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These are the world’s most beautiful marathons for 2025

Google searches for ‘international marathons’ have soared by 2800 percent since this time in 2023

Liv Kelly
Written by
Liv Kelly
Contributing Writer
Desert marathon
Photograph: Shutterstock
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Not everyone likes running, but if you’ve got some jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery along the way to keep you entertained, the likelihood is that those excruciating 26 miles will be a whole lot more bearable. 

Over the last year, there has been a whopping 2800 percent increase in Google searches for ‘international marathons’ (partly because the London Marathon 2025 garnered more interest than ever, with 840,000 applications) and Wild Frontiers has since released a list of the most beautiful ones in the world. 

Topping that list is the Desert Ultramarathon, a 162km-long run through the sand dunes of Oman. It takes place next year from January 18-22, and includes four stages (including a night stage – but think of the stars)! 

Next up it’s El Cruce Ultramaratón Patagonia, a 100km, three-day race that meanders all the way through the Andes. It’s not all ultras, though – check out the rest of the list below. 

These are the five most scenic marathons in the world

  1. Desert Ultramarathon, Oman
  2. El Cruce Ultramaratón Patagonia – Argentina
  3. Lewa Safari Marathon, Kenya
  4. Volcano Marathon, Chile
  5. San Cristobal Ultramarathon, Galapagos Islands

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