The 10 Best Marathons in Europe for Runners in 2027

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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.

How to Choose the Right European Marathon for Your Goal

Picking the perfect marathon depends on what you want from race day. For a personal best, prioritize flat courses with minimal turns—Berlin, Valencia, and Amsterdam consistently deliver fast times due to their pancake-flat profiles and optimized pacing. If you're chasing a World Marathon Major (Berlin is the only European one), be prepared for higher entry fees and lottery odds; consider joining a charity team to guarantee a spot. For scenic experience, look at races like the Paris Marathon (past the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame) or the Barcelona Marathon (along the Mediterranean coast), though these often have more undulation. Value-conscious runners should target smaller events like the Seville Marathon or the Copenhagen Marathon, where entry fees are lower and local travel costs are more manageable. Always check the race's elevation profile and historical weather—some European marathons in May (like Prague) can get unexpectedly warm, while October races (like Amsterdam) offer cooler conditions ideal for fast times.

Training and Travel Tips for European Marathons

Preparing for a European marathon involves more than just logging miles. Acclimatization matters: if you're flying from a different continent, arrive at least three to four days early to adjust to the time zone and climate. Most European marathons start between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, so shift your training runs to match. Pacing strategy should account for the course—Berlin's long, straight boulevards allow even splits, while Paris's gentle hills require a more conservative start. Travel logistics are simpler than you might think: nearly every major European marathon has excellent public transport connections. Book accommodation near the finish line (not the start) to avoid post-race transit crowds. Many races offer baggage services at the start that transport your gear to the finish. For nutrition, note that European aid stations typically provide water, isotonic drinks, and sometimes fruit or gels—but carry your own familiar fuel just in case. Finally, check the race website for specific rules: some European marathons have strict cut-off times (often six hours) and require medical certificates for entry.

The Hidden Gems: Underrated European Marathons Worth Considering

While the headline events get the glory, several lesser-known European marathons offer exceptional experiences without the lottery stress. The Hamburg Marathon in April is a flat, fast course through Germany's second city, with a smaller field (around 15,000) and entry fees often below €100—ideal for runners seeking a personal best without Berlin's crowds. The Lyon Marathon in France combines a scenic route along the Rhône and Saône rivers with a well-organized, moderately sized event that often features live music at every kilometer. For a truly unique backdrop, the Reykjavik Marathon in Iceland runs through volcanic landscapes and along the coast, though it's hillier and weather-dependent. The Vienna City Marathon in April offers a grand finish at the Schönbrunn Palace, with a flat first half and gentle climbs later. These races typically have easier entry processes, lower costs, and more relaxed atmospheres, making them perfect for first-time European marathoners or runners who want to combine a race with a vacation. Always verify the current year's dates and registration details, as smaller events sometimes change their calendar.

FAQ

Is the Berlin Marathon really the fastest marathon in the world? Yes, the Berlin Marathon is widely regarded as the fastest major marathon course. Its flat, straight layout and consistently cool late-September weather have helped produce more men’s world records than any other race, making it a top choice for runners chasing a personal best.

How much does it cost to enter a top European marathon? Entry fees vary significantly. Major events like the Berlin Marathon cost around €169, while high-value races such as the Valencia Marathon are roughly €85–€120. Smaller national marathons can be as low as €60, so there are options for every budget.

Do I need to qualify or enter a lottery for these marathons? Some of the biggest marathons, like Berlin and London, use a lottery system due to high demand. Others, such as Valencia or smaller city races, often have general registration that opens months in advance. It’s best to check each race’s official website for specific entry requirements.

Which European marathon is best for a first-timer? For beginners, a flatter course with strong crowd support is ideal. The Valencia Marathon is excellent due to its fast, flat route and enthusiastic atmosphere, while Berlin also offers a very spectator-friendly experience. Both provide a supportive environment for first-time marathoners.

Are these marathons held in spring or fall? Most top European marathons are held in the fall to take advantage of cooler running conditions. Berlin is in late September, Valencia in early December, and London in late April. Spring races like Paris in April are also popular, but the majority of the fastest courses are autumn events.

How do I choose between a World Marathon Major and a smaller race? If your goal is a personal best or to run a historic Major, Berlin is unmatched. For a more affordable, less crowded, but still very fast race, Valencia offers exceptional value. Smaller marathons provide a more intimate experience and lower fees, ideal for runners who prioritize atmosphere over prestige.

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.

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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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