens Marathon.
Another one of the destination races you might want to consider in Europe is the Rome Marathon. As a result, you’ll have the chance to enjoy ancient ruins, piazzas, and even St. Peter’s Basilica.
The legendary actress Audrey Hepburn once commented, Paris is always a good idea. So, if you want to take a vacation to the City of Lights, consider running the Paris Marathon.
4. St. Petersburg White Night Marathon
In fact, St. Petersburg in Russia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And if you choose to do a vacation race in this extraordinary city, then you get to run at night.
Incidentally, Prague is the Czech Republic’s largest city and hosts a great destination race in this 13th Century city. As a result, you’ll run in a city that’s bohemian and artistic. So, don’t miss running in Prague and list it as one of your destination races.
6. AHOTU (List of European Destination Races)
In short, the European continent is rich, diverse, and historic. As a result, there’s a lot of vacation racing that you could do here. Thus, for a great and comprehensive list of races in Europe, check out My Race Diary.
7. Run International (Directory of Vacation Races)
So, another directory list of destination races for Europe has to be Run International. Thus, if you’d like to learn about more than 600 races throughout 13 countries in Europe, Run International should also be on your list.
Races in Asia and Australia
To start, on the island country of New Zealand, plenty of destination races exist. So have you ever thought about running in its untamed natural beauty? This list for New Zealand has the full marathons, half-marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, and more, so check it out!
2. Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Sure, the world’s a big place. As a result, many exciting places exist for vacation races. Therefore, how about spending the holiday season in Cambodia running through the ruins of a World Heritage site? Add it to your bucket list for running.
3. Australian Outback Marathon
So, after visiting what Australia has to over, including the Sydney Opera House and perhaps taking an eco reef tour, why not consider racing through the Australian Outback? It’s an experience you’ll never forget—just you, runners, and nature.
Well, have you ever thought about taking a trip to China? In short, if you want one of the toughest racing challenges, The Great Wall Marathon is for you. Consequently, this is your chance to step into history by taking all the 5,164 steps of the wall.
5. Great Ocean Road Running Festival
Next, this race is another fantastic one that happens in Australia. Moreover, the route of this vacation race is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Australia.
6. Ahotu (List of Marathons in Asia)
Many marathons and road races exist in the countries and territories of Asia. But no worries, if you want to check out a good list, simply head to Ahotu.
7. JustRunLah (List of Races in Asia, Australia & New Zealand)
FYI, JustRunLah is another directory for destination races you might want to consider on the other side of the planet. Also, it’s got a large list of races for you to consider.
Road Races on the Continent of Africa
First, if you want to do a vacation race in one of the gorgeous cities in Africa, then Cape Town in South Africa could be your choice. In short, running it will give you city and views of the ocean, and of course, Table Mountain.
Alternately, if you’re looking for adventure and a destination at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, then this one’s for you. Still, while this race in Tanzania is one of the smaller ones, it winds its way through the countryside and the foothills of the great mountain.
Incidentally, it’s easy to envision Africa with its safaris, nature, and wild animals in their natural environments. So, how about The Big Five Marathon? Consequently, this race combines a marathon experience that challenges you, along with a safari vacation in the African savanna.
So you know, people worldwide love this destination race in Kenya because it’s a chance to run among wildlife. Also, you could do your part by participating in fundraising for wildlife conservation. In sum, this marathon has several races, including a half-marathon.
So this race is billed as an adventure like no other and takes place over a week. In short, it’s a tough challenge for runners on dirt roads and rugged hills. Better still, fundraising supports women, children, and medical care in the Masaka area of Uganda.
Well, for four decades, the team of Africa Marathons has brought travel planning and destination races to runners worldwide. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the African continent, it should be one of your research sources.
7. List of South African Road Races
Johan Havenga started this site of road races in South Africa—he’s a web developer and runner. Consequently, not finding any comprehensive list of races in his country, he decided to create one in his spare time.
Running in Mexico, Central, and South America
1. Inca Trail Marathon with Erik’s Adventures
So, if you want to put your legs to the ultimate test as a runner, think about a vacation race on the Inca Trail in Peru. Though not an official marathon, the race takes you up to 11,150 feet and has outstanding views as you challenge
yourself.
Well, how about a run in the jungle? So, if you want a chance to visit the island paradise of Cozumel, Mexico, and stay in a high-end hotel, consider running the 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon.
3. Patagonia International Marathon
For a UNESCO site, this marathon and other races take you through one of the most magnificent parks in South America, Torres Del Paine. As a result, you’ll have a chance to see lakes, granite mountains, and glaciers.
4. Havana Half and Full Marathon
As we know, Cuba is only 100 miles from the U.S. But it’s not easy for American travel. However, it’s not impossible? So if you want to run through Havana, check out going through a legal, cultural tour operator.
As a result of the extreme weather in Patagonia, you need to be ready for adventure! In short, you could run in freezing or extreme heat conditions. Still, the Andes, mountain trails, and challenging your body to the heights could be worth it.
6. Destination Races (List Including Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico)
This site is entirely in Spanish (as is the one above). Still, with Google Translate, you shouldn’t let that stop you from running vacation races in Latin America.
Once again, Ahotu offers a great list of road races, including half-marathons and marathons for South America. But make a note, this list includes cycling, triathlons, and swimming.
Races of the World
In conclusion, we want to share a list of some of our favorite directories and places where you could discover races worldwide.
- American Trail Running Association
- World’s Marathons
- Wild Marathon
- ACTIVE
- Marathon Runner’s Diary
- Marathon Guide
- Run, Sprint, Marathon
- Running in the USA
- Race Find (USA)
- Ahotu
Finally, our team is supportive of our U.S. military. Thus, we think one of the races everyone should do, if they love running, is the Marine Corps Marathon. Ultimately, we hope you enjoyed our list of resources for destination races. And, remember, always recycle your sneakers and don’t throw them in the trash. So, check out our Sneakers For Good program!
GOT QUESTIONS?
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