XiamenFujianChinaXiamen International MarathonThe Xiamen International Marathon is one of China's premier road races, drawing approximately 23k finishers along a coastal loop that highlights the city's subtropical waterfront and modern skyline. Runners cross the Xiamen Bridge with views toward Gulangyu Island and follow the ring road past convention centres and beach promenades. The January race date and mild Fujian winter weather make it a popular destination for domestic and international runners chasing fast times on a largely flat course.Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027
HaikouHainanChinaHaikou MarathonThe Haikou Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each January on a scenic coastal road in Haikou, China. It is one of China's most tropical full marathons and attracts winter travelers looking for warmth. The route passes palm-lined seaside roads, Haidian Island stretches, and open views over the Qiongzhou Strait. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027
ChennaiTamil NaduIndiaWipro Chennai MarathonThe Wipro Chennai Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each January on an urban road in Chennai, India. It is one of India's better-known winter marathons outside Mumbai. The route passes Marina-adjacent sections, broad city boulevards, and neighborhoods near the Bay of Bengal. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027
Lake Buena VistaFloridaUnited StatesWalt Disney World MarathonThe Walt Disney World Marathon is runDisney's flagship event, sending roughly 18,000 runners through all four Walt Disney World theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Participants start in the pre-dawn dark outside EPCOT and run through Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios with character meet-and-greets, park audio, and themed aid stations along the way. The January race weekend is a destination event for runners who want a marathon wrapped in Disney spectacle.Next race: Sunday, 10 January 2027
BusanBusanSouth KoreaBusan MarathonThe Busan Marathon draws approximately 15k finishers each January through South Korea's second-largest city and premier port. The course passes Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Bridge, and the Busan Cinema Centre on a coastal loop along the East Sea. January's crisp Korean winter and sea-breeze scenery make it the country's largest winter marathon.Next race: Sunday, 10 January 2027
DohaQatarDoha Marathon by OoredooThe Doha Marathon by Ooredoo draws approximately 2,500 finishers each January on an urban road in Doha, Qatar. Winter timing is essential here because it turns Gulf heat into manageable marathon weather. The route passes the Corniche, skyline districts, and long smooth boulevards beside Doha Bay. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Friday, 15 January 2027
Baton RougeLouisianaUnited StatesLouisiana MarathonThe Louisiana Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each January on an urban road in Baton Rouge, United States. Its festival-style finish and winter date make it one of the Gulf South's anchor marathons. The route passes the State Capitol, LSU-area roads, and river-city neighborhoods lined with live oaks. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Friday, 15 January 2027
PhoenixArizonaUnited StatesRock n Roll Arizona MarathonThe Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each January through the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan area. The course passes Camelback Mountain views, Scottsdale's resort corridors, and Tempe Town Lake on flat desert-city roads with live music stages. January's perfect Arizona desert weather makes it one of the Rock 'n' Roll series' most popular winter events.Next race: Saturday, 16 January 2027
Hong KongHong KongChinaHong Kong MarathonThe Hong Kong Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Hong Kong, China. The course starts and finishes in Tsim Sha Tsui. The route crosses Victoria Harbour via the Western Harbour Crossing or similar tunnel/bridge connections and passes Nathan Road, Hong Kong Island, and the waterfront. Mostly flat with climbs on harbour crossings.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
IbusukiKagoshimaJapanIbusuki MarathonThe Ibusuki Marathon in southern Kyushu attracts about 14,000 runners each January to a course along Kagoshima Bay with views of Sakurajima volcano. Ibusuki is famous for its natural hot-sand baths, and the marathon showcases the subtropical Satsuma Peninsula coastline. Warm winter temperatures and volcanic backdrop make it one of Japan's most distinctive regional marathons.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
MumbaiMaharashtraIndiaMumbai MarathonThe Mumbai Marathon is India's largest and richest road race, drawing approximately 11k finishers each January through the country's financial capital. The course passes the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on a flat coastal loop. January's dry-season Mumbai morning and the sea-link crossing make it South Asia's premier marathon.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
HoustonTexasUnited StatesHouston MarathonThe Houston Marathon draws approximately 8,500 finishers on an urban road in Houston, United States. The course starts and finishes at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The route passes Hermann Park, Rice University, and the Galleria area. Very flat — one of the fastest winter marathons in the US.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
DubaiUnited Arab EmiratesDubai MarathonThe Dubai Marathon is one of the world's fastest elite marathons, with a tiny elite field chasing world-class times on a dead-flat desert-city course each January. Though finisher numbers are limited compared with mass-participation races, the event draws global attention for its prize money and record-eligible route along Dubai's modern highway corridors.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
CarlsbadCaliforniaUnited StatesCarlsbad MarathonThe Carlsbad Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each January on a scenic coastal road in Carlsbad, United States. Ocean scenery and winter timing make it a popular California destination marathon. The route passes lagoon edges, Pacific viewpoints, and inland neighborhoods before returning to the coast. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
MauiHawaiiUnited StatesMaui Oceanfront MarathonThe Maui Oceanfront Marathon draws approximately 206 finishers each January on a scenic coastal road in Maui, United States. A January oceanfront marathon on Maui with a flat, fast certified course popular for winter racing. The course follows Maui's coastal highways with Pacific views and resort-town finishes. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
YokohamaKanagawaJapanNanohana MarathonThe Nanohana Marathon in Yokohama draws about 15,000 finishers each January on a course named for the rapeseed blossoms that line parts of the route in early spring. The race shares the Yokohama bayfront with views across Tokyo Bay and passes Kannai and the harbour district. It is one of several large January marathons in the greater Tokyo area.Next race: Sunday, 24 January 2027
MiamiFloridaUnited StatesMiami MarathonThe Miami Marathon draws approximately 3,800 finishers on a scenic coastal road in Miami, United States. The course starts and finishes at the American Airlines Arena. Mostly flat with a climb on the MacArthur Causeway bridge.Next race: Sunday, 31 January 2027
MarrakechMoroccoMarathon International MarrakechThe Marathon International Marrakech draws about 3,000 runners each January through Morocco's imperial Red City. The course passes the Koutoubia Mosque, the medina walls, and the palm-lined avenues of the modern Gueliz district with views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days. January mild weather and exotic North African atmosphere make it a popular winter destination marathon.Next race: Sunday, 31 January 2027
FunchalPortugalFunchal MarathonThe Funchal Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each January on a coastal city road in Funchal, Portugal. The island setting makes it one of Portugal's most distinctive road marathons. The course passes harbor roads, cliff-backed boulevards, and Atlantic island scenery on Madeira. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.Next race: Sunday, 31 January 2027
