Inspired by our brand-new book, Run we’ve rounded up 9 of the most incredible runs in the world. Whether you’re after incredible views, a leg-burning challenge or simply want to don a wacky costume, there's something here that will have you reaching for your trainers...

Following one of the most iconic trails in Los Glaciares National Park, this challenging out-and-back run passes through wildlife-rich beech forests and next to tumbling glacial rivers, as it winds towards a truly stunning sight. You’ll need to work for the views though: the final 2-km (1.2-miles) involves a calf-cramping ascent up a steep scree slope. The reward? Unencumbered panoramas across a teal-blue glacial lake, watched over by the snow-crowned pinnacles of Monte Fitz Roy.

Another option: Abel Tasman, New Zealand
Proving not all views have to be lofty, this coastal run skirts the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, taking in sandy bays lapped by turquoise waters and emerald-green bush.

This gruelling event is regarded as the toughest footrace on earth – and for good reason. It sees participants tackle half a dozen marathons, back-to-back, over six days, all across the unforgiving sands of the Sahara desert. Runners have to deal with yo-yoing temperatures (scorching days and chilly nights) and harsh terrain, including steep mountains and huge dunes. If this wasn’t enough, runners need to take everything they need to survive on their backs. It isn’t one for the faint-hearted – but for those who manage to cross the finish line, the sense of accomplishment is immense.

Another option: UTMB, France
This 171-km (106-mile) race loops around Mont Blanc, offering a brutal combination of challenging mountain terrain and calf-cramping elevation gain – thankfully there’s plenty of stunning scenery, too.

Every May, tough-as-nails runners attempt to run a section of China’s Great Wall. Built around the 16th century, this literal wonder of the world is made up of crenellated stepped walkways, which snake for an astounding 21,196 km (13,171 miles) across ridged, tree-shrouded hills. Participants tackle a 10.5-km (6.5-mile) stretch of the wall in Hebei province, northeast of Beijing, with the other two-thirds of the marathon weaving through the surrounding forested mountains. It’s a hardcore challenge: expect rocky dirt trails and rough steep ascents, including a fair few stairs on the wall itself. But the pain is worth it – after all, how many people can say they’ve run along the Great Wall of China?

Another option: Spartathlon, Greece
This gruelling ultra is based on the original marathon route; it was first run in 490 BCE by a messenger from Athens, who sought aid from Sparta before the Battle of Marathon.

Come the third weekend in November, Beaujolais, a wine-making area just south of Burgundy, gets into the party spirit. This usually peaceful spot plays host to gaggles of runners for the Marathon du Beaujolais. Weird and wacky outfits are de rigeur, with costumes including everything from superheroes and leprechauns to chickens and unicorns. Don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of grapes jog past, either – this is wine country, after all. In fact, this joyful event actively encourages participants to sample the region’s Beaujolais Nouveau at the tasting stations found en route. Elsewhere, drumming groups, brass bands and DJ sets in the chateaus tempt tipsy runners to have a boogie – it’s tons of fun but, let’s face it, not a race for chalking up a new PB.

Another option: London Marathon, UK
Thousands of charity runners in fancy dress take to the streets of the UK capital during this famed race: watch out for superheroes, gorillas and two-person horse costumes.

Northern Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy provides a haven for some of Africa’s most ionic wildlife – and it’s possible to spy them during this marathon. Looping twice through a section of the park, runners have the chance to see herds of elephants wandering by, giraffes pausing to drink from a watering hole and majestic black rhinos standing sentry. It’s possible to glimpse leopards and lions too, but only from a distance (park rangers make sure they stay away from the route). Of course, there are challenges: the high altitude, scorching heat, and 83 per cent humidity, to name a few. But the knowledge that this race helps to protect Lewa’s rich biodiversity – and the sight of a zebra wandering across the path ahead – is sure to keep you going.

Another option: Great Ocean Walk 100s, Australia
Definitely not a walk in the park, this ultra winds from sandy Apollo Bay to the iconic Twelve Apostles, with the chance to glimpse rainbow parakeets, koalas and duck-billed platypus along the way.

Taking place in a sleepy little Welsh town, this offbeat event sees runners race against riders on horseback. The idea came from a local landlord, who – after hearing some of his punters discussing whether a man or a horse made a better cross-country runner – put the question to the test. Today, the event sees participants (both human and horse) undertake a gruelling route through the hilly Welsh countryside. To make things a little fairer, runners get a 15 minute head start, while the horses have to take a slightly longer route. Most of the time the horses still win (unsurprisingly), but there have been some human victors – including the aptly named Ricky Lightfoot in 2022.

Another option: Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, USA
Weaving through the backwoods of rural Tennessee, the original backyard ultra sees participants run a roughly 4-mile (6.5-km) loop within one hour – then do it over and over and over again until there’s just one runner left standing.

This spring-time race is undeniably iconic. For one thing, it’s the world’s oldest annual marathon. For another, it has a storied past, with more than a few running legends pounding the route: back in 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to “officially” participate, even if she had to register as K V Switzer to secure a place in the men-only race and was almost tackled by an officious event organizer (she outran him). Add to this the marathon’s notoriously difficult qualifying times (further upping the bragging rights) and the festival-like atmosphere, and you have one of the most iconic running events in the world.

Another option: Bushy Park, UK
Winding through one of London’s beautiful royal parks, the world’s first-ever parkrun started a revolution in community running around the world.

Located along the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand is one of Central Asia's oldest continually inhabited cities, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. Such a rich past is best seen in the stunning architecture, something runners can experience during this half marathon. Weaving through the historic centre along flat, smooth tarmac, the route leaves you with plenty of energy to take in the majesty of the surrounding sights. Among them are the magnificent tomb of Gur-i Amir, decorated in rich hues of turquoise and lapis lazuli, and the Registan, an expansive square lined on three sides by beautiful mosaic-covered madrassas (educational institutions).

Another option: Malecón, Peru
Running along the top of Lima’s cliff-lined coast, this flat, paved esplanade takes in the city’s soaring apartment blocks and art-filled parks over 9 km (5.6 miles), while offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

This event let’s runners do the impossible – jog along the ocean floor. It takes place off the coast of Nova Scotia, in the Bay of Fundy, a pocket of water that’s home to some of the world’s biggest tides. On a few days of the year, the water level in the bay is low enough to expose a big swathe of the seabed – allowing participants to pelt 10-km (6-miles) across it, racing the incoming tide as they go. It’s a total blast: runners head across a mix of soft sand and squidgy mud, which sucks greedily at their trainers. Half of the joy is taking a tumble into the salty gloop, getting completely caked, and being helped up by a friendly competitor.

Another option: Great Breweries Marathon, Belgium
One for the beer-lovers, this marathon through the flat Belgian countryside passes through three breweries, with a chance to quench your thirst once you’ve finished.

10 of the best road trips in Europe

The windswept tarmac of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way; the old world charm of Germany's Romantic Road; the nerve-racking hairpin bends of France’s Route des Grandes Alpes – Europe’s open roads dazzle drivers with their diversity...

Read now >>