A road marathon can be a tough challenge and a novel way to experience a city, but if you want to take on something truly epic, something that takes you out into the wilds, far beyond your perceived limits of existence, then try one of these 10 ultra running races instead.

Eerily beautiful lava-sculpted mountains, rippling sugar-white and bare black-rock beaches, distant villages teetering atop ridges, tumbling pine forests full of churning mists and exhilarating hikes, and plenty of sun-toasted resorts – Spain’s far-flung Canary Islands are deservedly one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

Barcelona – laid-back, beautiful and right on the beach – is a great city to bring the kids, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Many of Barcelona’s top attractions won’t cost you a penny. Long, sandy beaches overlooking the Med, fairy tale Modernista architecture, fun-packed museums full of attractions, shady parks with labyrinths and giant slides – Barcelona has got a load of things that appeal to children, and all for free!