The 10 Best Marathons in Europe for Runners (2027)

1. BMW Berlin Marathon 🏆 BEST OVERALL

BMW Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon on the last Sunday of September is the fastest World Marathon Major, a flat course through the German capital finishing at the Brandenburg Gate. Eliud Kipchoge ran 2:01:09 here in 2022, one of many world records set on the course.

Lottery entry is roughly €169, with charity and tour spots available. The field is around 45,000–55,000 with huge crowd support. It ranks #1 because no European marathon better combines a record-eligible course, a true Major, and reliable cool weather.

This is for any runner targeting a personal best or the six-star Majors medal.

2. Valencia Marathon 💎 BEST VALUE

Valencia Marathon

The Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon in December is one of the fastest non-Major marathons in the world, a flat course finishing on a floating bridge over the lake at the City of Arts and Sciences.

Entry runs about €85–€120, far below the Majors, with a field near 30,000 and excellent pacing groups. It earns Best Value because no marathon offers near-record-fast conditions at this price.

Choose Valencia for a personal best without the Major price or lottery stress.

3. TCS London Marathon

TCS London Marathon

The London Marathon in April is famous for raising more charity money than any marathon on earth, with a course past Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and a finish on The Mall near Buckingham Palace.

The ballot fee is about £69.99 for UK residents and £99.99 internationally, though most of the roughly 50,000 finishers enter via charity places. The deafening crowds the entire route are the main draw.

Pick London for the most electric spectator atmosphere in Europe.

4. Marathon du Médoc

Marathon du Médoc

The Marathon du Médoc in France's Bordeaux wine region every September is the world's most famous "fun" marathon, with 23 wine-tasting stops, costumes, and oysters and steak served on course.

Entry runs about €90–€110, with a generous 6.5-hour limit. It is a festival on the run rather than a PR race.

Choose Médoc for a marathon that doubles as a celebration.

5. Paris Marathon

Paris Marathon

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris in April runs from the Champs-Élysées past the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, one of Europe's largest marathons with around 50,000 runners.

Entry runs about €100–€130. The world-famous monuments and spring timing make it a top destination race.

Pick Paris for a scenic, monument-lined course in a great travel city.

6. Amsterdam Marathon

Amsterdam Marathon

The TCS Amsterdam Marathon in October starts and finishes in the Olympic Stadium, with a flat, fast course along the Amstel River, popular for personal bests.

Entry runs about €75–€100. The stadium finish and flat profile make it a favorite autumn PR race.

Choose Amsterdam for a fast, flat course with an iconic stadium finish.

7. Rotterdam Marathon

Rotterdam Marathon

The NN Marathon Rotterdam in April is one of the fastest marathons in the world, a flat city course with enthusiastic crowds that has hosted multiple national and world-class times.

Entry runs about €75–€95. The flat roads and lively support make it a strong, affordable PR choice.

Pick Rotterdam for one of Europe's quickest courses at a fair price.

8. Athens Authentic Marathon

Athens Authentic Marathon

The Athens Authentic Marathon in November follows the original route from the town of Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, finishing where the modern Olympics began.

Entry runs about €70–€100. The course is hilly and challenging, but the historic significance is unmatched.

Choose Athens to run the original, history-soaked marathon route.

9. Stockholm Marathon

Stockholm Marathon

The Stockholm Marathon in late May or June runs across the bridges and islands of the Swedish capital, finishing in the 1912 Olympic Stadium, with cool early-summer weather.

Entry runs about €90–€120. The waterfront city scenery and historic stadium finish make it a beautiful Nordic race.

Pick Stockholm for a scenic island-and-bridge course with a historic finish.

10. Copenhagen Marathon

Copenhagen Marathon

The Copenhagen Marathon in May is a flat, fast loop through the Danish capital past Nyhavn and the city's canals, a well-organized World Athletics-labeled race.

Entry runs about €90–€110. The flat course and smooth roads make it another solid Northern European PR option.

Choose Copenhagen for a flat, well-run Scandinavian city marathon.

How to Choose

• Chasing a PR? Berlin, Valencia, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam are the fastest flat European courses for a personal best.
• Want a Major? Berlin and London are Europe's two World Marathon Majors; plan around their lotteries.
• Prefer scenery and monuments? Paris, Athens, and Stockholm offer the most historic and photogenic routes.
• On a budget? Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Athens run €70–€100, below the marquee Majors.
• Want pure fun over time? The Marathon du Médoc, with its wine stops and costumes, is the most festive choice.
• First marathon? A flat, well-supported race like Amsterdam or Copenhagen is a forgiving debut.

What to Pack for a European Marathon Weekend

Packing smart can make or break your race experience. For any European marathon between April and October, expect variable weather: morning temperatures range from 8–15°C (46–59°F) in spring/autumn to 15–22°C (59–72°F) in summer. Bring a lightweight, packable rain jacket (many European cities get sudden showers), a throwaway long-sleeve shirt for the start corral, and your race-day kit tested in similar conditions. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle or hydration vest if you prefer your own fuel — most European marathons have water stations every 5K, but aid station spacing and cup sizes vary. For travel, pack compression socks for the flight home and a pair of comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing the day after. Many runners also bring a small lock for gear check (not all races provide bags) and a power bank for your phone — you’ll want photos at landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate or Park Güell.

How to Train for European Marathon Conditions

European marathon courses often feature cobblestone sections, gentle rolling hills, or tight turns through historic districts. If you’re targeting a flat course like Berlin or Valencia, focus your long runs on pancake-flat paved paths. For hilly courses like Barcelona or Rome, incorporate hill repeats once a week for 6–8 weeks before race day — aim for 6–10 repeats on a 100–200m incline at 5K effort. Also practice running on harder surfaces (concrete, asphalt) if your usual route is on trails or tracks, since European city marathons are almost entirely on pavement. Finally, simulate race-day timing: most European marathons start between 7:30–9:00 AM local time, so shift your training runs to match that window at least 3 weeks out. This helps your body adjust to fueling and pacing at that hour, especially if you’re traveling from a different time zone.

Navigating Race-Day Logistics in Europe

European marathons often have different start protocols than US or UK races. Many use corral systems based on recent half-marathon or full-marathon times (submit proof within 2–3 years). Arrive at the start area 60–90 minutes early to clear security, use portable toilets (lines can be 15–20 minutes), and find your corral. Public transport is usually the best option — most host cities run extra trains or trams from 5:00 AM on race day. For parking, expect fees of €10–€25 near the start, but spaces fill by 6:00 AM. After the race, recovery zones often include free massages, snacks, and beer (common in Germany and Belgium). Bring cash or a contactless card for post-race merchandise or food trucks — not all vendors accept cards. Finally, download the race’s official app for live tracking, course maps, and emergency contacts; cell service can be spotty in crowded start/finish areas.

FAQ

What is the best marathon in Europe for a personal best? The BMW Berlin Marathon is widely considered the best for a personal best due to its famously flat and fast course, which has hosted numerous world records. The Valencia Marathon is also an excellent, more affordable alternative with similarly quick conditions. Both courses are known for minimal elevation changes and ideal late-season weather.

How much does it typically cost to enter a European marathon? Entry fees vary widely, from around €60 for smaller national races to over €100 for major events like Berlin or London. The Valencia Marathon offers great value at roughly €85–€120, while top-tier majors can exceed €150. Prices often increase closer to race day, so early registration is recommended.

Are European marathons crowded, and how many runners participate? Field sizes range from a few thousand in smaller city marathons to 45,000–55,000 in major events like Berlin. Popular races can feel crowded at the start, but many have wave starts to manage congestion. Smaller races offer a more intimate experience with less jostling.

What is the best time of year to run a marathon in Europe? Late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Major races like Berlin (late September) and London (April) fall in these windows. Summer marathons can be hot, especially in southern Europe, while winter races are rare and often chilly.

Do I need to qualify for European marathons, or can anyone enter? Most European marathons are open to all runners via general entry, though some like London use a lottery system. Berlin and Valencia offer guaranteed entry for a fee, while others have charity or tour packages. Qualification times are not required for the majority of races.

Which European marathon has the best atmosphere for spectators? The London Marathon is renowned for its incredible crowd support, with over 500,000 spectators lining the route. Berlin and Paris also offer vibrant, music-filled courses with enthusiastic locals. Smaller races may have less crowd density but often feature more personal, community-driven support.

Bottom Line

For the best European marathon, Berlin wins on speed, prestige, and atmosphere, while Valencia is the Best Value, delivering one of the fastest courses in the world at a fraction of the Major price. Match the course profile to your goal and register early for the lotteries.

Related on PULSE

• [The 10 Best Marathons in the United States for Runners (2027)](/knowledge/ev0016)
• [The 10 Best Marathons in the World for Bucket-List Runners (2027)](/knowledge/ev0011)
• [The 10 Best Wine Festivals in Europe in 2027](/knowledge/ev0022)
• [The 10 Best Music Festivals in Europe in 2027](/knowledge/ev0007)
• [The 10 Best Half Marathons in the World (2027)](/knowledge/ev0017)

Sources

• BMW Berlin Marathon (bmw-berlin-marathon.com)
• Valencia Marathon (valenciaciudaddelrunning.com)
• TCS London Marathon (tcslondonmarathon.com)
• Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (schneiderelectricparismarathon.com)
• TCS Amsterdam Marathon (tcsamsterdammarathon.nl)
• NN Marathon Rotterdam (nnmarathonrotterdam.org)
• Athens Authentic Marathon (athensauthenticmarathon.gr)
• World Athletics records (worldathletics.org)

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