The Best Marathons in the World

Running a marathon is a life-changing experience. Covering 26.2 miles takes dedication, consistency, and mental strength, but it also opens the door to something incredible - the chance to travel the world through running. From city streets lined with cheering crowds to coastal roads, mountain passes, and historic landmarks, marathons give you a unique way to experience a place like nothing else can.

If you are looking for your next big challenge, or planning a “racecation” that combines adventure, culture, and athletic achievement, this guide is for you. We have selected 15 of the best marathons in the world, from the legendary World Marathon Majors to hidden gems that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

For each event, you will find everything you need to know: when it takes place, where it is, how beginner-friendly it is, and what makes it stand out. And at the end, you will find training guidance from Runna, your number-one running coaching app that will help you prepare for whichever marathon you choose.

1. TCS London Marathon (United Kingdom)

When: April
Where: London, England
Cut-off time: 8 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £60
Number of participants: 40,000+
Official website: London Marathon
Training plans: Grab your London Marathon training plan

The London Marathon is one of the world’s most famous races and one of the six World Marathon Majors. It begins in Greenwich Park and finishes on The Mall, right in front of Buckingham Palace. The route takes you through iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Big Ben, offering a running tour of London like no other.

Crowd support is immense, with spectators cheering along almost every section of the course. Many runners say that London’s energy carries them through even the toughest miles. The course is mostly flat, making it ideal for first-time marathoners or those chasing a personal best.

Weather in April is usually mild, and the atmosphere across the city turns electric on race weekend. If you can secure a place through the ballot or a charity entry, it’s an experience you will never forget.

2. Boston Marathon (United States)

When: Third Monday in April
Where: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? No (requires a qualifying time)
Average price: Around $230
Number of participants: 30,000
Official website: Boston Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Boston Marathon training plan

The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world and arguably the most prestigious. First run in 1897, it is known for its challenging course and the elite standards required to qualify. Running Boston is a badge of honor in the running community.

The point-to-point course begins in Hopkinton and ends in Boston’s Back Bay, featuring the legendary Heartbreak Hill between miles 20 and 21. The crowd support through towns like Wellesley, with its famous “scream tunnel,” and into the finish line on Boylston Street, is unmatched.

Even if the course is tough, the pride of finishing Boston makes it one of the most emotional experiences a runner can have. It’s not just a race - it’s a piece of running history.

3. Bank of America Chicago Marathon (United States)

When: October
Where: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cut-off time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around $250
Number of participants: 40,000+
Official website: Chicago Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Chicago Marathon training plan

The Chicago Marathon is another of the World Marathon Majors, famous for its flat, fast course and incredible organization. It is one of the most accessible big-city marathons in the world, ideal for both beginners and experienced runners chasing a new personal record.

The course takes you through 29 neighborhoods, showcasing Chicago’s cultural diversity and architectural beauty. The wide streets prevent overcrowding, and with excellent pacing groups, hydration stations, and cheering crowds, it’s an outstanding race to test your limits.

Cool October temperatures make it perfect for running, and you finish in beautiful Grant Park, where a huge post-race celebration awaits.

4. TCS New York City Marathon (United States)

When: First Sunday in November
Where: New York City, USA
Cut-off time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes, though challenging
Average price: $255–$315
Number of participants: 50,000+
Official website: TCS NYC Marathon
Training plans: Grab your New York City Marathon training plan

The New York City Marathon is the world’s largest marathon, with over 50,000 finishers every year. The race covers all five boroughs - Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan - before finishing in Central Park.

The crowd support is legendary, with over a million spectators lining the streets. Live bands, cheering families, and signs of encouragement keep runners motivated throughout. The course itself is rolling, with several bridges that add some elevation, so pacing wisely is important.

Finishing in Central Park among roaring crowds is an experience every runner should have at least once.

5. Tokyo Marathon (Japan)

When: March
Where: Tokyo, Japan
Cut-off time: 7 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: ¥18,200 (around £95)
Number of participants: 37,000
Official website: Tokyo Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Tokyo Marathon training plan

The Tokyo Marathon combines world-class organization with Japanese hospitality. The event is meticulously managed, from the start corrals to the finish area, and is part of the World Marathon Majors.

The course runs through central Tokyo, passing the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Ginza, and Tokyo Tower. Spectators line the streets waving flags and cheering runners in an orderly yet enthusiastic way that perfectly represents Japan’s culture of respect and discipline.

Cool early spring weather makes Tokyo a great race for performance and enjoyment alike. It’s one of the cleanest, most well-run races you’ll ever experience.

6. Berlin Marathon (Germany)

When: Late September
Where: Berlin, Germany
Cut-off time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €160–€190
Number of participants: 45,000
Official website: Berlin Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Berlin Marathon training plan

If you’re chasing a personal best, the Berlin Marathon is your race. Known for its flat, fast course, it is where most world records have been set, including Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon records.

The route passes through many of Berlin’s iconic sites, including the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, and Brandenburg Gate. The crowd support is loud and continuous, and the German efficiency ensures everything runs perfectly on race day.

The weather in late September is usually ideal for running, cool but not cold, and finishing by running through the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most unforgettable moments in running.

7. Paris Marathon (France)

When: April
Where: Paris, France
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €110–€150
Number of participants: 50,000
Official website: Schneider Electric Paris Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Paris Marathon training plan

The Paris Marathon offers runners the chance to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in the best way possible - on foot. Starting near the Arc de Triomphe, the course takes you past the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, ending on Avenue Foch.

The atmosphere is both elegant and energetic, with French spectators cheering “Allez, allez!” and bands playing along the route. The course is relatively flat with just a few gentle inclines, and the spring weather in Paris is usually mild.

After the race, you can reward yourself with croissants, café stops, and a walk along the Seine. It’s a dream event for runners who love culture as much as competition.

8. Amsterdam Marathon (Netherlands)

When: October
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €110–€140
Number of participants: 18,000 (full marathon)
Official website: TCS Amsterdam Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Amsterdam Marathon training plan

The Amsterdam Marathon is a hidden gem in Europe’s running scene. It starts and finishes inside the Olympic Stadium, which creates an epic sense of occasion. The route is scenic and fast, taking you along the River Amstel and through charming neighborhoods filled with cheering spectators.

Amsterdam’s flat terrain and cool October temperatures make it perfect for runners looking to run a fast, comfortable race. Logistics are also smooth, with excellent public transport and plenty of accommodation near the start and finish.

9. Honolulu Marathon (Hawaii, United States)

When: December
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
Cut-off time: None (course remains open for all)
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: $200–$300
Number of participants: 20,000+
Official website: Honolulu Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Honolulu Marathon training plan

Few marathons can rival the scenic beauty of Honolulu. The race begins before dawn with a fireworks display and follows a stunning coastal route past Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

With no cut-off time, this is one of the most inclusive marathons in the world, welcoming both runners and walkers. The tropical scenery, ocean views, and cultural performances along the route make it an unforgettable experience.

The heat and humidity can be challenging, but if you pace yourself and hydrate well, this marathon feels like running in paradise.

10. Sydney Marathon (Australia)

When: September
Where: Sydney, Australia
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around AUD 180
Number of participants: 12,000+
Official website: Sydney Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Sydney Marathon training plan

The Sydney Marathon, part of the Sydney Running Festival, is one of Australia’s premier running events. The route takes you over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through the city, and finishes at the Sydney Opera House — few finish lines in the world can match that.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet energetic, and the course offers a mix of urban running and harbor views. Spring weather in Sydney brings mild temperatures and sunshine, perfect for racing.

For international runners, Sydney combines a world-class event with a vacation destination that’s hard to beat.

11. Cape Town Marathon (South Africa)

When: October
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Cut-off time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £60
Number of participants: 10,000+
Official website: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Cape Town Marathon training plan

The Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s only World Athletics Gold Label marathon and has earned global recognition for its scenic beauty and organization. The route showcases Table Mountain, the Atlantic coastline, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Cape Town.

Cool spring weather and flat roads make it an excellent race for both beginners and time-focused runners. The diverse culture and hospitality add to the event’s charm, and the city’s post-race food and wine scene are a great bonus.

12. Athens Marathon (Greece)

When: November
Where: Athens, Greece
Cut-off time: 8 hours
Beginner-friendly? Moderate difficulty
Average price: Around €90
Number of participants: 20,000+
Official website: Athens Authentic Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Athens Marathon training plan

The Athens Marathon, also known as “The Authentic,” traces the original route of the legendary Greek soldier Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to announce victory in battle.

The course is challenging with steady climbs, but the sense of history is unmatched. Running into the Panathenaic Stadium - the site of the first modern Olympic Games - gives you goosebumps.

This is a marathon every serious runner should do at least once for its heritage and spirit.

13. Valencia Marathon (Spain)

When: December
Where: Valencia, Spain
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €80–€120
Number of participants: 25,000
Official website: Valencia Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Valencia Marathon training plan

Valencia has become one of the fastest-growing marathons in Europe, famous for its flat, fast course and near-perfect weather. The city markets itself as “The City of Running,” and it lives up to that name.

The race begins in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and winds through palm-lined boulevards before finishing back on a blue carpet over water. The energy and efficiency of the event are second to none.

If you want to set a personal best while enjoying a beautiful Spanish city, Valencia should be at the top of your list.

14. Big Sur International Marathon (United States)

When: April
Where: Big Sur to Carmel, California
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? No (challenging hills)
Average price: $175–$225
Number of participants: 4,500
Official website: Big Sur International Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Big Sur Marathon training plan

The Big Sur Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons on Earth. The route follows California’s iconic Highway 1 along the rugged Pacific coastline, with ocean cliffs on one side and mountains on the other.

The course is challenging, featuring several long climbs including the infamous Hurricane Point, but the beauty makes every step worthwhile. Runners are serenaded by live music along the course, including a grand piano player overlooking the sea.

If you’re looking for a marathon that feeds the soul as much as the legs, Big Sur is it.

15. Great Wall Marathon (China)

 When: May
Where: Tianjin Province, near Beijing, China
Cut-off time: 8 hours
Beginner-friendly? No (extremely challenging terrain)
Average price: $200–$250
Number of participants: Around 2,500
Official website: Great Wall Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Great Wall Marathon training plan

The Great Wall Marathon is one of the most iconic and demanding races in the world. Set against the backdrop of one of humanity’s greatest architectural feats, the course features steep ascents, thousands of stone steps, and sweeping views of rural villages and the surrounding mountains.

This marathon is less about chasing a time and more about the experience - a true test of endurance, grit, and appreciation for a unique cultural landscape. Runners face both intense climbs and technical descents, but the sense of achievement at the finish is unmatched. Expect incredible camaraderie among participants and breathtaking scenery that makes every tough mile worthwhile. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime challenge that blends adventure, history, and pure endurance, the Great Wall Marathon is it.

Train Smart for Your Next Marathon with Runna

Whether you choose a world major like London or Tokyo, or a scenic gem like Big Sur or Cape Town, the key to success is smart, structured training. With the right plan, every runner can conquer 26.2 miles and enjoy the journey along the way.

That’s where Runna comes in. Our app creates personalized marathon training plans tailored to your current fitness, your goals, and your chosen race. You’ll get weekly schedules with easy runs, long runs, tempo workouts, and recovery sessions, plus guidance on strength and mobility to keep you injury-free.

You can even select your specific marathon from our race database, and we’ll build a plan that prepares you for its unique profile and conditions.

Start training for your next marathon today with Runna, your number-one running coach in your pocket. Download the app and get your first week free - the perfect way to take the first step toward your next finish line.