The 11 Most Beautiful Marathons In The World That Belong on Every Runner’s Bucket List

Choosing the best marathon to run is like picking a flavor of ice cream at your favorite ice cream shop. You can go with something super popular, a tried-and-true classic like vanilla, or something more adventurous and unique-sounding like coffee cookie crumble.

There are so many choices, and while they may all look so good, you can only get one flavor at a time.

Returning to running, most runners can safely train for only about two marathons a year, depending on their fitness levels, goals, experience, and health; therefore, they should be selective about which marathons they run.

You can go with a big city marathon, like the New York City marathon, the vanilla ice cream, so to speak, something you know will be well-organized and well-attended, but not necessarily scenic.

Or, you might want one of the most beautiful marathons in the world, the exotic coffee cookie crumble marathon.

Running a scenic marathon may not necessarily equate to the fastest time, as many of the most picturesque marathon courses have rolling hills, but you can almost guarantee the race will fly by because you will be so enraptured by the gorgeous scenery along the course.

So, what are the most beautiful marathons in the world? The short answer is that it would be absolutely impossible to make a definitive list of all of the amazing places around the world to run.

Every continent has some stunning marathon courses, making the list of scenic marathons endless. However, we’ve chosen some of the best of the best and reviewed them below.

Get ready to find some inspiration for your first marathon or next marathon training cycle.

#1: Dingle Marathon, Ireland

Let’s start in Europe with the Dingle Marathon that takes place around the gorgeous Dingle peninsula in Ireland.

The marathon course is beloved for its breathtaking scenery as it winds along the rugged coastline, with some sections offering magnificent views of the Blasket Islands. 

Over 17 miles of the course are right along the sea. The route also takes you through idyllic villages and historical sites. 

Once you have run through the cute village of Ballyferriter, you are treated to special views of Murreagh before tackling some grueling hills (making it feel more like a trail marathon or ultra-marathon) 

Though you’ll be panting after this extremely tough section, your work will be rewarded with sweeping views of the entire landscape. It’s by no means an easy course, but it’s absolutely one of the most scenic and most beautiful marathon routes in the world.

It also has a half-marathon option for those running a bit less.

#2: Jungfrau Marathon

You probably won’t get a PR on this tough marathon course; after all, the race is mostly uphill. In fact, the finish is nearly two kilometers higher than the starting point.

However, during the Jungfrau Marathon, runners are rewarded with stunning views of Switzerland’s Alpine nature, including the picturesque snow-capped mountains such as Jungfrau and Mönich and the impressive Eiger Glacier. 

One of the reasons this is often voted one of the most beautiful marathons in the world is the sweeping vistas of the mountains and the diversity of the landscape you will enjoy over the 26.2 miles. 

For example, you also get to see the pristine Lake Brienz and lush vegetation along the route between the stars in Interlochen and the finish line in Kleine Scheidegg.

#3: The Gold Coast Marathon, Australia

Many lists of the world’s most beautiful marathons include Australia’s stunning Gold Coast Marathon — and for good reason.

Held along Queensland’s famous coastline, the course winds past long stretches of sandy beaches and sparkling blue water, with ocean views appearing again and again throughout the race. The scenery alone makes it memorable.

But what really earns the Gold Coast Marathon its bucket-list status is the combination of beauty and speed. The course is famously flat and fast, making it one of the best places in the world to chase a personal best or qualifying time, while still enjoying a destination-race atmosphere.

Cool, stable winter temperatures, excellent crowd support, and world-class organization enhance the experience, creating a race that feels both relaxed and high-energy.

For runners looking to pair a strong performance with a true travel experience — beach mornings, ocean air, and a vibrant running festival — the Gold Coast Marathon offers the rare chance to have both.

#4: Australian Outback Marathon, Australia

Although the Gold Coast Marathon is often the pick for Australia’s most beautiful marathon, the Australian Outback Marathon is certainly a veritable rival.

Runners can enjoy stunning rock formations (such as the famous Uluru and Kata Tjuta rock formations!), sacred Aboriginal sites, azure open skies, and the soft red earth upon which you will run during this nature lover’s marathon.

#5: The Schneider Electric Marathon, Paris, France

Although many of the most beautiful marathons in the world take place in the mountains, countryside, or along the coast, you can also find very scenic urban marathons. 

One great thing about this marathon is that, unlike most other bucket list marathons, it is a relatively flat, fast course and beginner-friendly.

The Paris Marathon has a rich history, with its inaugural run dating back to 1896. You certainly won’t be alone for long stretches like some of the other unique marathons on this list, as the Paris marathon has over 40,000 participants sharing the course with you.

You’ll get to enjoy urban and historic sites, Paris’ emblematic monuments, charming neighborhoods, and a surprising amount of lush green landscape of the Bois de Vincennes. 

The marathon starts on the Champs-Élysées, with the iconic Arc de Triomphe as its backdrop.

Some of the course highlights include Place de la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, Opéra Garnier, Hôtel de Ville, the banks of the Seine, Notre-Dame de Paris, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.

#6: The Great Wall of China Marathon, China

One of the most beautiful marathons in the world is the Great Wall Marathon. This exotic and demanding course takes place on the famous Great Wall of China.

Runners have to ascend the 5,164 steps and descend them to journey through the rice fields and traditional villages along the route.

If you love ancient history and want a truly beautiful but grueling marathon course, this is one of the most unique marathons to add to your bucket list.

#7: Big Sur International Marathon, California, USA

The Big Sur International Marathon is known for its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and cliffside course, and it is often dubbed the “most beautiful marathon in the USA.”

The challenging course travels along Northern California’s gorgeous Pacific Ocean coastline, beginning among the giant Redwoods in Big Sur and then meandering along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Runners ascend five tough hills at the start of the route and climb another 13 hills near the end.

During this great ocean road marathon, there are unique entertainers along the way, such as the Taiko drummers at the base of Hurricane Point and a grand piano player at Bixby Bridge. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

#8: Patagonian International Marathon, Chile

If you don’t mind a bit of adventure and want a true bucket list marathon, one of the most beautiful marathons in the world is undoubtedly the Patagonian International Marathon in Chile. 

The course meanders through the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, offering vistas of aquamarine waters that appear painted rather than formed by nature, towering peaks, and pristine, shimmering glaciers. 

Another cool feature of this scenic marathon is the eco-friendly commitment of the race. Instead of receiving a medal, marathon finishers get a tree planted in their name to improve the health of the planet. How cool is that?

You are also encouraged to carry your own water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

#9: Mount Desert Island Marathon, Maine, USA

The Mount Desert Island Marathon in Bar Harbor, Maine, is widely considered one of the most scenic marathons in the U.S. and it somehow manages to feel both epic and charming at the same time.

The course loops around Mount Desert Island and the edge of Acadia National Park, with stunning Maine coastline, sweeping views of bays and inlets, rocky shoreline, and those postcard-perfect stretches of forest.

Logistics are smooth, aid stations are solid, and the overall vibe is that the organizers and volunteers genuinely care about the runner experience. And yes: runners rave about the iconic “Crusher Claw” medals, a perfect nod to Maine’s lobster culture.

If you’re looking for a destination marathon that’s heavy on natural beauty, fall atmosphere, and New England character (without the big-city chaos), Mount Desert Island absolutely belongs on the bucket list.

#10: Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway

True to its name, the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø, Norway, is run at night because, at the latitude of the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t set at night from May 20 to June 22. 

Much of the course is along the coastline, with lovely views of the Norwegian Sea on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other.

You cross a bridge over the Norwegian Sea and can also enjoy views of the Tromsdalen (the famous Arctic Cathedral) while sharing the course with about 6,000 other enthusiastic marathon runners. 

#11: The Kauai Marathon, Hawaii, USA

It’s hard to argue that a marathon in Hawaii earned a place on the list of the most beautiful marathons in the world. 

The Kauai Marathon follows the coastline of Hawaii’s fourth-biggest island, offering jaw-dropping views of the ocean and beaches, lush green rainforests, foggy Omao, an ancient Tunnel of Trees in the wilderness, and rocky volcanic peaks.

It’s like a moving postcard for 26.2 miles.

Instead of one of the most scenic marathons in the world, have you ever considered running the Abbot World Marathon Majors? These include the London Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Boston Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Sydney Marathon, New York Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon.

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