For runners looking to turn a race into a trip, a selection of 15 events around the world offers routes through striking landscapes and historic sites. The events include marathons, half-marathons and shorter distances, with options ranging from a course on China’s Great Wall to a run starting on the Arctic Circle in Finland.
The guide spans races scheduled from March to November 2027. In Taiwan, Rock ’n’ Roll Taitung is set for March 13, with a flat route between the mountains and Pacific coast and distances including a half-Marathon, 10K and 3.5K. Big Sur International Marathon follows on April 25 in California, where runners travel along Highway 1 between Big Sur and Carmel. It offers several distances, from a marathon to a 5K.
April also brings the London Landmarks Half Marathon, whose course passes sights including Big Ben, the Tower of London and the London Eye. The event is scheduled for April 4, 2027, and features a flat route with 238 feet of total elevation gain. In Rovaniemi, Finland, the Arctic Circle Marathon takes place the same day, beginning in Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. Its programme includes a marathon, half-marathon and 10K, alongside activities such as husky sledding and Northern Lights excursions.
On May 15, runners can take on the Great Wall Marathon, a hilly event with marathon, half-marathon and 8.5K distances. Entry requires booking a tour package, which starts at $790 and includes race registration and two nights of accommodation. The following day, the Tossa de Mar Run Festival brings paved and trail races to Spain’s Costa Brava, including a half-marathon, 10K and 5K.
June’s choices include the Yellowstone Half in Montana, with a half-marathon and 5K near the national park, and South Africa’s Big Five Marathon, held on the Entabeni Game Reserve. The latter is limited to 300 participants and requires a tour package; its seven-day option starts at $3,560 and includes accommodation, meals and game drives. Norway’s Midnight Sun Marathon takes place in Tromsø on June 19, starting at 8:30 p.m. while daylight continues. Its distances range from a marathon to a children’s race.
The Banff Marathon is scheduled for June 20, with a half-marathon and 10K through the Canadian Rockies. Its half-marathon is already sold out, and the event’s website is accepting notifications for 2028. On July 3, Iceland’s Laugavegur Volcano Marathon offers routes across black lava rock and past volcanic craters and geysers. Most international participants need to book a six-day tour package; race entry costs extra.
Later in July, the Napa to Sonoma Half takes runners through California wine country, with a post-race festival featuring tastings from local vineyards. The Detroit Free Press Marathon, set for October 15–17, crosses the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Ontario, before returning to the United States through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Participants in the marathon and international half-marathon must carry a passport.
The Athens Marathon and Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa are both listed for November, though registration has not yet opened. Athens offers marathon, 10K and 5K distances, while Tulsa’s event includes a marathon, relay, half-marathon, 5K and one-mile race. The Athens course is described as following the route associated by legend with the ancient messenger Pheidippides; in Tulsa, runners pass through neighborhoods and the University of Tulsa campus, with community block parties along the way.
Registration is open for many of the races, but availability varies. The London event’s 2027 lottery has already taken place, while charity places remain available; registration for the Detroit event is due to open January 1, 2027. The Athens and Tulsa events have not yet opened registration.
Sources: Condé Nast Traveler.