You probably know that there are now seven major global marathons – as Sydney was just welcomed in.
The seven World Major Marathons are Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, 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 quirky marathons around the world. Some are weird, some wild (literally) and some super gruelling.
So if running your next marathon in a very different location appeals, this post is for you!
I’ve listed them chronologically. Let me know if you know of other marathons that should be included in this list!
Walt Disney World Marathon, January
Walt Disney World in Florida is so huge, the whole city of San Francisco could fit inside its boundary. You can opt into six different events from 5K to the Dopey Challenge double marathon! Entry tickets sell out fast, so if you’re too late for the next one, get on their list to book early.
As you’d expect there are Disney characters throughout and the 26.2 mile marathon runs through all four Disney parks. Registrations open in April and they sell out.
Tokyo Marathon, March
The Tokyo International Marathon started in 2007 and is the first major of the year. It is one of the most prestigious and renowned marathons in the world, and part of the seven majors. You’ll find about 37,000 amateurs and elite runners racing in Tokyo.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, here’s everything you need to know.
Paris Marathon, April
Join 50,000 people in the 5th largest marathon in the world (but not officially a “major”), starting from the Champs-Elysees and running past all the major sites and sights of Paris.
If you find yourself in need of refreshment on Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, runners can pick up sweet and salty foods stationed around the course. Expect water, bananas, gingerbread slices, dried fruit, sugar cubes, pretzels, crackers.
For those visiting Paris around the great race, I have a few posts you might like including these fabulous rooftop bars and restaurants with a view. We had the most wonderful dinner at Les Georges, on the roof of Centre Pompidou, a most unassuming building from the outside, but quirky and cool on the inside with amazingly attentive wait-staff.
London Marathon, April
The TCS London Marathon starts in Greenwich and runs through south London, crossing the River Thames at Tower Bridge, past Big Ben and parliament buildings to end at St James Park. It’s one of the seven world majors and more than 48,000 runners finished in 2023.
I lived in London for nearly five years and it’s like a second home to me. You might like this post on my picks for what to do in London, and what not to bother with.
Boston Marathon, April
Held on Patriots Day each year, the B.A.A. Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world having started in 1897.
It is one of the World Majors and draws around 30,000 runners and about half a million spectators who brave the chilly morning to cheer on their friends or catch a glimpse of the fastest elite runners in the world.
The Great Wall Marathon, May
Climb, walk, run, drag yourself over the 5164 steps and shuffle along the Great Wall of China and work those muscles.
My friend Kim ran this race and it said it’s more like a 42km shuffle, as there are so many people squeezing through the narrow path and scrambling up and down steep steps. And goodness, those steps are steep! I climbed them for about 100m on my China trip and could feel the lunges the next day.
If you are heading to China, you’ll like my post on things to know before you go to China.
The Big Five Marathon, June
You will literally run through a big game reserve in South Africa with nothing to separate you from the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. No fences, no rivers, just you and your Nikes. This marathon is so popular you need to register a year in advance.
Victoria Falls Marathon, July
This spectacular marathon takes you over the Vic Falls Bridge, where it’s perfectly ok to take a selfie, and you turn around before you get to the Zambia border (and immigration check) and come back across, then you run along Zambezi Drive, past the baobab trees. Photo ops are pointed out along the way.
Serious runners will barely notice, but the rest of us can take in the beauty while ambling along! You may also see animals as you’re running in a nature reserve.
If you plan to make a full vacation out of your visit to this part of the world, you might like to read my post about my trip to Zambia, where we stayed just on the other side of the falls at gorgeous Livingstone Resort, and could walk to the falls, past giraffe and zebra. One of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on.
Sydney Marathon, September
The newest World Major, run alongside 35,000 people over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge through the Botanic Garden, around the Rocks, into Hyde Park and finishing at the Sydney Opera House. There are also family fun runs held on the same day.
Berlin Marathon, September
The BMW Berlin-Marathon celebrated 50 years in 2024. In 2023 two new world record times were set here, on this fast course due to its flatness.
Nearly 50,000 people run this race, the flattest of the World’s Major Marathons. You’ll run through the city and finish at the Brandenburg Gate.
Marathon Du Medoc, France, September
This race may not be finished by all participants! My friend has run this one, stopping for wine and oyster tastings all along the course. It had been on her wish list for her fiftieth birthday year, but alas Covid put a stop to that. However, she has since done it – and impressively – managed to finish!
Note, water is also provided. It is in fact a serious race, but each year there is a dress-up theme. It’s also a great event to come as a spectator as they make a three-day event of it.
Chicago Marathon, October
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is proud to have been the race that set a new world record in 2023 by Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum who ran 2:00:35. The race, which began in 1977 and now is one of the biggest marathons in the world had around 47,000 runners in 2023. It starts and ends in Grant Park, and winds through 29 neighborhoods.
I love Chicago and have visited several times, not to run around it though! Check out my post on the best things to do in Chicago if you’re looking for ideas for great carbo loading pizza and skyhigh drinks.
Auckland Marathon, October
If New Zealand is on your Bucket List, head on down and start your race in the Auckland north shore suburb of Devonport. Join about 17,000 marathon runners, over the Auckland Harbour Bridge for spectacular city views, and finish at Victoria Park, or you can do the half marathon or the kids fun run.
New York Marathon, November
The TCS New York City Marathon is probably the most iconic marathon in the world. It is the world’s largest marathon with around 50,000 runners, plus wheechair athletes and is held on the first Sunday of November.
The marathon race starts on Staten Island, then you’ll cross the bridge and run through Brooklyn, Queens, over to Manhatten and up to the Bronx, before doubling back on yourseld to the finish line in Central Park, as two million spectators cheer you on.
My brother ran the NYC Marathon one time and my husband and I went over to watch him. We missed him running live and caught up in the melee of road closures around the finish. See New York Road Runners for all the info you need.
New York is cold in early November, so I have more tips and helpful info this post! Tips for race day at the New York Marathon >>>
Athens Marathon, November
This is where the first marathon started over 2500 years ago! Hopefully the originators fate won’t happen to you, but the very first marathon was run by a man named Phillipides who ran from Marathon to Athens (42.195 km) to announce that the Greeks had defeated the Persians. He then collapsed and died. If running a full marathon scares you, join in for the 5k or 10k run.
Queenstown Marathon, New Zealand, November
If you’re looking for a smaller marathon but a truly memorable one, it has to be New Zealand’s newest and hands down, most spectacular Queenstown marathon for the scenery! This running festival also includes a half marathon, 10km and 3km runs for the whole family between the Crown Ranges and the Remarkables and runs through the best of Queenstown.
Antarctic Ice Marathon, December
Join the exclusive 7 Continents Marathon Club! This marathon is for extreme runners – with extreme budgets. It takes place at 80 Degrees South, a few hundred miles from the South Pole, at an altitude of 700m and an average windchill temperature of -20C blowing at between 10-25 knots.
It’s all arranged as part of a three-day event where runners arrive by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile. Oh, but don’t expect to see penguins gaily skipping along with you. None live this far south.
FAQs about marathons
How long is a marathon? A full marathon is 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometres (it’s usually rounded up to 42.2km).
What is the world record time for completing the marathon? World records are beaten all the time and in November 2023 this prestigious title went to Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum who ran 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon. The fastest woman is Ethiopian Tigist Assefa with a time of 2:11:53.
Where are the world’s fastest marathons? If you want to have every chance of running a new PB, you’ll want the flattest marathon to aim for. Berlin has the fastest course and is where records are broken for exactly this reason.
