The toughest run? Here’s a look at some of the world’s most challenging marathon courses

The 42.195km (26 mile, 385 yard) distance is a challenge for even the most experienced runners, on any course. But which races at the official Olympic marathon distance are the most extreme? here’s a look at some of the world’s toughest.

For road races, the hardest of the Marathon Majors series is the hilly course of Boston, USA. But that doesn't compare to the Everest Marathon. That race starts at 5,364 metres above sea level at Everest Base Camp on the side of the world's highest mountain. The race is so challenging that runners have to clear certain medical checkups prior to running. In 2024, the winning time was nearly 4 hours, with Nepal’s Arjun Rai Kulung clocking in at 3:52:02.

For another elevation challenge, let’s look at the Pikes Peak Marathon in the United States. Though the race doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Everest course, topping out at 4,302 metres, runners can still expect big inclines, rugged terrain, and the conditions that high altitude brings, in what's considered the hardest marathon in the US.

Altitude is also a factor in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Marathon, which includes a steep midsection that lasts until nearly the end of the course. Still, runners will be rewarded with sweeping views of the pristine Swiss Alps in return for their effort.

History and views are on offer in the People’s Republic of China’s Great Wall Marathon. This race’s specific challenge comes with some 20,000 steps along the historic wall. The steps have almost no consistency and the heights of the steps can vary between 2.5 and 38 cm.

If nature is more of interest, the Lewa Safari Marathon, set about 160 km north of Nairobi, Kenya, might be the perfect race. Lewa doesn’t feature tricky altitude or step-related challenges, instead offering runners a dirt path in the middle of an African wildlife conservancy. Runners are alongside the park’s animals with no physical barriers – but don’t worry, scout aircraft and park rangers protect the participants from lions, hyenas, wild dogs, leopards, and other animals.

Scenery is also the draw for the Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland and the Aurora Marathon in northern Norway. Both events are set in sub-zero temperatures, but offer a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Last up are two marathons for anyone looking for a truly cold-weather challenge: The North Pole Marathon, and the Antarctic Ice Marathon. Set at different ends of the planet, both require runners to complete the race distance while running entirely on ice. With temperatures as low as -40c and wind chill with gusts of 200km/hour, these events are some of the toughest challenges on earth.

The North Pole Marathon race is the most northernmost, with a visit to the Geographic North Pole and a run on the floating ice sheet, with the ocean flows beneath taking you further and further from the top of the world with each lap of the officially certified temporary course. Marksmen with guns ensure competitors are safe from Polar Bears.

The Antarctic Ice Marathon 2024 is billed as being the world's most southernmost organised race at the 42.2km distance, offering running enthusiasts a chance each December to run on the frozen continent and also join the 7 continents club, for completing a race on all seven of the earth's major landmasses. Those wanting to fast-track that process can take part in the World Marathon Challenge, which involves seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days, including travel and very little sleep. Certainly not for the faint-hearted.