2018 Travel Trends: 10 Epic Destination Races for Adventure Seekers
Step beyond the Boston, London, and New York marathons with these extraordinary destination races. They'll challenge your limits while immersing you in stunning global landscapes—whether running, cycling, swimming, or pushing through on sheer grit to the finish line.
Safaricom Marathon, Kenya
Experience a true wild-side run at the Safaricom Marathon in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, surrounded by 26 lions, 137 rhinos, 182 giraffes, and 1,160 zebras. Giraffes might even keep pace, while 140 armed rangers and three spotter helicopters keep predators at bay. Heat, steep hills, and 1,700m average elevation intensify the thrill.
Lewa is a four-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Nairobi. Held in late June.
North Pole Marathon
For the ultimate icy challenge, head to Svalbard, Norway, then jet to the North Pole's floating ice cap. Bundle up in snow suits and boots for this 42.2km loop—the frigid conditions demand a cautious pace on this one-of-a-kind course.
The €16,000 entry covers flights from Svalbard to the North Pole camp and helicopter tours.
Marathon du Médoc, France
Test your endurance amid Bordeaux's premier vineyards at the Marathon du Médoc, featuring frequent wine tastings, cheese, pâté, and local delicacies. Runners often lose count of the pit stops—a uniquely flavorful feat.
Starts and finishes in Pauillac, reachable by train, bus, or shuttles from Bordeaux. Early September event.
Marathon des Sables, Morocco
Endure nearly six marathons' distance over a week—250km total, including an 80km stage—across the Sahara's soft sands. Temperatures exceed 50°C, and competitors self-carry food (minimum 2,000 calories daily) and supplies. A legendary test of human resilience.
Takes place in early to mid-April in southern Morocco.
Grand to Grand Ultra, USA
America's pioneering self-supported ultra, this 273km multi-stage race spans from the Grand Canyon's north rim to the Grand Staircase. Traverse red sand dunes, slot canyons, towering buttes, hoodoos, and mesas in high-desert terrain.
320km from Las Vegas airport to base in Kanab, Utah.
Inca Trail Marathon, Peru
Channel ancient Inca chasquis on this historic route to Machu Picchu. Featuring 3,000m elevation gain, 3,300m descent, and a 4,215m high point, it's a timeless challenge along one of the world's most iconic paths.
In 2018, Andes Adventures hosts in June and August; Erik’s Adventures in July.
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, USA
Escape the infamous island with a 2.4km swim in shark-haunted San Francisco Bay, a 29km bike through city hills and Golden Gate Park, and a 13km run to Baker Beach. Iconic and intense.
Mid-June event capped at 2,000; amateurs enter via lottery.
Great Wall Marathon, China
Conquer 5,164 stone steps along the Great Wall from Huangyaguan fortress. Brutal climbs yield breathtaking views of hills, villages, and the wall itself—a monumental achievement.
Held 19 May 2018, 120km east of Beijing.
Man V Horse Marathon, Wales
Pitting human against horse over rugged terrain since 1980, this race (around 35km in 2018) settled the debate when a runner won in 2004. A quirky test of endurance.
From Llanwrtyd Wells, three-hour train from Cardiff. Mid-June.
Outback Marathon, Australia
Run flat red-dirt trails near Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta. Sand dunes and iconic vistas add magic to this outback adventure.
Multi-day packages include accommodation; Ayers Rock Airport nearby. Entry-only not available.
