It’s that time of year when you start thinking about the next big race. Now is the perfect time to start planning your next big race or mapping out your running goals. Why not kick things off with our free Coach the Run Running Year Planner? A well-structured plan is the key to conquering your marathon journey, helping you stay organised, motivated, and ready to tackle every mile with confidence.
If you’re dreaming of international marathons, we’ve got you covered. This guide showcases races that go beyond the finish line, offering unforgettable experiences. From challenging courses to breathtaking scenery and rich cultural backdrops, discover marathons that combine the thrill of running with the joy of exploration.
When it comes to marathons, certain races stand out as must-do events for any serious runner. These iconic marathons offer not just a race, but an experience that combines athletic challenge with cultural immersion.
The London Marathon is one such race. Running through the heart of London, participants pass by famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower Bridge. The atmosphere is electric, with cheering crowds and a party atmosphere that makes every step memorable.
The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its flat course, ideal for setting personal bests or even world records. The race finishes at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, providing a picturesque end to a fast and thrilling point-to-point race.
Runners in the New York City Marathon traverse all five boroughs, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. The diverse neighbourhoods, crowd support, and the sheer scale of the event make it a bucket-list race for many runners.
As one of the oldest and most prestigious races, the Boston Marathon is famous for its challenging course and the legendary “Heartbreak Hill.” It’s a race where history and tradition meet modern athleticism.
Other notable races include the Tokyo Marathon, blending modern and traditional Japanese culture, and the Athens Marathon, which traces the historic route from Marathon to Athens, celebrating the race’s origins.
The Great Wall Marathon in China presents a gruelling challenge with breathtaking scenery and historic sites. These races are more than just marathons; they are experiences that every runner should have at least once in their lifetime, especially at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
January offers some fantastic marathon options to kickstart the year.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – USA – 7th-11th Jan 2026
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, in Florida, provides a fun, family-friendly race. Runners traverse all four Disney theme parks, complete with characters and entertainment. It’s a magical way to combine a marathon with a vacation, making it a perfect race for runners of all ages.
Marrakesh Marathon – Morocco – End of Jan 2026
The Marrakesh Marathon, held in Morocco, is a great way to escape the winter chill. The course takes runners through the beautiful streets of Marrakesh, lined with palm trees and stunning Moroccan architecture. It’s a relatively flat course, making it ideal for those looking to set a personal best.
Seville Marathon – Spain – 15th Feb 2026
The Seville Marathon is known for its fast and flat course. This race is perfect for those looking to achieve a personal best or qualify for other major marathons. The route takes runners through the historic streets of Seville, passing iconic landmarks and offering a glimpse into the city’s rich culture. The particularly scenic second half of the course ensures an enjoyable race from the starting line to the finish line.
March is a month filled with exciting marathon options around the world.
Tokyo Marathon (World Marathon Major) – Japan – 1st Mar 2026
The Tokyo marathon attracts elite runners and enthusiastic crowds alike. The race begins at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and winds through the city’s major districts, offering a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic temples.
Barcelona Marathon – Spain – 15th Mar 2026
The Barcelona Marathon features a scenic route through one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. Runners pass by famous landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the Camp Nou stadium. The race has a festive atmosphere, with cheering crowds and live music along the course.
Frozen Lake Marathon – Norway – 28th Mar 2026
The Frozen Lake Marathon offers a unique race on a frozen lake, surrounded by stunning winter landscapes. This marathon is not for the faint-hearted, but the breathtaking scenery and the ultimate challenge make it a must-do for adventurous runners.
Limassol Marathon – Cyprus – End of March 2026
The Limassol Marathon in Cyprus offers a unique Mediterranean experience, with a course that takes runners along the beautiful coastline and through historical sites.
April is a big month for marathons, with some of the most renowned races taking place. The London Marathon and the Boston Marathon are two of the most prestigious events.
Brighton Marathon – UK – 12th Apr 2026
The Brighton Marathon is a popular race for its scenic route along the coast of England and lively atmosphere.
Paris Marathon – France – 12th Apr 2026
The Paris Marathon provides a scenic route through beautiful streets, passing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
Milan Marathon – Italy – 12th April 2026
The Milan Marathon takes runners through the historic streets of one of Italy’s most fashionable cities, offering a unique experience for participants.
Zurich Marathon – Switzerland – 12th Apr 2026
The Zurich Marathon takes runners on a picturesque journey through the city, showcasing its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
Rotterdam Marathon – Netherlands – 13th Apr 2026
The Rotterdam Marathon is known for its fast course and enthusiastic crowds, making it a favourite among runners looking to set a personal best.
Manchester Marathon – UK – 19th Apr 2026
The Manchester Marathon is another fast and flat course, perfect for setting personal records.
London Marathon (World Marathon Major) – UK – 26th Apr 2026
The London Marathon takes runners through the heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks and finishing at Buckingham Palace. The route is known for its energy and support from the crowds, making it a favourite among runners. It also attracts top elite athletes, with world records being broken on this course.
Rimini Marathon – Italy – Mid Apr 2026
The Rimini Marathon is known for its scenic route along the Adriatic coast and through charming seaside towns. The Rimini Marathon is a popular destination for runners seeking a mix of culture and natural beauty.
Big Sur Marathon – USA – 26th Apr 2026
The Big Sur Marathon in California offers stunning coastal views along its challenging course.
There’s no shortage of amazing marathon options in April, making it a perfect month for runners to lace up their shoes and hit the road.
Madrid Marathon – Spain – End of Apr 2026
The Madrid Marathon takes place in Spain’s capital city and offers a flat and fast course that takes runners past iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Retiro Park.
May is another month filled with exciting marathon options.
Southampton Marathon – UK – 3rd May 2026
The Southampton Marathon is a relatively new race, it offers a flat and fast course with stunning views of the English countryside.
Prague Marathon – Czech Republic – 4th May 2025
The Prague Marathon in the Czech Republic is known for its beautiful course that takes runners through the historic centre of Prague, offering views of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Toronto Marathon – Canada – 4th May 2025
The Toronto Marathon in Canada, where participants can enjoy running through the diverse and vibrant city of Toronto.
Milton Keynes Marathon – UK – 5th May 2025
The Milton Keynes Marathon in England features a scenic route through the town and its surrounding countryside.
Geneva Marathon – Switzerland – 11th May 2025
The Geneva Marathon takes place in Switzerland and offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alps.
Great Wall Marathon – China – 17th May 2025
The Great Wall Marathon in China is a challenging race that takes participants along the ancient Great Wall, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Salzburg Marathon – Austria – 18th May 2025
The Salzburg Marathon in Austria, known for its picturesque course through the historic city centre.
Cleveland Marathon – USA – 18th May 2025
The Cleveland Marathon in the United States, known for its flat and fast course along Lake Erie.
Thunder Dragon Marathon – Bhutan – 25th May 2025
The Thunder Dragon Marathon in Bhutan offers a scenic route through the Himalayan kingdom.
Stockholm Marathon – Sweden – 31st May 2025
The Stockholm Marathon in Sweden is a popular race that takes runners through the beautiful streets of Stockholm, offering views of the city’s historic buildings and stunning waterfront.
June offers some unique marathon experiences, especially in the northern hemisphere.
Brisbane Marathon – Australia – 1st June 2025
The Brisbane Marathon in Australia takes place, offering a scenic route through the city’s major landmarks and along the Brisbane River.
Massai Marathon – Africa – 14th June 2025
The Massai Marathon, held in Kenya, is a unique race that takes runners through the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Participants get the chance to run alongside wild animals such as giraffes and zebras while also experiencing traditional Maasai culture.
Midnight Sun Marathon – Norway – 21st June 2025
For a truly one-of-a-kind adventure, the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø, Norway, offers runners the chance to race beneath the glow of the midnight sun. This surreal and unforgettable experience blends breathtaking scenery with the thrill of running, creating a memory that lasts a lifetime.
July brings some exciting marathon options, particularly in unique and challenging locations.
Zermatt Marathon – Switzerland – 5th July 2025
The Zermatt Marathon in Switzerland offers a tough course with significant elevation changes, but the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps makes it worth the effort.
Gold Coast Marathon – Australia – 6th July 2025
The Gold Coast Marathon is a popular race known for its flat and fast course, making it ideal for setting personal bests. The race takes runners along the beautiful coastline, offering stunning views and a festive atmosphere.
Australian Outback Marathon – 26th July 2025
The Australian Outback Marathon provides a unique experience, taking runners through the rugged and picturesque landscapes of the Australian Outback.
August offers a variety of marathon options in different parts of the world.
Helsinki Marathon – Finland – 23rd Aug 2025
The Helsinki Marathon in Finland is a popular race known for its flat and fast course, making it ideal for setting personal bests. The race takes runners through the beautiful streets of Helsinki, offering views of the city’s historic buildings and stunning waterfront.
Reykjavik Marathon – Iceland – 23rd Aug 2025
The Reykjavik Marathon in Iceland is another popular race that attracts many runners. The scenic route takes participants through the beautiful streets of Reykjavik, offering views of the city’s iconic landmarks and stunning natural landscapes.
Sydney Marathon (World Marathon Major) – Australia – 30th Aug 2025
The Sydney Marathon in Australia has officially joined the prestigious ranks of the World Marathon Majors. This iconic race takes runners on a breathtaking journey through the city’s most famous landmarks, offering a unique blend of athletic challenge and stunning scenery.
Mexico City Marathon – 31st Aug 2025
As one of the largest marathons in Latin America, the Mexico City Marathon attracts thousands of participants each year. The route takes runners through the historical centre of the city, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Zocalo and Chapultepec Castle.
September is a great month for marathons, with some of the most renowned races taking place.
Jungfrau Marathon – Switzerland – 6th Sept 2025
The Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland is known for its challenging course and stunning alpine scenery.
Patagonia Marathon – Chile – 6th Sept 2025
The Patagonia Marathon takes place in Chile and offers breathtaking views of the Patagonian landscape.
Petra Marathon – Jordan – 6th Sept 2025
The Petra Marathon in Jordan, where runners can discover the ancient city of Petra and its stunning architecture.
Berlin Marathon (World Marathon Major) – Germany – 21st Sept 2025
The Berlin Marathon is known for its fast course and the potential to set world records. The race finishes at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, providing a picturesque end to a fast and thrilling race.
October is a month filled with exciting marathon options around the world.
Chester Marathon – UK – 5th Oct 2025
The Chester Marathon is a relatively flat course located in the picturesque city of Chester, England. The route takes runners through scenic countryside and alongside historic Roman ruins.
Chicago Marathon (World Marathon Major) – USA – 12th Oct 2025
The Chicago Marathon is known for its fast course and enthusiastic crowds. The race takes runners through the heart of Chicago, offering views of the city’s iconic landmarks and beautiful streets.
Amsterdam Marathon – Holland – 19th Oct 2025
The Amsterdam Marathon is another popular race that attracts many runners. The flat course and scenic route through the beautiful streets of Amsterdam make it a favourite among runners looking to set personal bests on a flat route.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon – Canada – 19th Oct 2025
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a popular race that takes place in the heart of Toronto. The course offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and passes by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the CN Tower.
Yorkshire Marathon – UK – 19th Oct 2025
The Yorkshire Marathon is a relatively new addition to the UK marathon circuit, taking place in the beautiful county of Yorkshire. The course takes runners through charming villages and scenic countryside, with enthusiastic crowds cheering them on throughout the route.
Abingdon Marathon – UK – 19th Oct 2025
The Abingdon Marathon is a popular race for experienced runners, with a fast and flat course that allows for potential personal best times. The route takes runners through the historic town of Abingdon and the surrounding countryside. Along with the traditional marathon distance, there is also an option to run a half-marathon on the same day.
Columbus Marathon – USA – 19th Oct 2025
The Columbus Marathon is a large race with over 18,000 runners participating. The course takes runners through the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio and its many landmarks, including the Ohio State University campus and downtown area. The race also has a wheelchair division for athletes with disabilities.
Polar Circle Marathon – Greenland – 25th Oct 2025
The Polar Circle Marathon is an extreme marathon in one of the most remote and coldest regions on Earth. The race offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and frozen landscapes..
Lisbon Marathon – Portugal – 25th Oct 2025
The Lisbon Marathon offers the perfect blend of athletic challenge and scenic beauty. Known for its mild climate and breathtaking coastal views, it’s an ideal choice for runners seeking to pair their race with an unforgettable holiday experience.
Venice Marathon – Italy – 26th Oct 2025
The Venice Marathon is a unique race that takes place along the beautiful canals of Venice, Italy. Runners get to experience the stunning architecture and rich history of the city as they make their way through the course.
Dublin Marathon – Ireland – 26th Oct 2025
The Dublin Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in Europe, taking place in the capital city of Ireland. The course takes runners through historic landmarks and offers a festive atmosphere with live music and cheering crowds.
There’s no shortage of amazing marathon options in October, making it a perfect month for runners to lace up their shoes and hit the road.
November brings some of the biggest marathons in the world.
New York City Marathon (World Marathon Major) – USA – 2nd Nov 2025
The New York City Marathon is known for its diverse course that takes runners through all five boroughs of New York City and major cities. The race finishes in Central Park, providing a picturesque end to a thrilling race.
Porto Marathon – Portugal – 2nd Nov 2025
The Porto Marathon offers runners the chance to experience the enchanting streets and breathtaking landmarks of Porto, Portugal. This stunning course winds along the Douro River, guiding participants through the historic Ribeira district and across the iconic Dom Luís Bridge. A perfect blend of sport and sightseeing, this marathon is an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s most picturesque cities.
Athens Marathon – Greece – 9th Nov 2025
The Athens Marathon, which traces the historic route from the town of Marathon to Athens, celebrates the origins of the marathon race itself.
Verona Marathon – Italy – 16th Nov 2025
The Verona Marathon takes place in the romantic city of Verona, where runners can take in views of the stunning architecture and charming streets while completing the 26.2 mile course.
Turin Marathon – 23rd Nov 2025
The Turin Marathon in Italy takes runners through the charming city and along the Po River. The course is known for its challenging elevation changes, but also offers stunning views of historical landmarks such as the Mole Antonelliana.
Florence Marathon – Italy – 30th Nov 2025
The Florence Marathon is known for its beautiful scenery, taking runners through the historic streets of Florence and passing by famous landmarks such as the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
December offers some festive and lively marathon options to close out the year.
Valencia Marathon – Spain – 7th Dec 2025
The Valencia Marathon in Spain is known for its flat and fast course, making it ideal for setting personal bests. The race takes runners through the beautiful streets of Valencia, offering views of the city’s historic buildings and stunning waterfront.
Reggae Marathon – Jamaica – 7th Dec 2025
The Reggae Marathon in Jamaica offers a race with a lively atmosphere and festive vibes. The race takes runners along the scenic coastline, with reggae music and enthusiastic crowds providing a fun and memorable experience.
Barbados Marathon – 8th Dec 2025
The Barbados Marathon offers a tropical and scenic route along the coast of the beautiful Caribbean island. Runners can enjoy views of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery as they race through this paradise destination.
Pisa Marathon – 15th Dec 2025
The Pisa Marathon takes place in the picturesque city of Pisa, Italy and offers a unique course that includes running on the famous Leaning Tower. The race also passes by other iconic landmarks such as the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Arno River.
As you plan out your marathon year, remember that each race offers a unique experience, whether it’s the thrill of running through iconic landmarks or the challenge of tackling a tough course. To help you keep track of your marathon training and plan your races, be sure to download our free Coach the Run Running Year Planner. This planner will help you stay organised and motivated throughout the year, ensuring that you’re ready for every race.
Running marathons around the world is not just about the race itself; it’s about the adventure, the people you meet, and the memories you create. So book that bucket list trip, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to experience the best marathons the world has to offer. Happy running!
If you’re looking to tick off some bucket-list races, make sure to experience the London, Berlin, New York City, Boston, and Tokyo Marathons. Each one offers a unique vibe and unforgettable memories for runners.
If you’re looking to set a personal best, consider the Berlin, Rotterdam, or Valencia Marathons—they’re all known for their flat and fast courses!
If you’re looking for a unique and challenging marathon, consider the Great Wall Marathon, Midnight Sun Tromso Marathon, or Jungfrau Marathon; each offers a memorable experience that tests your limits. These races are not just about distance, but also breathtaking scenery and distinctive challenges.
The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend in Florida is a fantastic choice for families, offering a magical experience that everyone can enjoy together. It’s perfect for runners of all ages!
Using tools like our free Coach the Run Running Year Planner can really help you stay organised and motivated with your training. It keeps everything in one place, making it easier to stick to your goals!
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