Travel to run! Four marathons across the world that should be on every fitness enthusiast's list

As a fitness enthusiast, if you are looking to push boundaries, you are in for a treat. A holiday centred on fitness and fun (Marathon Vacations) is truly spellbinding to someone who’s focused to the cause of running. In fact, planning a vacation around a marathon further ups the adrenaline. Post event, explore the destination and come back home with numerous tales of sportsmanship to tell.

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD MARATHON
Region: Australia
When: 19th-20th May, 2018

The Great Ocean Road Marathon, sprawling across the Colac Otway Shire’s inlets and passages from Lorne to Apollo Bay, offers panoramic seascape views.

The undulating, scenic route of the Great Ocean Road Marathon puts it on the bucket list for many runners. Featuring a 60km ultra marathon, a 44km course, a 23km half marathon, a 14km and 6km run and the kids' 1.5km gallop, over a two-day event, there’s something to suit every skill type.

CONQUER THE PEAKS

THE PATAGONIA MARATHON
When: September 15, 2018
Where: Chile

The Patagonian International Marathon takes place within the Torres del Paine National Park of the Chilean Patagonia. Perhaps the finest national park in South America, Torres del Paine National Park sits amidst massive glaciers, lagos and grand pillars of granite mountains that rise 2,500 meters above the race route. The race is a standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres, which takes place on unpaved roads in the shadows of the park.

The marathon receives worldwide attention, attracting runs of various skill types from South and North America, Europe, Australia and Africa to participate in this event. A half marathon (21.0975 km) and a 10Km race too are hosted on parts of the same course. Besides this marathon, various events are hosted through remote parts of Patagonia to put forth environmental values.

RUN FOR A CAUSE

WOMEN FIRST 5KM
Region: Ethiopia
When: 11 March, 2018

While some run for the sole purpose of fitness, some dedicate it to a cause or charity. Part of the Great Ethiopian Run, the Women First 5km Marathon, hosted as a separate event, elaborates a cause too.

The event was initiated in 2004, four years after the main event and the same year as the Athens Olympic, to recognise the achievements of Ethiopia’s female athletes. The women’s only running event seeks to throw light onto the broader changes regarding the role of women in Ethiopia’s economic and social life. More than 100,000 girls aged between 5-75 years have participated in these races since its first edition in May 2004. The event has grown to be the largest women only race in Ethiopia and one of the biggest in Africa. Staged around the International Women’s Day, this race marks a celebration of the overall contribution of women in the society and country’s development.

EXTREME ADVENTURES

THE ANTARCTIC ICE MARATHON
Region: Antarctica
When: 12th-13th December, 2018

Running along the icy landscape of Antarctica fuses together two emotions-- agony and ecstasy. The Antarctic Ice Marathon covers a classic marathon distance of 42.2km and a half-marathon option called the 'Frozen Continent Half Marathon'. The Ice Marathon is perfect for those seasoned runner’s who’ve conquered various terrains such as the dry and remote desert, high altitude mountains or unruly jungles. Antarctica serves as the last frontier for such individuals; it offers the final great wilderness to be conquered. Held along the Union Glacier in Antarctica, marathoners run against all odds at -20C temperatures. The snow clad expanse is enveloped with hills around, with the only sunshine of victory of completion to brighten the day.