Where racing still happens
In some places a marathon is just a marathon. In others it is proof that normal life is still going on. Fifteen marathons in places where nothing is simple.
Planning figures only. Dates, fees and travel costs change. Verify with the race organiser before you book.
Months are the usual time of year. Check each site for the real date, and check your government's travel advisory before you plan anything.
Where it takes guts
- Ukraine
Kyiv Marathon
17th year. The 2026 edition moved out of Kyiv for security, and there is an online option with a medal for people who cannot travel.
- Syria
Damascus Marathon
The first one ever was held on World Tourism Day in September 2025. About 2,500 runners, past Umayyad Square, with a 5K for families and people with disabilities.
- Bethlehem
Palestine Marathon
Starts at the Church of the Nativity. It skipped 2024 and 2025, and came back in May 2026 for its 10th edition, with a parallel race in Gaza.
- Israel
Tel Aviv Marathon
The biggest in its history in February 2026, with over 50,000 runners across all distances.
- Somalia
Mogadishu Marathon
First held in 2017, the first marathon organised for Somali runners. The 2019 and 2020 races were run inside the city's airport compound.
- Afghanistan
Kabul Marathon
Held 1 to 3 April 2026. Only men can enter right now, under the current government's authorisation, and the exact location is shared with entrants only.
- Iran
Kish Marathon
On 5 December 2025 about 5,000 people ran on Kish Island, roughly 2,000 women and 3,000 men in separate races over 15 km and 42 km. Two organisers were arrested the next day after images showed some women running without a headscarf. An Iranian outlet reports both were released on bail.
- North Korea
Pyongyang Marathon
First held in 1981. The 31st edition in April 2025 was the first in six years, with about 200 foreign runners (950 in 2019). The 2026 edition, set for 5 April, was cancelled in March with no reason given.
History (opens in a new tab)BBC (opens in a new tab)2026 cancelled (opens in a new tab)
Africa, running anyway
- Kinshasa, DR Congo
Congo River Marathon
More than 1,500 runners in 2026, up 26% on 2025. The first edition in 2021 already had 30+ nationalities.
- Central African Republic
Marathon de Bangui
The 11th edition ran in December 2025, built around peace and living together after years of conflict. The 2024 half marathon drew nearly 4,000 people.
- Eritrea
Asmara Marathon
7th edition in June 2026, with runners from Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. Won in 2:16:22 by the same runner for the third year in a row.
The tiny ones
- Kiribati
Kiribati Marathon
The first marathon ever held on the island, in January 2027. It starts at the WW2 memorial in Betio, site of the Battle of Tarawa, and there is no strict cut off time.
- Nauru
Nauru Marathon
Will be held in January 2027. The course is two loops of the island's ring road plus a short stretch out to Uaboe, passing the airport. The island has a single coastal road.
- Liechtenstein
LGT Alpin Marathon
The organisers say you cross almost the whole country, ending in the mountains at Malbun. The 26th edition will be held in June 2027.
- Bhutan
Thimphu Marathon
Bhutan's first AIMS certified marathon. 500+ runners from 12+ countries in 2025.
Running looks the same everywhere. People line up, someone hands out water, someone cheers. That moves me more than any finish time.
If you have run in any of these places, tell us what it was like on the original post on r/punerunners (opens in a new tab).
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