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Racing doesn’t just have to be about a physical challenge or hitting a new PB. It can also be about exploring breathtaking scenery, immersing yourself in a different culture, and experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime vibe.
With that in mind, here are our top 5 bucket list marathons and races to add to your calendar – brought to you by Ahotu, our official race partner.
Running through a city is one thing. Running through the heart of an ancient civilization is on another level entirely. The Ultra-Trail d'Angkor offers the rare opportunity to race through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor, Cambodia.
The route leads you through jungle trails, rural Khmer villages, rice paddies, and past thousand-year-old stone temples like the iconic Angkor Wat and Bayon. It’s an unforgettable blend of trail running, rich history, and cultural immersion.
The energy along the course is unrivalled, with locals, monks, and other international runners creating a uniquely supportive atmosphere. With six circuits ranging from 100km ultras to 8km fun runs, this experience is perfect for both seasoned runners and those wanting the ultimate bucket list challenge.
A one-of-a-kind Arctic endurance challenge, the Polar Night Marathon is Norway’s biggest winter race, drawing 2,000 runners from around 70 countries to the extreme north (and extreme cold).
Although the race takes place during the middle of the day, the sun never rises above the horizon, creating a spectacular winter landscape bathed in dramatic polar colours. The sea, the sky, the snow-covered mountains – all blend into brilliant shades of cobalt and purples known as the Arctic ‘Blue Hour’.
Because the race is located directly in the Northern Lights oval, you might even get to witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, making it an undeniable, unrepeatable adventure. It feels more like a fantasy landscape than a traditional marathon course.
Besides this, you can expect a warm, friendly atmosphere (despite the Arctic cold), a meticulously organised event, and a local community that rallies around runners who embrace sub-zero temperatures.
Don’t fancy the full 42km? The event also offers half marathon, 10km, and 5km courses.
An internationally renowned endurance event set against the backdrop of Vietnam’s most historic natural wonders, The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon takes you through truly magnificent landscapes. It really is one of the most scenic bucket list marathons.
As you run, you soak up incredible, panoramic views of towering limestone karsts and islets steeped in crystal-clear emerald water. The full marathon route is uniquely designed to connect two mesmerising UNESCO-protected bays: Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
You also pass exquisite coastal roads, dramatic mountain cliffs, and traditional floating fishing villages, giving you a snapshot of local Vietnamese life. Plus, the course is surprisingly fast and flat. And with its early bird start in cool temperatures, it’s perfect for chasing a personal best.
Post-race, take in the local area with bustling night markets, relaxing bay cruises, and some of the freshest seafood Northern Vietnam has to offer.
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Running across an endless golden horizon sounds like your thing? The Dune Marathon in Morocco’s Erg Chebbi dunes is calling. This otherworldly endurance experience is for runners who want to escape urban noise and test their grit in a raw, breathtaking landscape.
Navigating sprawling desert dunes, red-gold skies, and rich Berber heritage, you'll feel completely removed from modern life. The sheer scale of the terrain makes every mile awe-inspiring, offering an incredible sense of isolation, peaceful stillness, and true, human accomplishment.
Despite the challenging landscape, the event is heavily supported with expert desert logistics, keeping you safe along the way. You’ll reach the finish line under the golden desert sky, making it one for the ages.
Jamaica’s premier international road race, the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, is renowned for hosting the most joyful, uplifting finish line experience in the running world.
Staged along the vibrant and historic Kingston Waterfront, each distance (half marathon, 10K & 5K) runs parallel to the harbour, taking you past colourful urban sights like the Water Lane Artwalk. The route is completely, beautifully flat, too – ideal for locking in your fastest pace.
Besides the breathtaking terrain, this course is famous for its music. Think pure, uninterrupted reggae with live acoustic sets and huge sound systems at every single mile marker. You’ll be running to a pulsating mix of Afrobeats, dancehall, and ska to keep your momentum strong.
After the race, dive into the delicious local food with fresh coconut water and Jamaican jerk chicken. The ultimate post-race recovery package on a dream island.
A-race, B-race, C-races, plus train for multiple races at once.
A training plan built around your pace, goal and schedule.
Guidance from world-class coaches and athletes on every run.
Every recovery block is built for your journey only to meet your needs.
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