12 Best Marathons in the World

12 best global marathons

Voted as the Best 12 Marathons in the World

London Marathon: Known for its flat route that takes runners past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Berlin Marathon: Famous for its fast, flat course and enthusiastic crowds. The current men’s and women’s marathon world records were both set here.

Boston Marathon: The world’s oldest annual marathon. It’s known for its challenging course and supportive spectators.

Tokyo Marathon: One of the six World Marathon Majors, this race showcases Tokyo’s mix of modern and traditional culture.

Rotterdam Marathon: This marathon in the Netherlands is known for its flat and fast course, making it ideal for setting personal bests.

Stockholm Marathon: This race takes place in early summer when Stockholm’s parks and waterfront are at their most beautiful.

International Marathon of Marrakech: This marathon in Morocco offers a scenic route around the city and the surrounding palm groves and orange orchards.

Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon): This marathon offers a route that winds through some of the world’s most historic sites.

Lisbon Marathon: Known for its beautiful course along the Tagus River and its mild weather.

Gold Coast Marathon: This Australian marathon is praised for its flat course, ideal running weather, and beautiful beachside setting.

Big Sur Marathon: This marathon on the California coast is known for its challenging course and stunning ocean views.

Toronto Waterfront Marathon: This Canadian marathon is famous for its flat, fast course and scenic views of Lake Ontario.

These are the criteria used to vote on the 12 best marathons in the world


Course
: Some runners prefer flat, fast courses for setting personal records, while others enjoy hilly, challenging routes.

Scenery: Marathons with beautiful, unique, or iconic scenery often rank highly. This could include cityscapes, coastal views, or landmarks.

Crowd Support: Races with enthusiastic, supportive crowds can make the marathon experience more enjoyable.

Organization: Well-organized events with ample aid stations, clear signage, and efficient start and finish line processes are often preferred.

History and Prestige: Races with a long history or special prestige, like the Boston Marathon or the World Marathon Majors (Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Boston), often rank highly.

Weather Conditions: Ideal running conditions can vary depending on the runner, but many prefer cooler temperatures. The time of year the marathon is held can influence this.

Size: Some runners prefer the excitement of large races with thousands of participants, while others prefer smaller, more intimate events.

Charitable Cause: Some marathons are associated with charitable causes. Runners often feel good about participating in these events because they’re contributing to a good cause.

Post-Race Festivities: Post-race events, like parties or concerts, can also make a marathon stand out.

Accessibility: How easy it is to get to the race, both in terms of travel and in terms of qualifying standards or lottery systems, can also be a factor.

Pick One and Start Running!

Now that you know where the best marathons are, it’s time to sign up and compete!