Are you ready to challenge yourself on some of the most breathtaking and rugged terrains on the planet?

If you love the thrill of running marathons while visiting stunning, unforgettable destinations, this list is perfect for you! Here’s a guide to seven incredible marathons that will take you from the mountains of Peru to the icy landscapes of Antarctica to add to your 2025 running bucket list!

South America: Inca Trail Marathon – Peru

Date: 27th August 2025

Location: Inca Trail, Peru

Terrain: Mountain trails, ancient stone paths, steep ascents

Highlight: Run the same paths the Inca once travelled, winding your way through the Andes Mountains. The course climbs through cloud forests, crosses ancient ruins, and finishes at Machu Picchu, for an unforgettable and rewarding view. With high altitudes and difficult terrain, this race is as satisfying as it is challenging.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 14-16 hours

Africa: Sahara Marathon – Algeria

Date: February 25th 2025

Location: Tindouf, Algeria

Terrain: Desert sand, rocky trails, and dunes

Highlight: This unique marathon runs through the stunning Sahara desert, showcasing the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the region. Participants face the challenges of the heat and sandy terrain. The marathon not only tests endurance but also raises awareness and funds for Saharawi refugees.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 3-4 hours (to Algiers, followed by a domestic flight or drive)

Asia: Great Wall Marathon – China

Date: May 17th 2025

Location: Great Wall of China, China

Terrain: Stone steps, steep inclines, and historic battlements

Highlight: Set against the iconic backdrop of the Great Wall of China, this marathon features over 5,000 stone steps, steep ascents, and some descents so challenging they’ll make your legs burn. The sheer history and setting make this one of the most unforgettable and enjoyable runs in the world.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 10-11 hours

North America: Pikes Peak Marathon – USA

Date: September 21st 2025

Location: Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA

Terrain: Steep mountain paths, rocky trails, and high altitudes

Highlight: One of the toughest marathons in North America, this race takes runners on a vertical climb of 7,800 feet up the historic Barr Trailmeters to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The altitude and rugged terrain make it a true test of endurance, with a difficult but thrilling downhill return to the finish.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 10-11 hours

Oceania: Kepler Challenge – New Zealand

Date: December 6th 2025

Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Terrain: Mountain trails, ridgelines, and forest paths

Highlight: Set in Fiordland National Park, this 60 kilometer ultra-marathon takes runners across the iconic and stunning mountain Kepler Track. With steep climbs, technical descents, and jaw-dropping views of New Zealand’s wilderness, it’s a challenging yet awe-inspiring race for nature lovers and running enthusiasts.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 25-30 hours (with layovers in major hubs like Auckland)

Antarctica: Antarctic Ice Marathon

Date: March 15th 2025

Location: Near the South Pole, Antarctica

Terrain: Ice sheets, snow drifts, and extreme cold

Highlight: Running on the southernmost continent offers an unforgettable, otherworldly adventure that many others will never experience. Battling freezing temperatures, strong winds, and harsh snow-covered landscapes, this marathon takes place near the South Pole, giving runners ultimate bragging rights and stories to tell friends about.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 20-25 hours (usually requires flights to Argentina, followed by a charter flight to Antarctica)

Europe: The Dolomites Marathon – Italy

Date: July 6th 2025

Location: Dolomites, Italy

Terrain: Mountain trails, steep ascents, rocky paths, and alpine meadows

Highlight: Set in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, this marathon challenges runners with a mix of tough mountain trails and breathtaking panoramic views of sharp peaks and serene, picturesque valleys. The race takes you through some of Italy’s most spectacular alpine landscapes, including high-altitude passes and beautiful alpine forests. The combination of challenging terrain and natural beauty makes this an unforgettable experience for any trail runner and certainly one to add to the 2025 plans.

Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 2 hours (flights to Venice or Verona, followed by a short drive to the Dolomites)

So if these 7 different marathons have got your adrenaline pumping and you itching to get away in 2025, then get ready to lace up your running shoes and take on these incredible challenges around the globe! Whether you’re tackling the steep mountain paths of the Andes, racing through the ancient battlements of the Great Wall of China, or running through the heat of the Sahara, each marathon offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So, if you’re an experienced marathoner seeking new challenges or a traveller looking to combine your love of adventure with fitness, these races are perfect for pushing your limits and exploring the world in a truly exhilarating way.

But don’t forget! Protect your once in a lifetime adventures with suitable travel insurance. If you are planning to take part in any of these activities, you will need to contact us to discuss further. These are considered to be extremely risky activities and we need to check a number of things with you before we can confirm cover.

Please fill out this activity enquiry online form, so you can provide us with the following information to help us make our decision:

• Traveller Age(s)
• Experience/Qualifications
• Duration of trip
• Destination
• Policy Type (Single Trip/Multi Trip)
• Group Size
• 3rd Party Search and Rescue Plans – Medical Conditions

Thank you,
The DOGTAG Team