Find Your Next Marathon
Every major, every region, every kind of 26.2 worth running. Here is how to narrow 1,000+ marathons worldwide down to the one you will actually sign up for.
How to Choose a Marathon
The best marathon is the one you are most likely to show up for. Three filters matter most: distance from home, time of year, and course profile. Start with those, then layer in budget, lottery odds, and personal goals, especially for a Major like the Sydney Marathon, where our guaranteed marathon entry guide compares charity, time qualifying, tour operator, and lottery paths.
For a first marathon, pick something within driving distance or a short flight. Nerves on race morning are enough without also worrying about jet lag. For a second or third, open the map wider. Every marathon has a story, and running in Berlin or Big Sur or Comrades is its own reason to train.
The 7 World Marathon Majors
Tokyo Marathon
March JapanPolished, punctual, and loud. Japan at its proudest.
Boston Marathon
Third Monday of April (Patriots' Day) USAQualifier-only. Historic. Heartbreak Hill. Scream Tunnel at Wellesley.
London Marathon
Late April UKBallot entry. Costumes, crowds, Tower Bridge moment.
Berlin Marathon
Last Sunday of September GermanyWorld record course. Flat, fast, beer gardens at the finish.
Chicago Marathon
Second Sunday of October USAPancake flat. Neighborhood tour. Generous cutoff.
New York Marathon
First Sunday of November USAAll five boroughs. 2 million spectators. Unforgettable.
Sydney Marathon
Late August AustraliaNewest Major. Harbour Bridge start. Opera House finish.
A race on the calendar needs a reason to run Tuesday.
Motera makes the 18 weeks before race day something you look forward to. Capture territory on your long runs. Build streaks through the build phase. Watch your city map fill in as you work toward race day. 26.2 becomes the last mile of a bigger adventure.
Download MoteraMarathons by Region
North America
Marine Corps (DC), California International (Sacramento), Twin Cities (Minneapolis), Houston, Grandma's (Duluth), Bank of America (Philadelphia), Pittsburgh, Detroit, Honolulu
Europe
Valencia, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Eindhoven, Hamburg, Seville, Vienna, Rome, Athens Classic Marathon
UK & Ireland
Manchester, Edinburgh, Brighton, Yorkshire, Newport, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast
Asia-Pacific
Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Auckland, Queenstown, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong
Destination races
Great Wall Marathon (China), Antarctica Marathon, Comrades Marathon (South Africa), Two Oceans (Cape Town), Reykjavik, Iceland, Patagonia International
Best Tools to Search Marathons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best marathon finder website?
Ahotu Marathons, Running in the USA, MarathonGuide, and Let's Do This have the largest databases. World Athletics lists certified races. Regional federation sites (England Athletics, Athletics Canada) list local events.
How do I pick my first marathon?
Look for a flat course in your local time zone, between April-May or September-October, with at least 18 weeks of lead time to train. Avoid races in extreme heat, high altitude, or in logistical nightmares to travel to.
What are the World Marathon Majors?
Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and (from 2025) Sydney. Cape Town is expected to be the 8th Major. Finishing all seven earns you a Six Star medal.
How do I qualify for the Boston Marathon?
Run a Boston Qualifier (BQ) time at a certified marathon. Standards vary by age group. For 2026, men 18-34 must run sub-2:55:00. Meeting the standard does not guarantee entry, typically you need 5+ minutes under.
What are the fastest marathon courses in the world?
Berlin, Chicago, Valencia, London, and Seville top most lists. Flat, low elevation gain, strong pacers, favorable weather, and crowd energy make them fast.
What is the best marathon for beginners?
Chicago, Berlin, and Valencia are beginner-friendly because they are flat with huge crowds. In the US, Marine Corps Marathon and Marshall University Marathon have massive beginner communities. Smaller regional marathons are less intimidating.
How much does it cost to run a marathon?
Entry fees run $100-300 for regional events, up to $400 for World Marathon Majors. Travel, lodging, race-day gear, and fueling bring the total to $500-2000+ for a non-local race.
When do marathon registrations open?
Most major marathons open 9-12 months in advance. London is a ballot (lottery) each April/May. Boston requires BQ times. Chicago lottery opens in November. Berlin lottery opens in October.
Are virtual marathons worth it?
If you cannot travel to a race or missed a lottery, yes. Virtual marathons give you a medal and a finishing time but lack the crowds, pacers, and course. They are a fallback, not a first choice.
What are scenic marathons?
Big Sur International Marathon, Great Wall of China Marathon, Patagonia International Marathon, Reykjavik Marathon, and Loch Ness Marathon are known for their scenery. Expect tougher courses because of terrain.
