Across the magical mistsoaked Amathole mountains of the Eastern Cape at the Merrell Hobbit Trail Runs, held in Hogsback every April.
Hot-air balloons float above runners at the annual Egyptian Marathon, held in Luxor every January on a course that takes in multiple ancient wonders.
PHOTOGRAPHS KHALED DESOUKI / GETTY IMAGES( RIGHT), PETER KIRK MEDIA( TOP)
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE | 23