Marathon Focus

Flat Marathons

Flat marathons reward disciplined pacing — minimal climbing means you can settle into an even rhythm from the gun and chase a personal best on a fast course without burning matches on hills. Browse the wider field in the marathon database.

This hub lists 373 marathons with less than 55 metres of total climbing, from record-setting World Marathon Majors to regional races where elevation barely registers.

Use the cards below to compare terrain, typical weather, and field size before you commit.

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

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. The ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda district, and modern Qujiang avenues unfold on a fast imperial-history course with only minor elevation changes.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Changchun Marathon
Changchun, Jilin, China

Changchun Marathon

The Changchun Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each May on an urban road in Changchun, China. Wide streets and a cool-climate spring slot give it a distinctly northern-China feel. The course passes broad northeastern boulevards, parks, and the former auto-capital districts. Broad northeastern boulevards, parks, and former auto-capital districts stretch across a cool-climate spring course with wide streets and minimal climbing.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Harbin Marathon
Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

Harbin Marathon

The Harbin Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each August on a riverside urban road in Harbin, China. Summer racing in Harbin is milder than in many Chinese cities because of its far-northern latitude. The course passes Songhua River sections, Stalin Park, and Russian-influenced city architecture. Songhua River sections, Stalin Park, and Russian-influenced architecture line a far-northern summer course that stays mostly level beside the water.

Next race: Sunday, 2 August 2026

Shenyang Marathon
Shenyang, Liaoning, China

Shenyang Marathon

The Shenyang Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each September on an urban road in Shenyang, China. The race brings major-marathon scale to a city better known for Qing history and heavy industry. The course passes imperial-city avenues, parks, and modern northeast-China boulevards. Imperial-city avenues, parks, and modern northeast-China boulevards carry major-marathon scale through Qing-history streets with only light rises between districts.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Okayama Marathon
Okayama, Okayama, Japan

Okayama Marathon

The Okayama Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each November on an urban road in Okayama, Japan. Its rapid growth turned it into western Honshu's marquee autumn citizen marathon. The route passes Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad streets along the Asahi River. Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad Asahi River streets make western Honshu's marquee autumn citizen marathon a largely flat city loop.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Toyama Marathon
Toyama, Toyama, Japan

Toyama Marathon

The Toyama Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 13k finishers each November on a bay-to-city road in Toyama, Japan. Clear-weather views of the Northern Alps are the signature visual payoff of the race. The route passes Toyama Bay views, river crossings, and long roads with the Tateyama mountain range as a backdrop. Toyama Bay views, river crossings, and long roads with the Tateyama range as backdrop reward runners on a bay-to-city course with subtle grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 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. Castle ruins, river sections, and sakura-lined March streets showcase Fukui during cherry-blossom season on a course that stays largely level.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Nanning Marathon
Nanning, Guangxi, China

Nanning Marathon

The 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. The Yong River, subtropical greenery, and wide Guangxi capital roads make December's southern warmth an advantage on this mostly flat winter course.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Linyi Marathon
Linyi, Shandong, China

Linyi Marathon

The Linyi Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each October on an urban road in Linyi, China. Its riverfront urban planning gives the course a spacious feel. The route passes the Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad roads in one of Shandong's largest inland cities. The Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad Shandong boulevards give one of the province's largest inland cities a spacious, largely level layout.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Wenzhou Marathon
Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Wenzhou Marathon

The 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. The Ou River, modern financial districts, and bridges linking river islands define a warm December southeast-coast course with only minor grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

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/south-korea/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy capital roads carry this separate autumn mass race through Seoul on a largely runnable profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 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

Kagoshima Marathon
Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima Marathon

The Kagoshima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a scenic bay road in Kagoshima, Japan. Running with the active volcano Sakurajima in sight makes the course instantly recognizable. The course passes Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined city boulevards in the southern port city. Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined boulevards keep the active volcano in sight across a scenic southern-port course with subtle rises.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 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. Snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and Northern Alps backdrops frame a course famous for exceptionally pure mountain-water aid stations each May.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Mito Komon Marathon
Mito, Ibaraki, Japan

Mito Komon Marathon

The 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. Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads honor Tokugawa-era Mito heritage on a largely flat October course with strong local history.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Aoshima Pacific Marathon
Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan

Aoshima Pacific Marathon

The 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. Palm-lined boulevards and Aoshima approaches unfold under a subtropical coastal sky on a warm southern-Japan December course with only light grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Fukuoka Marathon
Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka Marathon

The Fukuoka Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each November on an urban to coastal road in Fukuoka, Japan. It is Fukuoka's large citizen marathon and should not be confused with the separate elite international race. The course passes Tenjin, seaside roads, and long views across Hakata Bay before the coastal finish. Tenjin, seaside roads, and long Hakata Bay views carry Fukuoka's large citizen marathon toward a coastal finish on a largely level urban-to-sea route.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Nagano Marathon
Nagano, Nagano, Japan

Nagano Marathon

The Nagano Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on an urban and plain road in Nagano, Japan. Its Olympic-city backdrop still shapes the event's image years after the 1998 Games. The route passes Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the basin. Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the Olympic-city basin make April's race scenic yet largely runnable.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Xuzhou Marathon
Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China

Xuzhou Marathon

The Xuzhou Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on an urban road in Xuzhou, China. It pairs a fast course with a city better known for deep history than for marathon tourism. The course passes Yunlong Lake approaches, Han-dynasty historical areas, and broad Jiangsu boulevards. Yunlong Lake approaches, Han-dynasty historical areas, and broad Jiangsu boulevards pair a fast April course with a city better known for deep history.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Yantai Marathon
Yantai, Shandong, China

Yantai Marathon

The Yantai Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Yantai, China. Ocean scenery gives it a more open feel than many inland Chinese marathons. The route passes Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast. Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast keep the ocean in view on an open, largely flat October route.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Wuhu Marathon
Wuhu, Anhui, China

Wuhu Marathon

The Wuhu Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a riverside urban road in Wuhu, China. The wide river setting gives the course a more open visual feel than many inland city events. The course passes the Yangtze riverside, lakeside parks, and university-area roads in southern Anhui. The Yangtze riverside, lakeside parks, and university-area roads in southern Anhui give March's race a wide, open feel with only subtle grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Luoyang Marathon
Luoyang, Henan, China

Luoyang Marathon

The Luoyang Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on a historic urban road in Luoyang, China. Its spring timing overlaps with Luoyang's famous peony season. The route passes peony-city boulevards, ancient-capital districts, and river sections tied to one of China's oldest cities. Peony-city boulevards, ancient-capital districts, and river sections tied to one of China's oldest cities bloom alongside April's famous flower season on flat roads.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Kochi Ryoma Marathon
Kochi, Kochi, Japan

Kochi Ryoma Marathon

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each February on a scenic coastal road in Kochi, Japan. The Ryoma branding gives the marathon a strong local-hero identity unique in Japan. The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture. The Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and Ryoma-linked city sections give Kochi's February marathon a strong local-hero identity on a largely flat coast.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Zaozhuang Marathon
Zaozhuang, Shandong, China

Zaozhuang Marathon

The Zaozhuang Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each April on an urban road in Zaozhuang, China. It sits below the national headline races but still draws a substantial regional field. The route passes canal-city roads, civic parks, and open boulevard sections in southern Shandong. Canal-city roads, civic parks, and open boulevard sections in southern Shandong carry a substantial regional April field across a mostly level urban loop.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Zhangzhou Marathon
Zhangzhou, Fujian, China

Zhangzhou Marathon

The 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. Fujian riverfront sections, temple-city streets, and newer development boulevards benefit from south Fujian's gentle December weather on a largely flat course.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Marathon du Medoc
Pauillac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Marathon du Medoc

The Marathon du Medoc draws approximately 6,000 finishers each September on a wine-country road in Pauillac, France. The race is famous worldwide for combining marathon distance with costume culture and wine-country spectacle. The course passes vineyards, chateaux, and wine villages throughout the Medoc region. Vineyards, chateaux, and wine villages throughout the Medoc region unfold beside costume culture and wine-country spectacle on a mostly level September route.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Cracovia Marathon
Krakow, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland

Cracovia Marathon

The Cracovia Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each April on a historic urban road in Krakow, Poland. It is Poland's biggest marathon outside Warsaw and one of central Europe's most historic city races. The route passes the Vistula, Wawel Castle approaches, and old-city boulevards. The Vistula, Wawel Castle approaches, and old-city boulevards carry Poland's biggest marathon outside Warsaw through central Europe's most historic April cityscape.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 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. Downtown streets, local parks, and signature host-city landmarks rotate annually as this women-focused November race celebrates runners at scale on a largely flat course.

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

Fukuchiyama Marathon
Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Fukuchiyama Marathon

The Fukuchiyama Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a river city road in Fukuchiyama, Japan. The marathon has one of the deeper traditions among Japan's regional citizen races. The route passes castle-town streets, the Yura River corridor, and broad roads through northern Kyoto Prefecture. Castle-town streets and the Yura River corridor carry one of Japan's deeper regional traditions through northern Kyoto Prefecture on broad, mostly level roads.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

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. Broad city roads, parkland, and Hwaseong's growing urban landscape south of Seoul host one of Gyeonggi Province's biggest spring family festivals on flat terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Wipro Chennai Marathon
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Wipro Chennai Marathon

The 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. Marina-adjacent sections, broad city boulevards, and Bay of Bengal neighborhoods make January's race one of India's better-known winter marathons on a largely flat course.

Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027

Jaipur Marathon
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Jaipur Marathon

The Jaipur Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each February on an urban road in Jaipur, India. It consistently attracts one of the largest full-marathon fields in India outside the very biggest metros. The route passes Pink City areas, palace-adjacent roads, and wide modern avenues around Rajasthan's capital. Pink City areas, palace-adjacent roads, and wide modern avenues around Rajasthan's capital attract one of India's largest full-marathon fields outside the biggest metros.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

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

Matsue Castle Marathon
Matsue, Shimane, Japan

Matsue Castle Marathon

The Matsue Castle Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each December on a historic city road in Matsue, Japan. It is one of the few Japanese marathons whose identity centers squarely on a surviving feudal castle. The course passes Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets through the old castle town. Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets carry December's race through one of Japan's few marathons centered on a surviving feudal castle.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Hanoi International Marathon
Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi International Marathon

The Hanoi International Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each October on an urban road in Hanoi, Vietnam. It has quickly become one of Vietnam's flagship full marathons in the north. The course passes West Lake approaches, broad boulevards, and modern sections of the capital. West Lake approaches, broad boulevards, and modern capital sections quickly made October's race one of Vietnam's flagship full marathons in the north.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Helsinki City Marathon
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Helsinki City Marathon

The Helsinki City Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each May on an urban and waterfront road in Helsinki, Finland. It is a separate event identity from the older Helsinki Marathon and uses the big-city running festival format. The route passes Töölö Bay, seaside roads, and parks along the Finnish capital's shoreline. Töölö Bay, seaside roads, and shoreline parks carry May's big-city running festival along the Finnish capital's waterfront on a largely level route.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 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. The Pacific promenade, casino district, and coastal avenues linked with Valparaiso scenery keep October's Chilean race visually open from the first kilometer.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Maraton de Cali
Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Maraton de Cali

The Maraton de Cali draws approximately 3,000 finishers each May on an urban road in Cali, Colombia. It gives Colombia a major new full marathon outside Medellin. The course passes wide valley-city roads, river sections, and salsa-capital neighborhoods backed by the Andes foothills. Wide valley-city roads, river sections, and salsa-capital neighborhoods backed by Andes foothills give Colombia a major May full marathon outside Medellin.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 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

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

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. Vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills make March's point-to-point race one of the world's most famous wine-country marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Vadodara Marathon
Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Vadodara Marathon

The Vadodara Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each February on an urban road in Vadodara, India. It is one of India's more established charity-linked city marathons. The course passes palace-city roads, civic parks, and broad Gujarat boulevards. Palace-city roads, civic parks, and broad Gujarat boulevards carry February's charity-linked race through one of India's more established city marathon traditions.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Danang International Marathon
Da Nang, Da Nang, Vietnam

Danang International Marathon

The Danang International Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each March on a scenic coastal road in Da Nang, Vietnam. Oceanfront views and modern bridges define the race more than dense historic scenery. The route passes My Khe Beach, Han River bridges, and long coastal avenues backed by sea and mountains. My Khe Beach, Han River bridges, and long coastal avenues backed by sea and mountains define March's race more than dense historic scenery.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Wachau Marathon
Krems, Lower Austria, Austria

Wachau Marathon

The Wachau Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each September on a point-to-point riverside road in Krems, Austria. The valley is a UNESCO landscape, making the marathon one of Europe's prettiest river races. The course passes Danube villages, vineyards, and postcard river scenery through the Wachau. Danube villages, vineyards, and postcard river scenery carry September's point-to-point race through the UNESCO Wachau, one of Europe's prettiest river marathon landscapes.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Runtalya Marathon
Antalya, Antalya Province, Turkey

Runtalya Marathon

The Runtalya Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on a scenic coastal road in Antalya, Turkey. Warm sea-level conditions and coastal scenery make it a popular spring destination race. The course passes Mediterranean seafront roads, resort districts, and palm-lined avenues. Mediterranean seafront roads, resort districts, and palm-lined Antalya avenues make April's warm coastal race a popular spring destination on largely flat terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

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. South Mountain descents, Salt River trails, and downtown streets past the Arizona Capitol carry December's desert marathon through Phoenix on a largely flat route.

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. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center district, older neighborhoods, and broad roads under Appalachian foothills carry December's Alabama marathon deep into aerospace identity.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Missoula Marathon
Missoula, Montana, United States

Missoula Marathon

The Missoula Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each June on a point-to-point valley road in Missoula, United States. Its small-city atmosphere and fast terrain give it an outsized reputation among experienced marathoners. The route passes ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core. Ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core give June's point-to-point race an outsized reputation on quick valley roads.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

Louisiana Marathon
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Louisiana Marathon

The 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. The State Capitol, LSU-area roads, and river-city neighborhoods lined with live oaks anchor January's festival-style finish as one of the Gulf South's anchor marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027

Mie Matsusaka Marathon
Matsusaka, Mie, Japan

Mie Matsusaka Marathon

The Mie Matsusaka Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each December on an urban and rural road in Matsusaka, Japan. Local food culture is a major part of the race identity and post-race atmosphere. The route passes castle-town streets, open countryside, and roads linked to the city famous for Matsusaka beef. Castle-town streets and open countryside linked to Matsusaka beef carry December's race through a region where local food culture shapes the post-race atmosphere.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Otawara Marathon
Otawara, Tochigi, Japan

Otawara Marathon

The Otawara Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a rural road in Otawara, Japan. It is a classic runners' race with little distraction from rhythm and pacing. The course passes open Tochigi farm roads, lowland fields, and distant mountain views on quiet straightaways. Open Tochigi farm roads, lowland fields, and distant mountain views on quiet straightaways make November's rural race a classic runners' pacing test.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

New Delhi Marathon
New Delhi, Delhi, India

New Delhi Marathon

The New Delhi Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each February on an urban road in New Delhi, India. It offers a full-marathon alternative in the capital distinct from the city's more famous half marathon. The course passes India Gate, government boulevards, and broad Lutyens Delhi avenues. India Gate, government boulevards, and broad Lutyens Delhi avenues offer February's full-marathon alternative in the capital on a largely flat civic course.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Marathon Hue
Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Marathon Hue

The Marathon Hue draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a historic urban road in Hue, Vietnam. The imperial-city setting gives the race a distinct cultural identity. The route passes the Perfume River, the Citadel area, and tree-lined roads through Vietnam's former imperial capital. The Perfume River, Citadel area, and tree-lined roads through Vietnam's former imperial capital give April's race a distinct cultural identity on flat terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Kuching Marathon
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Kuching Marathon

The Kuching Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each October on an urban road in Kuching, Malaysia. It is one of the more established full marathons on the island of Borneo. The route passes the Sarawak River, waterfront areas, and broad roads through the Bornean capital. The Sarawak River, waterfront areas, and broad Bornean capital roads make October's race one of the more established full marathons on the island.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Sofia Marathon
Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Sofia Marathon

The Sofia Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each October on an urban road in Sofia, Bulgaria. Views toward Vitosha Mountain define the marathon's skyline. The route passes wide boulevards, landmark squares, and mountain-backed city roads beneath Vitosha. Wide boulevards, landmark squares, and mountain-backed city roads beneath Vitosha define October's Bulgarian capital marathon with skyline views and minimal climbing.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Maraton de Asuncion
Asuncion, Capital District, Paraguay

Maraton de Asuncion

The Maraton de Asuncion draws approximately 2,000 finishers each August on an urban road in Asuncion, Paraguay. It is Paraguay's headline international road marathon. The route passes river-city roads, civic avenues, and neighborhoods on the Paraguayan capital's ridgeline. River-city roads, civic avenues, and ridgeline neighborhoods carry August's race through Paraguay's headline international road marathon in the capital.

Next race: Sunday, 2 August 2026

Lago Maggiore Marathon
Verbania, Piedmont, Italy

Lago Maggiore Marathon

The Lago Maggiore Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a lakeside road in Verbania, Italy. Lake scenery rather than city landmarks defines the race's identity. The course passes villas, lakeside towns, and long water-side roads backed by alpine foothills. Villas, lakeside towns, and long water-side roads backed by alpine foothills make November's Verbania race a lake-scenery marathon rather than a city-center tour.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Alexander the Great Marathon
Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece

Alexander the Great Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Thessaloniki, Greece. The finish on Thessaloniki's waterfront is the marathon's signature moment. The route passes Macedonian plain roads and ends beside the Thermaic Gulf promenade. Macedonian plain roads carry April's point-to-point race toward Thessaloniki's waterfront finish beside the Thermaic Gulf promenade, the marathon's signature moment.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Newport Marathon Festival
Newport, Wales, United Kingdom

Newport Marathon Festival

The Newport Marathon Festival draws approximately 1,999 finishers each April on an urban road in Newport, United Kingdom. It is widely regarded as one of the fastest full marathons in Wales. The route passes the River Usk, city bridges, and wide roads used for one of Wales's faster marathon layouts. The River Usk, city bridges, and wide Welsh roads make April's Newport Marathon Festival one of the fastest full marathons in Wales.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

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

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

Indore Marathon
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

Indore Marathon

The Indore Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each February on an urban road in Indore, India. It reflects Indore's push to position itself as one of India's cleanest and most fitness-oriented cities. The course passes Rajwada-area roads, newer city boulevards, and broad central-Madhya Pradesh streets. Rajwada-area roads, newer city boulevards, and broad central-Madhya Pradesh streets reflect Indore's push to become one of India's cleanest, most fitness-oriented cities.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Bottwartal Marathon
Steinheim an der Murr, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Bottwartal Marathon

The Bottwartal Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October on a valley road in Steinheim an der Murr, Germany. It is a classic community marathon weekend for southwestern Germany's club-running scene. The route passes vineyards, small towns, and rolling valley roads north of Stuttgart. Vineyards, small towns, and valley roads north of Stuttgart carry October's classic southwestern Germany community marathon weekend through rolling but largely runnable countryside.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Marathon de Tours
Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Marathon de Tours

The Marathon de Tours draws approximately 1,800 finishers each September on an urban road in Tours, France. It offers classic French city scenery without the scale of Paris or Bordeaux. The route passes Loire-side roads, historic center streets, and elegant avenues in the Loire Valley city. Loire-side roads, historic center streets, and elegant avenues in the Loire Valley city offer classic French scenery without the scale of Paris or Bordeaux.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Palermo Marathon
Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Palermo Marathon

The Palermo Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each November on a coastal urban road in Palermo, Italy. The race pairs a Mediterranean capital with a late-autumn marathon window. The course passes the seafront, palm-lined city roads, and historic Sicilian urban scenery. The seafront, palm-lined city roads, and historic Sicilian urban scenery pair a Mediterranean capital with a late-November marathon window on largely flat terrain.

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/united-states/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

Great Limerick Run Marathon
Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland

Great Limerick Run Marathon

The Great Limerick Run Marathon draws approximately 1,650 finishers each May on an urban road in Limerick, Ireland. It is the biggest mass-participation sporting event outside Dublin and anchors the city's running calendar. The route passes the River Shannon, Georgian streets, and broad city roads through Limerick's main districts. The River Shannon, Georgian streets, and broad city roads through Limerick's main districts anchor May's biggest mass-participation sporting event outside Dublin.

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

Santa Rosa Marathon
Santa Rosa, California, United States

Santa Rosa Marathon

The Santa Rosa Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each August on a wine-country road in Santa Rosa, United States. Its summer date works because the race begins early before Sonoma County heat builds. The route passes vineyard-lined roads, rural bike paths, and shaded stretches along Santa Rosa Creek. Vineyard-lined roads, rural bike paths, and shaded stretches along Santa Rosa Creek make August's early-start Sonoma County race workable before summer heat builds.

Next race: Sunday, 2 August 2026

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. The Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views carry May's playful but serious spring marathon through Idaho's capital.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 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/united-states/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

Kochi Marathon
Kochi, Kerala, India

Kochi Marathon

The Kochi Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each October on an urban and waterfront road in Kochi, India. The backwater setting makes it unlike inland Indian city marathons. The course passes backwater edges, port-city roads, and neighborhoods linked to Kerala's maritime capital. Backwater edges, port-city roads, and neighborhoods linked to Kerala's maritime capital make October's race unlike inland Indian city marathons on largely flat terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

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. Red-earth roads, casuarina groves, and quiet settlements near India's experimental international township give February's race a low-key, community-driven atmosphere.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Tunis-Carthage COMAR Marathon
Tunis, Tunis Governorate, Tunisia

Tunis-Carthage COMAR Marathon

The Tunis-Carthage COMAR Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each October on an urban road in Tunis, Tunisia. It is Tunisia's flagship road marathon and carries World Athletics and AIMS recognition. The route passes broad avenues, coastal-capital neighborhoods, and Mediterranean-influenced city sections. Broad avenues and coastal-capital neighborhoods carry October's World Athletics-recognized flagship Tunisian road marathon through Mediterranean-influenced city sections on a largely flat course.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 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. Seafront boulevards, Maspalomas dunes, golf-course roads, and sunny resort districts market November's race as Europe's southernmost warm-weather marathon escape.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Maratona do Algarve
Vilamoura, Faro District, Portugal

Maratona do Algarve

The Maratona do Algarve draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Vilamoura, Portugal. It is a late-season warm-weather option for European runners. The route passes marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery. Marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery make November's Vilamoura race a late-season warm-weather option for European runners on flat terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Marathon de Cheverny
Cheverny, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Marathon de Cheverny

The Marathon de Cheverny draws approximately 1,500 finishers each April on a chateau and vineyard road in Cheverny, France. The chateau start makes the race feel distinctly Loire Valley from the first minutes. The route passes Loire chateau scenery, vineyards, and rural roads in a compact heritage setting. Loire chateau scenery, vineyards, and rural roads in a compact heritage setting make April's chateau start feel distinctly Loire Valley from the opening kilometer.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Marathon de Colmar
Colmar, Grand Est, France

Marathon de Colmar

The Marathon de Colmar draws approximately 1,500 finishers each September on an urban and vineyard road in Colmar, France. The Alsace setting gives the race a strong regional identity of timbered towns and wine country. The course passes Alsatian old-town streets, vineyard approaches, and flat roads near the Vosges foothills. Alsatian old-town streets, vineyard approaches, and flat roads near the Vosges foothills give September's race a strong regional identity of timbered towns and wine country.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Marathon Royan Cote de Beaute
Royan, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Marathon Royan Cote de Beaute

The Marathon Royan Cote de Beaute draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on a scenic coastal road in Royan, France. It blends resort-town scenery with a largely runnable profile. The route passes estuary views, beaches, and low coastal roads on the Charente coast. Estuary views, beaches, and low coastal roads on the Charente coast blend resort-town scenery with a largely runnable May profile along the Cote de Beaute.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Maratona di Catania
Catania, Sicily, Italy

Maratona di Catania

The Maratona di Catania draws approximately 1,500 finishers each December on a coastal urban road in Catania, Italy. Views toward Mount Etna make the race visually unmistakable. The route passes Ionian waterfront roads and city sections with Etna in the distance. Ionian waterfront roads and city sections with Mount Etna in the distance make December's Sicilian race visually unmistakable on a mostly flat coastal route.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Maratona di San Valentino
Terni, Umbria, Italy

Maratona di San Valentino

The Maratona di San Valentino draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on an urban and valley road in Terni, Italy. The tie to Saint Valentine gives the race a memorable calendar identity. The route passes Umbrian valley roads and city sections linked to Saint Valentine's home city. Umbrian valley roads and city sections linked to Saint Valentine's home give February's Terni marathon a memorable calendar identity on largely level terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Karnten Lauft Marathon
Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria

Karnten Lauft Marathon

The Karnten Lauft Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each August on a lake road in Klagenfurt, Austria. Summer lake scenery makes it more of a holiday marathon than a city-center one. The route passes lake roads, resort areas, and scenic sections around one of Austria's best-known summer lakes. Lake roads, resort areas, and scenic sections around one of Austria's best-known summer lakes make August's Klagenfurt race more holiday marathon than city-center tour.

Next race: Sunday, 2 August 2026

Hawke's Bay Marathon
Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Hawke's Bay Marathon

The Hawke's Bay Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on a scenic coastal road in Napier, New Zealand. Wine country and autumn weather make it one of New Zealand's most appealing destination marathons. The route passes vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery. Vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery combine with autumn weather to make May's Napier race one of New Zealand's most appealing destination marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 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. Fox River communities, tree-lined neighborhood roads, and steady crowd support through Wisconsin's valley cities give September's race a bigger footprint than its finisher count.

Next race: Sunday, 6 September 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

Thoroughbred Run Kildare Marathon
Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland

Thoroughbred Run Kildare Marathon

The Thoroughbred Run Kildare Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each June on a town and rural road in Kildare, Ireland. Its horse-country theme and National Stud passage give it a uniquely Kildare identity. The route passes the Irish National Stud, horse-country roads, and open county Kildare stretches. The Irish National Stud, horse-country roads, and open county Kildare stretches give June's race a uniquely equestrian identity on largely flat terrain.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

Tampere Marathon
Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland

Tampere Marathon

The Tampere Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each August on an urban road in Tampere, Finland. The dual-lake industrial heritage of Tampere gives the course a distinctive setting. The route passes the Tammerkoski rapids, lake-city roads, and wide Finnish boulevards. The Tammerkoski rapids, lake-city roads, and wide Finnish boulevards carry August's race through Tampere's distinctive dual-lake industrial heritage on a mostly level course.

Next race: Sunday, 2 August 2026

Karapiro Marathon
Karapiro, Waikato, New Zealand

Karapiro Marathon

The Karapiro Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a lake road in Karapiro, New Zealand. It is a newer Waikato full marathon that gives New Zealand runners a calm lake-side alternative to the bigger city events. The route passes lake-edge roads, rural Waikato scenery, and long smooth stretches around Lake Karapiro. Lake-edge roads, rural Waikato scenery, and long smooth stretches around Lake Karapiro offer New Zealand runners a calm April alternative to bigger city events.

Next race: Sunday, 4 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. The River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads give April's literary marathon one of the clearest thematic identities in UK road running.

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