1. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is quick, flat, and beautiful. Along the course, there will be live music that will give the runners additional motivation and the spectators an enjoyable time. Lisbon is still rather warm in October so getting going at an early hour can help you avoid the intense afternoon sun. The marathon takes you along the famous Portuguese coastline on the Marginal Road and along the Tagus River, passing several amazing World Heritage Sites along the route. It begins in Cascais, a charming small seaside town. When you finish the run in the heart of Lisbon, go and refill your calories at a delicious bakery called Pasteis de Belem.

2. This Mont Saint‑Michel run is quite a spectacular little marathon with roughly 6,000 participants. The finish line is visible from the starting line, and there are many lovely French villages to visit as you run down the Normandy coast from Cancale to the mythical island community of Mont Saint‑Michel. Running beside the sea is a huge benefit because the air and sea wind make you feel a little bit more energised. Once you complete the marathon, you can go for a swim in the English Channel to relax your body.

3. This route of the marathon takes you through the history of Roman civilisation, and the spectacular sites are so breathtaking that you might even forget about the aches and pains. Starting at the Colosseum, you'll run through and around the sites and monuments that make Rome one of the most visited cities in the world as you make your way along the Tiber and over a couple of its bridges. Unfortunately, the uneven surface can be painful for your feet and harmful to your ankles. However, the fact that you are in Rome, plus a slice of pizza before the race, make up for this inconvenience to a large extent.

4. The Marrakech marathon takes place towards the end of January, one of the coldest months of the year in Moroccan city. Even so, temperatures can still reach 19 or 20 degrees, so dress for the heat and consider bringing some water with you. This is a stunning marathon that travels through the Menara Gardens and through the historic city walls in a single circuit. The Atlas Mountains form an amazing scenery for the rose‑coloured city, and the roadways are dusty but full of palm, olive, and orange trees. Don't forget to reward yourself with a trip to the hammam and a sizable tagline afterwards!

5. Running a marathon is a heroic effort itself, but this Alpine endurance test involves a real fight. With most of the hills occurring in the race's second half, the finish line is over 2 kilometres higher than the starting line. You might think that a runner is completely mad to want to achieve this, but remember that ANY marathon requires a certain degree of being mad and second, that extreme height also brings incredibly stunning views. Without a doubt, this marathon takes you through some of Switzerland's most breathtaking scenery such as the sight of the Eiger Glacier in the Alps.