A marathon fitness challenge will be happening on one of the most remote islands in the world.
Fitness freaks can take part in a marathon on the tiny island of St Helena and could follow that up with a 699 step challenge.
St Helena Fitness Challenges in the World’s most remote marathon. Pic © Mathias Falcone.
These are just two of the opportunities to prove your athletic prowess on this South Atlantic island where once Napoleon was once incarcerated.
Called Adventure Week 2026 where this tiny island can mount some large fitness challenges.
As well as running a 26 mile marathon why not try your luck and stamina then run to the top of Jacob’s Ladder in the capital Jamestown.
Island Fitness Challenges
This series of 699 steps carved into the steep cliffs that take you from nearly sea level to 600 feet above the capital.
Jacobs Ladder looking down to Jamestown. CC Image.
The current record for the climb stands at 4 minutes 40.75 seconds. Maybe attempt a formal record and register through St Helena Tourism with them first?
Jacob’s Ladder is in fact a Grade I listed structure. A remnant of an early 1800s cable railway and a certainly a highlight of the island’s heritage.
I you do take part in the Marathon then you would have taken part in the World’s Most Remote Marthon!
The run starts from from the Plantation House, home to the island’s Governor.
Jonathon in the grounds of the Governors Residence. CC image.
And certainly the home of the oldest resident on the island Jonathan the Giant tortoise. A record holder as the world’s oldest living land animal.
Participants can choose from a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km), or 10 km race.
The course will take runners around the island passing through lush green landscapes, historic locations such as Napoleon’s House.
Tour of the island. Pic © Mathias Falcone
Finishing at the seaside in the island’s capital, Jamestown. Certainly a rare opportunity to combine physical challenge with exploring the island’s unique natural beauty.
Adventure Week will also host series of guided hikes across the island’s dramatic land and seascapes.
Adventure Week St Helena Fitness Challenges
Traversing coastal trails, explore rock pools and pastureland encountering as you go St Helena’s unique flora and fauna.
Various forts, cannons, and gun batteries add cultural and historical interest.
With tranquillity along many the paths, it offers a truly immersive experience of the island’s untouched beauty.
Typical landscape. Pic © Mathias Falcone
Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena Government said, “Adventure Week is for those ready to challenge themselves physically and mentally while exploring one of the world’s most remarkable locations.”
“From running the marathon to climbing Jacob’s Ladder, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled week that combines high-performance sport with the chance to discover one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands.
St Helena Was Home To Napoleon
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean between Africa and South America.
St Helena is a British territory since 1659 (with a brief Dutch interval), the island retains remarkable heritage from its East India Company era, particularly in the historic capital, Jamestown.
At just 47 square miles, with a small population and unspoilt landscapes, St Helena offers visitors tranquillity, natural beauty and a sense of discovery.
The RMS ST Helena leaves the UK for the last time she is pictured steaming out of Portland Port, Dorset.
The island was for many years serviced by ships from the UK such as the last one the RMS St Helena that sailed latterly from Portland in Dorset carrying many of the vital stores needed by the residents.
Once the airport was constructed is has provide the island with at last a 21st century connection.
Construction took 4 years with the final part of the nearly 2 kilometre runway being completed in July 2015 with the official opening on 10th May 2016.
‘Airlink’ now provide passenger and cargo flights to the remote South Atlantic island.
The island is accessible via weekly flights from Johannesburg, with seasonal services from Cape Town.
For more information on St Helena visit: St Helena Tourism
