Running through a new place is one of the best ways to get a feel for a destination—you see how locals live and notice things you might miss by car. Destination races are growing in popularity, and the half and full marathons below take you to world wonders, safari lands, coastal cliffs, and across borders. Here are 11 exciting races to consider in the next year or so.
Great Wall Marathon, China
Date: May 16, 2026. Registration: Open through April 16, 2026.
Distances: Marathon, half-marathon, 8.5K.
What to know: Run along one of the seven wonders of the world on a strenuous, hilly course with sweeping views and village crowds cheering along the route. Registration requires a tour package (starting price ~$790) that includes race entry and accommodations.
Where to stay: Packages include hotels; for a post-race luxury stay in Beijing consider Mandarin Oriental Qianmen.
Tossa de Mar Run Festival, Spain
Date: May 17, 2026. Registration: Open through May 15; affordable (top distance €39).
Distances: Half-marathon, 10K, 5K (paved); 17K, 8K (trail).
What to know: Set in historic seaside Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava, the courses offer coastal views and hilly sections (5K is flat). Note short maximum times for some distances (e.g., half 2:35).
Where to stay: Zel Costa Brava (~10-minute drive) with funicular to the beach, large pool, and thermal-spa circuit.
The Big Five Marathon, South Africa
Date: June 13, 2026; next date June 19, 2027. Registration: 2026 sold out.
Distances: Marathon, half-marathon.
What to know: Run through Entabeni Game Reserve on sand and gravel trails—small field (max ~300), possible wildlife sightings of the “big five.” Tour packages required; seven-day packages start around $3,300 and include lodging, meals, and safari activities.
Where to stay: Packages end with transfer to Johannesburg; consider relaxing at Park Hyatt Johannesburg before departure.
Midnight Sun Marathon, Tromsø, Norway
Date: June 20, 2026. Registration: Open now.
Distances: Marathon, half, 10K, 5K, kids race.
What to know: Starts in the evening under the midnight sun—one of the northernmost races with mountain and fjord scenery. Large international field (thousands of runners). Time limits: marathon 5:30, half 3:30.
Where to stay: St. Elisabeth in Tromsø for spa amenities; Yggdrasiltunet Farm Hotel further out for saunas, ice bathing, and hot tubs.
Iceland Volcano Marathon, Northern Iceland
Date: June 27, 2026. Registration: Open now.
Distances: Full marathon, half, 10.55K.
What to know: Adventure race over volcanic terrain: crater rims, black lava rock, steaming geysers. Non-residents typically book six-day tour packages (~$3,200) for lodging and logistics; race fees extra.
Where to stay: Tour lodgings like Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon are recommended; consider The Retreat at Blue Lagoon on the way out for thermal baths and dining.
Napa to Sonoma Half, California, USA
Date: July 26, 2026. Registration: Open now.
Distances: Half-marathon, 5K.
What to know: A 13.1-mile route through Napa and Sonoma wine country—gently rolling hills, vineyards, farms. Finish line wine festival with tastings and a commemorative wine glass in the goodie bag. Field size around 3,000.
Where to stay: Partner hotels offer discounted stays; options near the start include Verasa Napa Hotel, Carneros Resort and Spa, and Stanly Ranch for post-race recovery.
Detroit Free Press International Marathon, Michigan/Windsor
Date: October 18, 2026. Registration: Open but largely sold out for 2026.
Distances: Marathon, relay, half, 5K, one-miler, kids races.
What to know: Unique U.S. race that crosses the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Ontario, and returns via the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel—an underwater mile. Runners must carry passports for the international crossing.
Where to stay: AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle is minutes from the start; check official partner hotels for race weekend blocks.
Athens Marathon, Greece
Date: November 8, 2026. Registration: Open now.
Distances: Marathon, 10K, 5K.
What to know: Follows the legendary original marathon route from Marathon to Athens, passing landmarks like the Athens Concert Hall, Presidential Palace, and National Garden. Marathon course open for eight hours. Packages with transport and tours are available but not required.
Where to stay: The race starts in Marathon (northeast of Athens); consider Hotel Grande Bretagne in central Athens for spa and pools or One&Only Aesthesis for a seaside stay.
Route 66 Marathon, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Date: November 21–22, 2026. Registration: Open now.
Distances: Marathon, relay, half, 5K, one-miler.
What to know: This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and America’s 250th anniversary—festive course through Tulsa neighborhoods and the University of Tulsa, with block parties and cheer stations.
Where to stay: Partner hotels with room blocks are listed on the race site; boutique options include Brut Hotel with pool, rooftop bar, and spa.
London Landmarks Half, United Kingdom
Date: April 4, 2027. Pre-registration open now.
Distances: Half-marathon.
What to know: A lively, flat course that passes Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Somerset House, with musical performances, DJs, and themed cheer stations—total elevation gain ~238 feet.
Where to stay: Race partners have offered discounted stays at central hotels; luxury options near the route include Raffles London at the OWO and Corinthia London.
Big Sur International Marathon, California, USA
Date: April 2027 (check exact date). Registration: Check back for 2027 details.
Distances: Marathon, 21-miler, 11-miler, 12K, 5K.
What to know: Iconic cliffside ocean-view course along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel—scenic Boston qualifier with a six-hour time limit and multiple course lengths suitable for groups with varied distances.
Where to stay: Room blocks in Monterey near the finish; luxury nearby includes Alila Ventana Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn, and Carmel Beach Hotel.
Whether you want cliffside Pacific views, volcanic craters, Arctic light, historic routes, or a cross-border novelty, these races offer memorable scenery and unique logistics—many require or recommend booking early and checking tour-package details. Happy planning and safe running.
