Running a marathon–half or 10km is an amazing achievement and a magnificent thing wherever you do it. Running one of these marathons in Asia in these six premium destinations, however, takes a regular run to the next level. From as close as Taipa Village to the skyscrapers of Tokyo or the rice fields of Thailand, combining your love for running and desire to travel has never been more enduring
MACAU: MACAU MARATHON
(See featured image)
The course is fairly low key, meaning an enjoyable run for any ability. Beginning and ending at the Olympic Complex stadium, the race weaves through the charming Taipa Village and over to Coloane. In December this year, the weather will be just cooling down to provide the perfect climate to run, right at your doorstep.
Difficulty level: Easy
CHINA: THE GREAT WALL MARATHON
A more demanding marathon, if you are up for a challenge of the 5,164 steps into one of the world’s oldest monuments you will be rewarded with innumerable cultural significance and stunning views on the horizon. It sells out to some 2,500 runners each May, willing to take on the uneven and sometimes incredibly steep plane of The Great Wall of China.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Return flights with The Flight Centre start at MOP $2,600
JAPAN: TOKYO MARATHON
The Tokyo Marathon is ranked amongst the top marathons in the world, and of course, in Asia. It is not difficult to see why, because Tokyo is a city that blends old and new, technology and innovation. With an array of different options from the family run to elite run everyone can get involved. They even have their own cheer song each year, downloadable off the website so that runners and spectators can all learn the words in advance.
Difficulty level: Easy
Return flights by The Flight Centre start at MOP $6000
THAILAND: LAGUNA PHUKET MARATHON
Set in a magnificent natural backdrop, the course takes you running past pineapple plantations, lush tropical forests and the glistening waters of the Laguna. Passing some of the areas most stunning beaches–Nai Yang and Layan Beach, the scenery really takes your breath away, if the running doesn’t already. The race also has an infamous “pasta party” the day before the race, an elegant buffet lunch to get to know other runners and enjoy quality food, music, and views. The Laguna Phuket Marathon really is a luxurious affair every June.
Difficulty level: Easy
Return flights with The Flight Centre start at MOP $4000
CAMBODIA: THE KHMER EMPIRE MARATHON
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, northern-western Cambodia is well known for its huge cultural significance and breath-taking sunrises, and that is the setting for the Angkor Empire full and half marathon every August. The largest religious monument in the world, the course runs through the complex, past many historical monuments before finishing in the ruins, in front of the Central Sanctuary. Being extremely flat, and offering even a 10km road run also, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this not only physical but also a cultural journey.
Difficulty level: Easy
Return flights from Hong Kong with The Flight Centre start at MOP $3500
MYANMAR: BEGAN TEMPLE MARATHON
Another opportunity to combine a marathon with a bucket list item. The Bagan temple run takes you through the iconic landscape of more than 2000 sacred pagodas scattered across dusty planes of Began. A relatively flat course, the dust, and heat will be the biggest challenge, but the rural setting will see you welcomed by friendly locals and farmers. The latter part of the full marathon takes runners down a course lined with ox carts carrying grain to rice and peanut fields, and groups of excited children throwing their hands in the air for high fives that surely boost your morale. The race takes place every November.
Return flights from Hong Kong with The Flight Centre start at MOP $2600
