What if a vacation awaits you after a thrilling fitness event? Or are you planning to combine both a Marathon race and a holiday, creating a hybrid, “Run” destination? There are several similar running events around the world that are organized in some of the exotic locations to amaze the people for their sheer elegance.
In India for those who love to run or are still looking for such motivation, there are myriad options that will eventually help them reach picturesque locations and experience magical realism.
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The Sohra or Cherrapunjee Marathon is a monsoon category run organized in the state of Meghalaya, on the wettest place on the earth. The hilly route along the mountainous terrain can be enjoyed better with the drizzling downpour, deep valleys and misty waterfalls, and sometimes during the journey, you could even get the feeling of being above the clouds.
Read More: A Travel Guide To Majuli Island In Assam
Chandra Taal Ultra Run in the mesmerizing Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh offers an incredible view of sky-high mountains, snow peaks and the watery serpent Chandra River along the route.
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The Alibaug Beach Half Marathon at Kihim Beach, Maharashtra wakes you up before dawn to run along the coast during low tide, witnessing the scenic beauty of the sea and sunrise.
Corbett XC Marathon is a wildlife-based cross-country race in the Jim Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand. It can get even better with a wild safari vacation and a run in the woody lush green forest with wild animals in the vicinity.
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Go Heritage Run is a half marathon in the majestic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, offering a taste of royalty as one sweat and toils on the race day witnessing the imperial architecture, stunning lake Pichola and ends in the massively beautiful City Palace.
There are a few more Go Heritage Run categories, one at Hampi, Karnataka, which is also a UNESCO Heritage site. Another at Badami, Karnataka, whose route passes through the famous Badami Fort, Agastya Lake and few waterfalls to douse in.
Spice Coast Marathon at Kochi, Kerala, has been designed specifically to witness a historical landmark every one kilometer with the start and finish points from the splendid Willingdon Island.
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Malshej Ghat Monsoon Run takes you along the green and moist environment of Western Ghats, one can get drenched below the seasonal waterfalls as rainwater trickles down the hill during rainy days, running past the scenic countryside landscape.
Goa River Marathon is a breathtaking event along the pristine greenish bluish waters of Zuari River in Vasco, the largest freshwater body in the state. It’s a blissful experience to run along the riverside, completely tree-shaded canopy-type roads where the Sun cannot dare to touch you in the morning.
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These races give you the thrill, leisure and pleasure to be a runner during the event and a tourist for the remaining part of your vacation. There are other high endurance running events where one can join as per their strength and capabilities. To name a few; Ladakh Marathon, Khardungla Challenge, Nilgiris Ultra, Uncrushed Leaves Himalayan Half Marathon and Windchasers Sandakphu 70 Mile. These events check your durability, practice, mental strength and also demand acclimatization as a prerequisite to make sure you are fit and fine enough to pass the real challenge.
