Find the right marathon for you

Compare courses, check when races are held, and see what to expect on race day — from the World Marathon Majors to races still on your bucket list.

Find a Marathon Read the guides

On the calendar

Upcoming Marathons

Next marathons happening anywhere in the world

World Marathon Major

New YorkNew YorkUnited States

New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, taking runners through all five boroughs — Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The course crosses five bridges and finishes in Central Park, delivering an unmatched big-city marathon experience.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

ToyamaToyamaJapan

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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

LinyiShandongChina

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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

SeoulSeoulSouth 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/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

IstanbulTurkey

Istanbul Marathon

The Istanbul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on an urban road in Istanbul, Turkey. The course starts on the Asian side and finishes in Sultanahmet on the European side — the only intercontinental marathon. The route crosses the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) in the first two kilometres. Mostly flat on both continents with a climb on the bridge.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

ShimonosekiYamaguchiJapan

Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon

The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers each November on a harbor road in Shimonoseki, Japan. The narrow strait setting gives the race a dramatic maritime character from start to finish. The course passes Kanmon Strait waterfronts, fishing-port districts, and repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

View All Upcoming Marathons →

Abbott World Marathon Majors

World Marathon Majors

What each major is like on the ground — course profile, typical weather, elevation, and race-day video from the course.

World Marathon Major

BerlinBerlinGermany

Berlin Marathon

The Generali Berlin Marathon is renowned as one of the world's fastest marathon courses, having hosted more men's marathon world records than any other venue. The flat, straight boulevards take runners past the Brandenburg Gate for a spectacular finish. Elite and recreational runners alike target Berlin for personal bests.

Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027

World Marathon Major

BostonMassachusettsUnited States

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and the only major requiring qualification for most runners. Starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street, the course features the challenging Heartbreak Hill and legendary New England crowd support. It is the pinnacle race for competitive amateur marathoners.

Next race: Monday, 19 April 2027

World Marathon Major

Cape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa

Cape Town Marathon

The Cape Town Marathon is Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the series in 2027 as the eighth race. The scenic course starts and finishes at DHL Stadium with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline. With rolling terrain and around 205 metres of total climbing, it is the only AIMS Gold Label marathon on the continent and a landmark race for runners worldwide.

Next race: Sunday, 30 May 2027

World Marathon Major

ChicagoIllinoisUnited States

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, 10 October 2027

World Marathon Major

LondonEnglandUnited Kingdom

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: Saturday, 24 April 2027

World Marathon Major

New YorkNew YorkUnited States

New York City Marathon

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

View all majors →

Largest fields

Popular marathons

The largest races outside of the world marathon majors — big fields, big atmosphere, and well-established courses.

ParisÎle-de-FranceFrance

Paris Marathon

The Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 54k finishers on an urban road in Paris, France. The course starts on the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe and finishes on Avenue Foch. The route passes Place de la Bastille, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Bois de Vincennes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations; no major hills or cobblestone sections.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

LanzhouGansuChina

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, 23 May 2027

JohannesburgGautengSouth Africa

Soweto Marathon

The Soweto Marathon is one of Africa's largest marathons, drawing about 35,000 finishers each November through Johannesburg's historic Soweto township. The course passes the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street (home of Mandela and Tutu), and FNB Stadium. November summer weather and powerful historical symbolism make it South Africa's most significant mass-participation marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 29 November 2026

BeijingBeijingChina

Beijing Marathon

The Beijing Marathon is China's most prestigious road race, with approximately 30k finishers each October on a course linking the capital's iconic boulevards. Runners pass Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Olympic Park on a flat route designed for fast times. The October race date and deep elite history make it the crown jewel of Chinese marathon running.

Next race: Sunday, 17 October 2027

OsakaOsakaJapan

Osaka Marathon

The Osaka Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 32k finishers on an urban road in Osaka, Japan. The course starts and finishes at Osaka Castle Park. The route passes Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Umeda, and Namba through central Osaka. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on bridge approaches over the city's rivers.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

ValenciaValencian CommunitySpain

Valencia Marathon

The Valencia Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing about 31,000 finishers on an urban road in Valencia, Spain. The course starts at Plaça de la Marató and finishes on a floating blue carpet at the City of Arts and Sciences. One of the world's fastest courses, with only about 16 metres between its lowest and highest points.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Find a Marathon →

Planning guides

Plan your next race

Practical guides on choosing a marathon, reading course profiles, and understanding the World Marathon Majors.

Still deciding where to run?

Search by country, month, or course type — and filter straight to the World Marathon Majors if that is what you are chasing.

Find a Marathon How to choose a marathon

Find the right marathon for you

Upcoming Marathons

New York City Marathon

Toyama Marathon

Linyi Marathon

Seoul Marathon

Istanbul Marathon

Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon

World Marathon Majors

Berlin Marathon

Boston Marathon

Cape Town Marathon

Chicago Marathon

London Marathon

New York City Marathon

Popular marathons

Paris Marathon

Lanzhou Marathon

Soweto Marathon

Beijing Marathon

Osaka Marathon

Valencia Marathon

Plan your next race

How to Choose Your First Marathon

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

World Marathon Majors Explained

Still deciding where to run?