Maya Marathon. Run in the jungle

The Maya Marathon takes place on the island of Cozumel off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula across five days of running, diving and Mayan culture. Marathon, half marathon and 10K runners share one flat circuit that threads a short beach stretch, an asphalt bike lane and a dirt track with ocean views, much of it inside Punta Sur Natural Park. The route is closed to traffic and supported by drink and nutrition stations serving fresh local produce roughly every 7 km. Entry is sold as a five-night all-inclusive stay in a 5-star hotel in front of one of the world's most spectacular coral reefs, with airport transfers, snorkelling, visits to Mayan archaeological sites and a farewell dinner with trophy presentation. December was chosen for its excellent temperatures and low rainfall, and the event forms part of the Wild Marathon Series alongside races in Morocco, Nepal, Tanzania and Finland.