Credits : worldsmarathons.com
When it comes to fitness goals, deciding to participate in a marathon can be a definitive motivational tool. It will force you into training every day so you can build the endurance required to cross the finish line. But a marathon doesn’t have to be about fitness alone. It can also be about finding some truly picturesque trails that will be worth all the sweat you put into the training! So take a pick from this list, and find some friends to join you. We promise, it will be a run to remember.
1.The Ladakh Marathon
Date:September
Location: Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
This marathon has been profiled in various International Sports magazines and listed as being amongst the most beautiful breathtaking marathons in the world. Considering the location, it is hardly a wonder why! It is also the highest and amongst the toughest marathons. Do plan it wisely because the Ladakh Marathon requires you to arrive in Leh at least a week in advance to acclimatise for race day. Various races take place in and around Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh and offer runners the unique opportunity to run with local Ladakhis through a landscape with endless awe-inspiring vistas.
2.Sohra Cherrapunjee Marathon
Date:July
Location:Shillong, Meghalaya
This stunning marathon will have you breezing through mist-covered valleys, quaint villages and fantastic views of rolling hills. Sohra or Cherrapunjee, is well known as the place that often receives the heaviest rainfall on Earth. This is perhaps why the event is also called the “Abode of Running in the Clouds”. Participating in this marathon is also a great way to escape the sweltering heat of July and to experience Meghalaya’s rich culture alongside.
3.Goa River Marathon
Date:December
Location:Chicalim, Goa
Goa River Marathon is a 42-Kilometer, 21-Kilometer and 10-Kilometer run in paradise. Its route runs alongside the pristine blue waters of the Zuari River. The event has been named ‘one of the 10 Great Marathons in the world’ by Nat Geo Traveller. DNA India too puts Goa River Marathon as being amongst the ‘Top 5 Marathons in India’. And since it is held each year in second week of December, it makes for a perfect year end celebration!
4.Go Heritage Run – Hampi
Date:January
Location:Hampi, Karnataka
This half-marathon is run by Go Heritage Runs, an award winning series of fun runs organized across India at various heritage locations. Listed among ‘Top 10 Scenic Marathons in India’ by Conde Nast Traveller India, GHR Hampi is designed to let you explore the scenic beauty and cultural variety of our rich heritage. Untimed and all for the fun of running, the race takes you through the World Heritage Site of Hampi – a site renowned for its unique visual appeal and history spanning from the 1st to the 14th century.
5.Run the Rann
Date:February
Location:Dholavira, Gujarat
Set against the silver-white landscape of India’s biggest salt desert, the annual edition of Run The Rann is a race for the strongest. It offers 3 different races (161 kms, 101 kms and 51 kms) and is India’s hardest trail running desert race. Here, you circle the ancient ruins of Dholavira, one of the largest metropolises of the 5000-year old Indus Valley Civilization. And encounter cracked desert land, vast salt marshes, and unforgiving cacti along with surprises like wet mud, black cobras and giant monitor lizards! This is not your average trail running race. It’s an adventure that only the well prepared and the strongest can brave.
