World Marathons
10 marathons across 5 continents. Find your next starting line.
10 marathons
Tokyo Marathon
β Majorπ Tokyo, Japan
Participants
38K
Elevation
42 m
Record
2:02:40
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 46-54 Β°F
Boston Marathon
β Majorπ Boston, USA
Participants
30K
Elevation
145 m
Record
2:03:02
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 50-61 Β°F
London Marathon
β Majorπ London, United Kingdom
Participants
50K
Elevation
47 m
Record
2:01:25
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 50-57 Β°F
Paris Marathon
π Paris, France
Participants
54K
Elevation
63 m
Record
2:04:21
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 46-57 Β°F
Berlin Marathon
β Majorπ Berlin, Germany
Participants
45K
Elevation
22 m
Record
2:01:09
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 54-64 Β°F
Sydney Marathon
π Sydney, Australia
Participants
16K
Elevation
115 m
Record
2:08:16
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 57-68 Β°F
Chicago Marathon
β Majorπ Chicago, USA
Participants
48K
Elevation
28 m
Record
2:03:45
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 46-59 Β°F
Cape Town Marathon
π Cape Town, South Africa
Participants
12K
Elevation
190 m
Record
2:08:53
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 61-72 Β°F
New York City Marathon
β Majorπ New York, USA
Participants
53K
Elevation
256 m
Record
2:05:06
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 41-54 Β°F
Athens Marathon (The Authentic)
π Athens, Greece
Participants
20K
Elevation
340 m
Record
2:10:10
Scenic score
π‘οΈ 54-64 Β°F
Annual marathon calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Marathon Travel: Run the World's Greatest Races
The intersection of running and travel has created a booming "race-cation" culture, with millions of Americans traveling to run marathons and half-marathons each year. The six World Marathon Majors (New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo) represent the pinnacle of distance running, while destination races in places like Athens, Honolulu, and Big Sur offer uniquely scenic experiences. Smart points strategy makes race travel affordable and comfortable.
The World Marathon Majors
The New York City Marathon is the world's largest, with 50,000+ runners crossing the five boroughs. The Boston Marathon is the most prestigious, requiring qualifying times for most entrants. Chicago's flat course is ideal for personal bests. London, Berlin, and Tokyo round out the international Majors, each offering a distinct cultural experience alongside world-class race organization. Completing all six earns the coveted Six Star Medal.
Destination Races Worth the Journey
The Big Sur Marathon offers cliffside Pacific Coast views considered among the world's most scenic. The Honolulu Marathon requires no qualifying time and runs along Waikiki Beach. Athens' original marathon course traces the legendary route from Marathon to Athens. The Great Wall Marathon (China), the Midnight Sun Marathon (Norway), and the Kilimanjaro Marathon (Tanzania) combine running with unforgettable travel experiences.
Race Travel with Points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining, covering race-trip flights, hotels, and pre/post-race meals. For the World Majors, transfer points to airlines like United, British Airways, or ANA for flights to London, Berlin, and Tokyo. Hotel points cover race-weekend stays: transfer to Hyatt for properties near start/finish lines in major cities. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access for comfortable travel before race day.
Marathon Travel Planning Tips
Register for major marathons 6-12 months in advance, as many sell out through lottery systems. Book hotels near the start line or along the course for easy race-morning logistics. Ship your running shoes and gear ahead using services to avoid airline baggage issues. Plan your pre-race meal at a restaurant you've tested before, and walk the last miles of the course the day before to familiarize yourself with the finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon Travel
1How do I enter the New York City Marathon?
The NYC Marathon has several entry paths: the general lottery (apply in January, drawing in March), guaranteed entry through time qualifying, fundraising for official charity partners ($2,500-$5,000 minimum), or the 9+1 program (run 9 NYRR races + volunteer at 1). International runners can enter through official tour operators that include travel packages.
2What credit card is best for marathon travel?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining, ideal for race trips. Its trip delay insurance protects against flight disruptions before race day. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access for pre-race travel comfort. Both cards have no foreign transaction fees for international marathon trips.
3How much does it cost to run a World Marathon Major?
Entry fees range from $150 (Chicago) to $350+ (Tokyo). Total trip costs including travel, hotel (3-4 nights), and food typically run $1,000-$3,000 for domestic races and $2,500-$5,000 for international ones. Charity entries add $2,500-$5,000 in fundraising. Using points for flights and hotels can cut costs by 40-60%.
4When should I book travel for a marathon?
Book flights and hotels as soon as you confirm your race entry, ideally 6-9 months before the race. Marathon weekends cause significant hotel price increases in host cities. Use refundable hotel bookings initially, then switch to points/award bookings when available. Arrive 2-3 days early to adjust to time zones and rest your legs.
5What are the most scenic destination marathons?
The Big Sur Marathon (California coast), the Midnight Sun Marathon (Tromso, Norway), the Great Wall Marathon (China), and the Athens Marathon (Greece) are consistently rated among the world's most scenic. The Honolulu Marathon and the Maui Marathon offer tropical running along Hawaiian coastlines.
6Can I run a marathon in a different country without qualifying?
Yes. Unlike the Boston Marathon, most international marathons do not require qualifying times. The London and Tokyo Marathons use a lottery system. Berlin and Chicago accept all registered runners. Many destination races (Athens, Honolulu, Big Sur) are open entry on a first-come, first-served basis.