5 most scenic marathons

We all know about the big city marathons like London, Berlin and New York but sometimes a new and exciting destination can inject new life into those tired running shoes.

There are now thousands of events across the globe and the chance to combine a marathon with a holiday is becoming increasingly popular with runners.

The Running Bug sent travel website Skyscanner in search of the world's most scenic marathons and has put together this top-five list of the world's most scenic marathon destinations.

1. Big Sur, California

The jaw-dropping Californian coastline plays host to the Big Sur marathon, regarded as one of the most spectacular of its kind in the USA. Starting at Big Sur State Park, the route then continues along the Pacific coast and Highway 1 towards the finish at the inland forested area of Carmel.

As well as the stunning natural West Coast scenery, migrating whales can sometimes be spotted swimming in the distance.

With a field that is limited to 4,500 participants booking is recommended early for this one, and the 2012 event is already sold out - and with scenery that includes rugged cliffside drops, crashing waves and tumbling green hillsides, it's not hard to see why. Find flights to San Jose.


2. Ice Marathon, Antarctica

The world's most southerly and arguably toughest marathon, the seventh Antarctic Ice Marathon takes place at an altitude of 3,000 feet just a few hundred miles from the South Pole at the Ellsworth Mountains.

Participants will be flown in by private jet from Punta Arenas in Chile to take part in the race and can expect to encounter -20C temperature and winds of 10-25 knots on the five-day itinerary with snowmobile and medical support available.

The marathon was the first sporting event to be held in Antarctica, and this year doubles as a celebration of 100 years since man set foot on the South Pole. Find flights to Santiago.


3. Athens, Greece

Scene of the original Olympic Marathon Race in 1896, the Athens Classic Marathon mirrors the original route by starting at the ancient city of Marathon before finishing at the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens.

The race is normally held in early November each year and features possibly the toughest uphill section of any marathon - from the 10km to 31km point the route is uphill.

The historic course winds its way towards the Greek capital and into the Panathinaikon Stadium, scene of the finish to the 1896 and 2004 Olympic marathons. Find flights to Athens.


4. Loch Ness, Scotland

This 26-mile monster weaves its way through the Highlands along the rugged coastline of Loch Ness, itself nearly the length of a marathon in its own right at 23 miles long.

This year's Loch Ness Marathon takes place on 2 October and is expected to attract over 8,000 participants including professional athletes and amateurs alike.

Arrive a day early and take part in the carb-loading at the Pasta Party, where as well as huge helpings of pasta to get the prepped for the big day there will be live bands playing and physiotherapists available to relax and tone those muscles ahead of the race. Find flights to Inverness.


5. Honolulu, Hawaii

The only marathon where wearing a Hawaiian shirt or flower necklace doesn't count as fancy dress, the Honolulu Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons with over 20,000 people taking part each year.

The spectacular route takes in some of Hawaii's stunning tropical coastline including Waikiki beach, Kawaikui and Walupe beach parks and also passes by the foot of the volcanic crater at Diamond Head.

At this event in 2010, 92 year-old Gladys "Glady" Burrill, who has 24 great-grandchildren, became the oldest person on record to finish a marathon and was rewarded with a resolution in the Hawaii state House of Representatives. Find flights to Honolulu.