Running 26.2 miles doesn't have to suck

There are plenty of reasons to run a marathon: To get fit. To accomplish a goal. To annoy friends with incessant fundraising emails -- (seriously, it's 2013, can we please find another way to raise cash for charity?). Oh yeah, also to soak in 26mi of beautiful scenery and/ or the Bronx. And since it's too late to train for/run the New York City Marathon, here are five exotic international 26mi-ers worth both the flight and the chafing.

lisbon marathon runners
Lisbon Eco Marathon

5. Lisbon Eco Marathon -- Lisbon, Portugal
June 21, 2014
The run: If you'd rather twist your ankle on an exposed tree root than on a city sewer grate, the forested Lisbon Eco Marathon is your race. Despite going down on the longest day of the year (aka the Best Day of Your Life), most of this 26.2mi is run in the dark on trails that wind through the city’s 2,200-acre Monsanto Park.
The cool-down: After hopping one of those sexy scooter/ motorcycle-hybrids and exploring Lisbon, forget the final grueling 25.2 three miles of the race by taking down one of over 100 cocktails served at Cinco Lounge.

Woman running across bridge
Midnight Sun Marathon

4. Midnight Sun Marathon -- Tromso, Norway
June 21, 2014
The run: While marathons aren't typically known as pick-up spots (don't let all those Shorty McShort-shorts fool you), this midnight sun run in northern Norway could be the exception -- if only because of the sheer number of tall blonde Norwegians you'll likely be hitting on running with. The northernmost marathon in the world starts late in the evening, but takes place during complete sunlight so you won't miss the stunning views of fjords and snow-capped mountains.
The cool-down: Park yourself at the Bla Rock Cafe, a popular rock bar known for its tasty burgers (the Red Hot Chili Pepper Burger is your move), live tunes, and extensive lineup of local suds.

costumed marathon runners
Flickr: Nicholas Babaian

3. Marathon du Medoc -- Pauillac, France
September 13, 2014
The run: More of a 26mi wine tasting than hardcore marathon, this costumes-encouraged fun run through France's Medoc region near Bordeaux (think Chateau Lafite Rothschild) boasts a vino-soaked pre-race pasta party, refreshment tables serving fresh-shucked oysters, grilled steak, and foie gras, and 23 wine (in addition to water) stations along a route that twists through the scenic French countryside. Why wouldn’t you want to run this race? Other than not wanting to throw up every 50ft in front of hundreds of encouraging drunks, of course.
The cool-down: Look no further than the marathon’s after-party, which boasts even more wine (dear lord), a full repast, and fireworks (!!!).

Greek ruins on a hill
Flickr: Andreas Kontokanis

2. Athens Classic Marathon -- Athens, Greece
November 10, 2013; TBD 2014
The run: There are marathons, and then there’s THE marathon. Dating back to 490 BC, this run reportedly follows the route that Phidippides took to inform the city that the Greeks had defeated the Persians.
The cool-down: The oldest distillery in Athens (dating back to 1909), Brettos Bar, is famous for its Ouzo -- which is still made using the family's 100yo recipe -- but also rocks a healthy selection of brandies and 36 liqueurs that you can't get anywhere else.

Giraffe and marathon runners
Albatros Travel

1. The Big Five Marathon -- Limpopo Province, South Africa
June 21, 2014
The run: Held north of Pretoria on the 85sqmi Entabeni Game Reserve, runners of this combo safari-marathon adventure are treated to 26.2mi of wild animals, scenic savannah, and no fences! Yes, you're running with (or more likely, from) the lions. This means, of course, that you only need to be faster than one other runner. So that's encouraging.
The cool-down: Relax at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort, one of the world's few 19-hole golf courses. As in a real bonus hole, not a watering hole, only accessible only by helicopter. Tee off from 1,300ft up Hanglip Mountain.