Readers recommend organised endurance challenges from Tour de France route to Kilimanjaro

Guardian Travel readers shared favourite organised challenges, highlighting well-supported events that combine scenery, camaraderie and clear logistics. One rider praised undertaking the full Tour de France route with Ride Le Loop, saying strong staff support and encouragement made tough climbs unforgettable.

Riders can also tackle individual stages; the next trip runs 27 June to 20 July 2026. For quieter alpine running, the Swiss Peaks Trail offers distances from 10km to 643km. One reader chose the 100km course, describing remote peaks, scree slopes and a finish at Le Bouveret on Lac Léman; the 2026 window is 25 August–6 September.

The Istanbul Marathon remains unique for starting in Asia and finishing in Europe, crossing the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and passing landmarks such as Beşiktaş, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Golden Horn and the Blue Mosque. A £50 entry includes free public transport on race day; the 2026 race is on 1 November.

In Italy, the Coppa Byron swim runs from Portovenere to Lerici across the Gulf of Poets to commemorate Lord Byron. The 8km crossing takes about 2–3 hours, is accompanied by boats, and usually takes place on a Sunday at the end of July or early August (2026 dates not yet announced); entry is about €20 and includes a cap, water and a completion certificate.

Key Topics

Culture, United States, Sports, Cycling, Running, Trekking, Swimming