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Best marathons and half-marathons around the world

marathon in Italy Photo: Pietro Rampazzo / unsplash

They say when you reach 25 you either start having kids or start training for a marathon. It’s hard to tell which task is more arduous, but if you’re on the marathon side AND you love to travel then boy have you come to the right place ‘cos we’re listing the best marathons around the world (and half-marathons!).

Whether it’s your New Year’s resolution, you’re a seasoned runner and trackstar, or you’re just trying to run away from your life as fast as you can, there’s always a marathon or half-marathon you can sign up to. Alongside listing the best marathons around the world, we’ll also be giving you some expert tips on international running competitions – though, no cheat codes to the win, I’m afraid.

What are the biggest marathons in the world?

There are seven big and huge and super famous marathons in the world, known as the 7 World Major Marathons, and they are as follows:

Because these marathons are the biggest, they can be quite hard to get into. Though never say never and chase your dreams – you’re good at chasing, right?

How many days before the marathon should I get there?

Deciding when to get to your race location will depend on a few things. You should first figure out when your marathon pack is ready for pick up, which is usually the day before the race, so you’ll want to be there for that. Picking up your pack early is a good idea as well as there will be crowds, so if you can make it in the morning do that. 

However, you want to rest as much as possible before the big day, so avoid travelling too far in advance or you may be tempted to walk around and explore, hindering your race. If you want to explore the new destination, extend your holiday afterwards as a reward!

So, taking all this into account, the best time to arrive at your marathon location is to fly in the evening 2 days before, i.e. if your marathon is on a Sunday, aim to arrive at your destination on the Friday night.

Contiki’s active trips: a perfect recipe for mindful travel

Contiki’s active trips: a perfect recipe for mindful travel

Charlie Fabre
by Charlie Fabre Mar 31, 2023

How should I prepare for an international marathon or half-marathon?

The basic running prep is like any other marathon prep at home and you won’t have to worry about the route since everything will be clearly marked on the day (not to mention the hordes of people running in the same direction). But here are some other practical tips to help you prepare:

Why not get some practice with Contiki Run Club? If you’re wanting to run a half-marathon or marathon this year, perhaps for the first time, and travel at the same time then you should check out our new range of trips around Europe! Trek through beautiful streets with a 5-15k every morning alongside your Contiki crew, and enjoy sightseeing and culture the rest of the day. It’s sort of the best of both worlds!

Tokyo marathon, Japan

Image source:Sakana / unsplash

Best half-marathons and marathons around the world

Picking the best half-marathons and marathons around the world can be sort of a subjective thing for every runner. With specific memories and experiences associated with each race, there’s no real answer. That’s why our criteria for the lists below is based on the following:

So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

Best half-marathons

1. Paris – Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris

The Harmonie Mutuelle half-marathon is one of Paris’ most prestigious running events and it attracts runners from all over the globe. If you love Paris or have never been and are dreaming to go, then this is a great way to view the City of Love’s monuments and tourist attractions, as well as run through some scenic parks and forests in the area. 

Dates: March

Capacity: 45,000

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2. Newcastle – The Great North Run

The Great North Run is one of the largest half-marathons in the world and it takes place in Northern England in and around Newcastle. The track will take you around some of the city’s best sights, as well as the ocean, giving you a glimpse of English culture and history, but the real selling point of The Great North Run is the electric atmosphere. With plenty of cheering crowds, music blasting through the streets, and great entertainment to celebrate afterwards, it’s the people of Newcastle (and the many runners and their supporters) that make the experience so worth it.

Dates: September

Capacity: 60,000

3. China – The Great Wall Half

What better way to cross off two bucket-list items in one go than by signing up for The Great Wall Half! You’ll be running along one of the Seven Wonders of the World – a very special opportunity indeed – with people from all over the world, taking in China’s stunning natural beauty and breaking a sweat. This is a very difficult half-marathon however due to the Great Wall’s terrain and elevation, and as a result fewer participants are allowed each year.

Dates: May

Capacity: 2,500

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4. Vancouver – BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

Breathe in that fresh Canadian air and take in some mountain and city-scapes by participating in the annual BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. This is a fast-paced race which will take you through some of Vancouver’s prettiest corners. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, this is a chance to see the city at its best and appreciate the gem of British Columbia

Dates: May

Capacity: 20,000+

5. Norway – Polar Night Half Marathon

Another unique and spectacular half-marathon, the Polar Night Half Marathon is perfect for any adventurer not afraid to brave the cold. This half-marathon takes place in and around Tromso, Norway, and no, it doesn’t actually take place at night, however the city is above the Arctic circle so the sun does not rise above the horizon. This will give the gorgeous snowy scenery a magical glow, and you can take some time to visit the local reindeer and Indigenous Samí people when your run is done!

Expect to be cold. Proper winter gear is a must, as well as trail shoes or spiked soles because the route is likely to be icy. This race is for intermediate runners because of the terrain, but if you make the cut you may be lucky enough to witness some northern lights!

Dates: January

Capacity: 2,000

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6. Myanmar – Bagan Temple Half Marathon

The Bagan Temple Half Marathon is easily one of the most beautiful running routes in the world. Spread over a mix of dirt and asphalt roads, you’ll be racing through Myanmar’s lush countryside and you’ll get to view over 2,000 gorgeous temples. It’s truly a stunning race and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Dates: November

Capacity: N/A

7. Gothenburg – Goteborgsvarvet Half Marathon

This half marathon in Sweden is reportedly the largest in the world and it’s been running (no pun intended) since 1980. Athletes from all over the world can gather to run through one of Sweden’s most illustrious cities, encouraged by over 200,000 people cheering on! How’s that for ambiance? And, if you haven’t gotten your fill of adrenaline, you can visit Liseberg nearby – Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park.

Dates: May

Capacity: 60,000+

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8. London – Royal Parks Half Marathon

London is known for being a beautiful melting pot of a city, and one of its key attractions are the many parks that crown the city. So, the Royal Parks Half Marathon is sort of perfect for any runners wanting to get a glimpse of the idyllic beauty! As the name suggests, the run will take you through the bustling city around Hyde Park, Green Park, St. James’ Park, and Kensington Gardens. It’s the only London-based race which will actually take you through most of the centre of the city, and you’ll be supporting the preservation of these green areas.

Dates: October

Capacity: 16,000

Best Marathons

1. Valencia – Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

The Valencia Marathon is a Platinum Label Road Race and it’s a completely flat route making it accessible to runners of all levels. The route starts Plaça de la Marató and ends over a bridge in the City of Arts and Sciences – it’s a great way to catch the Spanish city’s sights and monuments, and a section of the race is held over a gorgeous waterway creating a magical moment.

Dates: December

Capacity: 35,000

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2. Boston – Boston Marathon

Perhaps the most famous and most prestigious marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon has been held in the city since 1897 and takes place on Patriot’s Day. The Boston Marathon is one of the 7 World Major Marathons, and getting in isn’t easy, but if you do you’ll be cheered on by impressive crowds of over 500,000 people! Race through the historic New England streets and grab yourself a buttered lobster roll and Quincy Market when you’re done.

Dates: April

Capacity: 30,000

3. Athens – Athens Marathon

Take on the ancient beauty of Athens under the warm November sun! This is the birthplace of the sport after all, so it would honestly just be rude to snub it. You’ll be able to soak in the history all around you by running past the Acropolis and finish at the Panathenaic Stadium, and devour some well-deserved gyros at the finish line.

Dates: November

Capacity: 80,000

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4. Auckland – Barefoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon

Get yourself to the other end of the world in New Zealand for this exciting marathon filled with good vibes and lots of sunshine! A key feature of the Auckland Marathon is the fact that you’ll be running over the iconic Harbour Bridge which is only closed to traffic for this occasion, making this one of your only opportunities to do so.

Dates: November

Capacity: 15,000

5. Florence – Florence Marathon

Everyone loves Italy, right? And the Tuscan countryside is just gorgeous, so it follows that the Florence Marathon is one of the best marathons in the world! The route takes you by the romantic city’s most stunning landmarks and you’ll be cheered on by jubilant locals and travellers alike. Prepare for a hilly track, though – this may be a course for intermediate runners that can take the constant rise and fall of the beautiful landscape.

Dates: November

Capacity: 10,000+

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6. Tokyo – Tokyo Marathon

Another one of the 7 World Major Marathons, the Tokyo Marathon is not to be missed for any runner worth their salt. What’s impressive about this marathon is that the route is designed to symbolise and take you through the past, present, and future of Japan’s capital city. It’s quite a flat route and it starts at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishes at Tokyo Station. 

Dates: March

Capacity: 38,000

7. Sydney – Sydney Marathon

Newly added to the list of World Major Marathons, the Sydney Marathon is Australia’s shining athletic jewel. The race was started in 2000 as a test ahead of the Summer Olympics that the city was hosting that year, and the event has persisted ever since. Taking place in September each year, the sun will be out and weather mild, making it the perfect time for a big old run. Soak up the rest of the city’s culture afterwards with your friends and family that came to support you!

Dates: September

Capacity: 35,000

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8. Chicago – Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is pretty special as it is currently the track on which the male and female world records are held! In 2023, the world record for fastest marathon time was broken by both a male and female athletes. Race through the windy city with top performing runners at their peak – it’ll feel like you’re flying. This is also one of the 7 World Major Marathons, so by completing your run here you’ll be involved in history!

Dates: October

Capacity: 50,000

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