As you may know, there are now seven major global marathons – Sydney has just been added to the mix.
seven people Major marathon events in the world It’s Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Tokyo and newbie Sydney. Maybe you’ve even run some of them.
But in this post, I list those dates, as well as some More bizarre marathons around the world. Some are weird, some are wild (literally), and some are super torturous.
So if you want to run your next marathon in a completely different location, this article is for you!
I’ve listed them in chronological order. If you know of other marathons that should be included on this list, please let me know!
Walt Disney World MarathonJanuary
walt disney world Florida is so big that the entire city of San Francisco could fit within its borders. There are 6 different events you can choose from, from the 5K to the Dopey Challenge Dual Marathon! Tickets sell out quickly, so if you can’t make it in time for the next show, get on their list early to reserve.
As you’d expect, it’s filled with Disney characters, and the 26.2-mile marathon runs through all four Disney parks. Registration opens in April and tickets are sold out.
Tokyo Marathonmarch
this Tokyo International Marathon It started in 2007 and was the first major of that year. It is one of the most prestigious and famous marathon events in the world and is part of the Seven Great Marathons. You’ll find approximately 37,000 amateur and elite runners competing in Tokyo.
if you are Planning a trip to Japanhere’s everything you need to know.
paris marathonApril
Join 50,000 people in the world’s fifth largest marathon (but not officially a “megamarathon”), starting from Champs Elysées and run through all the main sights and attractions of Paris.
If you need to refuel during the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, runners can purchase sweet and savory options around the course. Expect water, bananas, gingerbread chips, dried fruit, sugar cubes, pretzels, cookies.
For those of you visiting Paris during the Great Race, I have some posts you might enjoy including these Wonderful rooftop bar and restaurant with great views. We had the most delicious dinner at Les Georges restaurant on the rooftop of the Center Pompidou, a most unassuming building from the outside, but strange and cool inside, with very attentive waiters.
london marathonApril
this TCS London Marathon Starting in Greenwich, it travels through south London, crossing the Thames at Tower Bridge, past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and finally arriving at St. James’s Park. It is one of the seven World Series, with more than 48,000 runners completing the event in 2023.
I have lived in London for almost five years and it is like a second home to me. You might like this article I featured What to do and what not to do in London.
boston marathonApril
Held annually on Patriots Day BAA Boston Marathon Started in 1897, it is the oldest annual marathon in the world.
It is one of the world’s major events, attracting around 30,000 runners and around half a million spectators, who brave the cold mornings to cheer on friends or catch a glimpse of the world’s fastest elite runners.
Great Wall Marathonpossible
Climb, walk, run, drag yourself up the 5164 steps and shuffle along the trail Great Wall of China And exercise those muscles.
My friend Kim ran this race and it was said that it was more like a 42km drag race as there were so many people squeezing through the narrow paths and climbing up and down the steep steps. Oh my gosh, those steps are so steep! I climbed about 100m on my trip to China and could feel the rush the next day.
If you are going to China, you will like my post Things you need to know before going to China.
Big Five MarathonJune
you will actually experience a South Africa’s large game reserves Nothing can separate you from the elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards. No fences, no rivers, just you and your Nikes. This marathon is so popular that you need to register a year in advance.
victoria falls marathonJuly
This wonderful marathon takes you through Vic Falls Bridgewhere selfies are perfectly fine, you turn around and come back before reaching the Zambian border (and immigration control), and then you run along Zambezi Avenue, past the baobab trees. Along the way someone pointed out photo spots.
Serious runners will barely notice, but the rest of us can enjoy the view as we stroll along! You may also see animals when you run in a nature reserve.
If you are planning a full vacation while visiting this part of the world, you might want to read my article My trip to Zambiawe stayed in a gorgeous hotel on the other side of the waterfall Livingston Resortand can walk to waterfalls, past giraffes and zebras. One of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on.
Sydney MarathonSeptember
The latest World Major, race around the iconic track with 35,000 spectators sydney harbor bridge Walk through the Botanic Gardens, around The Rocks, into Hyde Park and finally to the Sydney Opera House. A family fun run was also held on the same day.
Berlin MarathonSeptember
this BMW Berlin Marathon Celebrating 50 years in 2024. In 2023, two new world records were set here due to the flat track.
The race, attended by nearly 50,000 people, is the flattest of the world’s major marathons. You will pass through the city and end at the Brandenburg Gate.
Medoc Marathon, France, September
This race may not be completed by all entrants! My friend runs this restaurant and stopped for wine and oysters along the way. It was originally on her 50th birthday wish list, but alas, the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to that. However, she later did it – and impressively – successfully!
Note, water is also provided. It’s actually a serious competition, but each year has a dress-up theme. It’s also a great event to attend as a spectator because they run a three-day event.
chicago marathonOctober
this Bank of America Chicago Marathon We are very proud of Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum setting a new world record in 2023 with a time of 2:00:35. The race started in 1977 and has become one of the largest marathon events in the world, with approximately 47,000 runners taking part in 2023. The race starts and ends in Grant Park and winds through 29 neighborhoods.
I love Chicago and have been there a few times, but not to run around it! Check out my best things to do in chicago If you’re looking for carb-heavy pizza and overpriced drink ideas.
Auckland MarathonOctober
if New Zealand on your bucket listmove on and start your game in the Auckland North Shore suburb of Devonport. Join approximately 17,000 marathon runners as you cross the Auckland Harbor Bridge for stunning city views and finish in Victoria Park, or you can take part in the half marathon or kids’ fun run.
new york marathonNovember
this TCS New york city marathon Possibly the most iconic marathon in the world. It is the world’s largest marathon, involving approximately 50,000 runners and wheelchair athletes, and takes place on the first Sunday in November.
The marathon starts in Staten Island and takes you across the bridge, through Brooklyn, Queens, into Manhattan and finally into the Bronx before looping back to the finish line in Central Park in front of two million spectators cheering on you.
My brother ran the New York Marathon one time and my husband and I went to see him. We missed his live broadcast and got caught up in the melee of road closures around the finish. look new york road runners Get all the information you need.
It’s cold in New York in early November, so I’ve included more tips and helpful information in this post! New York Marathon Race Day Tips >>>
Athens MarathonNovember
This is where the first marathon started over 2,500 years ago! Hopefully the fate of the founders doesn’t happen to you, but the first marathon was run by a man named Philips, who ran from Marathon to Athens (42.195 km) to announce that the Greeks had defeated the Persians. He then dropped dead. If running a full marathon scares you, try a 5K or 10K run.
queenstown marathonNew Zealand, November
If you’re looking for a smaller but truly memorable marathon, look no further than New Zealand’s latest and undoubtedly the most spectacular Queenstown Marathon! This running festival also includes a half marathon, 10km and 3km run for the whole family, between the Crown Range and Remarkables Mountains and running through the best of queenstown.
Antarctic Ice MarathonDecember
Join the exclusive Seven Continents Marathon Club! This marathon is suitable for extreme runners on a budget. It occurs at 80 degrees south latitude, hundreds of miles from Earth Antarcticawith an altitude of 700m, the average wind chill temperature is -20C, and the wind speed is between 10-25 knots.
It’s all part of a three-day event, with competitors arriving by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile. Oh, but don’t expect to see penguins hopping happily with you. No one lives this far south.
Marathon FAQs
How long is a marathon? The length of a full marathon is 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers (usually rounded to 42.2 kilometers).
What is the marathon world record time? World records are being broken all the time, and in November 2023, the prestigious title went to Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who ran 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon . The fastest woman was Ethiopian Tigist Assefa with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds.
Where is the fastest marathon in the world? If you want to have a chance of running a new personal best, you’ll want to aim for the flattest marathon possible. Berlin has the fastest track and it is for this reason that records have been broken here.
