The Most Beautiful Marathons In The World 

All runners know that there’s more to a marathon than simply completing the full course, it’s often endurance, camaraderie and what you see along those 26.2 miles that keeps you going and gets you across the finish line. Most marathons will feature cheering crowds and well-worn running shoes, but there are some that can also boast incredible views, vistas and landmarks too.  

There are marathons around the world that take place alongside iconic landmarks, ancient temples, mountain ranges or stunning coastlines, providing an incredible additional reason to tick them off the list.  

We wanted to discover which of these races was in fact the most beautiful and conducted an eye-tracking study to find out. We collated multiple images of what are considered some of the most stunning marathon routes around the world and got real people to look at them, analysing how their eyes responded to images to reveal which races are truly the most visually striking.

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The 20 Most Beautiful Marathons in the World

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1. Big Sur International Marathon (California, USA) - 99/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

First run in 1986, Big Sur is renowned for its dramatic Pacific coastline. The course follows Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel, offering dramatic ocean views, cliffs, redwood forests, and the famous Bixby Bridge. Limited to a few thousand runners, it’s both exclusive and unforgettable. 

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2. Great Wall Marathon (China) - 91/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

As well as being one of the most scenic marathons on earth, it's also one of the toughest. Runners tackle 5,164 stone steps along the Great Wall of China, passing watchtowers and mountain villages. The mix of history, culture, and sheer spectacle makes it a bucket-list race.

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3. Loch Ness Marathon (Scotland, UK) - 88/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

Winding through the dramatic Scottish Highlands, the Loch Ness Marathon treats runners to a course that skirts the edge of the legendary loch. Runners can expect views of mist over the water, impressive hills and lush forests alongside some changeable Scottish September weather. And of course, there’s always the possibility that Nessie might surface to cheer you on. 

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4. Marathon du Mont Blanc (France) - 86/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

A challenging alpine race held in Chamonix, it traces mountain trails with panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Founded in 1979, it’s as much about adventure as running, combining rugged terrain with unforgettable scenery. This trail marathon is one to be left to the very experienced runners.

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5. Angkor Wat Empire Marathon (Cambodia) - 85/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

Weaving through the ruins of Angkor Archaeological Park, the Angkor Wat Empire Marathon allows runners to pass ancient temples, stone carvings, and jungle surroundings. A great way to blend sport with cultural heritage, the full marathon route celebrated its 10th birthday this year.

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6. Niagara Falls International Marathon (Canada/USA) - 82/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

This cross-border marathon is unique, with runners starting in Buffalo, USA, and finishing in Niagara Falls, Canada. What likely cinches it as one of the most beautiful marathons in the world is what you see as you come to finish, a spectacular view of the Horseshoe Falls.

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7. San Francisco Marathon (California, USA) - 81/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

Since 1977, this marathon has given runners the rare chance to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The course combines steep hills, sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and fresh bay breezes, making it challenging as well as rewarding. It's certainly not one of the world’s easiest marathons; this race will push you hard but surround you with moments of beauty. 

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8. Petra Desert Marathon (Jordan) - 77/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

This desert race takes runners through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, past ancient rock-carved architecture and desert landscapes. The heat and dust make it a particularly gruelling trail marathon, but it is widely considered a ‘bucket-list’ race for those that are looking for a challenge alongside some beautiful views.

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9. The Big Five Marathon (South Africa) - 77/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score 

Taking place in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, this marathon is unique for its wildlife encounters. Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo (also known as the “Big Five”) can be spotted along the course, which is what gives it its name. Places are limited to just 300 participants which makes it a unique experience for marathon runners.

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Photo: FyreMael

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10. Queenstown Marathon (New Zealand) - 77/100 ‘Eye-catching’ Score

Naming itself as the ‘World’s Most Scenic Marathon’, the Queenstown Marathon takes in Lake Wakatipu, alpine vistas, and vineyards. It’s already become iconic for its postcard-perfect landscapes and relatively flat terrain, so is great for someone’s first race.

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When you’re next going on a scenic run, whether it’s one of these bucket-list worthy marathons or just a particularly pretty route local to you, remember to ensure you have the best running shoes for your gait and running style.

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Methodology

We compiled a longlist of over 50 popular marathons worldwide and selected images from each race to use in an eye-tracking study. 300 participants took part, with their eye movements monitored to see which images captured attention the fastest and held it the longest.

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