5 Incredible Marathons To Sign Up For

You don't just run a marathon, you also get to explore some of the most stunning places in the world.

The Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon

Taking place at an altitude of  13,862 ft, the 21 km marathon will see runners traverse the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. The Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh is organising this with the aim of raising awareness about climate change through sports. Only a limited number of runners will be chosen for the marathon as it is an ecologically sensitive zone. Interested? The registration form can be found here.

The Polar Circle Marathon

This marathon is held in one of the most remote and stark landscapes of the arctic tundra, Greenland. You will run through the arctic desert and over the Greenland Ice Sheet in what is often referred to as "the coolest marathon on Earth". Kangerlussuaq in Greenland sees runners race through the snow and ice. There are two marathons to choose from: Full (42.2km) and Half (21.1km). And then there is the Polar Bear Marathon, which is a different game altogether.

More information here.

The Rapa Nui Marathon

Imagine doing your run in the place famous for logic-defying statues of the moais–Easter Island. Known as Rapa Nui to its Polynesian inhabitants, this tiny speck in the middle of the South Pacific is the venue for Maraton Rapa Nui. The annual half-marathon and 10K welcomes runners from around the world in large numbers. Due to limited air seats and hotel accommodations, entries are limited to 180. 

More information here.

The Jungle Ultra, Peru

Held in Manu National Park in Peru, your trail for this marathon is through the forests of the Amazon basin, ploughing through thick undergrowth and negotiating 70 river and stream crossings (some by zip lining). The run has five stages across five days, starting from the Andes mountains to the Madre de Dios River. It is impenetrable terrain, where some areas are only accessible by boat. The route drops 10,500 feet from the cloud forest down into the Amazon over a 142.6-mile course. And you have to bring and carry your own survival kit. 

More information here.

The Spartathlon

This is an ultra-distance foot race with a dose of history. Would you be able to cover the distance from Athens to Sparta (that's 250 km) within 36 hours? This marathon traces the footsteps of Pheidippides, the ancient Athenian long distance runner, who was sent to Sparta to seek help in the war between the Greeks and the Persians. 

More information here.