Marathon Focus

Biggest Marathons

The biggest marathons draw tens of thousands of finishers — city-wide celebrations where the crowd noise carries you through the late miles. Field size shapes everything from corral logistics to aid-station density and the atmosphere on the course.

Every marathon in our database is ranked here by typical finisher count — 538 marathons in total. London Marathon leads the list.

Looking for a fast course rather than a big field? Try our fast marathons or World Marathon Majors hubs.

London Marathon
London, England, United KingdomWorld Marathon Major

London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most popular races, famous for its incredible charity fundraising and electric atmosphere. The fast course passes Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. With gentle undulations and around 127 metres of total climbing, it consistently produces fast times — including Sabastian Sawe's 1:59:30 men's world record and Tigst Assefa's 2:15:41 women's-only world record, both set at the 2026 race.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

Chicago Marathon
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesWorld Marathon Major

Chicago Marathon

The 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

Lanzhou Marathon
Lanzhou, Gansu, China

Lanzhou Marathon

The Lanzhou Marathon is one of China's largest road races, drawing approximately 40k finishers along the Yellow River through Gansu's highland capital. Runners follow the riverside promenade past the Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain, and the iron bridge that symbolises Lanzhou's Silk Road heritage. The June race date and roughly 1,500 m elevation make it a distinctive western-China marathon where thin air and Yellow River views define the experience.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

Chongqing Marathon
Chongqing, Chongqing, China

Chongqing Marathon

The Chongqing Marathon draws approximately 25k runners each March through China's mountain megacity where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. The course crosses river bridges, passes the Chaotianmen confluence, and climbs the city's famous terraced hillsides with skyline views of the '8D magic city.' March mist, humid river air, and rolling bridge-and-tunnel terrain make it one of China's most visually dramatic urban marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Xiamen International Marathon
Xiamen, Fujian, China

Xiamen International Marathon

The 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

Yokohama Marathon
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Yokohama Marathon

The Yokohama Marathon is a spring city race that attracts approximately 22k finishers through Japan's second-largest port. The course links Minato Mirai's waterfront towers, the historic Red Brick Warehouse district, and Yamashita Park with views across Tokyo Bay. Yokohama's flat coastal terrain and March race date make it a popular early-season marathon for Japanese runners and international visitors exploring the Kanto region.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Nagoya Women's Marathon
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

Nagoya Women's Marathon

The Nagoya Women's Marathon is the world's largest women-only marathon, with nearly 20,000 female finishers each March. Every finisher receives a Tiffany & Co. pendant at the finish — a tradition that has made Nagoya a bucket-list race for women worldwide. The flat urban course runs through central Nagoya past Nagoya Castle and the Sakae district, and the race weekend atmosphere centres entirely on celebrating women's running.

Next race: Sunday, 14 March 2027

Walt Disney World Marathon
Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States

Walt Disney World Marathon

The 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, 3 January 2027

Xi'an Marathon
Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Xi'an Marathon

The 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, 4 October 2026

Marine Corps Marathon
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States

Marine Corps Marathon

The 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

Kanazawa Marathon
Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Kanazawa Marathon

The 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, 4 October 2026

Fukui Sakura Marathon
Fukui, Fukui, Japan

Fukui Sakura Marathon

The Fukui Sakura Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each March on an urban road in Fukui, Japan. The event was launched to showcase Fukui during cherry-blossom time and immediately drew a large field. The course passes castle ruins, river sections, and streets that line up with the city's sakura season. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Seoul Marathon
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Seoul Marathon

The Seoul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each November on an urban road in Seoul, South Korea. It is a separate mass-participation autumn race from the spring Seoul International Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaWorld Marathon Major

Cape Town Marathon

The Cape Town Marathon is Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the series in 2027 as the eighth race. The scenic course starts and finishes at DHL Stadium with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline. With rolling terrain and around 205 metres of total climbing, it is the only AIMS Gold Label marathon on the continent and a landmark race for runners worldwide.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon
Kurobe, Toyama, Japan

Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon

The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on a scenic coastal and rural road in Kurobe, Japan. Named for Jimmy Carter, it is famous in Japan for exceptionally pure mountain-water aid stations. The route passes snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and roads backed by the Northern Alps. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Flying Pig Marathon
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Flying Pig Marathon

The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's beloved spring race, drawing about 10,000 finishers through the city's seven hills and across the Ohio River. Named for Cincinnati's pork-industry heritage, the Pig features enthusiastic local crowds, a tour of downtown, Eden Park, and the riverfront, and a finish festival at Sawyer Point. May weather and rolling terrain make it a challenging but festive Midwest marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Nara Marathon
Nara, Nara, Japan

Nara Marathon

The 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

Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon brings roughly 10,000 runners through Spain's capital each April with live music stages along the course. The route passes the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza de Cibeles, and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium area on largely flat Madrid boulevards. Combining big-city landmarks with the Rock 'n' Roll series' entertainment format makes it one of Spain's most popular spring marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

Kigali International Peace Marathon
Kigali, Kigali City, Rwanda

Kigali International Peace Marathon

The Kigali International Peace Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each May through Rwanda's hilltop capital at roughly 1,500 m altitude. The course passes the Kigali Convention Centre, the Kigali Genocide Memorial approach, and the city's terraced hillside roads with views across the 'land of a thousand hills.' May's mild highland dry season makes it East Africa's most significant peace-themed marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

Penang Bridge International Marathon
Penang, Penang, Malaysia

Penang Bridge International Marathon

The 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

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honours the Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and MND campaigner, drawing approximately 4,380 finishers each May through Yorkshire's largest city. The course passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds city centre before finishing outside Headingley Stadium. May's Yorkshire spring and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of northern England's most emotional community marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

Every Woman's Marathon
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Every Woman's Marathon

The Every Woman's Marathon draws approximately 4,300 finishers each November on a desert urban road in Scottsdale, United States. It rotates U.S. host cities annually and was built specifically to celebrate women runners at scale. The course passes downtown streets, local parks, and signature landmarks of the current host city — recent editions have included Savannah and Scottsdale. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon is a beloved Virginia Beach tradition, drawing approximately 4,200 finishers each March along the Atlantic Ocean boardwalk. The out-and-back course follows the Virginia Beach oceanfront past the Neptune statue, the Fishing Pier, and the resort strip with flat coastal pavement throughout. March's cool Atlantic coast weather and post-race Shamrock party make it a classic East Coast spring marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 20 March 2027

Hwaseong Filial Piety Marathon
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Hwaseong Filial Piety Marathon

The Hwaseong Filial Piety Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each May on an urban road in Hwaseong, South Korea. It is one of Gyeonggi Province's biggest spring full marathons and is designed for family festival participation as well as racing. The route passes broad city roads, parkland, and the growing urban landscape of Hwaseong south of Seoul. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Marathon du Beaujolais
Villefranche-sur-Saone, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Marathon du Beaujolais

The Marathon du Beaujolais draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a wine-country road in Villefranche-sur-Saone, France. It is one of France's most theatrical marathons, famous for costumes, music, and Beaujolais hospitality. The route passes vineyards, Beaujolais villages, chateaux, and festive wine-country aid stations. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Sacramento Marathon
Sacramento, California, United States

Sacramento Marathon

The 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

Jungfrau Marathon
Interlaken, Bern, Switzerland

Jungfrau Marathon

The Jungfrau Marathon is one of the world's most spectacular mountain marathons, drawing approximately 3,519 runners each September from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The course climbs 1,823 metres over 42.2 km on mountain trails and roads — a bucket-list challenge entirely unlike flat city marathons. September alpine weather and the Eiger Nordwand backdrop make it Switzerland's most iconic endurance event.

Next race: Saturday, 12 September 2026

San Antonio Marathon
San Antonio, Texas, United States

San Antonio Marathon

The San Antonio Marathon draws approximately 3,342 finishers each December on an urban road in San Antonio, United States. It launched in 2025 as a local replacement for the discontinued Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon and drew more than 3,300 marathon finishers in its debut. The course passes the Alamo, the River Walk, historic missions, and South Texas neighborhoods before looping back through the city core. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Gyeongju Marathon
Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, South Korea

Gyeongju Marathon

The Gyeongju Marathon attracts approximately 3,156 finishers each October through Korea's ancient Silla dynasty capital — an open-air museum of temples and royal tombs. The course passes Bulguksa Temple approach, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Anapji Pond on flat Gyeongju basin roads. October's mild Korean autumn and UNESCO heritage scenery make it one of the country's most culturally distinctive marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Mandiri Jogja Marathon
Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Mandiri Jogja Marathon

The Mandiri Jogja Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each June on a cultural heritage road in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is Indonesia's most culture-forward major marathon, built around the Jogja heritage landscape. The route passes village roads, rice fields, and temple-country scenery around Prambanan and greater Jogja. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

Maraton de Vina del Mar
Vina del Mar, Valparaiso Region, Chile

Maraton de Vina del Mar

The Maraton de Vina del Mar draws approximately 3,000 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Vina del Mar, Chile. Its oceanfront route is the main attraction and keeps the race visually open from early on. The course passes the Pacific promenade, casino district, and coastal avenues linked with neighboring Valparaiso scenery. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Quito Marathon
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Quito Marathon

The Quito Marathon attracts approximately 3,000 finishers each July in Ecuador's capital at roughly 2,850 m altitude — one of the world's highest major marathons. The course passes the historic Old Town (Centro Histórico), the Panecillo hill viewpoint, and the Mariscal district on Andean plateau roads. July's dry-season equatorial weather and the altitude challenge make it South America's most demanding capital-city marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 25 July 2027

Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon attracts approximately 2,800 finishers each February through the Crescent City with live music at every mile. The course passes the French Quarter, Garden District mansions, and the Mississippi River levee on flat Louisiana terrain. February's mild Mardi Gras season weather and the city's unmatched post-race culture make it America's most festive winter marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 27 February 2027

Napa Valley Marathon
Calistoga, California, United States

Napa Valley Marathon

The Napa Valley Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each March on a point-to-point road in Calistoga, United States. It is one of the most famous wine-country marathons in the world and stays intentionally low-key despite strong demand. The course passes vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon

The REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon is a net-downhill speed course drawing approximately 2,500 finishers each September through Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Starting at Brighton Ski Resort (2,590 m) and descending Big Cottonwood Canyon to Salt Lake City, the course drops roughly 1,200 m on scenic mountain highway. September's crisp alpine morning and the fast descent make it one of America's most popular personal-best marathons.

Next race: Saturday, 19 September 2026

Phoenix Marathon
Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Phoenix Marathon

The Phoenix Marathon draws approximately 2,372 finishers each December on a desert urban road in Phoenix, United States. Organizers of the Mesa Marathon launched this December sibling race, which exceeded 2,300 marathon finishers in its first edition. The course runs from South Mountain through the Salt River trail corridor, downtown past the Arizona State Capitol and ASU Downtown, Hance Park, and midtown streets. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Rocket City Marathon
Huntsville, Alabama, United States

Rocket City Marathon

The Rocket City Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each December on an urban road in Huntsville, United States. Few U.S. races lean into aerospace identity as fully as this long-running Alabama marathon. The course passes the U.S. Space & Rocket Center district, older neighborhoods, and broad roads under the Appalachian foothills. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Hitachi Seaside Marathon
Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan

Hitachi Seaside Marathon

The Hitachi Seaside Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a seaside road in Hitachi, Japan. It quickly became known for combining ocean scenery with a more demanding profile than flatter Japanese city races. The course passes Pacific Ocean lookouts, port roads, and urban climbs characteristic of the city's hillside coastline. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon honours the 168 victims of the 1995 Murrah Building bombing, drawing approximately 1,951 finishers each April. The course passes the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Bricktown district, and the Oklahoma River trails on flat prairie terrain. April's Oklahoma spring and the race's powerful remembrance mission make it one of America's most meaningful marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

St. Jude Memphis Marathon
Memphis, Tennessee, United States

St. Jude Memphis Marathon

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend draws approximately 1,846 marathon finishers each December through Tennessee's blues capital while raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The course passes Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Mississippi River bluffs on rolling Memphis terrain. December's mild Mid-South winter and the hospital's lifesaving mission make it America's most charitable marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 5 December 2026

REVEL Big Bear Marathon
Redlands, California, United States

REVEL Big Bear Marathon

The REVEL Big Bear Marathon draws approximately 1,837 finishers each November on a point-to-point road in Redlands, United States. Runners chase PRs and Boston qualifiers on one of Southern California's premier net-downhill marathon courses. The 2023 edition drew 1,837 marathon finishers; the race was cancelled in 2024 and 2025. The course drops through mountain highways and foothill roads with pine forests and Inland Empire views on the descent. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Aachen Marathon
Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Aachen Marathon

The Aachen Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October through Charlemagne's imperial city at the German-Belgian-Dutch border. The course passes the Aachen Cathedral — Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage site — the Dreiländereck tripoint area, and the Carolus Thermen spa district on rolling borderland terrain. October's golden autumn in the Eifel foothills makes it a historic tri-border marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez
Sainte-Maxime, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez

The Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez draws approximately 1,800 finishers each March on a scenic coastal road in Sainte-Maxime, France. It links several Riviera towns in one point-to-point marathon and is organized collectively by the twelve communes of the gulf. The route passes Mediterranean shoreline roads, vineyard-backed hills, and multiple resorts around the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marathon
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marathon

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Subtropical weather and Atlantic scenery make it unusual in the European calendar. The route passes the harbor, oceanfront avenues, and city sections backed by volcanic island terrain. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
Ventura, California, United States

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon

The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon draws approximately 1,750 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Ventura, United States. Southern California's premier spring Boston qualifier — a distinct April event from the winter Ventura Marathon, with a spectator-friendly Ojai loop and roughly 700 feet of net descent. The April point-to-point route loops East Ojai at the start, passes Meiners Oaks countryside, the Ventura River basin, the paved Ventura River bike path, downtown Ventura, and a final mile along the Pacific. It is a separate spring race from the February Ventura Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/ventura-marathon), which uses a shorter Ojai start and the Ojai–Ventura bike path without the opening loop. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon

The REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon draws approximately 1,707 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Las Vegas, United States. It is one of the fastest Boston-qualifier courses in the West thanks to a sustained net descent of roughly 5,000 feet. The net-downhill course drops from Mt. Charleston through mountain roads with sweeping views before descending toward the Las Vegas basin. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Famous Idaho Potato Marathon
Boise, Idaho, United States

Famous Idaho Potato Marathon

The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each May on an urban and greenbelt road in Boise, United States. The event's branding is playful, but the course is a serious spring marathon with a loyal regional following. The course passes the Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Wilmington Marathon
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

Wilmington Marathon

The Wilmington Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each February on an urban and coastal road in Wilmington, United States. The point-to-point design links beach scenery with a historic downtown finish in one of the South's best weather windows. The route passes Intracoastal Waterway stretches, Airlie-area roads, and the Cape Fear River in the final miles. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Auroville Marathon
Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India

Auroville Marathon

The Auroville Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on a township and rural road in Auroville, India. Its low-key, community-driven atmosphere is very different from India's large commercial road races. The route passes red-earth roads, casuarina groves, and quiet settlements near India's experimental international township. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Boulderthon Marathon
Boulder, Colorado, United States

Boulderthon Marathon

The Boulderthon Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each September on an urban and foothills road in Boulder, United States. Its branding and local support turned it into a fast-growing Rocky Mountain marathon almost immediately. The course passes Pearl Street, CU Boulder, and open roads beneath the Flatirons with broad Front Range views. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon
Maspalomas, Canary Islands, Spain

Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon

The Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Maspalomas, Spain. It is marketed as the southernmost marathon in Europe and doubles as a warm-weather race-cation. The route passes seafront boulevards, the Maspalomas dunes area, golf-course roads, and sunny resort districts. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Heidelberg Marathon
Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Heidelberg Marathon

The Heidelberg Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each April through Germany's most romantic university town on the Neckar River. The course passes Heidelberg Castle on its forested hilltop, the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), and the Philosopher's Walk with views of the red-roofed Altstadt. April's Neckar valley spring and the fairy-tale scenery make it one of Germany's most picturesque marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

Ventura Marathon
Ventura, California, United States

Ventura Marathon

The Ventura Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on a point-to-point coastal road in Ventura, United States. It targets winter Boston qualifying as a separate February event from Mountains 2 Beach, with a faster-feeling ~900-foot descent and no opening Ojai loop. The February course drops about 900 feet from Ojai through citrus groves and the Ojai–Ventura bike path to a downtown festival finish. It is a different winter race from the April Mountains 2 Beach Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/mountains-2-beach-marathon), which adds a six-mile East Ojai loop and typically sells out months earlier. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Fox Cities Marathon
Appleton, Wisconsin, United States

Fox Cities Marathon

The Fox Cities Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each September on an urban and suburban road in Appleton, United States. Linking several Wisconsin communities gives the event a bigger footprint than its finisher count suggests. The course passes Fox River communities, tree-lined neighborhood roads, and steady crowd support through the valley cities. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each November on an urban road in Charlotte, United States. It is North Carolina's oldest marathon and remains Charlotte's signature long-distance road race. The route passes Truist Field, the South End rail corridor, and leafy Myers Park streets before returning to the skyline. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
Chickamauga, Georgia, United States

Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each November on a historic road in Chickamauga, United States. It is one of the few U.S. marathons run almost entirely through a national military park landscape. The route passes Civil War monuments, wooded park roads, and quiet battlefield loops on preserved historic land. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Essen Marathon
Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Essen Marathon

The Essen Marathon (Westenergie Marathon) draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April through the Ruhrgebiet's former coal and steel capital now transformed into a cultural city. The course passes the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex — a UNESCO World Heritage site — Baldeneysee lake, and the Grugapark on flat Ruhr valley terrain. April's Ruhr spring makes it a symbol of Germany's industrial reinvention.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

Shakespeare Marathon
Stratford-upon-Avon, England, United Kingdom

Shakespeare Marathon

The Shakespeare Marathon draws approximately 1,153 finishers each April on a historic town and rural road in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom. Its literary branding gives it one of the clearest thematic identities in UK marathon running. The course passes the River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Rhein-Ruhr Marathon
Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Rhein-Ruhr Marathon

The Rhein-Ruhr Marathon attracts approximately 1,144 finishers each May through Duisburg at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. The course passes the Inner Harbour (Innenhafen), the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, and the Rheinpark on flat industrial-heritage terrain. May's Ruhr spring and the transformed industrial landscape make it a unique marathon in Germany's largest urban agglomeration.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

Newport Rhode Races Marathon
Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Newport Rhode Races Marathon

The Newport Rhode Races Marathon draws approximately 1,099 finishers each April on a scenic coastal road in Newport, United States. It pairs Atlantic coastal scenery with a competitive New England field on one of Rhode Island's premier road-race weekends. The course follows Newport's Ocean Drive past Gilded Age mansions, coastal cliffs, and Narragansett Bay vistas. Coastal rollers add character to an otherwise moderate profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Williams Route 66 Marathon
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

Williams Route 66 Marathon

The Williams Route 66 Marathon draws approximately 1,071 finishers each November on an urban road in Tulsa, United States. Oklahoma's largest standalone marathon celebrates historic Route 66 with a downtown festival atmosphere each November. The course tours Tulsa neighborhoods, the Arkansas River corridor, and iconic Route 66 landmarks on a rolling city loop. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Rehoboth Beach Marathon
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, United States

Rehoboth Beach Marathon

The Rehoboth Beach Marathon draws approximately 980 finishers each December on a scenic coastal road in Rehoboth Beach, United States. Delaware's largest marathon by finisher count, held each December with a flat coastal course and strong Boston-qualifier percentages. The course follows Atlantic Ocean beach roads, boardwalk stretches, and Sussex County coastal neighborhoods. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Anchorage Mayor's Marathon
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Anchorage Mayor's Marathon

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon draws approximately 804 finishers each June on an urban road in Anchorage, United States. Alaska's largest marathon by participation, co-hosted by UAA Athletics and Anchorage Parks & Recreation with more than 800 marathon finishers in recent editions. The course follows the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, downtown streets, and Westchester Lagoon on a summer-solstice weekend route. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, United States

Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon

The Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon draws approximately 747 finishers each April on a scenic coastal road in Rehoboth Beach, United States. The spring anchor of Delaware's Coastal Running Festival draws more than 700 marathon finishers on a mostly flat certified course. The route links Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park roads, and southern Delaware coastal scenery. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Manchester City Marathon
Manchester, New Hampshire, United States

Manchester City Marathon

The Manchester City Marathon draws approximately 572 finishers each November on an urban road in Manchester, United States. New Hampshire's largest marathon is Millennium Running's Queen City Boston qualifier through the state's biggest city. The course tours Manchester's Millyard, North End, Merrimack River crossings, and Goffstown Rail Trail connectors. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Providence Rhode Races Marathon
Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Providence Rhode Races Marathon

The Providence Rhode Races Marathon draws approximately 568 finishers each May on an urban road in Providence, United States. Rhode Races' Providence marathon returns runners to the capital region on a certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Providence and East Providence waterfront roads, city neighborhoods, and Narragansett Bay connectors. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Sioux Falls Marathon
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States

Sioux Falls Marathon

The Sioux Falls Marathon draws approximately 404 finishers each September on an urban road in Sioux Falls, United States. South Dakota's largest city marathon draws more than 400 finishers on a flat certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Sioux Falls parks, riverfront trails, and city neighborhoods on a mostly flat loop. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Ocean State Rhode Races Marathon
Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States

Ocean State Rhode Races Marathon

The Ocean State Rhode Races Marathon draws approximately 398 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Narragansett, United States. Rhode Races' fall marathon on the south shore draws hundreds of finishers to Narragansett each October. The course follows Rhode Island south-shore beaches, coastal roads, and Narragansett Bay scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Equinox Marathon
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Equinox Marathon

The Equinox Marathon draws approximately 385 finishers each September on a trail road in Fairbanks, United States. Interior Alaska's premier marathon near the autumnal equinox, drawing hundreds of finishers on a challenging trail-and-road course. The trail-heavy course climbs Ester Dome twice and uses Henderson and Gold Hill Roads through Interior Alaska foothills. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Clarence DeMar Marathon
Keene, New Hampshire, United States

Clarence DeMar Marathon

The Clarence DeMar Marathon draws approximately 308 finishers each September on a scenic road in Keene, United States. The Clarence DeMar Marathon honors a six-time Boston champion on a USATF-certified course through the Monadnock Region. The course passes Surry Mountain Dam, Bretwood Golf Course, and historic Keene neighborhoods during peak foliage season. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
Deadwood, South Dakota, United States

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon

The Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon draws approximately 238 finishers each June on a scenic trail road in Deadwood, United States. South Dakota's largest running event by participation finishes in the historic landmark town of Deadwood. The course follows the crushed-limestone Mickelson Trail through Black Hills forests, creeks, and mining-country scenery. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

Humpy's Marathon
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Humpy's Marathon

The Humpy's Marathon draws approximately 232 finishers each August on an urban road in Anchorage, United States. Anchorage RunFest's full marathon is the second-largest marathon field in Alaska, pairing a competitive road course with a downtown festival atmosphere. The course tours Anchorage neighborhoods, coastal connectors, and city parks on the RunFest marathon loop. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027

Juneau Marathon
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Juneau Marathon

The Juneau Marathon draws approximately 75 finishers each August on a scenic coastal road in Juneau, United States. Southeast Alaska's signature road marathon offers a compact but scenic certified course through Alaska's capital city. The route follows coastal roads and rainforest-lined streets with views of Gastineau Channel and Juneau's harbor district. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.