You may have already completed a substantial number of marathon races and now you want to have a different type of challenge. But you aren’t quite ready to take the next step up and tackle an extreme ultra marathon. So here are some of the more adventurous 42km races that you can consider.
These adventurous races are conducted in non-tourist areas so you must be prepared to run in some rather extreme conditions at times. But no doubt, all of them will promise you the adventure of a lifetime.
Antarctic Ice Marathon
The challenging Antarctica Ice Marathon. (Taken from amandabarlow.net)
If you have ever thought about what it’s like to run 42km on snow, you will have the chance to do so at the Antarctic Ice Marathon – the only official 42km race conducted within the Antarctic Circle.
However, this is a race that is certainly not for the faint hearted. The entire marathon takes place on ice and snow, which feels similar to running on sand. As if this does not pose enough of a challenge to you, the average wind chill temperatures are minus 20 degrees C and the altitude for the whole race is held 700 metres above sea level. Wind speed can also be at an average of 20 to 25 knots.
But at the same time, the race will definitely provide you with an experience that you will possibly never forget.
Singaporean Yvonne Chee, who ran in this marathon recently, had an amazing experience. Click here to read more about her challenging run.
To find out more about this chilly Antarctic marathon, check out the details at: http://www.icemarathon.com
Volcano Marathon
If you want to know what it feels like to literally run up a volcano, you will have the opportunity to do so at the Volcano Marathon.
The race takes place at the Tropic of Capricorn and that is adjacent to one of the most active volcanoes in Chile – the Lascar Volcano. As you are running up the volcano, the altitude is 4,475 metres above sea level, so this may pose a challenge for runners who are not prepared. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded by a stunning panoramic view of ten active volcanoes. So the effort taken to reach the top is certainly worth it.
Check out the Volcano Marathon here: http://www.volcanomarathon.com
Mount Everest Marathon
Everest Marathon. (Taken from timesofmalta.com)
This marathon is possibly one of the most extreme 42km races in the world. As the name suggests, it is staged on the slopes of Mt Everest, the world’s highest mountain peak.
For the race route itself, most of the marathon is done downhill. However, before the marathon race itself begins, you will have to do some trekking up the mountain. This will help you to acclimatize to the weather before the marathon. During this freezing downhill marathon, there are a couple of steep up-hill segments that you must prepare yourself for, though. As well, the terrain is very rough and uneven and may be covered with snow and ice too, so runners need to take care when they are racing.
To find out more about the Everest Marathon, click here: http://everestmarathon.com
Kilimanjaro Marathon
The Kilimanjaro Marathon. (Taken from privatekilimanjaro.com)
Staged on the tallest mountain in Africa, tackling this marathon will definitely promise you an unforgettable experience. However, it is a very challenging route though, with the entire 42km race being conducted at 830 to 1,150 metres above sea level. So you may need some altitude training for this race, if you are not used to such running.
The route is quite scenic though, as you will pass through many farms and villages as well as through banana and coffee plantations. So this is definitely a sight for your eyes.
For more, take a look at the race website: http://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com
Easter Island Marathon
You have probably heard a lot about the mysterious and sinister statues of Easter Island, but have you considered running a 42km marathon race amongst them? It is quite an experience to do so.
At the race, you won’t get any human spectators though, because there is no human civilization on Easter Island. But you won’t have to run alone – a myriad of animals such as wild horses, cows and dogs will keep you company – and I’m sure that not many marathon races can guarantee such a diverse range of spectators. In fact, some of these animals could even run a few metres of the race route with you and keep you company for a while – if you are lucky.
For further details, go to: http://www.olimpo.cl/sitio/MaratonRapaNui2013/maratonRN2013eng_descripcion.html
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