World Marathon MajorChicagoIllinoisUnited StatesChicago MarathonThe Bank of America Chicago Marathon winds through 29 diverse neighbourhoods of the Windy City. Known for its flat, fast course and enthusiastic Midwest crowds, Chicago has hosted landmark performances including Kelvin Kiptum's previous men's world record (2:00:35, 2023) and Ruth Chepngetich's all-time women's record (2:09:56, 2024). It remains a favourite for runners chasing Boston qualifying times.Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
BucharestRomaniaBucharest MarathonThe Bucharest Marathon attracts about 9,000 finishers each October through Romania's capital. The course passes the Palace of Parliament, Revolution Square, and Herăstrău Park on wide Bucharest boulevards. October mild weather and a flat profile make it the largest marathon in Romania.Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
BudapestHungaryBudapest MarathonThe Budapest Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers on an urban road in Budapest, Hungary. The course starts and finishes on the Pázmány Péter Promenade near ELTE Lágymányosi Campus and the Petőfi Bridge Buda embankment. The route crosses the Danube on the Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge, passing Buda Castle and Parliament, with an Andrássy út turnaround at Oktogon. Mostly flat with short climbs on bridge approaches.Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
BeijingBeijingChinaBeijing MarathonThe Beijing Marathon is China's most prestigious road race, with approximately 30k finishers each October on a course linking the capital's iconic boulevards. Runners pass Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Olympic Park on a flat route designed for fast times. The October race date and deep elite history make it the crown jewel of Chinese marathon running.Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
ZhengzhouHenanChinaZhengzhou MarathonThe Zhengzhou Marathon attracts approximately 25k finishers each October through Henan province's transport hub on the Yellow River. The course links the Zhengdong New Area CBD towers, Erqi Memorial Tower, and the Songshan foothills approach on wide Henan boulevards. October's mild central-China weather and a largely flat profile make it one of the country's fastest major mass-participation marathons.Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
AmsterdamNorth HollandNetherlandsAmsterdam MarathonThe Amsterdam Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 22k finishers on an urban road in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The course starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. The route passes the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, the Amstel river, and several canal bridges through central Amsterdam. Very flat, with short climbs on canal crossings.Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Xi'anShaanxiChinaXi'an MarathonThe Xi'an Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 18k finishers each October on a historic urban road in Xi'an, China. It is one of the clearest examples of a Chinese marathon weaving imperial history into a modern mass race. The course passes the ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda district, and modern Qujiang avenues. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
TorontoOntarioCanadaToronto Waterfront MarathonThe Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers on an urban road in Toronto, Canada. The course starts and finishes at Nathan Phillips Square. The route follows the Lake Ontario waterfront through the Beaches, High Park, and downtown Toronto. Mostly flat with minor rises leaving the lakeshore.Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
YorkEnglandUnited KingdomYorkshire MarathonThe Yorkshire Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each October on a scenic loop through the Yorkshire Wolds and York city centre. The course passes York Minster, the medieval city walls, and the rolling East Yorkshire countryside. October autumn colours and a fast but rolling profile make it one of England's most popular autumn marathons.Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
ChengduSichuanChinaChengdu MarathonThe Chengdu Marathon draws approximately 35k runners each autumn through Sichuan's relaxed capital, famous for pandas, hot pot, and teahouse culture. The course passes Tianfu Square, the Jinjiang River, and the Anshun Bridge with views toward the Qionglai mountains on clear days. October race weather in the Sichuan Basin is mild and overcast — ideal for a flat, fast urban loop.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
DublinIrelandDublin MarathonThe Dublin Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 20k finishers on an urban road in Dublin, Ireland. The course starts on Leeson Street Lower near St Stephen's Green and finishes on Mount Street Upper by the Pepper Canister Church. The route passes the Liberties, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, Terenure, Clonskeagh, and Merrion Road. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on Liffey bridge crossings.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Washington, D.C.District of ColumbiaUnited StatesMarine Corps MarathonThe Marine Corps Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 16k finishers on a point-to-point road in Washington, D.C., United States. The course runs from the Pentagon in Arlington to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The route crosses the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C., passing the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall monuments, and Hains Point before finishing in Arlington. Rolling terrain with climbs on Memorial Bridge and at Hains Point.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
FrankfurtHesseGermanyFrankfurt MarathonThe Frankfurt Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Frankfurt, Germany. Runners start on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage (waves from 10:00, must start by 10:30) and finish inside the Festhalle (east gate). The route passes the Römer, the Main river embankment, Sachsenhausen, and the banking district. Very flat with only minor rises on Main river bridges.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
KanazawaIshikawaJapanKanazawa MarathonThe Kanazawa Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each October on a historic urban road in Kanazawa, Japan. The race is especially known for blending modern boulevards with preserved samurai-era city scenery. The course passes Kenrokuen approaches, Kanazawa Castle Park, and traditional districts near the Asano and Sai rivers. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
ChuncheonGangwonSouth KoreaChuncheon MarathonThe Chuncheon Marathon in South Korea's Gangwon province draws about 12,000 finishers each October around the scenic Soyang Lake and city waterfront. Chuncheon is known for dakgalbi and as a filming location for Korean dramas, and the marathon course highlights the lake, Uiamho suspension bridge, and mountain-framed reservoir views. Autumn foliage and cool October weather add to the appeal.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
TianjinTianjinChinaTianjin MarathonThe Tianjin Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each October on an urban road in Tianjin, China. Its flat profile and dense urban scenery make it one of north China's better big-city marathon courses. The route passes the Hai River, European-style concession architecture, and modern business districts. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
MitoIbarakiJapanMito Komon MarathonThe Mito Komon Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Mito, Japan. The race honors the famous Mito Komon figure and leans strongly into local history. The route passes Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads connected to the Tokugawa-era Mito heritage. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
NairobiKenyaNairobi MarathonThe Nairobi Marathon attracts about 8,000 finishers each October at roughly 1,600 m altitude in Kenya's capital. The course passes the KICC tower, Uhuru Park, and the city centre on roads that have hosted some of East Africa's most competitive mass races. October mild highland weather and the altitude challenge make it a unique African capital marathon.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
ShimadaShizuokaJapanShimada Oigawa Marathon in LibertyThe Shimada Oigawa Marathon in Ryokucha-no-Miyako draws approximately 7,000 finishers each October on a river road in Shimada, Japan. The tea-country setting and flat levee running make it a distinctive Shizuoka marathon. The course passes tea fields, wide levee roads, and long straight sections along the Oi River. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Kuala LumpurMalaysiaKuala Lumpur MarathonThe Kuala Lumpur Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers on an urban road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The course starts and finishes at Merdeka Square. The route passes the Petronas Towers, KL Tower, and Lake Gardens. Mostly flat with short rises on highway ramps.Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
TangshanHebeiChinaTangshan MarathonThe Tangshan Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Tangshan, China. The race is part of Tangshan's long civic rebuilding story after the 1976 earthquake. The course passes new-city boulevards, memorial spaces, and industrial-era redevelopment districts. The course is very flat throughout.Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
KosiceSlovakiaKosice Peace MarathonThe Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe, first run in 1924. About 9,000 finishers each October run through Slovakia's second city on a historic course that has hosted world-class runners for a century. The flat urban loop and deep marathon tradition make Košice a pilgrimage for students of the sport.Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
CologneNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermanyCologne MarathonThe Cologne Marathon (Generali Köln Marathon) attracts about 8,000 finishers each October on a fast loop through Germany's cathedral city. The course passes Cologne Cathedral, crosses the Rhine on the Deutzer Brücke, and finishes on the Rheinauhafen waterfront. October running weather and a flat profile make it one of Germany's premier autumn marathons.Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
LisbonPortugalLisbon MarathonThe Lisbon Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Lisbon, Portugal. The course starts in Carcavelos and finishes at Praça do Comércio along ocean- and riverside roads through the Cascais–Tagus corridor.Next race: Saturday, 9 October 2027
