My sister is looking for a marathon to run, and the other day she sent me a text saying she’d like to run New York and the majors. I’m all for having big, lofty goals and would also like to run New York. However, it’s challenging to get into the lotteries, and it’s expensive when coming from abroad, making it a tough decision to put all your eggs (and running goals) in that basket.
I enter a couple of marathon lotteries each year and have been successful with Chicago (my favourite race in the world) but not with the others. This year, I didn’t get into Berlin, and while I will enter the NYC lottery, I’m not expecting success. Usually I enter a lottery and also have a couple of top choice races to choose from, so that I end up running something that feels exciting and fun to me.
When selecting your marathon, it’s important to consider your goals. Are you only interested in running the majors, are you looking for a marathon so you can hit a specific time? Perhaps, like many runners, you’re seeking a runcation where you can combine your race with a relaxing and fun-filled holiday. If you can’t get a spot in one of the majors, there are numerous wonderful European marathons out there with great courses, amazing support, and exciting atmospheres, giving you plenty of choice. Additionally, if you’re traveling from Europe to them, like my sister will be, they’ll be much more cost-effective to participate in. Here are a few examples worth considering (in no particular order):
Rome (March): The course in Rome takes you past iconic landmarks, offering a unique way to experience the city’s rich history—making it a perfect race for a runcation! The finish near the Coliseum also provides dramatic shots for your Instagram. With landmarks strategically placed along the route, it’s easy to combine sightseeing with a fulfilling run. It’s also ideal for spectators who can easily navigate the course to catch glimpses of you multiple times. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in pizza, pasta, and ice cream for your pre- and post-race carb-loading.
Paris (April): Paris is an amazing marathon with a great reputation. I have a friend who loves it so much she runs it nearly every year! The course is fairly flat and, like the Rome marathon, is great for a runcation, as you’ll spend your race day running around all the landmarks and tourist attractions. At the end of the race, celebrate with champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Rotterdam (April): As I write this I’m considering traveling to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to cheer the marathon. I have a couple of friends running it, and I would love to see Kelvin Kiptum break his own World record and the 2 hour men’s marathon time. Rotterdam is a flat and fast course with lots to see as you run over the rivers. You can also combine your runcation with a trip to Amsterdam, just a short train ride away.
Vienna (April): The Vienna Marathon is known for having a super scenic course which weaves its way around all the landmarks. It’s also really well organised and has great crowd support. Vienna is renowned for its food scene, and the marathon often incorporates elements of this into the overall experience. Whether it’s post-race refreshments or local specialties along the route, runners can enjoy a taste of Vienna’s gastronomic delights.
Dublin (October): For an autumn marathon, Dublin is a great choice! The marathon route winds through the historic streets of Dublin, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and landmarks. The Dublin Marathon features live music and entertainment along the course, keeping you entertained. From traditional Irish tunes to modern bands, the event incorporates a lively and festive ambiance. Dubliners are well known for being really friendly, so it’s a great marathon to run for the spectator cheers! Once you’ve finished running, you can head to one of the city’s bars to test out the Guinness!
Lisbon (October): Lisbon is high up on my bucket list as it’s known for being the world’s most picturesque marathon. The race starts in a small village called Cascais, which is outside of Lisbon, on the coast. The journey into the city takes runners along the coast and the banks of the Tagus River, passing through smaller towns, scenic landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It ends at the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon. Running along the coast is always beautiful, but in a marathon I also appreciate it for the fresh air and breeze, as it keeps you cool through the long miles.
Athens (November): Looking to run “The Authentic” in the place where it all started? The marathon race in Greece originated back in 490 B.C, tracing its roots to the legendary feat of Pheidippides, a news-bearing foot soldier who ran from Marathon to Athens. His mission was to announce the victory of Greece over Persia during the historic Marathon Battle. Despite succumbing to exhaustion and perishing after delivering the crucial message, Pheidippides left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire the spirit of the marathon globally. The Athens Marathon starts in the town of Marathon by the Aegean Sea on the ancient site of the legendary battle and winds its way up and down hills to end at the Panathenaic Stadium, the scene of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The Athens marathon is known for being historically amazing and beautiful to run, but it’s not for the faint of heart because the course includes some steep ascents and descents, particularly around the halfway point, where runners encounter significant uphill sections. The route also has uneven surfaces, including cobblestones, which can add to the difficulty. Run Athens for the history, but definitely not for a PR!
Ten Other Great Options
Midnight Sun Marathon (June) (Run at night under the Scandinavian sun)
Reykjavik Marathon (August) You could combine this with a spa visit!
Loch Ness Marathon (September) (Will you find the monster?!)
Medoc Marathon (September) (Plan to drink wine en route)
While the allure of major marathons like New York and Tokyo might pull you in that direction, the challenges of lotteries and costs for international participants can be substantial. Of course, if they are top of your list, go for it, but if you don’t get a spot and you want to train for and run a marathon, don’t think your dreams are over. Consider exploring the variety of fantastic European marathons that not only offer exhilarating courses but also provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable runcation and some awesome race pics! From the historic streets of Rome to the iconic landmarks of Paris, the scenic routes of Vienna and Lisbon, and the authentic (and hilly!) experience of the Athens Marathon, there are plenty of options to choose from. Over the past ten years, I’ve learned that while the race itself is important to me, it’s actually the journey that means more, so choose something that you’ll enjoy, regardless of your race time, and plan to have a wonderful weekend celebrating with the locals!
I’m curious about the marathons you’ve run. Are there any that you’ve loved and can share with others?
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