12 Unique Marathons In Asia To Chase The Runner’s High
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We take you through the most unforgettable marathons in Asia, from city streets and legendary bridges to temples, coastlines, and cultural landmarks.
Running isn’t just about pounding the pavement; it’s about where those miles take you. Across Asia, marathons are more than just tests of endurance; they are cultural journeys, scenic adventures, and bucket-list experiences all rolled into one. From racing along the Great Wall of China to weaving through Angkor Wat’s ancient temples, or threading beneath the skyscrapers of iconic skylines like KL and Tokyo, each course is a celebration of the sport and of the cultures where they take place.
Once a year, these marathons close off some of the most iconic streets in the world to traffic, turning them into your personal racecourse. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, competing for the majors, or simply proving to yourself that you can go the distance, these Asian marathons deliver the perfect blend of athletic challenge and world-class scenery.
TOKYO MARATHON
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Location: Tokyo, Japan
Number of participants: 38,000
The Tokyo Marathon passes by some of the most iconic landmarks throughout the Japanese capital, including the Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace, across a relatively flat course. Usually taking place in late February or early March, the cool weather adds another element for runners to consider, depending on whether they enjoy a more temperate run or prefer warmth. Spots in this marathon are highly coveted, with over 300,000 applications from across the world received yearly for only 38,000 slots that are decided by a lottery system. Over a million locals and tourists line the course to offer cheers of encouragement, and to spot the famous costumed runners who dress up as anime characters, Pokémon, and even sushi rolls! This marathon even attracts celebrity attention, with singer Harry Styles competing in 2025.
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ISTANBUL MARATHON
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Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Number of participants: Over 100,000
Istanbul is home to the world’s only intercontinental marathon! Sitting on the border between Europe and Asia, the historic Turkish city has hosted this marathon since 1979, making it one of the longest-running marathons in Asia. A particular highlight of the marathon is the opportunity it provides participants to cross the First Bosphorus Bridge on foot, which, in addition to offering magnificent views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait, is usually closed to the public. The course starts on the Asian side of the city, crossing the bridge before continuing past sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, before ending on the European side.
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STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON
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Location: Singapore
Number of participants: 55,000
Tens of thousands of enthusiasts from over 100 countries gather on the first Sunday of December to run in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM). There are multiple race categories featured in the event, in addition to the standard full and half marathons, the event also features a dedicated Kids Dash for a fun, family-friendly environment. Aptly starting at the F1 Pit Building, each course runs through the heart of Singapore, showcasing iconic locations like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Orchard Road before ending at The Padang. The SCSM is notoriously difficult to run due to Singapore’s tropical climate, where elements like humidity, high temperatures, and the possibility of heavy rain should be considered by potential participants. Despite the intensity of the run, this marathon has a famous carnival-like atmosphere with dedicated cheer zones, cultural performances, and even live music across the course!
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MAYBANK BALI MARATHON
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Location: Bali, Indonesia
Number of participants: 13,600
The Maybank Bali Marathon is unique from other big city marathons; instead of major roads and highways, participants are guided along narrow, winding roads through the countryside. A celebration of Balinese culture, this route takes runners directly through rural towns and villages where locals welcome them, cheering them on in traditional attire. An exceptionally difficult run, not only does the Southeast Asian humidity and heat pose a challenge, but Bali’s rolling hills can push participants further than many other marathons. The route, while daunting, is extremely rewarding as participants run through lush green paddy fields and past ancient temples as traditional gamelan music is performed in encouragement.
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THE GREAT WALL MARATHON
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Location: Huangyaguan, China
Number of participants: 2,500
One of the most popular destination marathons in Asia, The Great Wall Marathon takes daring participants along one of the Seven Wonders of the World in a one-of-a-kind route. Considered one of the world’s toughest marathons, participants must face not only the extreme elevation and rough terrain, but also more than 20,000 unrelenting stone steps, as well as loose debris, plant overgrowth, and slippery stone. 125km from Beijing, the course goes through villages, farmland, and mountain paths in a breathtaking exploration of rural China where locals meet runners with drums, music, and banners in shows of support.
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ANGKOR EMPIRE MARATHON
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Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Number of participants: 3,500
In August each year, the ancient Angkor Wat Temple complex becomes the start and end point of the Angkor Empire Marathon. A true cultural adventure, the course takes participants along jungle paths, over stone bridges, and through ancient ruins. This marathon has a strong community spirit too; it directly benefits local Cambodian children’s hospitals as well as victims of landmines. It is common to see local school children high-five runners as they pass by. More than just a marathon, participants often see this as an opportunity to explore Cambodia’s history and heritage in a unique way.
SEOUL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
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Location: Seoul, South Korea
Number of participants: 35,000
Starting in 1931, the Seoul International Marathon is the oldest in Asia. Usually held in March or April, this marathon features a fast and flat course in cool, crisp weather that has produced some of the fastest marathon times in the world. Deeply tied to South Korea’s sporting identity, the event is a festive occasion featuring cheer squads, traditional drumming, and cultural performances. The competition begins at Gwanghwamun Plaza and threads through central Seoul before finishing within the Olympic Stadium.
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PENANG BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
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Location: George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Number of participants: 25,000
One of Malaysia’s premier running events, the Penang Bridge International Marathon is the only event when the Penang Bridge is fully closed to traffic. Beginning at the Queensbay Mall, the course then crosses the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, the longest bridge in Malaysia, onto the mainland before looping back. Along the way, this run treats participants to the surreal experience of watching the sunrise over the Penang Strait as they cross the bridge on foot. Lastly, in true Malaysian fashion, it is not uncommon for food stalls to be waiting at the end of the course for runners to celebrate the achievement.
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LAGUNA PHUKET MARATHON
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Location: Phuket, Thailand
Number of participants: 8,000
Every year in June, runners from more than 70 countries make their way to idyllic Phuket for the Laguna Phuket Marathon. Along the way through palm-lined roads, rubber plantations, and along the heavenly Phuket coastline, participants can see both the rural and tropical sides of this island getaway. Moreover, the marathon is famously family-friendly. In addition to the 2km Kids Run, participants often combine the marathon with a relaxing vacation on this island paradise.
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HOKKAIDO MARATHON
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Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Number of participants: 20,000
One of Japan’s only full summer marathon events, the Hokkaido Marathon draws thousands of elite and casual runners alike to the country’s northernmost island. Since most Japanese marathons are held in winter, the summer heat and humidity of an August marathon pose a challenge to participants. However, locals often provide cold sponges, mist showers, and water sprays to cool down runners and help them to the finish line. In contrast to the Tokyo Marathon, which is set in a dense, urban environment, the Hokkaido Marathon allows runners to experience Japan’s lush countryside.
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LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON
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Location: Langkawi, Malaysia
Number of participants: 2,600
The Langkawi International Half Marathon (LIHM) is a dedicated half-marathon that takes participants through palm-fringed beaches, paddy fields, and fishing villages on the island. Unlike larger Malaysian marathons, this event is more intimate and accessible, creating a welcoming environment for non-pro runners and casual enthusiasts. In addition, participants often combine the marathon with a relaxing vacation, celebrating the achievement with seafood dinners and beach bar trips.
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KUALA LUMPUR STANDARD CHARTERED MARATHON
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Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Number of participants: 42,000
Our homegrown premier sporting event, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM), is the largest and longest-running marathon in Malaysia. Spread over two days in September, the KLSCM weekend closes major roads throughout the capital and attracts participants from more than 70 countries. Beginning at the iconic Dataran Merdeka, the course then winds through notable areas in KL like Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Ampang, while also passing by beloved landmarks including the Petronas Towers, the KL Tower, and the Malaysia Houses of Parliament.
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