For the cosmopolitan runners, the Singapore Sundown is a no brainer. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be a casual stroll through Marina Bay for a light show (at least not until you reach the end). Hong Kong aside, Singapore has a rep for being one of the most densely populated areas on Earth with its course intertwining through the city centre. And of course, (because you’re in Singapore) greeting you at the finish line will be technicolor lights and music to celebrate all 42 kilometres.

When: March 2019
Fly To: Singapore Changi Airport
Flight Time: 3.5 hours from Hong Kong

Tips: This is a run beginning at sundown and ending with a light festival. So for a majority of the marathon, you’ll be running during the night. Be cautious of your surroundings and wear neon coloured clothing.

Attracting nearly 2,500 participants from over 60 countries each year, The Great Wall Marathon is known to be one of the world’s most challenging. With 5,164 steps, there is no stair master in the world that can train you for this one. However, the event offers three distances, a marathon, a half marathon, and a 8.5km “Fun Run”.  But hey, if you’re running a marathon in all seven continents, might as well go the extra mile (pun intended) and do it on one of the Seven World Wonders!

When: May 2019
Fly To: Beijing Capital International Airport
Flight Time: 3 hours from Hong Kong

Tips: Beijing is a notorious city for its severe air pollution. Our advice? Wear a face mask on your run to protect you from huffing and puffing in harmful chemicals during your run and trip.

Interested in running through the land of pagodas and temples? Look no further than Bagan, Myanmar — a whimsical destination to experience a marathon. You might even catch a few hot air balloons flying overhead throughout the day. The racing roads mix between dirt and asphalt, so be prepared for that. But our guess is you’ll be too busy stopping to gawk over the mystical pagodas to notice.

When: November 2018
Fly To: Yangon International Airport
Flight Time: 3.5 hours from Hong Kong

Tips: Temperatures can reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius in Myanmar at this time of year. Stay hydrated, sprinters!

Read more: Top Five Running Spots on Hong Kong Island

North Vietnam is rated a traveller’s favourite. People can’t seem to resist the peaceful rice fields, grazing water buffaloes and sensational mountain scenery. For this marathon, prepare to be running through old trails and roads used my the local villagers. Allowing runners to get a peek inside the life of natives, it is nothing shy of an authentic experience. Those who make it to the end of the finish line — whether they run a 10km or 42km — will be rewarded with a bonfire dinner and stunning mountain view.

When: September 2018
Fly To: Noi Bai International Airport
Flight Time: 2 hours from Hong Kong

Tips: Heavy rainfall usually occurs this time of year in Vietnam and participants will need to sign a waiver agreeing that they understand the high altitude conditions of the race course.

Oh, Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. With a name like that, you’ve simply got to see it for yourself. Common activities that travellers flock to Sri Lanka for are hiking, surfing and yoga. However recently, marathon running has been added to the list. 300 foreigners from 46 countries participated last year and the numbers are expected to increase for 2018. If you’re keen to check out this unique country and get ahead on the upcoming marathon destination trend, then Colombo, Sri Lanka is the best bet.

When: October 2018
Fly To: Bandaranaike International Airport
Flight Time: 3.5 hours from Hong Kong

Tips: Allow yourself some time to explore Sri Lanka after the marathon. With the entire island accessible via train, it’s easy to hop around from beach town to beach town and see what this incredible country has to offer.

Read more: Hikes With a History: The Best Historic Walking Trails in Hong Kong