Active.com just put out their list of 8 races in exotic places. Their list is full of some spectacular destinations and give some places that we will break down over the next couple of weeks to show readers the best ways to get to these 8 races in exotic places! Many of these destination races offer a variety of distances so they may appeal to runners of all kinds. Check them out!
Maui Gran Fondo – picture from Active.com
Kilimanjaro Marathon
The Kilimanjaro Marathon is well-known as an exotic race. I have heard some incredible stories from runners about the race as well – including how (in years past) runners that showed up at the 3 hour mark were right near the end of the finishing crowd! So, if you run it, make sure you bring a friend who is slower than you. 🙂 This race is a great chance to see some African runners that may not ever get to the US shores for races but are still incredibly fast. To top off the experience, you will be running the shadow of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain – Mt. Kilimanjaro.
- Date: March 2, 2014
- Place: Tanzania
- Races: Marathon, Half-marathon, 5K
- Cost: $58 (amount is billed in South African Rands
- Website: Kilimanjaro Marathon
Titans Race
The Titans Race is a 10 mile mud run that takes place in a jungle, adventure park in Puerto Rico. Along the course are 20 obstacles to further the difficulty level. Not having run this myself or knowing others who have, I am not sure how long it would take to run this event but it definitely would be a huge accomplishment just to finish.
- Date: March 29, 2014
- Place: Orocovis, Puerto Rico
- Races: 10 mile mud run
- Cost: $87 (through the end of January)
- Website: Titans Race
North Shore Marathon
To me, I would think that any marathon that takes place in Hawaii has to be good! Looking at photos from this race only further enhances my good thoughts about this course. It should be a spectacular event and give families an opportunity to get to Hawaii for a vacation.
- Date: April 6, 2014
- Place: Oahu, Hawaii
- Races: Marathon
- Cost: $115
- Website: North Shore Marathon
Jake’s Off-Road Triathlon
The name of this race leaves one curious to know how it is implemented. It looks like a wonderful race with it being a 350 meter swim, 25K bike ride, and 7km trail run. The distances of the various components of the triathlon make this race one that could be an incredible challenge without having to devote an entire day to it. The fact that this race takes place in Jamaica makes it even more compelling!
- Date: April 12, 2014
- Place: Treasure Beach, Jamaica
- Races: Triathlon (can be run as an individual or as part of a group)
- Cost: $100
- Website: Jake’s Off-Road Triathlon
Jamaica Reggae Ride
Here is another Jamaica race and this one takes place solely on a bike. I prefer running over biking, but I am always up to try something different! This race takes the entrants along the beach and past numerous plantations. The total distance is 175 miles and takes place over 3 days.
- Date: April 25, 2014
- Place: Montgeo Bay, Jamaica
- Races: 175 mile bike ride
- Cost: $299
- Website: Jamaica Reggae Ride
Easter Island Marathon
This place really intrigues me! Thanks to very cheap fares in 2013, many travelers have visited Easter Island and returned to rave about it. When I heard about a marathon there, I knew it sounded like someplace that I really want to go to run! Even without super cheap fares, Easter Island is still a prime candidate for award miles. Should be a really fun race on this small island that is located in the Pacific Ocean.
- Date: June 1, 2014
- Place: Easter Island, Rapa Nui
- Races: Marathon
- Cost: It appears that the only way to enter is to sign up for a marathon package from someplace like Marathon Tours. The package costs $3,500.
- Website: Easter Island Marathon
Maui Gran Fondo
Here is another Hawaii race to consider! This one is for the cyclist and clocks in at a distance of 95 miles. Those 95 miles take entrants past the beautiful scenery of Kula, Hawaii. A perfect way to kick off a relaxing vacation!
- Date: August 16, 2014
- Place: Kula, Hawaii
- Races: 95 mile bike ride
- Cost: $95
- Website: Maui Gran Fondo
Ironman 70.3 Lanzarote
Here is a race that takes place in Europe and mixes three sports together into one event as the triathlon. It takes place on the Canary Islands, a part of Spain. I have had the privilege of staying on the Canary Islands for a bit and it is a very beautiful place to enjoy! In addition to its beauty, the terrain presents a challenging platform for athletes with the large hills but the sites around you may help it go by easier!
- Date: September 19, 2014
- Place: Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
- Races: 70.3 Ironman (half-Ironman)
- Cost: $314
- Website: Ironman 70.3 Lanzarote
Summary
So what do you think about this list? Do any of these races have any appeal for you? In the next couple of weeks, we will look at how you can get to many of these for next to nothing. After that, what will be your excuse? 🙂
