By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach

The most scenic marathons in the world offer breathtaking views of mountains, coastlines, cityscapes, and iconic landmarks. These picturesque marathons are a great way to combine the inspiration of running a marathon with sightseeing. Whether you want to see stunning natural beauty or pass by centuries-old cultural sites, these marathons will motivate you to keep running. Running these bucket list races will give you incredible memories you’ll never forget.

And if you need marathon training help to prepare for your race, check out our Complete Guide to Marathon Training, and our Customized Marathon Training Plan available in the Runstreet Training Center.

Most Scenic Marathons

Here are 15 of the most scenic marathons in the world:

1. Big Sur International Marathon, California, U.S.

Big Sur International Marathon winds along the beautiful, rugged coast of California. The international race takes place along the Central Coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, beautiful cliffs, and towering redwoods. You’ll also run through picturesque towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Big Sur in this challenging yet inspiring marathon.

Race Date: The race happens on the last Sunday of each April.
Course: While the course is somewhat difficult, with some hills and steep inclines, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas at every turn. The course takes you through a series of natural wonders, including the iconic Bixby Bridge and the Point Sur Lighthouse.

2. Great Wall Marathon, China

The Great Wall Marathon in China is one of the most scenic marathons in the world. The race includes breathtaking scenery of one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world and a symbol of China's rich history and culture. The marathon route will take you along the wall, offering incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the impressive wall itself.

Race Date: The Great Wall Marathon usually takes place on the third Saturday in May each year.
Course: The Great Wall Marathon is considered one of the most challenging marathons in the world due to its steep inclines, uneven terrain, and the high steps. Completing the race is a huge accomplishment, and you’ll create memories to last a lifetime from this one.

3. Jungfrau Marathon, Switzerland

If you love mountains, the Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland is the perfect place for your next destination marathon. The marathon takes you through the picturesque Swiss Alps, with stunning views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch mountains. Along the marathon, you’ll see awe-inspiring landscapes of snow-capped peaks, green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.

Race Date: The Jungfrau Marathon is a fall marathon and is usually held on the first or second Saturday in September each year.

Course: The Jungfrau Marathon is a beautiful and challenging race. The course includes steep inclines, narrow trails, and rocky terrain. But the views from the top are worth the effort and will show you how the race earned the title “The Most Beautiful Marathon in the World.”

4. Loch Ness Marathon, Scotland

One of the most scenic marathons in the world is the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland. The course winds through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Scottish Highlands, including the famous Loch Ness (lake), mountains, and lush forests. The race also includes historic landmarks such as the Urquhart Castle ruins, which date back to the 13th century.

Race Date: The Loch Ness Marathon typically takes place in late September or early October each year.
Course: The marathon course is hilly, which adds an extra level of challenge, but also makes it all the more rewarding when you cross the finish line.

5. Maui Marathon, Hawaii, U.S.

Maui Marathon offers a lush, tropical run through paradise on the pristine island of Maui in Hawaii. The marathon route passes some of Maui's most beautiful and iconic locations, with a scenic coastline and tropical forests.

Race Date: The Maui Marathon occurs in the spring, usually in April.
Course: The race course is not too difficult, with a lot of flat stretches and light hills. You’ll run by white sandy beaches and vibrant tropical forests on the breathtaking route.

6. Midnight Sun Marathon, Tromsø, Norway

If you’re a night runner, you’ll love the Midnight Sun Marathon. This Arctic adventure happens at midnight and will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Norway, with views of fjords, mountains, and forests. Tromsø is located above the Arctic Circle, which means that during the summer months, the sun never sets. This creates a stunning, almost surreal landscape that makes for an unforgettable nighttime run through the city center and along the coast.

Race Date: The marathon happens in June each year.
Course: The Midnight Sun Marathon course is moderately difficult, with several uphill sections and a total elevation gain of around 1,640 feet (500 meters).

7. Patagonian International Marathon, Chile

The Patagonian International Marathon will take you on a running tour of beautiful and varied landscapes in Chile Patagonia, including snow-capped mountains, sparkling blue lakes, and dense tropical forests. The marathon course in Torres del Paine National Park offers unparalleled views of the surrounding wilderness and you may see a wide array of wildlife on the run, including guanacos, foxes, and pumas.

Race Date: The marathon takes place in the fall, usually in early September.
Course: The marathon course is challenging, with a mix of steep uphill and downhill sections, rocky terrain, and river crossings. The area is known for its unpredictable weather and challenging conditions, making this a great race for adventurous and experienced runners.

8. Reykjavik Marathon, Iceland

Take a run through the Arctic at the Reykjavik Marathon, one of the most scenic marathons in the world. You’ll experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in Iceland, including views of glaciers, mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean, in this unique race. The course also passes through the city center of Reykjavik, which makes the race a unique blend of natural and urban scenery. Iceland is known for its geothermal activity, and the Reykjavik Marathon course passes by several natural hot springs and geothermal pools. You can even take a dip in the warm waters of the geothermal pools after the marathon to soothe your sore muscles.

Race Date: The summertime race usually occurs in August.
Course: The marathon course is relatively flat and winds through both the city center and the surrounding countryside, with stunning views of the mountains and ocean.

9. Rio de Janeiro Marathon, Brazil

For a vibrant mix of culture and scenery, the Rio De Janeiro Marathon is a dream destination race. The course winds along the city's breathtaking coastline, offering views of golden beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and the lush tropical forests that surround the city. The race route also passes through some of Rio de Janeiro's most iconic landmarks, such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant culture and energy, and the marathon offers a unique opportunity to experience this firsthand. You’ll run through some of the city's most colorful neighborhoods, such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Flamengo, where you can soak up the local music, food, and architecture.

Race Date: The Rio Marathon usually happens in June each year.
Course: The marathon route is considered moderately difficult, with some hilly sections throughout the course, especially around the Flamengo Park and Botanic Garden areas. The breathtaking views of the city, coast, and iconic landmarks are well-worth the challenge.

10. Rotterdam Marathon, Netherlands

The Rotterdam Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons in Europe, passing through some of the city's most renowned landmarks, including the Erasmus Bridge, the Euromast Tower, and the historic Delfshaven neighborhood. The course also passes by some of Rotterdam's modern architecture, including the Markthal and the Cube Houses. Rotterdam is a diverse and multicultural city, and the marathon offers a chance to experience this firsthand. You’ll run through some of the city's most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, such as the Witte de Withstraat, the Lloydkwartier, and the Kop van Zuid.

Race Date: The spring marathon usually occurs in mid-April every year.
Course: The Rotterdam Marathon course is fast and relatively flat.

11. St. George Marathon, Utah, USA

St. George Marathon in Utah is one of the most scenic marathons in the U.S., offering sweeping views of the Pine Valley Mountains and the colorful canyons of southern Utah. As you run, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the red rock cliffs and canyons that are characteristic of the region. The course passes through areas such as Veyo, which is surrounded by lava fields, and Snow Canyon State Park, which features towering sandstone cliffs and majestic rock formations.

Race Date: The marathon happens in October every year.
Course: The course is moderately difficult. The race begins at an altitude of over 5,000 feet and descends approximately 2,600 feet over the course of the race, with some significant uphill sections as well.

12. Sydney Marathon, Australia

The Sydney Marathon in Australia is a stunning race that showcases some of the city's most iconic landmarks and scenic views. The race route winds through the city's central business district, past famous sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and along the scenic coastline of Sydney Harbour. The highlight of the race is undoubtedly the stretch along the waterfront of Sydney Harbour, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the sparkling waters of the harbor, and the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This section of the course makes the race one of the most scenic marathons in the world.

Race Date: The Sydney Marathon is held in September every year.
Course: The race course is moderately challenging and mostly flat, with a few gentle hills and inclines throughout the race.

13. Tokyo Marathon, Japan

The Tokyo Marathon is a unique urban race that showcases both the modern and traditional aspects of the city. The course takes runners through some of Tokyo's most renowned landmarks, including the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and the Asakusa Temple. One of the most striking features of the Tokyo Marathon race route is the contrast between the sleek modern buildings of the city and the ancient shrines and temples that dot the landscape. The race passes through trendy shopping districts, historic neighborhoods, and quiet residential areas, offering a unique perspective on Tokyo's diverse and vibrant culture. The Tokyo Marathon is also one of six Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing in elite athletes from around the world.

Race Date: The Tokyo Marathon happens in late February or early March every year.
Course: The race course is moderately difficult. The course is mostly flat and fast, but there are a few gradual inclines and some rolling hills, particularly in the later stages of the race.

14. Two Oceans Marathon, Cape Town, South Africa

The Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa is known for being one of the most scenic marathons in the world. The race course winds through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the region, including rugged coastlines, verdant hillsides, and tranquil forests. One of the highlights of the race is the section along Chapman's Peak Drive, which is one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. This section of the course offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the rocky coastline, and the surrounding mountains, and is truly breathtaking. Another beautiful aspect of the Two Oceans Marathon is the section through the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and flora. You’ll pass through lush forests, rocky cliffs, and windswept beaches, and may spot baboons, ostriches, and other wildlife along the way.

Race Date: The marathon is typically held on the Saturday of the Easter weekend, which falls between late March and early April each year.
Course: The race is an ultra marathon, as it is 35 miles (56 km). The course is difficult and includes several steep hills and challenging descents, as well as some rough and uneven terrain. One of the most challenging sections of the race is the climb up Chapman's Peak, a steep and winding road that rises to an elevation of 1,946 feet (593 meters) above sea level. The descent from Chapman's Peak can also be tricky, with sharp turns and steep drops on the way down.

15. New York City Marathon, U.S.

The New York City Marathon offers an intimate look at the concrete jungle, winding through all five boroughs. From Staten Island to Manhattan, the NYC Marathon offers incredible energy and an epic tour of the largest U.S. city. When I ran the NYC Marathon, my favorite part was the electric crowd cheering and playing music throughout the course. As a Big Five Marathon, NYC is one of the five world majors (alongside Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Chicago Marathon). Ending in Central Park is an unforgettable way to close out the urban race.

Race Date: First Sunday in November every year.
Course: The New York Marathon has a challenging course, with hills in several areas, some more steep and others long and gradual. After crossing the Queensborough Bridge into Manhattan, the course has a long, steady climb to Harlem and the Bronx before descending to come back down into Manhattan and finish in Central Park. Try to keep your pace in check for the first half of the race as the excitement and cheering can be so encouraging that it is easy to start too fast. Save energy for the hills in the last half of the race.

Have you run any of the most scenic marathons in the world? Did we miss any beautiful marathons? Comment below and follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your training and get cheered on. Happy running - and exploring to you! If you need a marathon training plan, check out our Runstreet Training Center for a customized program to suit your race goals.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

15 Most Scenic Marathons in the World