Fitness
Marathon
The 10 best marathons around the world
With running officially a global phenomenon, it’s time to pack your bags and lace up for a trip to one of the most popular – and legendary – marathon destinations in the world.
The beautiful thing about running is that every jog is a journey. You might be doing your usual morning loop, taking in the day's weather. Or you might be venturing to new terrain on your weekly long run. Either way, there’s nothing like seeing just how far you can go under the power of your own two feet. And, in 2026 and beyond, you might just find yourself on the other side of the world entirely…
Whether you’re a run club stalwart or a seasoned marathoner, these 10 races are the perfect opportunity to experience new cities – and new challenges. Not only are these the most popular races in the world, they’re all pretty Instagrammable, too. And there’s nothing quite like an extended vacation to help those legs recover.
From London to Sydney via America’s best races and Europe’s most visitable capitals, each of these marathons promises a cultural experience, and a spiritual one, too. Time to get training.
Fancy a running challenge while raising vital funds for charity? Why not join the Wings for Life World Run?
01
The TCS London Marathon
Tower Bridge is just one of the London landmarks you'll run past
© Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
2026 date: Sunday, April 26.
Location: You’ll start in Greenwich, on the south side of the Thames, and finish beside Buckingham Palace.
Number of participants: 56,640 exhausted participants crossed the line in 2025.
What’s so special about it? Put simply, London is a bucket-list marathon for any serious runner. The best of the best enter and the ballot process is notoriously difficult – such is the race’s popularity. Win a spot, and you’ll experience historic and iconic London landmarks from Cutty Sark to Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
And, despite the minor elevation gain of 127m (419ft), it’s still a huge challenge. “It was one of the toughest things I've done,” former England footballer Jack Wilshere said in a post-marathon interview. “It was painful at times and took me to some dark places, but you learn a lot about yourself."
Course records: Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum set the men’s record in 2023 with a time of 2h 01m 25s, while Britain's Paula Radcliffe set the women’s record of 2h 15m 25s way back in 2003.
Course difficulty: London is a flat and fast course, so while there are few inclines, you’ll also have fewer opportunities to slow it down and recover your breath.
Entry fee range: £79.99 for UK residents, or £225 for international runners. Charity spots will require you to raise at least £2,000.
How to qualify: The General Ballot usually opens in April or May; you can also sign up via a charity; or British Athletics might allow a certain number of places for running clubs; elite runners (men sub-2h 38m, women sub-3h 10m) can sign up for Championship Entry; or, you could claim a Good For Age place by running a specific time in a certified race in a given period before the next London Marathon.
Sign up here:londonmarathonevents.co.uk
02
The TCS New York City Marathon
The New York Marathon starts on Staten Island
© ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
2026 date: Sunday, November 1
Location: You’ll start out on Staten Island, passing through all five boroughs before finishing (read: collapsing) in Central Park
Number of participants: 59,226 finishers in 2025
What’s so special about it? Like London, the Big Apple is a must-complete race for the world’s best runners. The best part about it is you’ll feel like you’re running through a movie set as you battle through all five boroughs. Yes, you’ll see the Statue of Liberty. And yes, you’ll give it your all up Fifth Avenue. But you’ll also see a side of New York that the casual tourists rarely see, with the course taking you from Staten Island and through Harlem on your way down to an autumnal Central Park finish.
"The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can't dream of being an Olympic champion, but they can dream of finishing a marathon,” Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder, told the Latin Times.
Course records: Tamirat Tola set the men’s record of 2h 04m 58s in 2023, while Hellen Obiri set a new women’s record of 2h 19m 51s in 2025.
Course difficulty: With climbs on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at the start, the Queensboro Bridge about two-thirds of the way through, and on the final Fifth Avenue stretch, NYC is not considered PB territory.
Entry fee range: $255 USD for New York Road Runners (NYRR) members and $315 USD for non-members. Charity places have varying minimum requirements depending on the charity.
How to qualify: You’ll need to achieve a specific qualifying time in a previous marathon, including the NYC Half Marathon, as outlined here; the 9+1 Program lets participants complete nine New York Road Runner races and one volunteer day to earn a guaranteed spot for the following year’s marathon; there’s also a lottery system, and you can usually get entry for the next year’s race if you’d gained entry for the previous year, but cancelled within a given timeframe.
Sign up here:nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon
03
The BMW Berlin Marathon
Run through the iconic Brandenburg Gate at the Berlin Marathon
© Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
2026 date: Sunday, September 27
Location: Starting near the Tiergarten and Victory Column, you’ll finish in the shadow of the iconic Brandenburg Gate
Number of participants: 55,146 runners in 2025
What’s so special about it? There’s a reason Harry Styles chose the German capital for his second-ever marathon. Unlike some of the more polished European capital marathons, Berlin still retains an element of that Cold War grit, and is arguably one of the coolest races in the calendar. While competitors are unlikely to roll onto the start line from Berghain, expect lots of techno and tattoos alongside beautiful architectural landmarks and parks.
Course records: The legendary Eliud Kipchoge set a men’s record of 2h 01m 09s in 2022, while Tigst Assefa clocked 2h 11m 53s for the women in 2023.
Course difficulty: Berlin is fast and flat, considered prime real estate for marathon PBs
Entry fee range: Ballot and Fast Runner applications retail at €205.
How to qualify:The General Lottery typically opens in late September; you can also earn a place via charity partners; and the Fast Runner / Good For Age category requires runners to have completed certain runs at certain paces. Check the website for the latest guidelines.
Sign up here:bmw-berlin-marathon.com
04
The Bank of America Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon finishes on Boylston Street
© Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
2026 date: Monday, April 20
Location: You’ll pass through eight cities and towns in Greater Boston, starting in Hopkinton in southern Middlesex County, and ending in Boylston Street in Boston proper.
Number of participants: 31,670 entrants in 2025.
What’s so special about it? 2026 marks the 130th Boston Marathon, so celebrations are sure to be livelier than ever. This also makes it one of the world’s oldest marathons, while its elite status as a World Marathon Major means it also attracts the best runners in the world. Tradition runs deep; it’s customary to be given an olive wreath at the finish line – homage to Ancient Greece.
Course records: Sharon Lokedi set a new women’s record of 2h 17m 22s in 2025, while the men’s record still belong’s to Geoffrey Mutai’s 2011 time of 2h 03m 02s.
Course difficulty: This one is tough on your legs with the early miles mostly taking you downhill before a series of punishing hills later on.
Entry fee range: $260 USD for qualified runners. Charity entries cost $375 USD, separate from fundraising targets.
How to qualify: You’ll need to meet an age group time set by the Boston Athletic Association; there is no general lottery.
Sign up here:baa.org/races/boston-marathon
05
The Tokyo Marathon
In Tokyo, you can compare your time directly with No-Face
© David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images
2026 date: Thursday, February 26
Location: You’ll kick things off at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finish by Tokyo Station.
Number of participants: 37,785 in 2025
What’s so special about it? Tokyo is a World Athletics Platinum Label marathon and one of the seven World Marathon Majors. In other words, it’s very elite, and very hard to get in. Unless you’re Harry Styles who ran his first marathon here in a time of 3h, 24m, and 7s in 2025. On the flip side, Japan is a beautiful, crazy, and mind-bending country well worth travelling to even if you’re cheering from the sidelines.
Course records: The Tokyo records were both set in 2024, with Benson Kipruto bagging an astonishing 2h 02m 16s, and Sutume Asefa Kebede setting 2h 15m 55s for women.
Course difficulty: Tokyo is a flat and fast course, but it has been known to get windy, while twisting streets will slow you down on the corners.
Entry fee range: 19,800 JPY for Japanese residents. $230 USD for international runners.
How to qualify: With difficulty. The Run as One (Semi-Elite) programme is the main way in, but only super-fast runners need apply; there’s also the usual lottery and charity places. However you get in, you’ll need to be aged 19 or over come race day.
Sign up here:marathon.tokyo/en
06
Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris
The Paris Marathon starts at the Arc de Triomphe
© ASO/A.Vialatte
2026 date: Sunday, April 12
Location: You’ll start at the Arc de Triomphe and end on the Avenue des Invalides.
Number of participants: 55,499 finishers in 2025
What’s so special about it?: First of all, why would you not want to run a marathon in Europe’s most scenic capital? You could even follow it up with a day at Disney Land. Or at least a nice crêpe and a trip up the Eiffel Tower. The race shows off the best of what the City of Lights has to offer, starting you off on the Champs Elysées, taking you past the Louvre, the Bastille and La Tour Eiffel. Whether you’re going flat out or slowing down to take it all in, your Strava has never seen a run so scenic.
Course records: The women's record is 2h 19m 48s fo, set by Judith Korir in 2022, and 2h 04m 21s for men, set by Elisha Rotich in 2021.
Course difficulty: The course may enjoy a slight incline towards the end, but overall this is fast and flat.
Entry fee range: Double check before you book, but single entry usually starts about €130, with charity entries occasionally as low as €50, plus a variable fundraising commitment.
How to qualify: General entries are plentiful, although they do sell out quickly. Charity entries may be your best bet. All entrants will need to pass a health check, or complete a Parcours Prévention Santé (PPS) to prove you’re fit enough to take it on.
Sign up here: schneiderelectricparismarathon.com
07
Maratona di Roma
The route of the Rome Marathon is steeped in history
© Giuseppe Ciccia/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
2026 date: Sunday, March 22
Location: You’ll begin by the iconic Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Colosseum, ending at the Circo Massimo.
Number of participants: 36,000 athletes are expected for 2026
What’s so special about it? Rome’s treasures are best explored on foot – but no one said anything about a speed limit. From the Vatican to the Colosseum, the Rome Marathon takes in everything you’d hope for on a sightseeing tour. If inspiration is flagging, it isn’t difficult to conjure up images of Roman Legions on the march, making this your very own Roman Empire. Oh, carb-loading and post-race recovery has never looked more delicious.
Course records: Asbel Rutto set a new men’s record at 2h 06m 24s in 2024, while Kebede Megertu Alemu set a women’s record of 2h 22m 52s in 2019.
Course difficulty: You’re in for narrow, cobblestoned streets for a good portion of this race, making it one of the more difficult marathons on this list. Apologies in advance to your knees.
Entry fee range: Early bird registration starts as low as €89, but expect to pay over €100 if you’ve left it late.
How to qualify: You’ll need to be at least 20 years old and belong to a club affiliated with the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) or a World Athletics-affiliated federation. If you’re unaffiliated, you’ll need a FIDAL run card which acts as a health check and insurance.
Sign up here: runromethemarathon.com
08
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago is where world records are set
© Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
2026 date: Sunday, October 11
Location: You’ll start and finish in Grant Park
Number of participants: 54,351 finishers in 2025
What’s so special about it? As well as The Bear and, erm, winds, Chicago is famous as the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, and as the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, making it the ultimate intellectual’s holiday. In other words, while your body rests up post-race, you can wander around and exercise your brain. As for the race itself, you’ll pass through 29 different neighbourhoods. What’s also unique about the Chicago Marathon is that it loops out and back to Grant Park, making it one of the world’s best point A to point A races. The popularity of the race is also growing year on year, with two marathon world records positioning it as a serious contender for one of the most important races in the world.
Course records: Kenya rules the roost. Ruth Chepngetich set a women's course best – and a world record – at 2h 09m 56s in 2024, while her countryman Kelvin Kiptum laid down the men’s best of 2h 00m 35s in 2023 (also a world record).
Course difficulty: Unsurprisingly, Chicago is considered one of the easiest marathons in the world. It’s flat, fast, and in the right conditions, winds off Lake Michigan might help speed you along.
Entry fee range: $250 USD for US residents. $260 USD for international runners.
How to qualify: You’ll need to hit a given time for your age group in a select number of USATF-certified marathons. A lottery and charity places are also available.
Sign up here:chicagomarathon.com
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09
The TCS Sydney Marathon
The Sydney Marathon is packed with unmistakeable sights
© Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
2026 date: Saturday, August 30
Location: You’ll start on Miller Street in the north of the city, ending at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Number of participants: 35,000 estimated participants in 2025
What’s so special about it? Fancy a trip to the Southern Hemisphere? You’re already running 26.2 miles, so you may as well go all the way… After all, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the Land Down Under. First held in 2000, Sydney is one of the younger marathons on this list, meaning now’s your chance to leave your mark (relatively) early on. With around 20,000 fewer participants than some of the European or American marathons, it isn’t overly crowded, either. “This is a beautiful and unique course,” Eliud Kipchoge enthused to the Guardian after running Sydney in 2025. “The beauty was about the crowd, the way people cheered on the way, at the beginning, at the finishing line, it was wonderful.”
Course records: 2h 06m 06s is the men’s record, set by Hailemaryam Kiros and 2h 18m 22s is the women’s record, set by Sifan Hassan. Both were achieved in 2025.
Course difficulty: Australians are renowned for a laid-back attitude. The Sydney Marathon might test that. It’s largely considered the most challenging of the World Marathon Majors, with noticeable elevation change, frequent up and down hills, and unpredictable weather.
Entry fee range: $280 AUD for Australian/ New Zealand residents. $330 AUD for international runners.
How to qualify: The Sydney Marathon's High Performance Program (HPP) sets out guidelines for runners, with the fastest times securing spots in the most populous age groups. There is, of course, a very competitive ballot, too.
Sign up here: tcssydneymarathon.com
10
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon
The Amsterdam Marathon starts and ends in the Olympic Stadium
© RAMON VAN FLYMEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
2026 date: Sunday, October 18
Location: You’ll begin at the Olympisch Stadion, and end back there after a few hours (or more) of pain/euphoria.
Number of participants: 30,000 in 2025
What’s so special about it? First of all, who doesn’t want to start (and end) a marathon in a legitimate Olympic Stadium? If that wasn’t enough motivation to get your feet moving, you’ll be running a mostly flat course, through one of Europe’s most scenic capitals. Want canals, windmills and autumnal parks? You got it? Want plentiful pannenkoeken stops along the way? Say no more. Fancy a recovery day spent touring some of Europe’s best art galleries? It sounds like Amsterdam might be the perfect race for you.
Course records: African dominance continues, with Kenyan Geoffrey Toroitich holding the men’s record of 2h 03m 30s (2025), and Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia setting the women’s record of 2h 16m 52s in 2024.
Course difficulty: This is the Netherlands, so it’s mostly flat. However, crowded stretches along the Amstel River can hamper your PB.
Entry fee range: Registration costs €145, although you can bump that up by adding a ticket to the International Pasta Party to your basket (and who wouldn't want that?).
How to qualify: Amsterdam is somewhat unique in using a first-come, first-served entry basis. So sign up early!
Sign up here:tcsamsterdammarathon.eu
Didn't get a spot at your favourite marathon this year? There's always room for one more at the Wings for Life World Run
