Sydney Marathon
We begin our look at some of the more exotic destinations on Sports Tours International’s programme by clocking up some miles in the air and heading Down Under. Sydney Marathon offers an incredible tour of the city and its landmarks. Runners will start at Bradfield Park, run across the Harbour Bridge, traverse Centennial Park, and for a dramatic finale, finish on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. The flat and fast course will allow runners the chance to focus on having a strong race, while soaking up one of the most famous cities in the world.

While visiting Sydney there is an abundance of activities - fantastic attractions, beaches, restaurants, nightlife as well as plenty of activities and attractions for the kids – Sydney has it all.

Cape Town Marathon
6,467 miles away, Cape Town Marathon is a prestigious global city race open to a range of running enthusiasts from elite athletes to social runners. Along the spectacular route, you will take in the famous natural beauty of Cape Town’s mountains and sea, as well as many of the city’s great attractions. Running the marathon is a unique way to experience the gorgeous highlights and the vibrant spirit of one of Africa’s most visited and most celebrated cities.

The race starts at the V&A Waterfront, where runners will head into Mouille-Point Beach-front towards Cape Town’s city centre past all the famous landmarks. As you leave the city en route to the Southern Suburbs, you’ll pass the university of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital before reaching Rondebosch Common.

Turning back to the city alongside the Liesbeek River, you’ll run through Woodstock before heading out towards Paarden Eiland. This former island, reclaimed from the sea, affords you incredible panoramic views of Table Mountain which will be a welcome distraction in the latter stages of the race. Finally, there’s a memorable stretch along the World Cup 2010 Fanwalk towards the Cape Town Stadium, and through to the finish at Green Point A track.

Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai Marathon attracts 30,000 runners from around the world. The race route starts by featuring Nan Jing Road, the main and busiest shopping street of Shanghai. School children cheer runners with joyous and vibrant dance and music performances along the course. Key attractions of this scenic road run include the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong district, opposite The Bund of Shanghai. Standing at 468m high, the TV Tower is the tallest completed tower in Asia. The race concludes at the majestic 80,000 capacity Shanghai Stadium.

Shanghai is the cool, confident face of modern China, and its energy is infectious. Go to the Bund to watch ships on the river and marvel at the huge variety of architectural styles on display then watch the crowds go by in People’s Square. Shoppers should make a beeline for the Fabric Market, where you can have a suit or dress tailor-made for you at bargain prices. At night, explore all manner of fashionable restaurants, bars and nightclubs or just stroll through the city enjoying the spectacular neon lights.

Singapore Marathon
Our final recommendation is Singapore Marathon. Singapore is one of the world’s liveliest cities, where people from many different cultures live together. It’s a wonderful destination to visit, constantly evolving, reinventing, and reimagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities – with new experiences to be sampled every day.

The marathon has established itself as the leading running event in Singapore’s sporting calendar. Every first Sunday of December, thousands of participants from all walks of life run past Singapore top landmarks - Garden by the Bay and the Esplanade. Marathon runners also get to soak up the festive atmosphere as they run under the twinkling lights of Orchard Road.

Singapore Marathon has Gold Label status awarded by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), placing in the company of the world’s elite races.

For more information about these and dozens of other events around the world visit the Sports Tours International website.