5 bucket list marathons and races to add to your calendar

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). 

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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’. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

Thailand’s largest and most prominent road race, The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (ATMBKK), draws over 30,000 runners and more than 75,000 spectators to the vibrant heart of Southeast Asia.

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With four race categories – marathon, half marathon, 10K, and a 4.5K family fun run – you’re not just running a distance, you’re soaking up a full-blown cultural experience, passing history, temples, and neighbourhoods that characterise Thailand’s rich identity. 

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The course starts at the Rajamangala National Stadium and finishes near the Democracy Monument, taking you through iconic landmarks, including Victory Monument, Wat Benchamabophit, Rama VIII Bridge, and the Royal Grand Palace. 

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The marathon also begins at 2:00am, allowing you to run through a typically chaotic metropolis when it’s calm, cool, and quiet. The transition from pitch darkness to golden morning light makes for a truly surreal, cinematic experience. It’s easily one of the most immersive, bucket list marathons going.

Just an hour’s train ride south of Tokyo, the Shonan International Marathon sets the stage for a spellbindingly epic race along the historic Japanese coastline. 

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Starting and finishing in the beautiful town of Oiso, the course takes you past sun-drenched beaches and unobstructed, picture-perfect views of snow-capped Mount Fuji as you race along the Sagami Bay coastline. 

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Aside from the iconic scenery, the Shonan International Marathon is also blazing a trail (literally) as the world’s first major marathon to completely eliminate plastic bottles and disposable cups from its course. Every runner carries their own hydration pack, reusable bottle, or handheld flask – an eco-friendly initiative that has reduced traditional marathon event waste by an incredible 76%. 

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The result? You get to run on an absolutely pristine, rubbish-free course while directly contributing to a more sustainable event. It’s a win-win.