Marathons are popping up all over the Middle East, as the grueling 42 kilometer race grows in popularity. From capital cities to the desolate Sahara, we have compiled a list of the ten biggest races in the region, listed in chronological order as they will appear in 2015.
Note that some of the marathons don't have dates set for 2015 yet, so we listed the general month. Also, one of the events is an ultra marathon, meaning that it is more than 42 kilometers, that we decided to feature due to its intense status as one of the hardest footraces in the world.
In its third year, this marathon is hosted in Doha, Qatar. Luckily the event is in winter, when Gulf temperatures are more temperate.
Date: 9 January 2015
Next year's race could be an exciting one as Ethiopian teenager Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa said he would like to smash the existing marathon world record at the Dubai Marathon in 2015. Asefa won the marathon last year with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes and 32 seconds. The current world record is 2 hours, 2 minutes and 57 seconds, held by Kenya's Dennis Kimetto. Here's to hoping Asefa can close the 1 minute and 25 second gap.
Date: 25 January 2015
Inaugurated in 1979 with a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, this marathon is known for crossing both desert and mountains on Amwaj Island in Bahrain.
Date: 6 February 2015
Literally in the Sahara, this is of the few marathons in the world that you have to fly to reach to starting line in Al Ayoun, Algeria. Don't be intimidated by the location though, the team behind the marathon promises that there are aid stations set up along the route so there is no risk of dehydration in the world's largest desert.
Date: 24 February 2015
Don't be fooled by the name change, this year's Runatolia Marathon is the former OGER Antalya Marathon. Hosted in Anatolia - "one of Turkey's most beautiful cities" - the event aims to bring awareness to the positive aspects of sport and health.
Date: 1 March 2015
Heading into its third year, the Right to Movement Palestinian Marathon is hosted in Bethlehem and has loftier ambitions than most other sporting events. Using a quote from the UN Human Rights Charter that "everyone has the right to freedom of movement," this marathon aims to bring attention to the restriction on movement that people living in Palestine face.
Date: 27 March 2015
Considered the toughest footrace in the world by the Discovery Channel, this marathon is not a joke. And by marathon, we mean five and half marathons or roughly 251 kilometers over the course of five to six days. Did we mention that it is in the Moroccan Sahara? There are only water aid stations, so runners must bring all the food and shelter-related items that they will need with them. Add in over 35 degree days and non-stop sun, and it is clear that this is truly an event for top athletes.
Date: 3 - 13 April 2015
Run Jordan first organized this marathon in 2009, hoping to build the spirit of athleticism and sport in the capital of this Levant nation.
Date: October 2015
Hosted in Lebanon's capital city, the Beirut Marathon offers both wheelchair and running races, hoping to inspire health and fitness in the land of the cedars.
Date: November 2015
Crossing from Asia into Europe, this 42 kilometer race spans two continents. Founded in 1979 in an effort to host a marathon for visiting German tourists, it is one of the oldest races in the region.
Date: November 2015