The world’s best marathon holidays

1. Cancun Night Marathon

The Cancun Night Marathon on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is accepting registrations all the way up to December 5, though it’s cheaper the earlier you sign up. Kicking off at 5pm on December 10, the 26-mile course runs alongside Cancun’s gorgeous lagoon, through the resort’s tourist-friendly Hotel Zone and ends with a Mariachi band serenading your success. That beats Britain any day, eh?

Take a look at our holidays to Cancun for the ‘and relax’ part of your trip.

2. St Lucia Triathlon

You needn’t stick to just running. Why not try some cycling and swimming, too? Entry to the fourth St Lucia Triathlon on November 19 is still open, offering a choice of distances, with the maximum slog comprising a 1,500m swim (in 27C Caribbean waters), followed by a 26.4km bike ride and a 10km run. This small-scale event expects 500 competitors, making it less of a scrum than other major races, and the lush rainforested backdrop of St Lucia is tough to beat. There’s even a beach party afterwards to celebrate.

St Lucia is a new destination for Thomson in summer 2016. Check out our holidays to this Caribbean paradise.

3. Reggae Marathon

Registration for Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon closes on November 29. This famously laid-back Caribbean island will be full of activity on December 3, as runners pound the route through seaside resorts and small rural towns, while local DJs pump reggae from speakers mounted on top of their cars. And this being Jamaica, there’s no shortage of bringing the fun – a Pasta Party the night before helps competitors carb-load, and there’s a Reggae Marathon Beach Bash at Long Bay Beach Park the day after. The catch? The race starts at 5.15am. Still, that’s more beach time post-run…

Learn more about Thomson holidays to Jamaica.

4. Palma de Mallorca Marathon

Closer to home, but no less of a paradise, sunny Spanish island Majorca hosts an annual marathon in its capital city, Palma. The race starts at Palma’s landmark Gothic cathedral, and runs all the way along the sparkling seafront, giving great views. Online registration for the race on October 16 doesn’t close until October 9, and you can even register on-site on the day. But to guarantee your place and get a cheaper price, sooner is better.

Check out Thomson holidays to Majorca and find out how to spend 48 hours in one of Europe’s best holiday cities, Palma.

5. Reykjavik Marathon

If you’d rather not sweat it out in sunny climates, try the ‘cooler’ option of a marathon in Iceland. This run is no less scenic than its hotter competitors, with a route that winds in and around the capital, Reykjavik, as well as stretching along a beach with views over ocean and mountains, and into a valley past rivers and woodland. A little more than 1,000 runners compete, and seeing as this is the Icelandic summer, temperatures hover around a comfortable 10C. Online registration ends August 18 and the race is on August 20, so get in quick.

Find out about Thomson holidays to Iceland, and discover why it makes the perfect adventure package holiday.

Registering now for 2017...

1. Laguna Phuket International Marathon

‘Run Paradise’ says the slogan of this race in the luxury Thai resort of Laguna, on the popular island of Phuket. Early registrations are cheaper, and the race is held over two days in summer 2017 - June 3 and 4.

Learn more about Thomson holidays to Phuket.

2. Mauritius Marathon

Scenery doesn’t come much better looking than that surrounding the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. The marathon runs along the island’s most beautiful coastal road and through traditional fishing villages. The event takes place on July 16.

Find out about how to have a tropical escape to Mauritius with Thomson.

3. Marrakech Marathon

This thrilling North African city at the foot of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is perhaps best known for its chaotic, exotic main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. The Marrakech marathon route dives right into the heart of this bucket list spot, then onto more peaceful alleys fringed with palm and olive trees. The 2017 edition is on January 29.

Read more about our holidays to Marrakech.

4. Cyprus Marathon

One for more experienced runners given the heat, this marathon in Paphos covers a stunning course starting at Aphrodite’s Rock – where the Greek Goddess of love is said to have been born – and running along the lovely coastline of the island’s south. Register now for the event on March 5.

Check out our holidays to sunny, historical Paphos.

5. Walt Disney World Marathon

The most magical race on earth? Head to the Sunshine State of Florida for this marathon around Walt Disney World on January 8, where Disney characters cheer you from the sidelines. Starts at the rather less magical time of 5.30am. Register quickly – the 2017 half marathon, 10km and 5km races have already sold out.

Learn more about Thomson holidays to Orlando, Florida.

Inspired?

We’ve got lots more sporty suggestions for holidays, and you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy them. Check out the best places to cycle this summer, how to have adrenaline-pumping adventures in Costa Rica, and the best dive spots in Thailand.

Author: Laura Chubb