The 10 best marathons in the world!

Taking part in marathons is an awesome way to travel the world. And, as our list of the 10 best marathons in the world shows, marathons can take you through incredibly diverse landscapes, cultures and history – and even get you up close and personal with lions!

From the biggest global cities to coastal paths and ancient monuments, get inspired for your next race at one of the 10 best marathons in the world.

10 incredible marathons around the world

Here is our list of the 10 best marathons around the world. Check the links after each listing to find out more about the marathon and dates.

1. Tokyo Marathon, Japan

Okay, we will admit we are a little biassed about the Tokyo Marathon, since we are a Japanese brand! Still the Tokyo Marathon is an incredible race which draws thousands of marathon runners from around the world and has an amazing buzz from the crowd. As one of the six world marathon majors, the route is mainly flat and will take you through some of the city's most famous neighbourhoods.

Find out more about the Tokyo Marathon here.

2. The Big Five Marathon, South Africa

This has to be one of the most unique marathons in the world. The route takes you through the South African savannah, following sandy trails and dirt tracks where you will have the opportunity to spot the ‘big five’ game animals - elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards and even lions! If you need any motivation to run faster, we can't think of anything better than avoiding big cats!

This is an off road race, so you will definitely need trail running gear to partake.

Learn more about the Big Five Marathon here.

3. London Marathon, UK

Another of the world majors, the London Marathon is a superb race – it’s relatively flat and quick, and draws huge crowds who will cheer you on and create an awesome atmosphere. The route is ideal for sightseers – it takes you past world famous tourist sites, including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.

The route is all tarmac, so you will definitely benefit from road running shoes.

Learn more about the London Marathon here.

4. Pembrokeshire Marathon, UK

See a different side to Britain along the stunning Pembrokeshire coast. The Pembrokeshire Marathon follows the rugged cliff stops of this gorgeous Welsh National Park, with incredible views out over the Bristol Channel, not to mention beautiful beaches and marine life.

Just like the Big Five Marathon, you will definitely benefit from wearing trail running shoes along this course, plus waterproof clothing to keep you dry in this exposed region.

Read about the Pembrokeshire Marathon here.

5. The Great Wall Marathon, China

Combine your marathon running with an incredible sightseeing opportunity! The Great Wall Marathon will take you along 25 miles of the Great Wall, close to Beijing. This is a seriously tough race, with plenty of staircases and steps and an undulating track to follow. Still, the incredible scenery and atmosphere along this route makes it a real once in a lifetime event.

Get all the info about the Great Wall Marathon here.

6. The Boston Marathon, USA

As the world’s oldest marathon, the Boston Marathon is on most marathon runners’ bucket lists. It is a highly competitive event, and has strict qualifying times for any runner wishing to participate - so you will need to be a reasonably well experienced runner before attempting to register.

Learn more about the Boston Marathon here.

7. Athens Marathon, Greece

If you want an authentic marathon experience, nothing can compare with the Athens Marathon! The race follows the original route that the messenger Pheidippides would have taken when he ran back from the town of Marathon to announce to Athenians that the Greeks had just won a battle against the Persians in 490 BC. You can follow the route from Marathon to Athens and combine your race with a visit to the country’s plethora of historical sites.

Find out more about the Athens Marathon here.

8. Berlin Marathon, Germany

The current marathon world record was set in the Berlin Marathon in 2022 by Eliud Kipchoge and this race is widely regarded as one of the fastest routes on the global marathon circuit. This relatively flat route will take you through this great city, where the supportive crowd are without a doubt one of the biggest draws.

If you want to maximise the opportunity to boost your race times, you'll definitely need a pair of fast running shoes.

Learn more about the Berlin Marathon here.

9. The Reggae Marathon, Jamaica

If you love reggae music (and who doesn't?), then the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica has to be on your bucket list. Starting in Negril, the race will see you run along white sand beaches, with support from a cheering crowd, steel bands playing, and of course, reggae music blaring from speakers the whole way! To top it all off, you can cool down in the Caribbean Sea once the race is over!

Read more about the Reggae Marathon here.

10. Paris Marathon, France

Don't miss the opportunity to run through the ‘city of lights’, with views of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and many other wonderful tourist sites. The Paris Marathon, which is fairly flat, has a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and allows you to explore this gorgeous global city.

Find out more about the Paris Marathon here.

Inspiration for your next marathon

There are few more amazing events than a marathon - but when your run is coupled up with incredible sights, jaw-dropping views, buzzing crowds and the opportunity to explore different cultures - the experience just gets better!

If you are planning to travel to one of these amazing locations to do a marathon, check out our marathon training guide to make sure that you have all the preparation and fitness in place to make the most of the experience.