RL360’s Around the World Marathon Map
27 June 2024
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There’s not many of us that could run a marathon. 26.2 miles of hard-going cardio, a typical marathon takes participants over 4 hours to complete and requires a lot of training and discipline. However the community spirit, masses of supporters cheering from the side-lines, and simply just the accomplishment of finishing such an endurance event, is enough to keep people coming back.
So for you running enthusiasts we have pulled together a list of marathons around the world that we think belong on your bucket list (plus a few that just look fun to try!).
On top of any enthusiast’s bucket list should be completing the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. Currently just over 12,000 runners have claimed the coveted six-star medal, which you receive by completing the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York Marathons.
1. Tokyo Marathon
A fairly new addition to the world of marathon running. It started (in its current form) in 2007. Every year the Tokyo Marathon receives over 300,000 applications, and just 10% of those end up in the actual event.
The marathon passes through some of the many famous sites in Tokyo. Starting in the bustling neon-lit Shinjuku district, runners also pass the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, until reaching the final stop, Tokyo Station.
2. Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon. When first held in 1897, there were only 15 runners. Nowadays, an average of 30,000 participants enter the marathon every year, which is traditionally held on Patriot’s Day.
Heartbreak Hill is a notorious incline located around mile 20 of the course. It is known for its challenging ascent and is seen as a defining moment for many runners, but don’t worry as you’ll have plenty of moral support. Around 500,000 spectators line the course every year, which equals around 80% of Boston’s population.
3. London Marathon
Every year the London Marathon attracts thousands of applicants worldwide, and more than 1.25 million people have completed the event since its launch in 1981. The route takes you through the heart of London, taking you past famous landmarks like The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace.
For some runners, taking on the 26.2 miles simply isn't enough, and they add a wedding proposal into the mix. Many couples have proposed during the London Marathon, some have even got married in the middle of the race! So, if you see someone running in a bridal gown, don’t assume it’s fancy dress...
4. Berlin Marathon
The early days of the Berlin marathon has a fascinating political history behind it, having started in 1974 in West Berlin in a divided Germany. In 1982 some East Germans secretly ran the race, registering under false names so as to avoid penalties from the East German secret service. For the first time in 1990, three days before reunification, the course of the Berlin Marathon went through Brandenburg Gate and into both parts of Berlin – symbolising a divided city coming together.
The Berlin course is the flattest in the world majors, regularly producing record-breaking times from runners. Uniquely the event also hosts an inline skating marathon, the only major marathon event to do so.
5. Chicago Marathon
Although the first Chicago Marathon was held in 1905, it didn’t become an annual event until 1977. The Chicago Marathon is the fastest out of the three major US races. Its flat course and autumnal weather usually creates perfect conditions for distance running.
Because of this, the event typically sees numerous world records broken. In fact six World Records have been broken here, including the current World Record set by Kelvin Kiptum (2023), with a time of 2:00:35.
6. New York City Marathon
The last on the World Majors’ calendar, the New York Marathon is the largest marathon event in the world. Last year’s race saw over 50,000 finishers, the third highest amount in the event’s history. The course travels through all five boroughs, starting in Brooklyn and finishing in Central Park.
Around 2 million spectators every year will watch the race and show their support. Notably, at Mile 9 the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Band will play the ‘Rocky’ theme as runners pass by, a tradition that has been upheld since 1979.
Completing all six major marathon events takes competitors about 7 years on average. If you’re looking for a more unique one-off marathon experience, you may want to check out these next races...
7. The Great Wall Marathon
This marathon takes you across the Great Wall of China and the course is much tougher than traditional marathons. Containing 5,164 unrelenting stone steps (some up to 40cm in height) and with many of the original sections of the wall now being little more than rubble, this poses an extreme challenge for runners.
The current course record is held by Jorge Maravilla (2013) with a time of 3:09:18 – significantly slower than many traditional course records which sit closer to 2 hours. It’s an extremely strenuous race, but it provides a new appreciation for one of the world’s greatest historical landmarks.
8. Athens Marathon
Greece is the birthplace of the marathon. Also known as ‘The Authentic’, the marathon course is inspired by the Ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides, a messenger who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greeks' victory over the Persians.
The Athens Marathon follows the same legendary route from Marathon to Athens, which now attracts more than 60,000 runners annually to follow (quite literally) in the footsteps of history. The finish line is housed at the famous Panathinaiko Stadium - location of the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896.
9. Midnight Sun Marathon
The Midnight Sun Marathon keeps you up and running through the night in Tromsø, Norway. Located in the Arctic Circle, the region experiences 24 hour sunlight in summer. Because of this, the race typically begins at 20:30, and competitors often finish after midnight.
Set in the scenic landscape of the Norwegian fjords, runners are surrounded by rolling hills and snow-topped mountains, all of which are still very much visible due to the perpetual daylight. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting for a marathon.
10. Marathon du Médoc
The Marathon du Médoc takes place in the French Médoc region, which is known for its vineyards. It is jokingly named ‘the longest marathon in the world’ because it is interspersed with various (mostly boozy) activities.
Scattered around the course are 50 orchestras, 23 wine-tasting stops, oyster tasting at mile 23 and steak at mile 24! It’s hard to resist the urge to take breaks and indulge in the food and culture. Don’t look to break your PB here, because this marathon is all about taking it easy and having fun!