India’s Most Picturesque Marathons

For those who love to run and for those who are looking for inspiration to run, there is no better way to get healthy than by trailing through some of the most beautiful marathons in India.  Passing through hill ranges with beautiful orchards, rivers and wildlife farms, through coffee estates and along beaches, chances are that you will end up knowing how addictive it can be. So, all you need to do now is to put on your shoes, plug those earphones in, and run through some of the picturesque marathons in India.

Alibag Running and Living Beach Half Marathon

Location:  Maharashtra

It does not matter from where you are, its time you take your run to a more competitive level. Pass through the flat, hard sands of Kihim beach during the low tide at dawn. The scenery you get through while running is simply magnificent. One can choose from 5km, 10.55 km and 21.1km races respectively.

Corbett Running and Living XC Marathon

Location: Uttaranchal

The marathon is a cross country ride on the edges of the Corbett tiger reserve where the path is mixture of pebbles and tar making it difficult run along the dense jungle. The categories of races organized are: 5km, 10.55km, 21.1km and 42.2km respectively. There could not be a better way of enjoying your wildlife safari vacation than running alongside the lush green forest and wild animals.

The WindChasers Sandakphu 70Mile Himalayan Race

Location: West Bengal

The marathon takes place continuously for 4 days with the highest point of sandakphu peak at 12,000ft. For taking part in the marathon and running, you need to train yourself accordingly well before the event. But the efforts will eventually get paid witnessing the amazing views of Mt Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse. And if got lucky might be a red panda at the Singalila National Park.

Sohra Cherrapunjee Marathon

Location: Meghalaya

The marathon involves you running on the wettest part on earth surrounded by the snow covered mountain peaks, deep valleys and stunning waterfalls. Beginning from the impressive village of Mawkdok the track sees three different racing routes including; 42km full marathon, the 21km half marathon, and the 10km particularly for children of age between 3–15 and the differently able.

Chandrataal Ultra Run

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Located in the Spiti valley, the marathon at Chandrataal offers stunning views of snow covered mountain peaks, glaciers, number of streams and the exquisite Chandra River all along the track. The race is organized in two levels- 50km (starting from the chatru and finish at the overnight camp along the Chandrataal Lake) , 100 km( starts from the town of Sissu-10,270ft above sea level through Chandrataal via Batal and Kunzum Pass)

Ladakh Marathon

Location: Jammu & Kashmir

You can enjoy your own way of feeling the air by running one of the highest marathons in the world. The path of marathon offers spectacular views of the snow covered mountains, valleys and pretty rivers of the region along with the sights of famous Buddhist temples. The event takes place is four parts to choose from- the 7km, Half Marathon, Marathon, and the 72km Khardungla Challenge (toughest of them all).

Go Heritage Run – Udaipur

Location:  Rajasthan

Pace your life up by signing up for this marathon, where you get to see the stunning sights of the Jagdish Mandir and Lake Pichola from an entirely different point of view. The run starts from the famous city palace and finish it there only. The marathon has three levels of different routes: 5km, 10km and 21km

Spice Coast Marathon, Kochi

Location: Kerala

The trail is designed in a way that you get to see atleast one of the popular historical landmark every kilometer. Stretched over 42 kms, the runway crosses through the Willingdon Island (start and end point), spice market, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi are among some of them. Simple options comprise the 5km Family Run and 21.1km Half Marathon.

Go Heritage Run – Hampi

Location:  Karnataka

A marathon that goes through a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers to witness the ruins of the old monuments  compriseing- Virupaksha and Vittala temples. Depending on your fitness level, the races are divided into 3 levels- 5km (easy), 10km (moderate) and 21km (difficult), each covering different scenic route.

The Nilgiris Ultra

Location: Tamil Nadu

This 70 km race involves the path featuring mountains, forest roads, hills, valleys and pretty waterfalls. The run takes you through the peaceful villages and town and stops short at Doddabetta peak. One can choose from 26km or 52km race if you wish, they do sound less but are pretty difficult when go through.

Go Heritage Run – Badami

Location: Karnataka

Beginning from the Badami museum, the route of the marathon passes thorough Badami Fort, Bhutnatha temple, Agastya Lake and if your luck gets to shine, you may encounter stunning waterfalls. You get to choose from 5km, 10km or 21km respectively. So the choice is your’s, whether you come back or go ahead further with the more picturesque path.

Jungle Run Dehradun

Location: Dehradun

This marathon guarantees some of the most beautiful sights in the country. The route will take you across dirt tracks, ravines, creek beds and uneven terrains. But, past those difficult paths you will cross some of the most attractive scenery and calming cold-water streams.

Tarkarli Devbagh Coastal Marathon

Location: Along the Konkan coast and Devbagh beach

 Who wouldn't want to run against a backdrop of incredible landscape and lush green beauty? Runners can enjoy their amazing time by going for this 21km half-marathon, as one passes by towering palm trees, through the beauty of Malvan, vibrant bazaars and along the refreshing Tarkarli beach.

Uncrushed Leaves Himalayan Half-Marathon

Location: Narakanda’s Forest and Orchards

This marathon is exclusively designed to test your endurance level at the most beautiful locations. The route follows some climbing, downhill, and occasionally sharp turns. The race starts from Narkanda, pass through Shalang and end back at Narkanda only. If you are that fitness freaks then you must participate to have a totally unique experience.

Malshej Ghat Monsoon Marathon

Location: Malshej Ghat

The trail makes you run along the lush green beauty of Ghats, rural residences, and some magnificent waterfalls. This beautiful marathon promises you a good running pathway around the most scenic views. The marathon has the options of running 10km and 5km, which you can select as per your strength and capabilities.

Goa River Marathon

Location: Goa

Goa River Marathon is a 42 km running run in paradise with a route that runs along the pristine blue waters of the Zuari River in Vasco. But, for those who wish to run a shorter distance, they can pick between a 5km and 10km run.  The beautiful river view, tree-shaded route and super smooth roads make this one of the picturesque marathons in India.