I think the best maratons are those what are closest to your home. Nothing can beat the vibe of a local community and it is super motivating to run on the steps where we train every day and passing houses of good friends. Plus it is just very very convinient to walk to to the startline of a maraton from our homes :) No need to travel, you can sleep in your own bed and celebrate with your whole family after the run.
As someone who travels for races I super disagree. Part of the fun for me is going to a new city and learning all their history and then running it. Seeing all the landmarks and knowing the significance and stories behind them is so special
@@Jess-Rabbitand producing all the emissions that lead to climate change and all the floods, earthquakes etc. that eventually destroy those places. Great 👍🏼
I agree. While traveling for a race is fun, walking up to the start line from my house is absolutely unbeatable. Especially if I want to hit an ambitious time, this is by far the best way to reduce the noise before the run. Everything is very familiar, nothing in your routine changes, you don't have to travel. Nothing is more conducive to giving our very best on race day than religiously following our habits. And on top of that, it's good for the environment!
I ran Sydney last month - my second marathon ever - and oh boy, it exceeded all the expectations I had, and then some. Sydney is not arguably the most beautiful and scenic city in the world you get to run around, but the course, while literally navigates you through the most important corners of the city, it’s super varied - it got the perfect combination of alternating uphills, downhills, twists and turns that makes it a super fun course where you never get tired or bored. And the last km, downhill straight to the Opera House, it’s something I’ll never forget. 200% recommended
Shonan International Marathon in Japan. Every year beginning of December at around 15 degrees Celsius, a flat and fast course around the coastline. You can see the beach and surfer on one side and Mount Fujii on the other. With around 20.000 runners and a lot of supporters on the way, it is one of the biggest and best marathons in Japan.
Sorry but Shonan is the most boring marathon I've ever done... 😅 And the views aren't even that good (except for a few shorts sections). The Fuji Marathon is infinitely more beautiful, probably one of the most beautiful courses
Thanks for this. I find big marathons very chaotic and stressful before getting to the start line. I’ve run Nagano 10 times. I’d recommend it and any other regional marathon in Japan. Osaka marathon is just another event for Osaka, but for smaller cities like Nagano, Toyama or Matsumoto, these are important local events.
I liked hearing about other marathon ideas. I like smaller events, so the quirky or scenic is a good idea. Made me think about a running holiday in Japan 😊
This is great, some good recommendations. I'm doing the Cape Town marathon for the first time this year... Hopefully they get to be a world major alongside Sydney marathon.
My dad did the Marine Corps marathon many years ago. It was a muddy day and the support for mom and my siblings and I getting around from the Marines was exceptional. We hung out in a Smithsonian museum until it was time to cheer for dad. Thanks for mentioning it!
Kielder Marathon in northern England is a must. Europe's biggest man made reservoir. Great scenery, but it's definitely not a flat course. I think there's about a couple thousand entries usually. It's ran in early October so you can expect the normal British weather
Looking forward to Manchester next year. I did first non virtual marathon in Frankfurt last October which I loved, well organised and running over finish line with my 10yr old son was a moment I will always treasure.
I missed a South American marathon in your list! We have some good one down here (Rio, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre, Florianópolis…). You and Mary should give it a try someday!
I liked this vid! Here's a shout out for the Rotterdam marathon! Although I think you got the elevation gain wrong as it is nowhere near as much as stated. I did the Helsinki City Marathon this year and it was a blast in May. Coming December, I'm looking forward to the Pisa marathon. So many good options! Enjoy all!
Awesome video Ben! I would add the Chevron Houston Marathon in Jan to your list. Flat, fast, usually great weather and extremely well organized. I believe the US HM records are here. From your list I definitely want to do Valencia and Seville one day. See you in Chicago!
Marine Corps Marathon is LOVELY, but just a note that it used to have a lottery (did when I ran it), which seems to have stopped around COVID. There were whispers they were bringing it back, so if this is a race you're interested in, I would sign up sooner rather than later! The fee though... up there with NYC.
Great video! Makes one think beyond majors. I am really intrigued by the Manchester marathon. Hopefully to run it one day! Looking forward to a most scenic marathon video.
Victoria Falls. Iconic scenery running over VIC Falls Bridge and getting the spray off the waterfall. Plus the only race I’ve ever ran that had to be paused for a moment while a wild elephant crossed the road!
I love, as a Spaniard, that you included Seville and Valencia in the list. I may be wrong, but I seem to remember that months ago Valencia was also interested in what circumstances, requirements, etc. would be necessary for it to be the new addition to be a Major... What I don't know is if it applied for it at some point. I don't have much idea about advising marathons because I have only run one, the one in my hometown, and it is the one I would recommend: Barcelona, usually held in March (the half marathon is usually held about a month before). Tourist city, flat and fast circuit (according to organizers), climate, etc.
My first marathon was in Maryland this past September (Lock2Lock). I'm hoping Marine Corps will be my second one in Fall 25. Couldn't have done it without your channel, especially your comments about how tiny things can throw off your form and lead to injury. You "saved" my hamstring with your comments because I was wearing a knee brace that led to stride changes and actually caused injury. Knee brace gone (replaced by strengthening in the gym) and first ever marathon completed. Looking forward to the second next fall.
Grandma's Marathon, June 21, Duluth, Minnesota. Along the shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake (by surface area) in the world. 20,000 participants.
I ran the Marine corps marathon. It was one of my most memorable marathons. Im so happy you mentioned it! So many you mentioned, I'd love to experience!💛
Great, informative vid., some definitely good looking runs. I’m surprised Paris wasn’t on the list! Think if Europe gets another Major, Paris should certainly be a front runner. Keep it up, guys 👍
Of course I gave you a thumbs up even though Houston wasn’t on your list😂😂😂 so well organized, great crowds, flat course, weather is unpredictable in January, but most years it’s on the cool side. Good video and I’ve been thinking about Valencia for a couple of years. Thank you.
Thanks for the recommendations - I'm hoping to get a club place in London next year but will bear Seville or Rotterdam in mind if not. Manchester was my first marathon, and I'm planning to go back there if and when I'm ready to try for a sub-3.
Loch Ness is a great marathon to run...stunning scenery...tough run. Really well organized...around the same time as Chicago & Berlin, but if you want something different check it out...STUNNING
Brighton was my first marathon so that holds special memories for me. My first BQ was in Tromso, Norway at the midnight sun marathon. 8:30pm start, cross the finish line at gone midnight in bright sunshine! Weirdest experience, absolutely wild!
signed up for your waitlist, got a few niggling injuries to fix but there maybe a few more marathons in me I hope, and not many more personable people as you and Mary... and nice to be part of a group for a change.
Great video. Pisa is quite a good one, with great weather and start/finish right at the leaning tower. Singapore is also very interesting and fun event. Both are in December, by the way
I like scenic downhill canyon marathons like Mt Nebo, Timp, and Big Cottonwood in Utah which I’ve done as half. I did Ogden for my first full and that went well. They might be harder on the knees and I did end up with runners knee but it feels great to be able to keep the heart rate lower at higher speeds.
While it's only a half-marathon, the one on Brăila, Romania is quite nice, takes place at the end of September, a scenic route that goes past the famous Maria Filotti Theater, through the Grand Garden, down by the Danube and back again, for 3x7km laps. There's also a shorter 11k race and a 4k race as well, running on a shorter version of the track. The best part about it is that I already live here, so I don't have to travel anywhere. We'd have a full marathon, but it's not that big a city. There's also the Bucharest Marathon, which takes place next week, I hope to take part in it next year, so I hope it's nice.
I got my Boston 2025 bib at my home marathon, Fredericton, N.B. Canada. And while it's relatively flat (81m gain) you do spend a fair amount of time on buffed out trails. Which does cost you a few seconds per KM. We had over 25% of the field BQ. The course is beautiful as you cross the Saint John (Wolastoq) River 4 times. It's on Mother's day sunday every year which results in temperatures averaging 6C at start and into the low teens by finish. The field is also small (300-400 marathoners), although it can be a bit congested for the first 2-3km since the Full, Half and 10k races all start at the sametime. But this does give you the feeling of a large marathon at the start and first 15-20mins of the race, when everyone starts to spread out. Cyas in Chicago next week!
Vienna got really popular around the time of the Sub 2 project but you don't tend to hear much about it these days despite it being a big event and a race which looks amazing to run.
I’m surprised you didn’t list Celebration Florida, as you’ve spoken well of it in another video. I’m hoping do to that one with my daughter in January.
Nice video guys but you've skipped the Hamburg in late April , flat and very fast one and of course the original course from Marathon to Athens in of November right the next wkd after NYC
You should put Detroit on the list, it's international, you run in both the US and Canada, over a bridge and through a tunnel on an otherwise flat course, usually it's the week after Chicago.
Gold Coast marathon in July for me. Flat and fast, great crowd support, almost perfect temps but sometimes a little windy. Easy to get to from accommodation with tram transport. Not crowded (just under 10,000) but enough to create a good vibe. Tickets on a first in first served basis.
The coolest summer marathon in the northern hemisphere is the San Francisco Marathon at the end of July each year. Unlike most of the rest of Continental US, San Francisco is normally very cool and comfortable in the summer. You've heard of the fog in San Francisco; it's the natural air conditioner for this city each summer. Highlights include running across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Golden Gate Park, along Haight Street in Haight Ashbury, and along the beautiful Embarcadero to the finish. I've run the marathon, both half marathons, and the 10K. I highly recommend them all.
I am running a half marathon at Disney World in January. I understand that a Disney race isn't the place to run a PB but it should be a fun experience.
My two cents, having run Sydney, Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and CIM. Sydney, although hilly was one of my favorite all time marathons. Beautiful city, weather (other than the wind) was lovely), the organization was great and the finish at the harbor and Opera House was beautiful. I ran it as part of the Age Group World Championships and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind it will be announced as the newest major later this month or November. MCM is a great flat course (until the finish up to the Iwo Jima Memorial) and is indeed superbly organized. Awesome to run the monuments of the Capital. Finally, CIM, don't be fooled by the "net downhill" tag, it is a rolling hill course, much like Boston, but with the hills in the first 15-20 miles, then gentle unnoticeable flat to slightly down finish. It too is very well organized and the crowds in the bedroom communities are very supportive. Great finish at the Capital Bldg in Sacramento as well with nice treats at the end. One more marathon that I would highly recommend, which is in March, Rome. The most stunning marathon from a historical beauty aspect I have ever run and great aid station support. (just beware of the cobblestones🤕)
I ran the Vancouver Marathon for the first time this May and enjoyed it so much I just signed up for 2025! Approx. 6000 runners with a big city atmosphere and great scenery.
The most beautiful and tough marathon in the world: Gerês Extreme Marathon in Portugal, first weekend of December. It is a road marathon in a mountain chain, with an elevation gain of 1350m.
Lovely video with a great selection of races around the world. It would be great to see a similar video of recomendations for UK based marathons only if possible :)
Kielder marathon is ran on trail around the reservoir, if youre wanting something different. It's more hilly than the ones in this video, but nice scenery. It's usually ran in early October
The most scenic road race that I have run in the UK was the Windermere Marathon. I heard today that there will not be any more of them which is very sad. If Brathay have a change of mind and put on one last one for 2025 then I would definitely recommend.
@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics That's a shame. It's one of the races I was wanting to do at some point. I may be wrong but I think there's either a Coniston marathon or half. I'm pretty sure there's a Langdales marathon too, which would be another scenic bucket list race
Also ran the Khymer Empire marathon in Siem Reap. Wouldn’t recommend that one due to the 4.30am start and crippling humidity….but running around the temples in Angkor Wat was something else! Lots of photo stops in that one.
I finished Sydney last year in heatwave conditions and DNF this year in perfect running conditions but had gut issues. Planning a PB attempt Gold Coast in July, followed by enjoying the first major status Sydney in September and then New York City for the vibes. Bucket list would be Athens finishing in the 1896 Olympic Stadium.
If you want a cool race with a gimmick in october, that has a full International marathon, and international half marathon, and a domestic US 🇺🇸 half marathon.... Check out the Detroit Free Press Marathon. International Crossing for both the full and international half marathons head out on the Ambassador bridge, go through canada, and then come back under the Detroit River through the car tunnel. And they always say it's the only underwater mile for racing, and I don't know for sure if that's true. Detroit is not a huge huge marathon, it's not fast, it's probably not even a BQ marathon. the gimmick with Detroit is the international crossing, I have done the international half marathon several times. And it is a well-organized race. The course is more or less flat, the really only uphill and downhill on the course are the bridge and the tunnel.
Sydney went for a 6am start this year because of the 30c day of 2023. They changed the course in 2024 and it was much faster. I'd like to run Singapore and Amsterdam.
I did Limassol Marathon (Cyprus) in April. It's pretty flat (elevation gain 84m). It starts at 7am, but it was 24 degrees by 9am! I managed to tag it onto the end of our already planned holiday, so that was a boon! I'm on for Manchester 2025 though!
I really believe that every marathoner should run the Authentic Marathon route. Marathon - Athens, finishing at the historic Callimarmaron Stadium opposite of Parthenon. That’s a unique experience and it is held on the beginning of November.
nice. would like to know more about marathon in south east asia, maybe bali or borobudur marathon in indonesia. angkor and hanoi’s look pretty scenic too
ok full disclosure, i haven't done any of these (because i'm yet to run a marathon) but i know people who have and they say they were amazing - the Australian Outback Marathon, which happens around Uluru. you aren't doing this to PB (you're on sand, and it's difficult) but a bucket list experience apparently. also the Gold Coast Marathon, which is very PB friendly thanks to the flat course and ideal conditions. and the Melbourne Marathon, which finishes with a lap of the MCG, which nobody outside of Australia cares about, so tbh i don't know why i'm mentioning it. but some options if you want to come to Oz for something other than (hopefully soon to be major) Sydney 😁
I can not understand that you didn't propose the Athens Marathon. It is the Authentic that starts from Marathon and finishes in Athens kalimarmaron stadium where the first Olympics took place...
My entry level marathon is The County Marathon, in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. Can’t believe it’s not more popular lol but it is a Boston qualifier. Next stop for me is Valencia. I’m 60 and a relatively new distance runner and it’s starting to look like I’m not capable of breaking 4:00, whereas I have been able to get sub 2:00 on the half. Recently, I found out there is a group doing world “major” half marathons do 5 and you get a special medal, going to check that out as it might be a more achievable goal for me.
I'm hoping to sign up for my first marathon in December 2025, Lanzarote. I'm starting with some local 10ks, then up to half's for the spring, and will increase to marathon distance towards the winter. It's a coastal route so should be very scenic 🌊
Yes, love the top 10 kind of thing… funny I’ve just asking you about what BKK would you recommend, then this top 10 video was published… even more appreciated! Keep up the vibe! Very usefull! And yeah, please visit Japan! 🇯🇵 😂
For quirkiest, maybe the Flying Pig marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Or for holiday marathons, consider the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, USA on/near St. Patrick’s Day
I like San Diego RnR in early June. Normally cool weather, early start and a chilled city BUT there is the I-163 hill that can be a heart breaker. This winter I will do Santa Clarity Marathon (2-loop half) in LA which seems to be pretty flat. When it comes to scenic then the Zion Half Marathon must be a top contender.
Well, anyhow, now being 11 years after my second marathon in Brussels, I'll be going for a marathon again in my hometown Bruges October next year. 11 years in which I mostly walked long distances (100 km), where I discovered other levels of pain and learned a lot about myself in running as well (didn't stop training for and doing half marathons). So definitely in for the challenge, and no need for a big, crowded marathon. And if I like it, who knows where this leads me to 🙂
I flew over from London to run CIM last year. Even though I ran a 5 min pb I was surprised at the amount of uphills for a net downhill race. Definitely happy I did it but I think it’s one you’d do once.
Agree that Manchester is pretty good - it had the best coverage of support with only a mile or so where there was no-one to cheer you on. Grr Rotterdam, I had a place this year but couldn't go because of illness and I missed signing up, it's already sold out for next year! I'd like to add Copenhagen which is fairly flat but a great course and really well organised and Lisbon which definitely isn't flat but is the best course views I've done so far!
I think the best maratons are those what are closest to your home. Nothing can beat the vibe of a local community and it is super motivating to run on the steps where we train every day and passing houses of good friends. Plus it is just very very convinient to walk to to the startline of a maraton from our homes :) No need to travel, you can sleep in your own bed and celebrate with your whole family after the run.
As someone who travels for races I super disagree. Part of the fun for me is going to a new city and learning all their history and then running it. Seeing all the landmarks and knowing the significance and stories behind them is so special
@@Jess-Rabbitand producing all the emissions that lead to climate change and all the floods, earthquakes etc. that eventually destroy those places. Great 👍🏼
@@jojofollowsdada8723 And you're on the Internet doing the same thing 🤦🏻♂️
I agree. While traveling for a race is fun, walking up to the start line from my house is absolutely unbeatable. Especially if I want to hit an ambitious time, this is by far the best way to reduce the noise before the run.
Everything is very familiar, nothing in your routine changes, you don't have to travel. Nothing is more conducive to giving our very best on race day than religiously following our habits.
And on top of that, it's good for the environment!
Hell no
I ran Sydney last month - my second marathon ever - and oh boy, it exceeded all the expectations I had, and then some. Sydney is not arguably the most beautiful and scenic city in the world you get to run around, but the course, while literally navigates you through the most important corners of the city, it’s super varied - it got the perfect combination of alternating uphills, downhills, twists and turns that makes it a super fun course where you never get tired or bored. And the last km, downhill straight to the Opera House, it’s something I’ll never forget. 200% recommended
Istanbul is held on two continents and you get to cross the bridge over the bosphorus.
Shonan International Marathon in Japan. Every year beginning of December at around 15 degrees Celsius, a flat and fast course around the coastline. You can see the beach and surfer on one side and Mount Fujii on the other. With around 20.000 runners and a lot of supporters on the way, it is one of the biggest and best marathons in Japan.
Sorry but Shonan is the most boring marathon I've ever done... 😅 And the views aren't even that good (except for a few shorts sections).
The Fuji Marathon is infinitely more beautiful, probably one of the most beautiful courses
Thanks for this. I find big marathons very chaotic and stressful before getting to the start line. I’ve run Nagano 10 times. I’d recommend it and any other regional marathon in Japan. Osaka marathon is just another event for Osaka, but for smaller cities like Nagano, Toyama or Matsumoto, these are important local events.
I'm running my first marathon in 6 days at the Melbourne marathon!!
Good luck,hope you enjoy it!
Good luck. Enjoyed myself there last year 😊
Good luck!!
I just finished my first marathon at Berlin. I'm totally rooting for you. It will be amazing experience for you. Congrats!!, in advance.
I liked hearing about other marathon ideas. I like smaller events, so the quirky or scenic is a good idea. Made me think about a running holiday in Japan 😊
Oh yes, we’ll definitely make those ones too! Got some good ideas for that as well 😊
This is great, some good recommendations. I'm doing the Cape Town marathon for the first time this year... Hopefully they get to be a world major alongside Sydney marathon.
Loved this video, and would really like more 'Top 10' marathon videos. Good luck to you and Mary for your next marathon adventure!
My dad did the Marine Corps marathon many years ago. It was a muddy day and the support for mom and my siblings and I getting around from the Marines was exceptional. We hung out in a Smithsonian museum until it was time to cheer for dad. Thanks for mentioning it!
Running Cape Town marathon this weekend can’t wait 🎉
Kielder Marathon in northern England is a must. Europe's biggest man made reservoir. Great scenery, but it's definitely not a flat course. I think there's about a couple thousand entries usually. It's ran in early October so you can expect the normal British weather
Looking forward to Manchester next year. I did first non virtual marathon in Frankfurt last October which I loved, well organised and running over finish line with my 10yr old son was a moment I will always treasure.
I missed a South American marathon in your list! We have some good one down here (Rio, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre, Florianópolis…). You and Mary should give it a try someday!
Would love a 10 most scenic marathon vids! Thanks, great timing for the video too.
Thanks guys, running my city marathon, 2 weeks to go Cape Town marathon
I just made a comment about this. Ran Cape Town in 2022 and absolutely adored it
see you there. hopefully my first 3:30
Seoul, Hamburg, Paris, Barcelona, Taipei, LA, Santiago de Chile, Flying Pig, Frankturt, Copenhagen, Ljubliana
I’ve signed up for my first marathon in September 2025 - Loch Ness!
I did Loch Ness in 2021. It's beautifully scenic, and Inverness is a cute little city too.
See you there 🫡 also my first
I would sooo recommend Cape Town. I loved South Africa and the course was gorgeous running around Table Mountain
I liked this vid! Here's a shout out for the Rotterdam marathon! Although I think you got the elevation gain wrong as it is nowhere near as much as stated. I did the Helsinki City Marathon this year and it was a blast in May. Coming December, I'm looking forward to the Pisa marathon. So many good options! Enjoy all!
BMO Vancouver marathon , amazing views and a pretty fast one, the again de vewis are really amazing and nice vibs, love it
This was great! Would be even nicer to see a similar list fro trail marathons :). Please.. :)
Awesome video Ben! I would add the Chevron Houston Marathon in Jan to your list. Flat, fast, usually great weather and extremely well organized. I believe the US HM records are here. From your list I definitely want to do Valencia and Seville one day. See you in Chicago!
STEAMTOWN, in Pennsylvania, is a great marathon with a fast course not dissimilar to Boston and great community support in Scranton.
You should try the Fuji Marathon, perfect weather, absolutely stunning views and great atmosphere. A hidden gem
I ran it last Nov, so beautiful. I stopped and took many photos. Great people to run with.
Marine Corps Marathon is LOVELY, but just a note that it used to have a lottery (did when I ran it), which seems to have stopped around COVID. There were whispers they were bringing it back, so if this is a race you're interested in, I would sign up sooner rather than later! The fee though... up there with NYC.
Great video! Makes one think beyond majors. I am really intrigued by the Manchester marathon. Hopefully to run it one day! Looking forward to a most scenic marathon video.
I’m attending the Paris marathon next April. It’s my first official marathon so I’m hoping it will be a good one.
good luck, it's pretty big and a great city to run through
Awesome, I'm running Paris also. See u there April 13th 😊😊
Victoria Falls. Iconic scenery running over VIC Falls Bridge and getting the spray off the waterfall. Plus the only race I’ve ever ran that had to be paused for a moment while a wild elephant crossed the road!
I love, as a Spaniard, that you included Seville and Valencia in the list. I may be wrong, but I seem to remember that months ago Valencia was also interested in what circumstances, requirements, etc. would be necessary for it to be the new addition to be a Major... What I don't know is if it applied for it at some point.
I don't have much idea about advising marathons because I have only run one, the one in my hometown, and it is the one I would recommend:
Barcelona, usually held in March (the half marathon is usually held about a month before).
Tourist city, flat and fast circuit (according to organizers), climate, etc.
Love it! So many races, so little time!!
My first marathon was in Maryland this past September (Lock2Lock). I'm hoping Marine Corps will be my second one in Fall 25. Couldn't have done it without your channel, especially your comments about how tiny things can throw off your form and lead to injury. You "saved" my hamstring with your comments because I was wearing a knee brace that led to stride changes and actually caused injury. Knee brace gone (replaced by strengthening in the gym) and first ever marathon completed. Looking forward to the second next fall.
Grandma's Marathon, June 21, Duluth, Minnesota. Along the shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake (by surface area) in the world. 20,000 participants.
Loved this one, Ben! I’ve got an entry for CIM ‘25, looking forward to it. But Seville, Valencia and Manchester, and even Osaka sound amazing!!
Running the Cape Town in 10 days. The vibes are already buzzing.
I ran the Marine corps marathon. It was one of my most memorable marathons. Im so happy you mentioned it! So many you mentioned, I'd love to experience!💛
Great, informative vid., some definitely good looking runs. I’m surprised Paris wasn’t on the list! Think if Europe gets another Major, Paris should certainly be a front runner.
Keep it up, guys 👍
Of course I gave you a thumbs up even though Houston wasn’t on your list😂😂😂 so well organized, great crowds, flat course, weather is unpredictable in January, but most years it’s on the cool side. Good video and I’ve been thinking about Valencia for a couple of years. Thank you.
Thanks for the recommendations - I'm hoping to get a club place in London next year but will bear Seville or Rotterdam in mind if not. Manchester was my first marathon, and I'm planning to go back there if and when I'm ready to try for a sub-3.
Loch Ness is a great marathon to run...stunning scenery...tough run. Really well organized...around the same time as Chicago & Berlin, but if you want something different check it out...STUNNING
Brighton was my first marathon so that holds special memories for me. My first BQ was in Tromso, Norway at the midnight sun marathon. 8:30pm start, cross the finish line at gone midnight in bright sunshine! Weirdest experience, absolutely wild!
signed up for your waitlist, got a few niggling injuries to fix but there maybe a few more marathons in me I hope, and not many more personable people as you and Mary... and nice to be part of a group for a change.
thanks for that cool video . I recommend Poznan in Poland, mid-oct , flat , it's a small event so easy to enter. Well organised , perfect for PB
Great video. Pisa is quite a good one, with great weather and start/finish right at the leaning tower. Singapore is also very interesting and fun event. Both are in December, by the way
What! No mention of Dublin Marathon in October!! 😮 Best supported Marathon I've done, 25000 runners also!
Agree about crowd support. Great race
My first marathon in a couple of weeks can't wait 🎉
Definitely great race from what I've heard. Dublin is on my marathon to do list 😊
I like scenic downhill canyon marathons like Mt Nebo, Timp, and Big Cottonwood in Utah which I’ve done as half. I did Ogden for my first full and that went well. They might be harder on the knees and I did end up with runners knee but it feels great to be able to keep the heart rate lower at higher speeds.
While it's only a half-marathon, the one on Brăila, Romania is quite nice, takes place at the end of September, a scenic route that goes past the famous Maria Filotti Theater, through the Grand Garden, down by the Danube and back again, for 3x7km laps. There's also a shorter 11k race and a 4k race as well, running on a shorter version of the track. The best part about it is that I already live here, so I don't have to travel anywhere.
We'd have a full marathon, but it's not that big a city.
There's also the Bucharest Marathon, which takes place next week, I hope to take part in it next year, so I hope it's nice.
I got my Boston 2025 bib at my home marathon, Fredericton, N.B. Canada. And while it's relatively flat (81m gain) you do spend a fair amount of time on buffed out trails. Which does cost you a few seconds per KM. We had over 25% of the field BQ. The course is beautiful as you cross the Saint John (Wolastoq) River 4 times. It's on Mother's day sunday every year which results in temperatures averaging 6C at start and into the low teens by finish. The field is also small (300-400 marathoners), although it can be a bit congested for the first 2-3km since the Full, Half and 10k races all start at the sametime. But this does give you the feeling of a large marathon at the start and first 15-20mins of the race, when everyone starts to spread out.
Cyas in Chicago next week!
Loved this video keep em coming
Watching this video on my way to Lucerne where I‘ll be running the SwissCityMarathon tomorrow. My absolute favourite ❤
I've entered Prague, May 4th 2025!
Lovely scenery, best beer. Take care about the shoes, as it's mostly cobblestones.
Vienna City Marathon, April 6, 2025! lovely city, nice course (and the only place where the actual sub-2h had been done..)
Vienna got really popular around the time of the Sub 2 project but you don't tend to hear much about it these days despite it being a big event and a race which looks amazing to run.
I’m surprised you didn’t list Celebration Florida, as you’ve spoken well of it in another video. I’m hoping do to that one with my daughter in January.
White nights marathon in St.Petersburg not fast at all, but run across bridges during weight night and see sunrise - amazing
Nice video guys but you've skipped the Hamburg in late April , flat and very fast one and of course the original course from Marathon to Athens in of November right the next wkd after NYC
You should put Detroit on the list, it's international, you run in both the US and Canada, over a bridge and through a tunnel on an otherwise flat course, usually it's the week after Chicago.
Sevilha is so underrated ! Fast and flat, very well organized, nice weather, nice people, nice and cheap city to stay. Top !
We were just talking about this! Good timing.
Gold Coast marathon in July for me. Flat and fast, great crowd support, almost perfect temps but sometimes a little windy. Easy to get to from accommodation with tram transport. Not crowded (just under 10,000) but enough to create a good vibe. Tickets on a first in first served basis.
I'm doing Manchester marathon next year. It's gonna be my first can't wait
The coolest summer marathon in the northern hemisphere is the San Francisco Marathon at the end of July each year. Unlike most of the rest of Continental US, San Francisco is normally very cool and comfortable in the summer. You've heard of the fog in San Francisco; it's the natural air conditioner for this city each summer. Highlights include running across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Golden Gate Park, along Haight Street in Haight Ashbury, and along the beautiful Embarcadero to the finish. I've run the marathon, both half marathons, and the 10K. I highly recommend them all.
I am running a half marathon at Disney World in January. I understand that a Disney race isn't the place to run a PB but it should be a fun experience.
My two cents, having run Sydney, Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and CIM. Sydney, although hilly was one of my favorite all time marathons. Beautiful city, weather (other than the wind) was lovely), the organization was great and the finish at the harbor and Opera House was beautiful. I ran it as part of the Age Group World Championships and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind it will be announced as the newest major later this month or November. MCM is a great flat course (until the finish up to the Iwo Jima Memorial) and is indeed superbly organized. Awesome to run the monuments of the Capital. Finally, CIM, don't be fooled by the "net downhill" tag, it is a rolling hill course, much like Boston, but with the hills in the first 15-20 miles, then gentle unnoticeable flat to slightly down finish. It too is very well organized and the crowds in the bedroom communities are very supportive. Great finish at the Capital Bldg in Sacramento as well with nice treats at the end. One more marathon that I would highly recommend, which is in March, Rome. The most stunning marathon from a historical beauty aspect I have ever run and great aid station support. (just beware of the cobblestones🤕)
Vancouver BMO marathon is awfully scenic.
I ran the Vancouver Marathon for the first time this May and enjoyed it so much I just signed up for 2025! Approx. 6000 runners with a big city atmosphere and great scenery.
Funny, you use the word awfully
The most beautiful and tough marathon in the world: Gerês Extreme Marathon in Portugal, first weekend of December. It is a road marathon in a mountain chain, with an elevation gain of 1350m.
Sounds amazing
I liked it!! Keep em coming!!!
Marathon Eryri, for goodness sake! Quite simply the most iconic running route. Ever. Anywhere!!
Loved it! Feel free to make more top ten videos
Lovely video with a great selection of races around the world. It would be great to see a similar video of recomendations for UK based marathons only if possible :)
Kielder marathon is ran on trail around the reservoir, if youre wanting something different. It's more hilly than the ones in this video, but nice scenery. It's usually ran in early October
The most scenic road race that I have run in the UK was the Windermere Marathon. I heard today that there will not be any more of them which is very sad. If Brathay have a change of mind and put on one last one for 2025 then I would definitely recommend.
@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics That's a shame. It's one of the races I was wanting to do at some point. I may be wrong but I think there's either a Coniston marathon or half. I'm pretty sure there's a Langdales marathon too, which would be another scenic bucket list race
@@liamallport3361 Langdale is definitely still going. It's supposed to be the toughest road race in the UK.
Man! You are so close at hitting 100k subs!
Great recs!
Also ran the Khymer Empire marathon in Siem Reap. Wouldn’t recommend that one due to the 4.30am start and crippling humidity….but running around the temples in Angkor Wat was something else! Lots of photo stops in that one.
The Limerick Half Marathon was my first race and it’s full of hills. I actually found that really fun!
what a great topic, thanks!
Gold Coast in Australia which is held in July is flat and fast.
I finished Sydney last year in heatwave conditions and DNF this year in perfect running conditions but had gut issues. Planning a PB attempt Gold Coast in July, followed by enjoying the first major status Sydney in September and then New York City for the vibes.
Bucket list would be Athens finishing in the 1896 Olympic Stadium.
Ran the Clarendon trail marathon yesterday. Salisbury to Winchester, 90% trail with 792m of elevation to conquer!
If you want a cool race with a gimmick in october, that has a full International marathon, and international half marathon, and a domestic US 🇺🇸 half marathon.... Check out the Detroit Free Press Marathon. International Crossing for both the full and international half marathons head out on the Ambassador bridge, go through canada, and then come back under the Detroit River through the car tunnel. And they always say it's the only underwater mile for racing, and I don't know for sure if that's true. Detroit is not a huge huge marathon, it's not fast, it's probably not even a BQ marathon. the gimmick with Detroit is the international crossing, I have done the international half marathon several times. And it is a well-organized race. The course is more or less flat, the really only uphill and downhill on the course are the bridge and the tunnel.
The Cape Town Marathon. This year, I had close to 17k finishers. It was such an awesome race last weekend.
I'd vote for Honolulu Hawaii as a bucket list marathon for me.
Have a look at doing a marathon in South Australia, nice views, great beaches and not as busy as Sydney
Sydney went for a 6am start this year because of the 30c day of 2023. They changed the course in 2024 and it was much faster. I'd like to run Singapore and Amsterdam.
I did Limassol Marathon (Cyprus) in April. It's pretty flat (elevation gain 84m). It starts at 7am, but it was 24 degrees by 9am! I managed to tag it onto the end of our already planned holiday, so that was a boon!
I'm on for Manchester 2025 though!
I loved the Marathon ideas and just did Berlin last sunday. Can you do one 10 Top NON Major Half Marathons To Run in 2025 please?
I'm doing a met downhill one here in Quebec next year to try to BQ 😅 . I'm a year away!
I really believe that every marathoner should run the Authentic Marathon route. Marathon - Athens, finishing at the historic Callimarmaron Stadium opposite of Parthenon. That’s a unique experience and it is held on the beginning of November.
nice. would like to know more about marathon in south east asia, maybe bali or borobudur marathon in indonesia. angkor and hanoi’s look pretty scenic too
Great video - can we have some half marathon recommendations too please!
Flying Pig in Cincinnati, Ohio is the best!! It’s my hometown marathon so it has a special place in my heart ❤️
ok full disclosure, i haven't done any of these (because i'm yet to run a marathon) but i know people who have and they say they were amazing - the Australian Outback Marathon, which happens around Uluru. you aren't doing this to PB (you're on sand, and it's difficult) but a bucket list experience apparently. also the Gold Coast Marathon, which is very PB friendly thanks to the flat course and ideal conditions. and the Melbourne Marathon, which finishes with a lap of the MCG, which nobody outside of Australia cares about, so tbh i don't know why i'm mentioning it. but some options if you want to come to Oz for something other than (hopefully soon to be major) Sydney 😁
Melbourne Marathon is fun (although I've only ever done the half) and the final lap around the MCG is the best thing ever! 😊
I can not understand that you didn't propose the Athens Marathon. It is the Authentic that starts from Marathon and finishes in Athens kalimarmaron stadium where the first Olympics took place...
My entry level marathon is The County Marathon, in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. Can’t believe it’s not more popular lol but it is a Boston qualifier. Next stop for me is Valencia. I’m 60 and a relatively new distance runner and it’s starting to look like I’m not capable of breaking 4:00, whereas I have been able to get sub 2:00 on the half. Recently, I found out there is a group doing world “major” half marathons do 5 and you get a special medal, going to check that out as it might be a more achievable goal for me.
I'm hoping to sign up for my first marathon in December 2025, Lanzarote. I'm starting with some local 10ks, then up to half's for the spring, and will increase to marathon distance towards the winter. It's a coastal route so should be very scenic 🌊
Yes, love the top 10 kind of thing… funny I’ve just asking you about what BKK would you recommend, then this top 10 video was published… even more appreciated! Keep up the vibe! Very usefull! And yeah, please visit Japan! 🇯🇵 😂
For quirkiest, maybe the Flying Pig marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Or for holiday marathons, consider the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, USA on/near St. Patrick’s Day
I like San Diego RnR in early June. Normally cool weather, early start and a chilled city BUT there is the I-163 hill that can be a heart breaker. This winter I will do Santa Clarity Marathon (2-loop half) in LA which seems to be pretty flat. When it comes to scenic then the Zion Half Marathon must be a top contender.
Well, anyhow, now being 11 years after my second marathon in Brussels, I'll be going for a marathon again in my hometown Bruges October next year.
11 years in which I mostly walked long distances (100 km), where I discovered other levels of pain and learned a lot about myself in running as well (didn't stop training for and doing half marathons).
So definitely in for the challenge, and no need for a big, crowded marathon. And if I like it, who knows where this leads me to 🙂
Ottawa, Canada in February. The "Embrace Winter" Marathon. If you're borderline psychotic haha
I flew over from London to run CIM last year. Even though I ran a 5 min pb I was surprised at the amount of uphills for a net downhill race. Definitely happy I did it but I think it’s one you’d do once.
Agree that Manchester is pretty good - it had the best coverage of support with only a mile or so where there was no-one to cheer you on. Grr Rotterdam, I had a place this year but couldn't go because of illness and I missed signing up, it's already sold out for next year! I'd like to add Copenhagen which is fairly flat but a great course and really well organised and Lisbon which definitely isn't flat but is the best course views I've done so far!