Cover The Angkor Wat International Marathon takes one through Cambodia’s historic locations (Photo: Getty Images)
The Angkor Wat International Marathon takes one through Cambodia’s historic locations (Photo: Getty Images)
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The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon might have inspired you to start running—or to run more. But have you thought about travelling for a good run? From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, these marathons, half-marathons and 10k in Asia take you past the most scenic views
Marathons have transcended their athletic roots to become a global lifestyle phenomenon. Whether runners take part in these competitions for the physical challenge or for a charitable cause, these races are also an opportunity to explore new places and cultures through a fresh lens.
Luckily for us, Asia is full of beautiful races you can take part in. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and Hong Kong’s beloved skyline, here are six of the most beautiful marathons, half marathons and 10km races in this region, so lace up and get, set, go.
Read more: Up for a challenge? Conquer the world’s most prestigious marathon races
1. Taroko Gorge Marathon in Taiwan
Above The Taroko Gorge Marathon in Taiwan takes runners past beautiful locations (Photo: Getty Images)
The Taroko Gorge Marathon in Taiwan takes runners past beautiful locations (Photo: Getty Images)
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When: November
Where: Taroko National Park, Hualien County, Taiwan
What: The Taroko Gorge Marathon, held annually in the stunning Taroko National Park in Taiwan, is a breathtaking running event that combines challenging terrain with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
The course passes through paved roads, rugged trails and even tunnels, taking participants past iconic landmarks like the Eternal Spring Shrine, the Swallow Grotto and the Tunnel of Nine Turns. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for the race.
2. Angkor Wat Marathon in Cambodia
Above Competitors from around the world flock to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat Marathon (Photo: Getty Images)
Competitors from around the world flock to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat Marathon (Photo: Getty Images)
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When: December
Where: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
What: The Angkor Wat Marathon is an annual running event held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, near the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. The marathon takes place in early December each year and attracts thousands of runners from around the world.
The course winds through the ancient temples and ruins of the Angkor Archaeological Park, allowing participants to experience the various historic locations within the Unesco World Heritage site up close, such as Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm.
3. Great Wall Marathon in China
Above The Great Wall Marathon in China is probably one of the most challenging ones on Earth (Photo: Getty Images)
The Great Wall Marathon in China is probably one of the most challenging ones on Earth (Photo: Getty Images)
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When: May
Where: The Great Wall, Hebei province, China
What: The Great Wall Marathon, held annually in the picturesque Hebei province of China, is a unique and challenging running event that takes participants on a journey through history and picturesque landscapes.
Started in 1999, this race typically takes place in spring, with runners navigating a challenging course that includes paved paths and rugged sections of the ancient wall. The event is for those who are eager to test their endurance and race through the Great Wall’s 5,164 steps.
4. Bali Marathon (or Maybank Marathon) in Indonesia
Above Runners at the Bali Marathon (Photo: Getty Images)
Runners at the Bali Marathon (Photo: Getty Images)
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When: August or September
Where: Bali, Indonesia
What: The Bali Marathon, also known as the Maybank Marathon, is held every year in Indonesia’s tourist hotspot. It starts in the bustling city of Denpasar and winds its way through rice paddies, lush jungles and stunning beaches—taking runners on a journey through the island’s natural beauties and heritage sites.
Beyond the race itself, the Bali Marathon is a celebration of Balinese culture. Runners and spectators alike can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, sample local delicacies and experience the warm hospitality of the Balinese people.
5. Tokyo Marathon in Japan
Above Runners in high spirits at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon (Photo: Getty Images)
Runners in high spirits at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon (Photo: Getty Images)
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When: March
Where: Tokyo, Japan
What: The Tokyo Marathon, held in Japan’s vibrant capital, is one of the world’s most prestigious and popular marathons. It attracts tens of thousands of runners from all over the globe, drawn by its enthusiastic crowds that cheer on the participants and the opportunity to immerse in Japanese culture.
The race starts in the heart of Tokyo, near the iconic Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and passes through the city’s diverse neighbourhoods with iconic landmarks along the way: the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Skytree and the bustling Shibuya Crossing.
6. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
Above Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025 (Photo: Instagram / @schkmarathon)
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025 (Photo: Instagram / @schkmarathon)
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When: February
Where: Hong Kong
What: The Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon takes athletes through a stunning urban backdrop, filled with cultural landmarks and vibrant streets, making it a must-run event on the calendar for many of the city’s residents. The course also takes runners through the Western Harbour Crossing Tunnel, adding to the adrenaline.
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
