From the vineyards of France and savannahs of South Africa to the lunar landscapes of the Jordanian desert, these 10 bucket-list running experiences will see you taking home so much more than a medal and a finisher’s tee.

There’s no denying running is having a moment. From the boom in run clubs to the rise of fitness lovers taking on epic challenges (marathon participation is up a massive 115 per cent in the last five years alone in Oz), it’s fair to say there are more than a few people who’ve caught the bug. Combine that with the booming wellness travel industry and Aussie interest in mixing fitness with travel plans – 24 per cent of respondents in our Body+Soul 2025 Health of the Nation survey said they were interested in fitness retreats – and you’ve got a recipe for joggers seeking to incorporate their next PB into a dream vacay.

And why not? Where better to break a sweat than surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Australian outback or immersed in the ancient history of Angkor Wat? While visiting these pinch-yourself destinations to snap pictures is all well and good, there’s nothing quite like taking on a challenge – whether that be a five-kilometre trot or the incredible feat of tackling 42.2 kays – in a place you’ll never forget.

So whether you’re a seasoned runner, newer to tying up the laces or making travel plans with someone who can’t take a trip without their activewear in tow, these destination running experiences will have you seriously inspired – and reaching for your trainers sooner than you can book in your leave. So in the interest of taking the word ‘globe-trotting’ to a whole new level, this is the Body+Soul guide to the world’s greatest runs that deserve a spot on your ultimate fitness-travel bucket list. On your marks…

GET LOST IN NATURE AT THE TARAWERA ULTRA-TRAIL

Next race: February 14, 2026

Don’t let the name put you off. Despite being an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race (well known as one of the world’s toughest races), this New Zealand event is perfect for trail running first-timers, offering distances for all levels of endurance. If you’re up to it, enter their 100-kilometre race, or if this is closer to your monthly rather than daily Strava log, opt in for the 50-kilometre or 20-kilometre race category. For the shorter stint, adventurers start next to the stunningly beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu (more commonly known as Blue Lake) and continue towards Rotorua. The fern-lined course delivers a stunning combination of both trails and forestry tracks, with runners making their way past towering redwood trees and pockets of thermal steam. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, it’s a great excuse to visit the city of Auckland and sample its up-and-coming restaurant scene, before making your way to Rotorua, which is just a short 40 minutes away by domestic flight.

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PUSH YOUR LIMITS AT THE PETRA DESERT MARATHON

Next race: September 6, 2025

Running through searing heat and towering dunes might not be everyone’s idea of a holiday. In fact, for most, it’s probably quite the opposite. But if you’re a masochist and really do prefer sand to solid ground, then add the Petra Desert Marathon in Jordan to your bucket list, stat. But this iconic race – which can be tackled as a half or full marathon – isn’t just for those seeking the mental and physical challenge of running through a desert. As the name suggests, it offers participants an unbelievable opportunity to visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. Runners lace up to begin their journey at the ‘Rose City’ of stone carvings and progress into the other-worldly environment of the Jordanian desert. If you want more bang for your run, Travelling Fit offers a six-day package that includes a grand celebration dinner under the stars and a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea, plus the opportunity to extend your trip on an Adventure Tour to explore this New World Wonder.

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GET ZEN AT THE ANGKOR WAT HALF MARATHON

Next race: December 7, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Cambodia, look no further than this Southeast Asian adventure. Next to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, it’s home to over 4000 temples, with Angkor alone home to 400 square kilometres of protected land. The Angkor Wat Half passes mindfully through this historic site every December. Set up with three-, five-, 10- and 21-kilometre races, it’s meticulously planned to ensure every distance gets a view of the grand Angkor Wat temple. The longer routes continue further into the archeological site past numerous monuments, including the giant carved face, Bayon. Be warned, though. With a similar climate to Bali, the conditions are as you’d expect: hot and humid. But it’s absolutely worth the sweat. Even better, the race doesn’t require a tour package and can easily be incorporated into your travel plans. So set your own itinerary and create an active holiday to remember.

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SPRINT THE STRIP AT THE LAS VEGAS ROCK ’N’ ROLL RUN

Next race: February 21, 2026

Taking place directly on the Vegas strip (yes, really), the Rock ’n’ Roll Run offers five-, 10- or 21-kilometre races that are a guaranteed good time. Flanked by fluorescent lights and the city’s iconic monuments, this is definitely not your average race. There are DJs at every stage to pump up the vibe – think everything from Nashville country to disco bangers – so leave the headphones in your hotel room. Make the most of your trip to Vegas by factoring in time to soak up the best Sin City has to offer. “My must-visits sit just outside the city at Red Rock Canyon, the perfect spot for hikes and scenic drives,” tips travel insider, Ryan Thomas, CEO of My Cruises. “Plus, as a foodie, Las Vegas has some of the finest restaurants in the US. Without fail, whenever I visit I have dinner at Golden Steer. It’s one of Vegas’s most iconic venues, with a great atmosphere and even better steaks.” Post-run protein hit, here we come.

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SAFARI ON FOOT AT THE BIG FIVE MARATHON

Next race: June 14, 2025

Holidays are all about making core memories, and what better way to bank them than with a run through an African savannah spotting elephants between distance markers? If you’ve ever been keen to safari, this might just be the most unique way to do it. Hosted in the South African savannah of Entabeni, this race delivers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Africa’s ‘big five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – while closing your Apple Watch rings. There are two distances available – full and half marathon – so you definitely don’t need to clock up 42.2 kilometres to sign up. Travelling all that way, it would be rude not to enjoy the sights post-race, which is exactly why Albatros Adventure Marathons packages include luxe guide-driven tours of the game reserve, along with dinners and an after-party, so you can celebrate your sweaty achievements and immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa with like-minded globe-trotters.

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EXPLORE ANCIENT RUINS AT THE LOST CITY MARATHON

Next race: February 21, 2026

The Lost City Marathon is a must for those who’ve already ticked more ‘traditional’ options off their running bingo card. Kicking off in the Mayan city of Palenque, holiday makers will be spoilt for choice as they lace up for the half- or full-marathon options, which follow lush jungle trails and rivers, passing through picturesque ranches and villages. Not considered an easy course – thanks to the steep hills and mixed terrain – you’ll want to pace yourself and enjoy soaking in the scenery. The region’s wildlife is another highlight – be prepared to sight all sorts of exotic creatures, from macaws and toucans to howler monkeys. If you want to make the most of your time exploring the archaeological and natural wonders of Mexico, Marathon Tours offers mixed itineraries. Consider this bucket-list way to break a sweat an ideal mix of culture and adventure.

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TOUR THE COASTAL PATH OF THE BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON

Next race: May 4, 2025

Mountains or beaches? City or country? With Vancouver in Canada, you don’t have to choose. Set in the home of the Stanley Park Seawall – the longest uninterrupted waterfront path of any race in the world – this spectacular event weaves through one of the globe’s most scenic coastal cities. With views of city skylines, snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it’s easy to see why over 23,000 people took to the start line last year. The best thing about a destination race? It’s about so much more than just the running. Once you’ve smashed out your eight, 21 or 42 kilometres, kick back and enjoy the area’s vibrant arts scene. Fun fact: it’s a thriving movie hub, and the location for blockbusters from Deadpool and Star Trek to Mission Impossible. 

“In Vancouver, you can spend the morning hiking through mountains and the evening in the city lights,” adds Thomas. “Grouse Mountain is a must-visit, with incredible wildlife encounters and panoramic views all just minutes from the city. And you can’t visit Canada without going to an ice hockey game. The passionate fans and fast-paced action make it an unforgettable taste of Canada’s national sport.”

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SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH FRANCE AT THE MARATHON DES CHÂTEAU DU MÉDOC

Next race: September 6, 2025

Marathon or not, what’s a trip to France without wine and cheese? Thanks to the quaint village of Médoc, active travellers can have the best of both worlds: a running holiday that lets you sip the sights of the French countryside and… beaucoup de vin! (Translation: wine!) Well, Médoc is known as a wine-growing region, after all. And if that wasn’t incentive enough, around 90 per cent of runners in the Médoc Marathon clock up the kays sporting fancy dress – from French maid outfits to lederhosen – rather than the latest high-performance kit. In other words, despite the distance, this sits firmly in the ‘fun run’ category. Rather than pushing for a PB, it’s affectionately known as the world’s longest marathon, since fitness lovers notoriously take their sweet time to cross the finish line. It’s hardly surprising, with the course weaving through the vineyards north of Bordeaux – think wine and cheese tastings en route, musical interludes (50 orchestras line parts of the course) and oysters served at the 38-kilometre mark. For this race, which concludes with fireworks and a dance party, you can easily get general entry and organise your own accom. So what are you waiting for?

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BASK IN NEVER-ENDING DAYLIGHT AT THE MIDNIGHT SUN MARATHON

Next race: June 21, 2025

At 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is not just the Arctic capital of Norway. It’s also host to one of the world’s most spectacular events: the Midnight Sun Marathon. As the name suggests, this epic adventure is held after-hours in the rare period when the sun never sets. Rather than filling the sky with the Aurora Borealis, in June the sun never dips below the horizon, seeing 6,000 lucky runners take to the streets to make the most of this endless daylight. While organisers do offer a 10-kilometre distance, to experience the magic of actually running under the midnight sun, you need to lace up for the half or full marathon, which set off at 9pm and 8:30pm respectively. Call it a cardio and circadian challenge. The other bonus? With all that light, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area, which is a virtual hiker’s paradise in the summer months. “Must-dos when visiting Tromsø include riding the cable car to Mount Storsteinen for panoramic city views, admiring the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral and learning about local wildlife at Polaria Arctic Experience Centre,” tips Thomas.

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RUN THE RED EARTH OF THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK MARATHON

Next race: July 26, 2025

Imagine drinking in views of Uluru on some of the most sacred and beautiful trails the Northern Territory has to offer. Well, that’s exactly what fitness enthusiasts get at this hugely popular event. Starting at first light, the Australian Outback Marathon (AOM) sees runners welcomed with a moving start line moment from traditional custodians, with distances from six kilometres to full marathons. AOM has five packages and several different accommodation options to choose from. The platinum package includes everything from an Uluru sunrise tour to post-race stretch sessions with fitness pros. When selecting where to lay your head before and after the big race, choose between five-star suites, self-contained apartments or a traditional Aussie lodge. And be sure to grab a ticket to the iconic welcome-night pasta party.

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