Sydney has just joined, so you know there are now seven major world marathons.
seven people Major marathon events around the world Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, Tokyo, and for starters, Sydney. Maybe you’ve done some of them too.
But in this post, I will list those dates and some more. More unusual marathons around the world. Some are weird, some are wild (literally), and some are downright harsh.
So if you want to run your next marathon in a completely different location, this article is for you.
I tried arranging them in chronological order. If you know of other marathons that should be included on this list, please let us know.
walt disney world marathonJanuary
walt disney world The state of Florida is so huge that the entire city of San Francisco fits within its borders. You can participate in six different events, from the 5K to the Dopey Challenge double marathon. Admission tickets sell out quickly, so if you can’t make it to the next one, get on the list and book early.
As you might expect, it’s a 42.2-mile marathon through all four Disney parks with Disney characters everywhere. Registration begins in April and sells out quickly.
tokyo marathonMarch
of Tokyo International Marathon It started in 2007 and is the first major tournament of the year. It is one of the most prestigious and famous marathons in the world and is part of seven major marathons. Approximately 37,000 amateur and elite runners race in Tokyo.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, here’s everything you need to know.
paris marathonApril
Join 50,000 other participants in the world’s 5th largest marathon (but not officially a “major”). Champs Elysees Pass by all the main sites and sights of Paris.
If you need a snack at the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, runners can buy sweet and salty foods located throughout the course. Expect water, bananas, gingerbread slices, dried fruit, sugar cubes, pretzels, and crackers.
If you’re visiting Paris during the great race, here are some posts you might like, including some great rooftop bars and restaurants with great views. We had the most amazing dinner at Les Georges on the roof of the Center Pompidou. This building is the most unassuming building from the outside, but inside it’s quirky and cool, with surprisingly attentive waiters.
london marathonApril
of TCS London Marathon Starting in Greenwich, it travels through south London, crossing the River Thames at Tower Bridge, passing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and ending in St. James’s Park. It is one of the seven major events in the world, and more than 48,000 runners have completed it by 2023.
I lived in London for almost five years and it’s like a second home to me. You might like this article about what to do in London and what not to worry about.
boston marathonApril
Held every year on Patriot’s Day, BAA Boston Marathon It is the world’s oldest annual marathon event, started in 1897.
It is one of the World Majors, and around 30,000 runners and around 500,000 spectators brave the cold mornings to cheer on their friends and catch a glimpse of the world’s fastest elite runners.
great wall marathonMay
Climb, walk, run, shuffle up, and limp up 5164 steps. great wall of china And train those muscles.
My friend Kim ran this race and she said it was like a 42km shuffle with lots of people weaving through narrow streets and up and down steep stairs. And surprisingly, those stairs are steep! I climbed about 100 meters on my trip to China, and the next day I could feel the rush.
If you’re planning to go to China, you’ll love my post on what you need to know before going to China.
big five marathonJune
You’ll be racing through South Africa’s great game reserves, where there’s literally nothing separating you from elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards. There’s no fence, no river, just you and Nike. This marathon is very popular and requires registration one year in advance.
victoria falls marathonJuly
In this epic marathon you Vic Falls BridgeIt’s perfectly OK to take selfies here, and before you reach the Zambian border (and immigration), turn back and head along, past the baobab trees and along Zambezi Drive. You will be asked to take photos along the way.
Serious runners may hardly notice it, but others can appreciate its beauty as they walk. You may be able to meet animals while running through the nature reserve.
If you’re looking to make your visit to this part of the world the perfect vacation, you might want to read my post about traveling to Zambia. So we stayed in a gorgeous hotel on the other side of the falls. Livingstone ResortWe were able to walk past giraffes and zebras to the waterfall. One of the most amazing trips I’ve ever taken.
sydney marathonSeptember
Join 35,000 others on the iconic course at the latest World Major sydney harbor bridge It passes through the Botanic Gardens, around the Rocks, into Hyde Park and ends at the Sydney Opera House. A fun run for families will also be held on the same day.
berlin marathonSeptember
of BMW Berlin Marathon We will celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024. In 2023, two new world records were set on this flat, high-speed course.
Nearly 50,000 people take part in this race, which is the flattest of the world’s major marathons. Drive through the city and finish at the Brandenburg Gate.
Marathon de MédocFrance, September
It is possible that not all participants will be able to complete this race. My friend did this and stopped midway through the course for wine and oyster tasting. It was on her wish list for her 50th birthday, but unfortunately it was canceled due to coronavirus. But since then, she’s done it – and impressively – managed to finish!
By the way, water is also available. It’s actually a serious race, but each year there is a dress-up theme. It’s a great event to visit as a spectator, as it’s held over three days.
chicago marathonOctober
of Bank of America Chicago Marathon We are proud to announce that it was the race where Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum set a new world record in 2023, running in 2:00:35. The race, which began in 1977 and is now one of the world’s largest marathons, is expected to attract around 47,000 runners in 2023. Start and finish in Grant Park and wind your way through 29 neighborhoods.
I love Chicago and have been there several times, but not for the running around. If you’re looking for great carb-loading pizza and sky-high drink ideas, check out my post on top things to do in Chicago.
auckland marathonOctober
If New Zealand is on your bucket list, start your race in Devonport, on Auckland’s north coast. Join around 17,000 marathon runners as you cross the Auckland Harbor Bridge for stunning city views and finish in Victoria Park, or you can even take part in the half marathon or kids fun run.
new york marathonNovember
of TCS New York City Marathon Probably the most iconic marathon in the world. The marathon is the world’s largest marathon, with approximately 50,000 runners and wheelchair athletes taking part on the first Sunday in November.
The marathon race starts in Staten Island, crosses the bridges through Brooklyn and Queens, runs through Manhattan and the Bronx, before sprinting back to the finish line in Central Park to the cheers of two million spectators. Above.
My brother ran the New York City Marathon once, and my husband and I went to watch him. We missed him running live and got caught up in the melee of a traffic stop near the finish line. look new york road runners Get all the information you need.
It’s cold in New York in early November, so this post has more tips and helpful information. New York Marathon Race Day Tips >>>
athens marathonNovember
This is where the first marathon began more than 2,500 years ago. I hope the fate of the inventor does not happen to you, but the first marathon was run by a man named Philippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens (42.195 km) and announced that the Greeks had defeated the Persians. I did. He then collapsed and died. If you’re afraid of running a full marathon, why not try running a 5k or 10k?
queenstown marathonNew Zealand, November
If you’re looking for a smaller but truly memorable marathon, New Zealand’s newest and arguably most scenic, Queenstown Marathon is the place to be. The running festival also includes a half marathon, 10km and 3km run for the whole family between the Crown Ranges and Remarkables Ranges, taking you through some of Queenstown’s best locations.
Antarctic Ice MarathonDecember
Join the special 7 Continents Marathon Club!This marathon is for extreme runners on a budget. It takes place at 80 degrees south latitude, hundreds of miles from Earth. Antarcticat an altitude of 700 meters, blowing at 10-25 knots with an average windchill temperature of -20°C.
It’s all organized as part of a three-day event in which runners arrive by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile. Oh, but don’t expect to see penguins cheerfully skipping along with you. No one lives this far south.
Marathon FAQ
How long is the marathon? A full marathon is 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers (usually rounded to the nearest 42.2 km).
What is the world record for completing a marathon in hours? World records are constantly being updated, and in November 2023, this prestigious title went to Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who ran 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon. The fastest woman was Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa with a time of 2 hours 11 minutes 53 seconds.
Where is the world’s fastest marathon? If you want to have every chance of breaking a new PR, you should aim for the flattest marathon. Berlin has the fastest tracks and is where records are broken for this very reason.
