There are thousands of marathons around the world – however, some rise above the rest.
Whether you might want to work your way to running one yourself, or are just curious about what the options are, you’ll find a dozen of the top ones from across the globe.
1. TCS New York City Marathon
Arguably the most popular and well-known marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon takes 50,000 runners through all five boroughs of the world’s most famous city and has been going since 1970.
After heading out to the sound of Frank Sinatra’s legendary “New York, New York,” participants can take in the sights of some of the most iconic locations on the planet, such as Fifth Avenue and Columbus Circle, before passing the famous Central Park finish line.
2. Niagara Falls International Marathon
Staying with North America, the Niagara Falls International Marathon has been going since 1974 and is one of the most scenic marathons on the continent.
Accommodating 1,500 runners, it’s a fast course that starts with a short stretch in Buffalo before taking them over the International Peace Bridge, then into Ontario for 18 miles on Niagara Parkway, and finishing with a gorgeous view at the edge of the jaw-dropping Niagara Falls.
3. Antarctic Ice Marathon
If you’re particularly adventurous and are looking for something significantly different and challenging, the Antarctic Ice Marathon could be what you’ve been looking for. It started in 2006, and only around 50 people dare take on the challenge each year.
It’s the only footrace in the Arctic Circle and is the world’s coldest, windiest, highest, and driest marathon. So pile on the layers and venture where even penguins daren’t.
4. Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon
If you’d prefer to run in a more tropical climate, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better event than the Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon, which has been going since 2003.
It’s a small event with around 50 runners competing, and it’s an early 5 a.m. start, but are you going to complain when you’re looking at those gorgeous sandy beaches and the crystal clear Caribbean Sea? Moreover, it’s one of the friendliest marathons in the world, as the staff are so attentive and will even meet participants at the airport.
5. TCS Amsterdam Marathon
Let’s head to Europe with the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, which began in 1975. If you’re looking to achieve a fast time, this is the marathon to do, as it’s notoriously flat in the Dutch capital. Sixteen thousand runners can’t be wrong.
This one starts and finishes at the 1928 Olympic Stadium and takes you on a route through urban and rural settings. You’ll run by the famous Amstel River and Vondelpark and go through the heart of the Rijksmuseum, which houses iconic art by artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
6. BMW Berlin Marathon
Speaking of fast marathon courses, let’s stay in Europe and head across the Netherlands border into Germany. The BMW Berlin Marathon has been going since 1974 and generally has around 40,000 participants. Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge set the world record of 2:01:09 at the 2022 event.
This marathon is as flat as a pancake, and the energizing music of 80 bands will help you around the course, which starts and finishes starts and finishes near the famous Brandenburg Gate.
7. Islandsbanki Reykjavík Marathon
Another European marathon now, and this time we’re heading to Reykjavík. Nearly 1,000 runners participate in the enchanting loop course in the Icelandic capital, which has been going since 1984.
The area’s natural hot springs create some of the cleanest air in the world, and the run will take you past the beautiful Tjörnin pond, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and woodlands, as well as Reykjavík’s bustling city streets.
8. Australian Outback Marathon
You could head to Oceania and brave the Australian Outback Marathon if you want something challenging, vast, and off the grid. The race started in 2010, and around 100 runners usually participate.
The harsh terrain of this event will see you running through the infamous Australian bush, along fire trails, and over soft-sand dunes. There’s a big pay-off around 22 miles in, as the awe-inspiring Ayers Rock comes into view.
9. Big Five Marathon
South Africa has a few worthwhile marathon races, but none are better than the Big Five Marathon. It’s a trail race that heads into the thick of the African savannah, with no fences between the runners and the incredible wildlife. There’s nothing between you and lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and more.
It’s been taking place since 2005, and around 150 participants usually show up for it. It might not be the best terrain for a quick time, but if you see a lion, you will move fast!
10. Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu
Considered the most challenging marathon on the planet, the Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu takes us to South America. This one takes runners through rocky Inca trails, tunnels, and steps, with a gain of 10,400 feet and a loss of 11,000 feet in elevation.
The event started in 1998 and rarely gets more than 25 participants due to its difficulty and cost. However, if you want a huge challenge, there’s no better marathon to choose than this one.
11. TCS London Marathon
The TCS London Marathon is up there with the New York equivalent as one of the most famous in the world. It started in 1981 and is now taken on by more than 35,000 runners yearly. Like many British ideas, the concept for this race was established over a few beers in a pub.
It’s a lovely flat course that takes participants along the River Thames, across Tower Bridge, and past iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Place. Moreover, the London crowds are some of the best cheerleaders on the planet.
12. Great Wall Marathon
In this piece, we’ve taken you to every other continent on Earth, so let’s end in Asia with the Great Wall Marathon. As the name suggests, this one takes runners along the iconic Great Wall of China, giving them fantastic views as it snakes through the Chinese countryside.
This once-in-a-lifetime run is taxingly humid, and some of the course’s stair climbs are steep and exhausting, but around 2,500 runners take it each year. It started in 1999.