Marathons in unusual places: from ancient stadiums to lost islands

The marathon, an iconic event, has long surpassed the borders of ancient Greece. People run marathons all over the world, even in sometimes unexpected places. Today, Marathons.com takes you on a journey through space and time.

| Marathons in ancient stadiums

The history of the marathon is deeply linked to that of ancient Greece, so what could be more symbolic than running in places steeped in millennia of history? The Olympia marathon allows runners to tread the ground of the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games took place over 2,500 years ago. Under your feet, the same stones once trodden by ancient athletes… A true journey through time. Still in Greece, the Athens marathon (pictured above) offers runners glimpses from the past, like the finish in the iconic Panathenaic Stadium (pictured above), built in 330 BC. In Italy, the Rome marathon provides a similar immersion, with a route weaving between the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Forum, and other famous landmarks of the Italian capital. Running in these places is like passing through a history book. Greece and Italy aren’t the only ones offering races in historical settings. In Turkey, the Ephesus marathon allows runners to run alongside the ruins of one of the largest ancient cities in the Mediterranean world. Located in the province of Izmir in Turkey, Ephesus was built in the 10th century BC and was part of both ancient Greece and the Roman Republic during its history. Today, it is an archaeological site, recognized for the Temple of Artemis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

| Remote islands and distant paradises

What if marathons became an excuse to explore remote islands or tropical paradises? The Easter Island marathon, lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is a unique race in the world. Imagine running surrounded by the famous moai, those giant statues that seem to watch over the island for centuries. The volcanic landscape and the island’s isolation add a mystical dimension to the race. The Faroe Islands marathon, an isolated archipelago between Scotland and Iceland, offers an equally baffling experience. With its breathtaking cliffs and picturesque villages, this marathon is an immersion into another world. The course, which traverses wild landscapes, invites you to discover unspoiled nature. If you prefer an island with turquoise waters, the Seychelles marathon (pictured above) is a dream option. Running on trails lined with coconut palms, overlooking the Indian Ocean, can become a reality.

| And in France?

As we are a society increasingly concerned with our own sustainability, it seems fitting to discuss adventures that might interest travelers remaining in France. And it’s worth it; the country is not lacking in marathons that take runners on a journey through the ages. The Nîmes marathon offers a journey into Roman antiquity with a course that runs alongside the city’s arenas. Running in the French city of Nîmes reminds us that it was once one of the most important colonies of the Roman Empire. And for those adventures in island exploration? Okay, there may not be coconut trees, but there are still some lovely spots! The Île de Ré marathon is an invitation to explore this little paradise off the Atlantic coast. Between salt marshes, white villages, and wild beaches, the experience is unique… Further north on the west coast, the Belle-Île-en-Mer marathon offers a highly refreshing race. With its steep cliffs, coves, and natural landscapes, this island is a wild gem. Running here feels like you are at the edge of the world, surrounded by the ocean and rocks.

These extraordinary marathons are not just athletic challenges; they are genuine sensory experiences, allowing runners to discover exceptional places and push their limits in unique settings. For runners, it’s also a way to travel differently, combining a love for sport with exploration.

Ready to lace up your shoes for a marathon off the beaten path?