Best European Marathons 2023 & 2024 (2024)

European marathons specifically offer a unique combination of history, culture, scenery, and atmosphere that make them extraordinarily attractive to runners. The diversity of routes, the historical and cultural context and the support of the local communities, all make these marathons a unique and memorable experience – simply some of the best marathons in the world.

They offer runners a chance to take on a new challenge, explore a new city and culture, and push their personal limits. However, with so many marathons to choose from, and a lot of diversity, it can be difficult to know which one to tackle.

In this article, we will take a look at the pros and cons of twelve of the best European marathons to help you choose.

We also address the challenge of gaining entry to the best European Marathon events, as for the uninitiated, this can be challenge all of its own. Hence I have included tour companies who can help secure guaranteed entries.

Lets go…

Which best European marathon exists ?

1. London

2. Berlin

3. Paris

4. Venice

5. Barcelona

6. Amsterdam

7. Rome

8. Zurich

9. Prague

10. Vienna

11. Edinburgh

12. Stockholm

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Paris

Paris has awesome scenery, is THE prestige race after Berlin & London, and has a non-ballotted entry. After Berlin and London (which are part of the 6 world “Majors” & extremely difficult to get into without a charity or paid place) Paris has become over the last few years – the next best premier marathon in Europe.

Vienna

Vienna is famously remembered as the site of the unnofficial sub-2 hour marathon achieved by all-time marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge in 2019.

Although the official marathon route is not the same as the 2 hour attempt, this is the next best flat & fast course after Berlin which has an achieveable entry, pb pedigree and amazing cityscapes and atmosphere. Its the complete package.

Rome

The Rome race goes through the heart of the historic city & is a great way to experience the beauty of Rome and Italian culture. Not only has it a monumental route & rich culture, but it is also a Boston qualifier. This definitely is one of the most beautiful marathons worth considering for first marathon runners or experienced runners alike, and their supporters.

The best European marathons evaluated

London Marathon

Cost:99 GBP plus a 26GBP carbon offset fee

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 5

The London Marathon is one of the biggest marathon events in the world, with over 40,000 runners participating each year and over a million spectators.

The course takes runners through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.

The race is known for its enthusiastic crowds and lively atmosphere, with thousands of spectators cheering on the runners along the course, plus lots of live music. Its also known for its excellent organization, with a range of services and support provided for runners, such as bag drop-off and a post-race recovery area.

However the London Marathon can be quite expensive to enter, with high registration fees and travel costs. Its also extremely extremely difficult to get a place, especially for non UK runners.

The best ways are to get a charity place which requires 2000 GBP in sponsorship, or to go through a travel company.

Nevertheless it is one of the 6 world majors and therefore a Tier 1 race, and basically will give you a premier experience.

Berlin Marathon

Cost:163 Euros

Time of year: Autumn

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 5

The BMW Berlin Marathon is considered one of the most popular and well-organized marathons in the world, it takes place annually in September and attracts around 40,000 runners from all over the globe.

The main pros of the Berlin marathon include the fast and flat course, known for its record-breaking times, the large crowds and lively atmosphere, and the well-organized event that provides runners with a smooth and hassle-free experience.

The main cons include the high demand for entries, which makes it difficult to get a spot, the marathon is often sold out within hours of registration opening.

Additionally, the marathon is held in September, which in Berlin can be quite warm, so runners should be prepared to run in hot city centre conditions.

Nevertheless this marathon is the complete package, and being the fastest in the world, should definitely be on your marathoning bucket list.

Paris Marathon

Cost:135 Euros

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 4

The Paris event is one of the most popular and beautiful marathon events in Europe. It takes place annually in April and attracts around 50,000 runners from all over the world.

The main pros of the Paris marathon include the beautiful and historic course, which takes runners through the streets of Paris, passing by iconic & famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées.

The marathon also offers great support and organization, with plenty of water and aid stations along the course, and a party atmosphere at the finish line.

However, one of the cons of the Paris marathon is the high demand for entries, which makes it difficult to get a spot.

It is however easier than Berlin and London, as long as you apply before the London marathon declares its spaces.

Additionally, the marathon is quite crowded, which can make it difficult for faster runners to maintain their pace and for slower runners to enjoy the scenery.

Venice Marathon

Cost:60 Euros for first 4000 runners

Time of year: Autumn

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

The Venice marathon is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic marathons in Europe. It takes place annually in October and attracts around 10,000 runners from around the world.

The main pros of the Venice marathon include the stunning course, which takes runners through the narrow streets of Venice, and to run past iconic landmarks such as Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal.

The marathon also offers a unique and intimate atmosphere, as the smaller number of runners means there is less crowding on the course and more opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of Venice.

Another pro is the marathon is held in October, the weather is usually mild and good for running.

However, one of the cons of the Venice marathon is the course is not flat, it is quite challenging with several bridges, and cobblestone streets which can make it difficult for some runners, but once you get to the finish line it will all be worth it for the unique experience alone.

Barcelona Marathon

Cost:65 Euros for first 10,000 runners

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

The Barcelona Marathon takes place annually in March and attracts around 15,000 runners from around the world. The main pros of the Barcelona marathon include the beautiful and historic sea level course, which takes runners through the streets of Barcelona, and past iconic landmarks such as the Gothic Quarter, Park Guell, and the Sagrada Familia.

Another pro is the marathon is held in March, the weather is usually mild and good for running.

On the downside some runners also find the course challenging, as it includes a few hills and is not entirely flat, making it difficult for some to achieve their desired time or pace. Still this is not one of the worlds most visited cities for nothing, and is definitely worth participating.

Amsterdam Marathon

Cost:105 Euros

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

The Amsterdam Marathon is one of the largest and most popular marathons in Europe, attracting over 40,000 runners annually. The main pros of the Amsterdam marathon include its flat and fast course, which runs along the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, making it a scenic and enjoyable experience for runners.

The mild weather in October is also ideal for running, with temperatures usually between 10-15°C.

Due to this and the high participation, the marathon can be quite crowded, which can make it difficult for runners to maintain their pace and for spectators to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

The crowdedness of the marathon can also cause some logistical issues, such as long wait times at aid stations and crowded start and finish lines.

This all depends on your goal however and what is important to you.

Rome Marathon

Cost:99 Euros

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 3

The Rome Marathon is one of the most popular and historic marathons in Europe, with a rich cultural heritage and well established running tradition.

The main pros of the Rome marathon include its scenic course, which takes runners through some of the most historic landmarks of the city, such as the iconic sight of the Colosseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s Square and the Tiber river.

However, the Rome marathon also has its downsides, including the challenging course, which includes several hills and cobblestone streets that can make it difficult for runners to achieve their desired time or pace.

Zurich Marathon

Cost:129 CHF

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

The main pros of the Zurich marathon include its scenic course, which takes runners through the heart of the city, AND the picturesque Swiss countryside, offering stunning views of the Zurich Lake and the Swiss Alps.

However, the Zurich marathon also has its downsides, including its high entry, accommodation & travel fees, which can make it more expensive than other marathons. Also the marathon is held in late April, when the weather can be unpredictable, which can affect the quality of the race experience.

Prague Marathon

Cost:60 Euros for first entrants

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

The Prague Marathon is a popular and well-respected marathon in Eastern Europe, offering runners a unique and historic running experience.

The main pros of the Prague marathon include its scenic course, which takes runners through the heart of the city, past iconic landmarks and along the beautiful Vltava River.

May is quite late for a Marathon and the weather can play an important factor on performance, if that is important to you.

The overall experience of racing in this extraordinary city however, and smaller number of participants means more space to run free, and take in the extraordinary sights of Pragues amazing architecture and atmosphere.

Vienna Marathon

Cost:127 Euros

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

The main pros of the Vienna marathon include its flat and fast single lap course, with few inclines, which allows runners to achieve their desired time or pace more easily.

The course also takes runners through the heart of the city, past historic landmarks, and along the picturesque Danube River, offering a scenic and memorable running experience.

The city has real running cache in the form of the location of the sub 2 hour run from 2019, plus a World Record 10,000m in the Prater stadium. So this place is important in running history.

The marathon route is not as varied and challenging as some other European marathons, making it less appealing to those seeking a more challenging experience. But therefore it is flat and fast, and the home of the sub 2 hour marathon so is one of the race starts you dont want to miss.

Edinburgh Marathon

Cost:64 GBP

Time of year: Spring

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 3

The Edinburgh race has a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, attracting runners of all abilities and nationalities.

Its also great value for money, with a low entry fee compared to other marathons and has a good runner’s expo. The course takes runners through the beautiful city centre of Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat.

On the other hand; the rolling hills can be challenging for some runners, especially those not used to running in hilly terrain or unpredictable weather. This can make it difficult to run a personal best time.

Nevertheless the route takes in one of the worlds most beautiful historic cities, and for those wanting more of what Scotland has to offer, Edinburgh is a starting line you shouldn’t miss.

Stockholm Marathon

Cost:85 Euro

Time of year: June

Entry difficulty (5 is hard): 2

This great race takes place in the heart of Stockholm, showcasing the city’s picturesque beauty and cultural landmarks along the route.

The flat and fast course is well-suited for runners aiming for a personal best time.

However the weather in Stockholm can be unpredictable, with temperatures often varying between hot and cold during the race. Also the crowds can be thin in some areas, making it less of a supportive atmosphere for runners.

Conclusion: There is no wrong answer!

In conclusion, Europe is home to some of the world’s most exciting and attractive marathons, offering breathtaking scenery, unique cultural experiences, and a chance to challenge oneself both physically and mentally.

Whether you’re looking for a fast and flat course to set a personal best, a scenic route through iconic cities, or a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, there is a European marathon to suit your needs.

So, why not take the next step and sign up for one of these incredible races today?

Not only will you push your limits and achieve something truly amazing, but when you cross the finish line you’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime.

Get ready to lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and experience the thrill of one of Europe’s best marathons!

Good luck.

Bonus tip: a half marathon is also often on offer

If a full marathon feels too much – dont worry, most races also offer a half marathon as well. Check the registration buttons above to see where they are available.