We know that marathon majors get all the attention, but there are a ton of other incredible races that will make for the perfect race vacation or a PR attempt. So whether you’re coming in from the US or one of our European readers we hope this list gives you some new ideas.
Coach Amanda is well known for her love of run travel, but it’s definitely important to remember that travel can impact your race goals! Checkout our tips for international marathon travel (i.e. do you know why earplugs are so important on the plane???) and of course remember that you’re going to need to do some extra planning for your carb loading.
Best European Marathons
As always we take in to account feedback from our athletes, as well as all the info you give us throughout our social media discussions. But if you feel like there is a race missing from this list please drop a comment! Let’s help everyone find the right pick for their goals.
Paris Marathon
Date: April 12th, 2026
Location: Paris, France
Profile: Hilly
Type: Point-to-Point
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Paris is well-known for being one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the world. Thousands flock to her streets every year to take in the sights, sounds, tastes, and atmosphere the city has to offer.
But if you’re a runner, why not do all of that and run a world-renowned marathon in the process?
Tens of thousands of runners do just that, starting at the Champs Elysées and ending near the Arc de Triomphe, winding past many more legendary sites along the way.
The combination of major landmarks, historic ambiance, river views, and all things Paris make this one of the world’s most scenic city marathon courses.
The run isn’t simple, and features some tricky uphill and downhill portions, as well as some cobblestones streets. Basically, you’ll need to bring your focus.
That said, you might not even notice as you traverse famous avenues, plazas, and historic buildings and monuments one after another.
In addition to the famous sites at the start and finish, runners will also be treated to views of the Place de la Bastille, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and many others.
You’ll want to get there early, because there’s no better place to eat in preparation, and to experience the fair at Porte de Versailles. It takes place in the three days leading up to the marathon, and you’ll be able to enjoy the city, grab some swag, and meet other running enthusiasts from around the world.
Participant GopalR says they really want to run it again:
The people of Paris came in force to support and in this pandemic era it was so exhilarating to see this. On course nutrition is unbelievable and well though off for this era.
All the crowd support, the bands the sheer history of running on fabled street and around the historical monuments made me complete my marathon.
I would definitely go back even though that was not my mantra of running in the same city again.
Manchester Marathon
Date: April 19th, 2026
Location: Old Trafford, United Kingdom
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Point-to-Point
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Manchester Marathon is one of the biggest races in the United Kingdom, and recently saw its biggest turnout with 36,000 participants.
When you add that to over 140,000 spectators, you can expect the positives of big energy and a flat course.
If you’re there chasing a personal best, you’ll also have to navigate tons of first timers and slower-paced runners along the way.
The course begins at Old Trafford’s “Trafford Arch,” and then takes you through towns like Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Chorlton, Hulme, and more before guiding you into the city.
The finish line was moved in 2025, and is now located at The University of Manchester in the city center. Participants say this gives a more picturesque finish.
It’s a mixture of urban, suburban, and residential areas and has a mostly flat, straight, even profile that lends itself to fast times. The finish being in the city center is great for travel and logistics, and for celebrating with your fellow runners once the race is done.
If you’re looking to qualify for another race or to run a personal best, this one could be a great choice! The high energy certainly doesn’t hurt.
First-timer willlufc999 has good things to say about his experience:
The 3 of us set off together with a plan to hit a 4.10km pace and try and sit just ahead of the crowds near the 3-hour pacer, potentially pushing on in the last 10km or so.
At first, the course was quite narrow and busy, so it was hard to get in front of the pacers. I made a small surge around the 7km mark to get into a bit more clear air and away from the crowds, but lost my friends in the process.
The first half-marathon or so went by pretty smoothly, and I hit my aim of going through in 1.28 bang on – although my heart rate had been creeping up to the mid-170s which caused me some concern.
Everyone talks about how challenging marathons are from 30km onwards, but it’s hard to really know what it’s going to feel like until you’re there. I started to feel the fatigue creeping in from 28km, and it just got harder and harder to keep pace from that point onward.
I spent the last 15km with my heart rate over 180 and had to battle hard to keep one foot in front of the other.
By UK standards the temps were getting hot and a lot of people were struggling. It didn’t feel like there were enough water stations in the last 10km and I was just dying for some extra drink stations.
Luckily I caught my girlfriend around 32km and got some extra electrolytes and fluids onboard. Overall, I had 3 gels, one every 45mins and half a Voom bar near the end but was struggling to keep them down and struggled a bit balancing the fuelling side of things.
I felt myself getting slower and slower towards 40km but knew as long as I held on and didn’t stop I could hit my target.
Judging by my splits I managed a slight resurgence in the last couple of kilometres and gave it my all in the 500m or so toward the finish line leaving everything out there.
Luxembourg Night Marathon
Date: May 16th, 2026
Location: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Profile: Hilly
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The ING Night Marathon Luxembourg is a one-of-a-kind experience, and for that reason is a very crowded race.
The night race begins in the evening and runs a loop through the town’s green valleys, ancient fortress walls, and through the heart of the historic city itself.
Support can be found in every neighborhood and at every landmark, all illuminated to add to the atmosphere and experience. There’s also music, energy, and crowds that really add to the overall nightlife vibe.
The course itself is fairly challenging for a city race, with pretty constant ups and downs, twisting roads, and streets that are narrow at points and not always flat and straight.
Those factors, combined with the race being at night, aren’t conducive to running a personal best.
Still, if you’re looking for a race that’s an immersive experience in a unique and vibrant city, you can’t go wrong with this one.
YanisNanashi certainly seems to have had a great time:
Luxemburg Marathon is a big party! The event consists of full marathon, half marathon and different team runs.
It´s a night run that starts at 7pm.
Nice expo and everything is very well organized. Spectators get orange hats and rattles to make noise with.
The course takes runners from there to the city centre and back. The atmosphere is fantastic!
Many people and a lot of DJs at the course and they really know how to cheer. Weather was sunny and hot – definitely a bit too hot with temperatures close to 30 degrees celsius.
Finish is in the expo hall which is almost as spectacular as the famous finish of Frankfurt Marathon.
All in all a super nice race!
Stockholm Marathon
Date: May 30th, 2026
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Profile: Flat, Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Stockholm Marathon is certified, organized, well-run and memorably scenic. It’s also the largest and most popular marathon in the Nordic region, registering 23,500 runners in 2025!
The race begins at a unique start time of noon on Lidingövägen, outside the Stockholm Olympic Stadium (hosted in 1912), and finishes inside that same building. On your way out and back you’ll traverse much of the island cityscape, including the well-preserved old-town center, green areas, and plenty of waterside/beachside parks.
The course gives a broad tour of Stockholm and is more scenic than many fast, flat city road marathons.
Many take this opportunity to visit Stockholm for the first time, exploring the island-based city as they run. The constantly changing scenery is a big plus, and the large crowd support will give you the energy and vibes to push through to the end.
Ravyoli said it was a good, if hot, time:
The words “heja, heja, heja” that Swedes/spectators called out still rings in my head! LOL
It was my first trip to Stockholm, Sweden (2018) so I figured why not sign up for a marathon? The expo was so-so. It’s not big like the others I’ve been to.
It was a very, very hot race and I’m from California! I believe it was considered to be an unseasonably hot weather that they had ‘shower stations’ set up along the course. I expected refreshing, cold water bursting from shower heads, but it was basically low pressured mists like the ones you see at the produce section at the groceries! LOL 😀
Speaking of groceries….I was surprised to see them serve cola (pepsi or coke) and pickles on the course….something us ultra/trail runners really appreciate.
Overall it was a fun and very organized race. I enjoyed the crowd cheer/chants (heja) and volunteer support.
Marathon Du Medoc
Date: September 5th, 2026
Location: Gironde, France
Profile: Fast and Flat(ish)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Marathon du Médoc is held in the wine-region vineyards of the Médoc, and is a bucket list for many who love wine, food and community. Although it’s a standard, certified course, the focus is more on fun rather than chasing a personal best or qualifying time.
The course winds through vineyards, villages, and famous wine estates, and there are tastings along the way. The scenery and culture of the race is very relaxed, which is different from what you’ll find in many city marathons.
The race is also kept small at just 8500 participants, so make sure to register early because it fills up.
In addition to the offered wine tastings, there are also gourmet and local food offerings at most of the aid stations that actually pair with the wine! Costumes are encouraged, and most years there’s a theme to follow, which is a relief for the anxious among us.
Overall, the marathon is a celebration of the culture and like a party running through vineyards, so don’t sign up expecting your time to matter more than your overall experience.
Participant jrohlede says it was “good times:”
Medoc marathon is a marathon thru vineyards in Bordeaux France going thru approximately 18 Chateau’s with 21 wine stops. 90% of participants dress in costume based on each years theme.
This years theme was superhero’s. Our group (6 of us) chose to run as Minions.
There are 8500 participants and the marathon is 70% fun, 30% serious.
The fun….
The start is in a small town with no corrals. There are circus soleil performers performing overhead. Nobody except maybe the top runners taking it serious. The main thing to do at the start is wonder around and look at the costumes.
The course is a varied mixture of paved roads, dirt trails and gravel. Mostly flat with some nasty little hills on the back half. Lots of running thru wine vineyards. Some of the chateaus were really really nice old wineries. But did spend a lot of time looking at grape vines.
As for the water / food / wine stops –
The food was great. Every mile or so they had trays of fresh fruit, homemade breads, sweets and other really good stuff.
At mile 19 they had fresh oysters, mile 20 filet mignon and mile 25 some of the best chocolate covered ice cream bars I had ever had.
Not a big wine drinker so skipped most of the wine stops in the courtyard of the Chateaus but most of the people stopped often to participate.
The serious.
As fun as the marathon is it is still a marathon. They have a 6 and a half hour cutoff with sweepers and pick up buses if you fall behind the sweepers.
So if you choose to stop at the food / wine stops you have to make up the time or be swept.
Only 3 of the 6 in our group actually made the finishing time. The wine stops are very crowded and you could easily spend 5 minutes at each one.
The finish and swag.
You wanted to be sure and finish because the swag was amazing. Bottle of wine from the Bordeaux region, t-shirt and medal.The next day.
The next day the marathon puts on a 7 mile recovery walk thru the vineyards and party. Very Nice sit down lunch. Cost extra but well worth it.
So….all in all a marathon wine party with the underpinnings of an actual marathon.
Good times
Amsterdam Marathon
Date: October 18th, 2026
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Amsterdam Marathon is a World Athletic’s Platinum event, and for many years has been considered one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.
The race starts and finishes at historic Olympic Stadium Amsterdam, where the country hosted the 1928 games. From there, you’ll go out on a flat, paved course that runs beneath the Rijksmuseum and other city sights before taking you along the Amstel River and a loop through Vondelpark.
The route offers a great mix of green parks, river and rural segments, modern city architecture, and cultural landmarks. It’s a race that’s truly as scenic as it is fast!
If you’re looking to run a personal best or have other qualification goals in 2026, this is a race you should seriously consider.
It’s also efficient and well-organized, and attracts runners from all over the world, thanks to its Platinum label.
The Amsterdam Marathon also features an expo in the days leading up to the race, which is free to attend. You’ll pick up your packet and bib there, and will likely want to stick around for the vibes.
First-timer semodlin really enjoyed her experience:
This was my second time running a marathon in Europe, and I had a blast! Since it was the 50th anniversary, the production was through the roof!
The expo had a lot to offer, information from previous marathons, and a speaker series.
We were able to start in the stadium and ran through a few parks. We were surrounded by spectators about 90% of the time, so I felt energized! The course is mostly flat, so I did better than I thought.
Since the race was packed, I did have to run in between people often just to get around them.
My only complaint is that there was no food provided. We only received a banana and water for free. There were food trucks if we wanted to purchase something, but we shouldn’t have to do that.
Dublin Marathon
Date: October 25th, 2026
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Dublin Marathon is a longstanding event that’s popular with locals and running tourists alike.
It begins and ends in central Dublin, and in the middle, loops through city streets, historic neighborhoods, and large green spaces lik Phoenix Park.
Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe and provides a great change of scenery just when you need it.
You’ll also get glimpses of some of Dublins historic landmarks and heritage areas, like old streets, riverside views, and traditional neighborhoods that are a treat for out-of-towners.
The course itself is flat enough to be friendly for first-timers, but there are some rolling sections that will challenge even more seasoned participants. There is at least one significant hill later in the race that will test your endurance, so definitely don’t skip out on the training.
Overall it’s easier than a super hilly course but more challenging than a typical fast-and-flat city course, so if you’re looking for a challenge, this could be an excellent choice.
This is a large event and is well-attended by crowds, but it is well-organized and the start and finish in the city center makes it great for logistics and planning. The weather in October in Dublin can be a bit unpredictable, which could have an impact on performance and comfort, so be prepared with plenty of layers.
Cassidymegan3 ran a personal best and couldn’t say enough about the support:
This is the 2nd time that I have run this race. I ran it in 2017 and PR’d (PB’d) my marathon by almost 23 minutes. It was the first time I broke 4 hours and I had 7 minuted to spare.
My mission this time was to BQ. (My BQ time is 3:35:00 and my personal best so far was 2019 Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA USA at a 3:49:21.
I finished Dublin this year at 3:30:06 (A BQ with 4 minutes, 54 seconds to spare) – and I stopped at one of the water stations to make sure that I filled my bottle with Lucazene (whatever their electrolyte drink is called – it’s good, I just can’t remember the name of it) and I also walked 2 hills. the crowd is excellent. the fellow runners are considerate.
They give you full, flip-top squirt bottles of water at every other mile, so you can carry it with you if you wish or (if not) there’s enough weight in it to properly chuck it off-course.
End result: you’re not stepping over 22,500 + cups at every station.
I will never ever ever ever ever have anything bad to say about this race. I really wish I lived there (or closer to there, or in a city where direct-flights are frequent and cheap) because this could very well become my annual adventure. I love this race. I love it.
I love my shirt (which you get after you get your medal, not at the expo), I love my beanie hat (which we got at packet pick-up). I love it all. Plenty of portapotties. Well-organized bag drop. the volunteers are like no others
The best part of this year was that – when I crossed the finish line, I stopped my watch and threw my arms up in jubilation! 3:30:08 and I lost it. I just started crying.
A nice Irish man asked, “are you OK?” and another guy said “ah – those are tears of happiness if I’ve ever seen them, lad!”
When I could finally get my breath back enough to say “20 minutes! My personal best by 20 minutes!” both guys gave me a big hug and I got several pats on the back. I’ve cried at the end of a lot of races, but there’s something about Ireland – people are SO NICE.
Athens Marathon
Date: November, 2026
Location: Marathon to Athens, Greece
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Point-to-Point
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Athens Marathon is widely known as the original marathon course, and many runners who have participated in modern day versions feel the event is more than a race. They love celebrating the ancient history itself, which honors the legacy of the first marathoner, Pheidippides.
You’ll begin in Marathon, the small Greek town where Athenian soldiers who died in battle are memorialized. The course starts out flat or slightly downhill, but after about 10km, begins a sustained and difficult climb until the 30km mark.
The segment is known as one of the toughest in any major marathon, so this race will be a challenge and likely not the spot for a personal best.
Once you hit the high point, the course will transition into a downhill stretch that takes you into the Panathenaic Stadium. It’s a dramatic finish that inspires almost everyone who has participated in the marathon.
Many participants have called the finish line one of the most memorable in the world.
Runner Susan Vickerman says the race did not disappoint:
Great Race! I loved Greece! It was the perfect time to go, no crowds and cooler temperatures. Wear a hat, it is very sunny! Bring Toilet paper! And brace yourself for the climb!
It starts at mile 8 and continues until after 20. The last 5K is downhill, I truly enjoyed that!
The day started cool but warmed up fast. The sun is very intense, I made the mistake of not wearing a hat.
Another note you will wait for a long time for the race to start, if you are not in the first waves. I took the race slow and steady.
My goal was to finish strong! When I ran in to the Panthenaic Stadium, I was overcome with Joy! I waited a long time to do this Iconic race because the elevation gain and the heat scared me, I would tell anyone to just do it!
I have run all the World Majors, and almost 40 marathons, this one will always be one of my best memories.
Valencia Marathon
Date: December 6th, 2026
Location: Valencia, Spain
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Valencia Marathon is another on this list that has earned a Platinum Label Road Race designation, which means you can expect a popular race that’s extremely well-organized and run.
It begins at Pont de Montolivet and ends at the nearby Museu de les
Ciències Príncipe Felipe, essentially making a loop through the city and some surrounding coastal areas.
You’ll be treated to sites like city avenues, the historic city center, and parts of Valencia’s seafront as well – but it’s mix of urban and seafront scenery is only half the draw.
The Valencia Marathon is known to be one of the fastest courses in the world, due to its extremely flat course and even, paved roads. This makes it popular among runners looking for a personal record and beginners who are looking for a smooth course to start out on.
The weather is typically mild in Valencia in December, making it ideal for marathons, and you won’t be disappointed by the organization, amenities, or support offered along the course.
Runner indorock didn’t meet all of his goals, but still had a good time running:
Throughout the race I positioned myself to always have a runner shielding me from any headwind, whenever possible.
My fuelling strategy was identical to Amsterdam: 1 black (non-caffeinated) Maurten gel pre-race, then alternate between white (caffeinated) and black Maurtens every 7.5K, until 37.5K. At 32K I ingested a potassium/magnesium liquid from Decathlon which does an excellent job at preventing cramps in the quads or calves in the last 10K.
I hit all but one water station (the last one) to be on the safe side.
Everything went swimmingly, I maintained my goal pace of 4:05-4:07/km for the first 21K. However just after that I already started to feel a twinge of fatigue enter the thighs.
This was far earlier than expected, and I didn’t understand why. I was disciplined in both my pacing and my fuelling, it was sunny but cool so I wasn’t sweating out much electrolytes at all, so this didn’t make so much sense.
But it is what it is. I dialed down my pace ever so slightly, but to no real avail. At around 30K I was pretty much certain I was going to hit the wall, or something resembling it.
This has not happened to me since 2017 in Boston, and there I could lay the blame on Heartbreak Hill, but this time it was on me.
I also had developed a blister (also never experienced before in a race) but that pain was easy enough to ignore. But the shutting down of the legs was something I could not meditate away.
The last 6K were simply excruciating. Hundreds of runners just zoomed by me as I barely maintained a 4:45/km pace.
I tried to find a mental happy place to generate a burst of energy but I was so deep inside the hurt locker, it wasn’t helping.
My only consolation was that I never resorted to walking…and as a result I was still at least able to come away with a sub 3-hour time. Although I knew I should have been able to do much better.
Pisa Marathon
Date: December, 2026
Location: Pisa, Italy
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier: Yes
The Pisa Marathon is unique because of its stunning finish, right under the historic and famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The vibe of the entire race is a blend of sport, history, and scenery that’s got something for everyone. First-timers, serious runners, and tourist marathoners should all find something to love.
The race begins near the city center, in front of Piazza Daniele Manin, and finishes under the iconic tower. The course takes you through urban streets, along the river Arno, winds among historic and coastal areas, and some green/park areas as well.
This is a competitive road marathon and many people run great times, but most consider it more of a cultural experience than just a marathon.
If this is a first time for you, this race has a generous time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. You might use some of that time to really soak in the flavor of coastal Tuscany, the Arno riverfront, and everything else the course offers.
This is another small race, with just around 5000 participants, so if that’s your jam, definitely put it on your list.
Pickupthepacepaul took his whole family and enjoyed the entire experience:
I found my pace group and made my way to the start, where I found a number of runners ready for the half and full marathons, which start together.
As we started, I saw my wife and family immediately because they came out of the hotel to see me. It was nice to see them at the start, as they wouldn’t usually come to the start of a race, but when I literally ran past them, they took the opportunity.
The Pisa Marathon route is flat and fast, so great PB potential. It was a good balance of feeling busy for the size of the marathon whilst never feeling congested.
The aid stations were able to manage with the numbers, and I easily got water at every aid station. There was also fresh fruit at every station, plus an electrolyte drink and also hot tea. I stuck to the water and oranges.
There were certainly some beautiful sections during the race, and it was peaceful.
Much of the route was quiet with little crowd support, which is usual in a lot of races. More spectators on the course would be good, but with 90 pacers on a course this size, there were many groups of runners that provided good support throughout.
The pacers played an important role in cheerleading.
It was a nice route in many ways, with good PB potential, but ultimately, the draw for the event is the start and finish area. You felt the support as you entered the last few KM in the race entering Pisa.
I loved the race, mostly for the city and the experience. There aren’t many finish lines with such an iconic feature in the background of your finish photo.
There must be (at least) one of these that piqued your interest.
Tell us which, and then make sure your passport is up to date!
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