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Cool races in fun places Images: World's top 8 marathons

For disappointed runners who were slated to run the 2012 ING New York City Marathon this past Sunday, a slew of other options are available to put those months of training to good use.

While the nearby Philadelphia Marathon (November 18) is sold out, the sold-out Brooklyn Marathon (November 18) is considering expansion in response to the hurricane, so stay tuned to the website for details: nycruns.com/races/?race=nycruns-brooklyn-marathon.

Richmond Marathon
November 10
Richmond, Virginia

According to its website, the marathon has received a surge of entrants post-NYC Marathon cancellation. Billed as "America's Friendliest Marathon," the Richmond Marathon is in its 35th year. Entry fee: $110.
http://www.richmondmarathon.com


Santa Barbara International Marathon
November 10
Santa Barbara, California

This race takes runners through fruit orchards before concluding with a two-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean. Entry fee: $50 to the first 200 NYC marathoners able to show proof of registration. Regular fee is $130.
http://www.sbimarathon.com


Istanbul-Eurasia Marathon
November 11
Istanbul, Turkey

The intercontinental marathon takes advantage of Istanbul's Bosphorus-straddling situation in order to be the world's only marathon that starts in one continent (Asia) and ends in another (Europe). Entry free: 100 TL/€50.
http://www.istanbulmarathon.org


Athens Marathon
November 11
Athens, Greece

The Athens "original" Marathon starts at the ancient Greek city of Marathon and concludes at Athens Olympic Stadium. Entry fee: €90.
http://www.athensclassicmarathon.gr


Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon
November 11
San Antonio, Texas

Mild fall weather makes this Texan race hospitable, as does the 20 percent discount for NYC Marathon entrants, with donations going to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Entry fee: $125 (not including 20 percent discount).
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com

Valley of Fire Marathon
November 17
Overton, Nevada

This gorgeous race takes you through red rock desert terrain of the Valley of Fire State Park, but be prepared for hills. Entry fee: $90.
http://runvalleyoffire.com


Florence Marathon
November 25
Florence, Italy

More than 10,000 runners are expected to hit the streets of Florence, in what is considered one of Italy's most scenic marathons. Entry fee: €70.
http://www.firenzemarathon.it


Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
December 2, Las Vegas, NV

This race is unique in that it starts in the late afternoon at The Mirage casino just before the sunset over Las Vegas. Entry fee: $185 (20 percent discount for New York City Marathon entrants and the race will donate 20 percent to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts).
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com