People have all sorts of bucket lists, and for the past few years, mine tend to have at least a few long-distance racing events, but an injury has kind of stopped me along the way.
However, I did get to do some crazy running stuff already – including a half-marathon in Switzerland in the middle of the night, and a 100 kilometer run as a part of 12-hour ultramarathon. However, I’m still far from seeing Machu Picchu during a marathon, but hey – that’s why we all have bucket lists in the first place, right? Here’s the one that has “Top Marathons 2016” written on top!
Most runners know about World Marathon Majors, so you don’t need me to tell you about London or New York or Berlin. I’m not saying you shouldn’t run those, but I searched the internet world to find the more hidden ones.
So if you are looking for the craziest, most exotic, most interesting and very international marathons to run in 2016, look no further. Here is a list of my top 10 favorites that I hope to run myself someday, too!
They are listed in the chronological order, so you can know straight away how soon is each of them. I also tried to pick them from all over the world, so there is a little bit of each side of the planet. You can click on each marathon name to find out more and book the race. Have fun!
Marathon Bahamas
Date: 16th & 17th of January 2016
A marathon on Bahamas. BAHAMAS! Does this really need any other convincing? Imagine finishing a marathon and then cooling off in the ocean. I don’t know about you, but it sounds like a perfect weekend getaway in the middle of winter!
Whidbey Island Marathon
Date: 16th of April 2016
It might take you a while until you find these guys on the actual map (in case you’re wondering, the island is about 48 kilometers north of Seattle), but this seems like far more that a marathon weekend. The lakes, the mountains, the islands… And the view during the run! Go book it. Now.
Great Wall Marathon
Date: 21st of May 2016
They call it 5,164 steps into history. I mean, take a good look at the photo above (and at the full gallery, while we’re at it). Yep, it looks ridiculously hard, but no one really expects you to nail your personal best there. I don’t know about you, but I’m sold!
Everest Marathon
Date: 29th of May 2016
Yep, Mount Everest. I’m not even kidding. It’s the world’s highest trail running event (starting at 5,356m altitude) and organizers are pretty seriously when warning about the chance of altitude sickness. Not for nothing, the fastest runner this year finished in 4 hours, and the slowest in almost 16 hours. This seems like an amazing place to be – but only if you’re fit and prepared!
The Big Five Marathon
Date: 25th of June 2016
How about running with zebras, antilopes and giraffes? This is what a marathon through savannah in South Africa will give you. I practically don’t need any more convincing. Keep in mind that sun in such areas can get extremely tricky and exhausting (even though this is winter time), so decent preparation is a must. More challenge – more fun!
Australian Outback Marathon
Date: 30th of July 2016
Running the roads made of red earth seems like running into a paradise to me. Seriously. I think I would literally feel like I’ve just run into a photo I’ve seen online (duh!). And all of that with the sight of Ayers Rock and The Olgas. What are you saying? I’ve just gave you an excuse to visit Australia? I know I did!
Patagonian International Marathon
Date: TBC (most likely September 2016)
There is a certain love relationship between me and mountains. Once I’m there, I don’t really think of anything other than mountains, which is why this looks like a perfect place. A long run through Chile’s most visited national park is something I most definitely wouldn’t do without a camera!
Sparkasse 3-Country-Marathon
Date: 9th of October 2016
Let me take you to Europe for a moment. And guys, this is not a joke. This marathon will take you through Austria, Germany and Switzerland, so if you want to add three countries to your list of the ones you visited – this is the place to be!
Polar Circle Marathon
Date: 29th & 30th of October 2016
This is the coolest marathon on earth. Literally. It’s on Greenland, and one part of the course takes place on the actual ice cap. Decent winter equipment, along with an amazing power of will, is a must if you decide to go with this. You might say I’m actually not normal after you see all the picures from this race, but I know there’s a part of you that wants to be there!
Athens Marathon
Date: TBC (November 2016)
This had to be on this list, because this is THE marathon. This is where marathon came from. I don’t know about other marathon runners out there, but I literally have shivers down my spine at the thought of finishing a marathon at the Olympic stadium in Athens, and that’s why this is on a must-run list at some point in my life.
That completes my top 10 international marathons for 2016! Which marathons are on your wish-list? Let me know!
Marijana 
I’d love to do Athens! I am signed up for Paris marathon and am very excited for that! It will be a wonderful time to show support for that country as well. Thanks for this list– all of these races sound amazing!!
Good luck in Paris – I believe it’s remarkable! You’re very welcome, let me know if you ever decide to try out any of the listed 🙂