Abu DhabiUnited Arab EmiratesAbu Dhabi MarathonThe Abu Dhabi Marathon is a world-class elite event launched in 2018, attracting top international runners and a few thousand finishers on a fast desert-city course. The route passes the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque approach, the Corniche waterfront, and Yas Island connectors. December cool mornings and dead-flat terrain make it a record-eligible race in the UAE capital.Next race: Saturday, 5 December 2026
ShenzhenGuangdongChinaShenzhen MarathonThe Shenzhen Marathon is a World Athletics–listed mega-field city race drawing approximately 30k runners each early December through China's southern tech hub. The point-to-point course starts at the Civic Center in Futian, runs west along Shennan Avenue and the Shenzhen Bay waterfront, loops through Qianhai, and finishes at Haibin Square in Bao'an. Mild Guangdong winter weather and a largely flat urban-coastal profile make it a popular year-end destination race.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
ValenciaValencian CommunitySpainValencia MarathonThe Valencia Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 29k finishers on an urban road in Valencia, Spain. The course starts and finishes at the City of Arts and Sciences. One of Europe's fastest courses, with no significant hills.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
GuangzhouGuangdongChinaGuangzhou MarathonThe Guangzhou Marathon attracts approximately 20k finishers each December through the Pearl River Delta's largest city. The course passes the Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town CBD, and the Pearl River (Zhujiang) waterfront on wide subtropical boulevards. December's mild Guangdong winter and flat terrain make it a popular year-end race in south China.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
HiratsukaKanagawaJapanShonan International MarathonThe Shonan International Marathon attracts around 16,000 runners each December along the Sagami Bay coast between Hiratsuka and Kamakura. The course offers Pacific Ocean views, Enoshima Island vistas, and the relaxed beach-town atmosphere of the Shōnan region south of Tokyo. December's cool coastal weather and rolling seaside terrain make it a favourite winter marathon for Kanto-area runners.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
FuzhouFujianChinaFuzhou MarathonThe Fuzhou Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each December on a riverside urban road in Fuzhou, China. Its low-profile, flat course makes it a strong winter option in southeast China. The route passes the Min River, hot-spring city boulevards, and modern riverfront development zones. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
KunmingYunnanChinaKunming MarathonThe Kunming Marathon attracts approximately 15k finishers each December in Yunnan's 'Spring City' at roughly 1,900 m altitude. The course passes Dianchi Lake, the Western Hills, and the Green Lake Park district on a sunny plateau loop. December's mild highland winter — when northern China is freezing — makes Kunming one of China's most pleasant year-end marathons despite the altitude.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
ShanghaiShanghaiChinaShanghai MarathonThe Shanghai Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Shanghai, China. The course starts at the Bund and finishes at Shanghai Stadium. The route passes the Lujiazui financial district, Nanjing Road, and the Huangpu riverfront. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on river crossings.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
ZhuhaiGuangdongChinaZhuhai MarathonThe Zhuhai Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each December on a scenic coastal road in Zhuhai, China. The long oceanfront mileage makes it one of China's most scenic coastal road marathons. The course passes the Lovers' Road seafront, island views, and sleek coastal skyline sections facing Macau. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
NahaOkinawaJapanNaha MarathonThe Naha Marathon brings roughly 14,000 runners to Okinawa's capital each December for a subtropical marathon experience unique in Japan. The course runs along the East China Sea coast and through Naha's urban centre with warm winter temperatures and ocean breezes. For runners seeking a December marathon in shorts and a vest, Naha is Japan's answer.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
DongguanGuangdongChinaDongguan MarathonThe Dongguan Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each December on an urban road in Dongguan, China. Fast roads and warm winter weather make it a popular delta-season race. The route passes city parks, lakeside areas, and the broad boulevards of the Pearl River Delta manufacturing hub. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
NanningGuangxiChinaNanning MarathonThe Nanning Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each December on an urban road in Nanning, China. Winter timing lets the race use southern China's warmth as an advantage instead of a heat penalty. The course passes the Yong River, subtropical greenery, and wide roads through the Guangxi capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
WenzhouZhejiangChinaWenzhou MarathonThe Wenzhou Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each December on an urban road in Wenzhou, China. Its combination of river scenery and warm winter timing suits southeast-coast marathoners. The route passes the Ou River, modern financial districts, and bridges linking the city's river islands. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
MiyazakiMiyazakiJapanAoshima Pacific MarathonThe Aoshima Pacific Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a coastal urban road in Miyazaki, Japan. Its warm southern-Japan setting makes it a popular contrast to colder mainland December races. The route passes palm-lined boulevards, Aoshima approaches, and broad roads under a subtropical coastal sky. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
NaraNaraJapanNara MarathonThe Nara Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 10k finishers each December on a historic urban road in Nara, Japan. It is one of Japan's most atmospheric history-rich marathons because the route runs beside so many heritage zones. The course passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of the ancient capital's hills. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
SingaporeSingaporeSingapore MarathonThe Singapore Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers on an urban road in Singapore, Singapore. The course starts at the F1 Pit Building and finishes at The Float @ Marina Bay. The route passes Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, and the Marina Bay waterfront. Mostly flat with short climbs on expressway ramps.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
ZhangzhouFujianChinaZhangzhou MarathonThe Zhangzhou Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each December on an urban road in Zhangzhou, China. It benefits from south Fujian's reliably gentle winter weather. The course passes Fujian riverfront sections, temple-city streets, and newer development boulevards. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
PenangMalaysiaPenang Bridge International MarathonThe Penang Bridge International Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers each December on a bridge and coastal road in Penang, Malaysia. The bridge crossing gives the event one of the most memorable structural landmarks in Asian road racing. The course passes the long Penang Bridge, island-side roads, and night-race views over the strait. Rolling terrain with bridge climbs is a feature of the course.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Ho Chi Minh CityVietnamHo Chi Minh City International MarathonThe Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each December on an urban road in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is one of Vietnam's most international full marathons. The route passes District 1 boulevards, Saigon River sections, and modern bridges across the fast-growing city. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
KolkataWest BengalIndiaKolkata MarathonThe Kolkata Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each December through West Bengal's cultural capital on the Hooghly River. The course passes the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge approach, and the Maidan parklands with views of colonial-era architecture. December's dry, mild Kolkata winter makes it one of eastern India's most pleasant road races.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
SacramentoCaliforniaUnited StatesSacramento MarathonThe Sacramento Marathon — universally known as the California International Marathon (CIM) — draws approximately 4,000 finishers each December on a fast point-to-point road from Folsom to downtown Sacramento. The net-downhill course drops roughly 103 metres through the Sierra Nevada foothills before finishing on Capitol Mall in front of the California State Capitol. Cool early-December weather and a USATF-certified profile make it one of the most reliable Boston-qualifier races in the western United States.Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
HonoluluHawaiiUnited StatesHonolulu MarathonThe Honolulu Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 18k finishers on a scenic coastal road in Honolulu, United States. The course starts before dawn on Ala Moana Boulevard in Waikiki and finishes in Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head. Hilly in the second half, with the biggest climbs between miles 18 and 23.Next race: Sunday, 13 December 2026
DallasTexasUnited StatesDallas MarathonThe Dallas Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Dallas, United States. The course starts and finishes at Dallas City Hall. The route passes Dealey Plaza, White Rock Lake, and the Katy Trail. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.Next race: Sunday, 13 December 2026
TaipeiTaiwanTaipei MarathonThe Taipei Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers on an urban road in Taipei, Taiwan. The course starts and finishes at Taipei City Hall. The route passes Taipei 101, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Keelung River embankment. Mostly flat with minor rises on river bridges.Next race: Sunday, 20 December 2026
