If you could race the running events of your dreams, where would you go? I know I share photos of running on the beach fairly often, which is great, but there are some locations that would truly make me swoon. Here are the races that would dazzle and amaze me.
Tromsø, Norway
One of the things I’ve always dreamed of seeing is the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Yes, those lights did shine in Florida for a few minutes, but I missed them, and I doubt I’ll get over it. However, the idea of getting to race with the Northern Lights in the sky just seems extra epic. Enter the PolarNight Marathon weekend. Sure. It’s Norway, in January, BUT the PolarNight offers a full, half, 10K and 5K, of which the latter two are totally doable. I could totally spin a racecation around this.
Banff
Why is Banff one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen? And is the air really as clean as this picture makes it appear? For some reason, I just want to race around this lake, and take a fabulous medal jumping photo with those mountains in the background. Banff offers a marathon weekend, as well as inclusive running tours. Sign me up.
The Great Wall Of China
Can you imagine getting to run on one of the Wonders Of The World? Well, the Great Wall Marathon offers the opportunity, and I would love to take it. This is an “adventure race,” part of a tour package, but I love the idea of building a competitive event into a vacation. I also love that runners can choose from a full, half, or “fun run” (5.5 miles) to experience this historic landmark.
The Amalfi Coast
I mean. This seems self-explanatory. The Amalfi Coast is just stunning, and if I ever get lucky enough to visit, i would love to couple it with a race or a run. There are a few trail runs that seem to take place with various tour companies, so it would be no problem sorting something out. And then think of the food! We will call it fueling. And recovery.
The Galapagos Islands
Did you know there are races on the Galapagos Islands? Where you get to see tortoises and sea lions and other incredible animals? Well there are, and I would love to run one. The Come To Galapagos Marathon takes places twice a year, and is open to international runners (as part of a tour). While I don’t love the 26.2 mile distance, I DO love that this races comes with a personal “caddy” who drives 2km ahead of the runner and waits to hydrate them, take unwanted layers, and make sure they are course for the duration of the race. I love this!
Where are the runs of your dreams?
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Oh, these are great picks! Yes to running under the Northern Lights and the untouched nature in Banff!
I didn’t know that the Galapagos Island offers marathons! To be honest, I’m not quite sure what to think about it. While it’s a fantastic experience for runners, I wonder if having events like that is in the best interest of this special nature reserve. At least their webpage mentions that they care for the environment, so I trust they will!
It looks like it’s a VERY limited field, and very personalized, so I trust they have the best interest of nature at heart. It’s never going to happen, but how cool would it be?
Never say never! I know you would love it and appreciate it!
Great destinations! I have a lot of Norwegian heritage, so Norway would be a great choice for me. I’m used to evening running, as well as the probable cold conditions. Seeing the Northern Lights would be a definite bonus!
I don’t have ANY Norwegian heritage, but I am super interested in checking out the Scandinavian countries lately. Everything just looks so beautiful and outside my “norm”. Of course, I’ll go anywhere so there’s that.
I was right there on the Amalfi coast last summer and yes, highly recommend! Also really enjoyed running in Rome and Florence. Alaska was also pretty incredible!
I was in both Rome and Florence, but before my running days. It would be such a gift.
These are great. I want to go to all.
I doubt i will. A girl can remain.
Agreed.
These are all great! My top 2 choices are Norway and Galapagos Island.
It would be so amazing.