Run The World

OK we don’t want you to actually try and “Run The World” but have a look at some of these amazing race routes.

We’ve selected our favourite races below but to view the full article click here

Running a marathon is a refreshing way to go off-the-beaten track in a destination you may otherwise see only as a tourist, says Hazel Lubbock. Here are some of the world’s prettiest race routes.

THE BIG FIVE MARATHON, SOUTH AFRICA
This really wild race takes runners through the enormous Entabeni Game Reserve (pictured), where South Africa’s Big Five roam free. The challenge of tough terrain (loose stones, narrow ledges, sandy paths, steep inclines) is rewarded with the sight of herds of antelope, grazing giraffe and gazelle, and even the odd rhino. A section of the course is known as ‘lion country’, but expert trackers ensure that runners face no danger on the day.
Date: 20 June 2015
Website: www.big-five-marathon.com

THE PATAGONIAN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
This marathon across little-visited Chilean Patagonia takes a spectacular route through the Torres del Paine National Park. Runners pass alongside the park’s rivers, placid lakes and staggering glaciers, through dense forest and up to the base of 3,000-metre-high Monte Almirante Nieto.
Date: 26 September 2015
Website: www.patagonianinternationalmarathon.com

MARATHON DU MEDOC
Wine-tasting isn’t something most people would associate with running, but one marathon in France proves that they can go hand-in-hand. The Marathon du Medoc route takes thirsty runners through Bordeaux’s vineyards and châteaux. As well as the usual water stations, runners can pick up high-calorie snacks – foie gras, cheese, oysters – and sample the region’s wines en route. (Who said runners couldn’t indulge every now and then, anyway?) Each year the 8,500 runners dress up according to a theme; next year’s is ‘countries of the world and their carnivals’, so expect to see sequins and feathered headresses aplenty as painted bodies stumble across the finish line.
Date: 21 September 2015
Website: www.marathondumedoc.com