4 best marathons to run around the world

Marathons are a great goal to work towards when you’re trying to get in shape. For those location independent entrepreneurs who can work where they choose, marathons provide a good excuse to move to a new city.

However, with marathons flying left, right, and centre every day, it’s impossible to run them all! Instead, it’s a good idea to focus on a couple of marathons per year. Here are four of the best to run around the world.

Paris Marathon, France

Up to your ears in research on how to lose weight fast? Well, while you’re training for this marathon, you don’t need to worry – the training will be enjoyable enough, you’ll meet your goals for the Biggest Loser Club without even trying. While many like to walk around Paris and see the sights, you’ll be able to dash around and see all the iconic tourist hotspots in no time at all – this includes the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Bastille. After you’ve finished the marathon, don’t head home; instead, dash over to Italy and Germany for a little bit of extra exploring – you deserve it, after all!

The ING New York Marathon, United States

One of the world’s most famed marathon runs, the New York Marathon draws in more than 100,000 applicants from all around the globe. With world-class professional athletes, this is one of the biggest marathons you will ever take part in. Marathon runners dip and weave through New York City’s five boroughs – Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Harlem, and Manhattan – and cross the finish line at Central Park. The Big Apple certainly delivers on its promises of grandeur here.

The Great Wall Marathon, China

Some say the Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most treasured tourist hotspots, and for good reason – from the Great Wall, you’ll be able to see amazing views of Beijing and marvel in the historical resonance of this grand structure. However, if walking the Great Wall isn’t enough, why not run it? With plenty of steep ascents and descents, this race takes 50 per cent more time to complete than other marathons, but the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel will be 100 per cent more satisfying.

Athens Classic Marathon, Greece

If you’re a sucker for history, then you can’t go past the Athens Classic. Starting in the town of Marathon, you’ll run along the coastline of the Aegean Sea and slowly work your way towards Athens. Aged over 2,500 years old, you’ll almost be able to hear the footsteps of runners from days passed as you run along this track.

Carrie Jameson is a writer who is currently training for her first marathon. One day, she wants to complete all four marathons on this list.