If you're game for adventure and fancy stretching your running legs overseas, these trail races are set in some of the world's most stunning locations.
The Grand Canyon is a sight to behold and is at the top of many adventurers' bucket list. While the half marathon course promises to be hot, dusty and challenging, it features limited climbing so runners will get to relax and enjoy the view. The 13.1 miles can only offer runners a taste of this Olympian nature reserve, but you'll still get to enjoy the magnificent views the surrounding Kaibab National Forest has to offer.
A well-travelled hiking trail along the Garden Route coast of South Africa, the Otter Hiking Trail rarely strays from the shoreline. The route features vertical ascents of more than 2400 metres, tidally affected river estuaries and long reaches of rocky terrain alongside terrifying vertical drop offs. The Otter is a serious challenge, but runners will be rewarded with the most impressive coastal scenery South Africa has to offer.
Starting on the shores of Ullswater in Glenridding, this eclectic trail series follows circuits along marshalled footpaths and bridleways into the foothills of Helvellyn. The third highest peak in England, its panoramic views of Ullswater are truly a site to behold. Once you've tackled the trails, the live music and abundance of food and drink back at base camp promise to be a real celebration.
If running on solid ground doesn't provide enough of a challenge for you, the Lake Baikal International Ice Marathon offers the unique opportunity to race across the frozen ice surface of the world's largest, oldest and deepest lake. As the organisers admit, its a cold, featureless and barren landscape. But at least its flat - the finish line at the port of Listvyanka can be almost seen from the start line.
Taking place in the iconic Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, the route follows a winding gravel road past multicolour lakes with a backdrop of the world famous sheer peaks of granite and ice. The event includes four race distances: ultramarathon (63 km), marathon, half marathon and 10km.
A spectacular run from the thermal geysers of Rotorua through a sub tropical forest to the shores of Lake Tarawera. Once over the finish line, runners can soak in the natural hot water baths and enjoy a cream tea before taking a scenic boat ride back to the start.
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