The Most Difficult Marathon, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the marathon you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:24

Many runners seek the challenge of competing in the toughest marathons, where not only distance but also climate and terrain test their limits. Understanding which marathons are the most difficult can help athletes make informed decisions about where to test their endurance. A ranking of such races provides clarity and insight into what awaits them in these demanding competitions. By participating in the voting process for the hardest marathon, enthusiasts and experienced runners contribute to a collective knowledge base that benefits the entire running community. This shared insight aids in preparing for the physical and mental demands these marathons entail. Each vote helps ensure the accuracy and relevance of the ranking, reflecting the true challenges encountered by runners.

What Is the Most Difficult Marathon?

1

45
votes
Michael Hodge · CC BY 2.0

Barkley Marathons

Gary 'Lazarus Lake' Cantrell

Considered by many to be the toughest race in the world, the Barkley Marathons is a 100-mile race with over 60,000 feet of elevation gain that takes place in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. It's invitation-only, and only 15 runners have ever completed it.
The Barkley Marathons is an infamous and highly challenging ultramarathon race held annually in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee.

Race Format: It is a 100-mile race (approximately 160 km) with an elevation gain of around 60,000 feet (18,000 m).

Navigation: The course is unmarked, and participants must rely on maps, compasses, and their navigational skills to find hidden books called 'pages' throughout the course.

Entry Process: Interested participants have to write an essay, pay a small entry fee, and pass Cantrell's selection process, which involves completing a 'secret' test.

Limited Entrants: Only a few runners are accepted each year, usually around 40.

Time Limit: There is a 60-hour time limit to complete the race.
Barkley Marathons in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult race in the world
2

32
votes
Rene Nevola · CC BY-SA 3.0

Marathon des Sables

Patrick Bauer

Also known as the "toughest footrace on earth," the Marathon des Sables is a six-day race across the Sahara Desert, covering over 150 miles. Runners carry all their own food, clothing, and equipment and must endure extreme heat and sandstorms.
The Marathon des Sables is considered one of the most difficult and grueling marathons in the world. It is a multi-stage race that takes place in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Participants have to endure extreme heat, sandy terrain, and limited access to water.

Distance: Approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles)

Duration: 6 stages over 7 days

Self-sufficiency: Participants must carry their own food and equipment except for water and a daily ration of 9 liters is provided

Terrain: Includes sand dunes, rocky terrain, and uneven surfaces

Temperature: Can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and drop to below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) at night
Marathon des Sables in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult race in the world
3

26
votes
Hardrock 100

Another grueling 100-mile race, the Hardrock 100 takes place in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It has an average elevation of over 11,000 feet and includes over 33,000 feet of elevation gain.
The Hardrock 100 is considered one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world. It is an annual 100-mile (160 km) endurance race that takes place in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, USA. With steep climbs, high altitudes, and exposed terrain, it presents a significant challenge to even the most experienced trail runners.

Distance: 100 miles (160 km)

Elevation Gain: 33,050 feet (10,080 meters)

Average Elevation: 11,186 feet (3,410 meters)

Highest Point: Handies Peak at 14,048 feet (4,282 meters)

Lowest Point: Silverton at 9,318 feet (2,840 meters)
4

13
votes

Western States 100

One of the oldest and most prestigious ultramarathons in the world, the Western States 100 is a 100-mile race through the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It includes over 18,000 feet of elevation gain and a notoriously hot and dry section called the "Canyons."
5

15
votes
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

A 106-mile race through the Alps, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc includes over 30,000 feet of elevation gain and takes runners through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It's considered one of the most challenging trail races in the world.
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is an extremely challenging trail running race that takes place annually in the French Alps. It is regarded as one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world, covering a distance of approximately 171 kilometers (106 miles) and crossing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The race is known for its demanding terrains, with participants facing steep climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable weather conditions. The breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif make it a truly unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.

Distance: Approximately 171 kilometers (106 miles)

Elevation Gain: Around 10,000 meters (32,800 feet)

Number of Countries Passed Through: 3 (France, Italy, Switzerland)

Highest Elevation: 2,500 meters (8,202 feet)

Number of Aid Stations: Approximately 45
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult race in the world
6

19
votes
Grand to Grand Ultra

Race Director Colin Geddes

A 170-mile race from the Grand Canyon to the summit of the Grand Staircase in Utah, the Grand to Grand Ultra is a self-supported race that includes sand dunes, slickrock, and canyons.
The Grand to Grand Ultra is considered one of the most challenging marathons in the world. Covering a distance of approximately 273 kilometers (170 miles), it takes place over seven days in the arid and rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in the United States. Participants face extreme heat, sand dunes, canyons, and rocky terrains during their journey towards the finish line.

Distance: 273 kilometers (170 miles)

Duration: 7 days

Location: Grand Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United States

Terrain: Arid, rugged, sand dunes, canyons, rocky terrains

Challenges: Extreme heat, unpredictable weather
Grand to Grand Ultra in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult race in the world
7

11
votes
David Herrera from Albuquerque, NM, Bernalillo · CC BY 2.0

Leadville Trail 100

Ken Chlouber

A 100-mile race through the Colorado Rockies, the Leadville Trail 100 has an average elevation of over 10,000 feet and includes over 18,000 feet of elevation gain.
The Leadville Trail 100 is regarded as one of the most challenging ultramarathons in the world. It takes place in Leadville, Colorado, and covers a rugged 100-mile (160 km) course through the Rocky Mountains. Participants must endure high altitudes, steep terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it a true test of endurance and mental strength.

Distance: 100 miles (160 km)

Elevation Gain: More than 18,000 feet (5,486 meters)

Highest Point: Hope Pass at 12,600 feet (3,840 meters)

Lowest Point: 9,200 feet (2,804 meters)

Time Limit: 30 hours
8

14
votes
Ra.ua and JMK · CC0

Comrades Marathon

A 56-mile ultra-marathon in South Africa, the Comrades Marathon is the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon. The route changes direction each year and includes hills, mountains, and a steep climb known as "The Big Five."
The Comrades Marathon is an ultra-marathon race held annually in South Africa. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, grueling, and prestigious marathons in the world. The race takes runners on an iconic and scenic route between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, traversing the picturesque hills and valleys of the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Distance: Approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles)

Terrain: Route includes challenging climbs and descents

Time Limit: 12 hours

Race Type: An ultramarathon

Start Location: City of Durban, South Africa
9

9
votes
Jungle Ultra

Beyond the Ultimate

A 142-mile race through the Amazon rainforest in Peru, the Jungle Ultra is a self-supported race that includes river crossings, steep climbs, and extreme humidity.
The Jungle Ultra is a highly challenging marathon that takes place in the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Participants have to navigate through dense vegetation, steep terrain, and extreme weather conditions, making it one of the most difficult marathons in the world.

Distance: 230 kilometers

Duration: 6 stages over 5 days

Terrain: Rainforest, muddy trails, river crossings

Elevation: Over 3,000 meters accumulated ascent

Weather: High humidity, intense heat, heavy rain
10

1
votes
Marathon de la Baie du Mont Saint-Michel

A marathon in France that takes runners across the tidal flats of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, the Marathon de la Baie du Mont Saint-Michel is known for its difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions.
The Marathon de la Baie du Mont Saint-Michel is a challenging marathon race that takes place in Normandy, France. It is known as one of the most difficult marathons due to its scenic yet demanding course.

Location: Normandy, France

Distance: 42.195 kilometers

Starting Point: Cancale

Finishing Point: Mont Saint-Michel

Terrain: Varied - includes roads, trails, and sand

Missing your favorite marathon?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult marathon

Elevation changes

Significant elevation changes, including steep inclines and declines, can significantly impact the difficulty of a marathon. Courses with large hills or mountains will generally be more challenging than relatively flat courses.
Altitude

Marathons at high altitudes may also be more difficult, as thinner air can cause runners to tire more quickly and struggle with breathing. A high altitude marathon could impact a runner's performance, even if they have trained at lower altitudes.
Weather conditions

Hot, cold, or wet weather can make a marathon more difficult. Temperatures that are too high can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, while cold weather can cause hypothermia. Rain, snow, or icy conditions can make the course slippery and dangerous, adding an additional element of difficulty.
Terrain

The type of surface the marathon takes place on can also impact its difficulty. Marathons held on trails or uneven surfaces can be more challenging than those on paved roads, as runners must navigate obstacles, such as rocks, roots, and mud.
Course design

A marathon's course design can also impact its difficulty. Tight turns, narrow paths, and other challenging course features can make a marathon more difficult to complete, especially for less-experienced runners.
Level of competition

The difficulty of a marathon can also be impacted by the level of competition. A race with a strong field of competitive runners may push the pace and make it a more challenging experience for those looking to keep up.
Aid stations and support

Limited aid stations or insufficient support along the course can make a marathon more difficult, particularly for runners who rely on regular hydration and nutrition intake during the race.
Crowd support

Marathons with sparse crowd support can be mentally challenging, as runners may not receive the same encouragement and motivation they might in a well-supported race.
Race organization and logistics

Poorly organized races with confusing or insufficient course markings, limited pre-race information, or inadequate facilities (such as restrooms) can create additional challenges for runners.
Personal factors

Ultimately, each runner's level of fitness, experience, and preparation will help determine the difficulty of a marathon for them. A well-trained and experienced runner might find a particular marathon less challenging than someone who is new to the sport or has not adequately prepared for the race.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult marathon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Race is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1609 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Race once every 24 hours. The rank of each Race is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Fitness

More information on most difficult marathon

Marathons are one of the most challenging athletic events, requiring participants to run 26.2 miles in one go. While all marathons are difficult, some are notoriously more challenging than others. Factors such as elevation changes, weather conditions, and course terrain can make a marathon much more difficult than others. In this article, we explore the most challenging marathons around the world, and what makes them so difficult to complete. Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or a beginner looking to take on a new challenge, this guide will help you understand what it takes to complete one of the toughest marathons in the world.