Every bucket list of races will almost always include the “big five”. If you are a runner, more than likely you are familiar with this phrase. It refers to the five biggest races in the world: Berlin, Chicago, Boston, London and New York City. Entrance into these races is hard to come by, usually requiring raising funds for a charity, hitting a specific qualifying time or acquiring a spot through a lottery system. My bucket list does not contain a single one of these races. I’m not saying that given the opportunity I wouldn’t jump at the chance to run in them, I just happen to have my sights on others that simply require a passport and running shoes to enter.

1. PARIS TO VERSAILLE

It will come as no surprise that my number one bucket list race begins in Paris. The first time I ran along the Seine I fell in love. No need for a second date, the city captured my heart immediately. The air in Paris is infused with a mixture of competing scents; lavender, coffee and freshly baked pastries. Every street corner provides a new temptation to stop yet you keep going, knowing the rewards will be even greater at the end.

 Paris-Versailles  typically takes place the third week in September. It is a point-to-point 10 mile (16K) race beginning at the Eiffel Tower and ending at the Palace of Versailles. At about mile 5 runners will tackle the Route des Gardes, a dizzyingly steep hill that will surely bring some (and by some I mean me) to an abrupt halt. If you are dreaming of a personal best this is not the race for you. If, however,  you want to join some 20,000 others on a route you won’t likely forget, then allons-y!

2. GIULETTA & ROMEO HALF MARATHON

The Romeo and Juliette Half Marathon is an annual event that takes place in the city of Verona, Italy during the month of February, as close to Valentine’s Day as possible (that right there should make you want to register immediately!). It is held in celebration of LOVE and RUNNING (yet another reason to register immediately!). Verona is a small city near Venice, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. Although I’ve never been myself (yet) reviews say it is one the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy.

3. THE POLAR NIGHT HALF MARATHON

In Tromso, Norway, at the beginning of January, darkness presides for almost 24 hours a day. By 2 pm the moon is already on the rise. This provides for a very unique running experience for those willing to brave the cold and darkness. With a course covered by snow and marked by burning torches, I can’t imagine a more memorable race venue. I also can’t imagine that heatstroke will be an issue, with temperatures at this time of year well below freezing. Definitely pack your winter woolies and running spikes for the Polar Night Half Marathon!

4. THE DUBROVNIK HALF MARATHON

If you have watched Game of Thrones (and who hasn’t) then I’m sure you will recognize this photo. Every April, Kings Landing, otherwise known as Dubrovnik, Croatia, plays host to Runners’ Days. This two day event features three races: Run the Wall, a 5k and the half marathon. Run the Wall, held the day before the other two races, involves running up and down the slippery stones that make up the wall surrounding the city. The race is limited to 100 entrants due to its level of difficulty. The half marathon, which is the highlight of Runners’ Days, will take you out and back along the Adriatic coastline. If you happen to see Jaime Lannister along the course that would for sure be an added bonus!

5. THE GREAT ETHIOPIAN RUN

The Great Ethiopian Run takes place on the third Sunday in November. Put on by the same organization that began The Great North Run, the 10k race is the largest race in Africa with over 37,000 participants. The run occurs in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, which sits 2500 meters above sea level. Getting here and acclimating oneself to the thin air is a feat in and of itself. Why would someone go through all that for a 10k race you ask? Africa is famous for its running legends, so running here may be the closest I ever get to being one myself. No one will ever know it though, because no timing chips are given at this race. What does seem to be given is a good time. with 37,000 of your soon to be best friends.

6. DAM TO DAMLOOP

Dam to Dam weekend has been held the third weekend in September for the past 33 years. The event attracts over 50,000 runners, making it the largest sporting event in the Netherlands. The ten mile race, held on Sunday, always attracts some of the top athletes in the sport.The race begins at the Amsterdam Dam and finishes at the Zaanse Dam. This year the weekend will also hold, Damloop by Night, a 5 mile run in the dark.

7. LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON

I have always dreamed of running through the streets of London (in an official race). This past year I even threw my name into the London Marathon lottery along with probably 20 million other hopefuls. Well folks, our dreams have now come true! This March will mark the inaugural run of The London Landmark Half Marathon. It is the only half marathon to go through the City of London and the City of Westminster. Along the route you will pass iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and St.Pauls Cathedral. Now that is what I call great multitasking, a workout and sightseeing both at the same time!

8. KÖNIGSSCHLOSSER ROMANTIK MARATHON

 Konigsschlosser Romantic Marathon  now try and say that three times fast! Translated it means romantic castles marathon. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, the marathon will take you through the forest past some of Bavaria’s most stunning castles. One such castle, the castle at Neuschwanstein, was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s famous castle. With only approximately 800 participants this run will give you much peace and tranquility. Not up for the full marathon, a half marathon is also offered.

9. BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARAHON

A relatively smaller race than some of the other races on my bucket list with roughly 4,000 runners, the route for the Loch Ness Marathon could arguably be one of the best. The 26.2 mile route will take you through the Scottish Highlands and around the banks of Loch Ness before crossing the River Ness and reaching the finish line. With only 4,000 participants you are almost guaranteed some alone time on the course. So lets recap; friendly, low key, amazing scenery; sounds almost too good to be true! If I haven’t convinced you yet there is more, a bagpipe band will serenade the runners at the start (a little nicer than the usual gunshot!).

10. SAFARICOM MARATHON

The tagline for this race; RUN WILD, FOR THE WILD, just about says it all. The Safaricom Marathon,  organized by Tusk Trust, a UK wildlife charity, raises approximately $640,000 per year for its hosts, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Reviewers of the race compare the atmosphere to that of a world music festival. But be warned, this is not a stroll across the savannah. The high altitude and scorching heat make this one of the toughest marathons in the world.