Marathon is the supreme discipline of long-distance running. They are not only attractive for top athletes, but also for hobby runners. The choice of events is almost endless. Now we have put together some most breathtakingly beautiful ones that you'll be tempted to run holding a camera.
Ultra-trail Angkor, Cambodia
The newest of a series of Angkor marathons, this endurance test offers 32-km, 64-km and 128-km routes around the famous temples, including Bayon and Angkor Wat. Watch out for monkeys, and the gigantic tree vines that memorably hug some of the great buildings.
Dodo Trail, Mauritius
Crossing rugged coastline and tropical forests, the Dodo Trail is full of wildlife, although the famous dodo bird remains, sadly, extinct. While the demanding 50km Xtreme route covers 828m-high Black River Peak, a beginner-friendly Mini Dodo Trail (10 km) is easier.
Great Ocean Road marathon, Australia
Another well-known scenic coastal drive, southern Australia's Great Ocean Road stages a footrace every May. Neck-ache could be a problem: in one direction lies the scenic South Sea, and in another handsome forest and, if you're lucky, a koala or two. Be warned, however, that the series of steep slopes make this one of the toughest marathons.
Big Five marathon, South Africa
Marathon meets safari at the privately owned Entabeni Game Reserve every June. The start time is dependent on the race-day location of the Big Five members — African elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinos — as organizers try to guarantee sightings.
