Marathon race ratings

1. Missoula Marathon

Missoula, United States · Next race 27 Jun 2027

Racers loveFinish across the Higgins Avenue Bridge, packed with spectators.

Watch outOne climb around miles 13 to 15 (21 to 24 km).

“They get an A plus for bathrooms at the start line” RaceRaves Missoula Marathon reviews

2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Chicago, United States · Next race 10 Oct 2027

Racers loveAbout 1.7 million spectators line the 42.2 km (26.2 mi) loop through 29 neighbourhoods

Watch outLottery odds are low: about 55,000 places for over 200,000 applicants in 2026

“Crowd support at Chicago is like no other!” Many runners, RaceRaves (199 reviews)

3. Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP

Valencia, Spain · Next race 6 Dec 2026

Racers loveFast and flat: about 30 m (98 ft) of gain, sea level and nine world records since 2017.

Watch outWarm years: about 24 °C (75 °F) by halfway in 2025. Carry sun protection and use the sponge stations.

“I found the last part of the race incredibly challenging” Guy Cowen-Hutton (posted by Tom Tinsley), Claremont Road Runners (Guy Cowen-Hutton)

4. Allianz Richmond Marathon

Richmond, United States · Next race 14 Nov 2026

Racers loveDownhill final mile, about 19 m (61 ft), into the riverfront party at Brown's Island.

Watch outSold out for 2026 with a waitlist; registration opens in March.

“Reviewers call it America's Friendliest” 368 ratings, 20 recent reviews, RaceRaves (2026 page)

5. Flying Pig Marathon

Cincinnati, United States · Last race 3 May 2026

Racers loveCrowd support is the standout, with neighbourhood parties and costumes.

Watch outHilly: about 376 m (1,234 ft) of gain, with the main climb to Eden Park.

“Pain is temporary, online race results are forever” Trevor Spencer, Marathon Training Academy recap

6. TCS London Marathon

London, United Kingdom · Next race 25 Apr 2027

Racers loveCrowds several people deep for most of 42.2 km (26.2 mi), loudest on Tower Bridge.

Watch outBallot odds are a few percent; charity places need at least GBP 2,750 raised.

“This was the best race ever!” 47 ratings, 20 written reviews, RaceRaves

7. Williams Route 66 Marathon

Tulsa, United States · Next race 22 Nov 2026

Racers loveBlock parties and neighbours' aid stations along most of the route.

Watch outAbout 245 m (800 ft) of climbing, most in miles 6 to 12 (10 to 19 km).

“This race is all about fan support from the locals” RaceRaves Williams Route 66 Marathon reviews

8. Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Minneapolis to St. Paul, United States · Last race 4 Oct 2026

Racers loveCourse runs past four lakes and the Mississippi, then up Summit Avenue to the Minnesota State Capitol.

Watch outHeat risk: 2023 was cancelled and 2025 hit 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F). 2027 moves to mid-October.

“Let's cruise to the finish and have a good time.” Brian Rock, Running with Rock (2025 race report)

9. Guthrie Wineglass Marathon

Corning, United States · Last race 4 Oct 2026

Racers loveFinish on Market Street in Corning, with crowds lining the pedestrian bridge.

Watch outLodging is scarce at USD 250 to 350 a night. Book by May; expect two or three night minimums.

“Every part of this race was amazing” RaceRaves (64 ratings, 26 marathon)

10. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

Oklahoma City, United States · Next race 25 Apr 2027

Racers loveA moment of silence at the start and 168 names read at the finish.

Watch outThe finish funnels into Scissortail Park and can bottleneck.

“still goes off like clockwork” RaceRaves Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon…

11. TCS New York City Marathon

New York, United States · Next race 1 Nov 2026

Racers loveAbout 1 million spectators line the 42.2 km (26.2 mi) route, loudest on First Avenue.

Watch outStart day runs 5 to 7 hours: buses from about 5:00 am, then 1 to 3 hours waiting outdoors.

“Unbelievable crowds that cheer you up during the entire race.” RaceRaves

12. BMW Berlin Marathon

Berlin, Germany · Next race 26 Sep 2027

Racers loveGain is only about 73 m (240 ft), the lowest of any Major

Watch outEntry is a lottery with no stated odds, so plan a backup race

“Type 2 fun” Felix Wong blog

13. Eau Claire Marathon

Eau Claire, United States · Next race 2 May 2027

Racers loveBlugold Mile through the UW-Eau Claire campus is the crowd peak, around mile 11 (18 km).

Watch outHills near miles 5, 12 and 15 (8, 19 and 24 km); 186 m (611 ft) of gain.

“the best community support of any of the races I have run!” 148 runners (2022 to 2026), RaceRaves (148 ratings, 4.7)

14. Town of Celebration Marathon

Celebration, United States · Next race 31 Jan 2027

Racers loveVery flat: 66 m (217 ft) of gain, near sea level, USATF-certified Boston qualifier.

Watch outHeat: 31 °C (87 °F) in 2026; January 31 highs range 16 to 28 °C (60 to 83 °F).

“the best swag of any race I've done so far” RaceRaves

15. Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

Milwaukee, United States · Last race 4 Oct 2026

Racers loveCrosses the Hoan Bridge near miles 7.5 and 23.5 (12 and 38 km), with city and lake views.

Watch outThe second Hoan Bridge climb near mile 23.5 (38 km) has no shade.

“This will go down as one of my favorite non-major marathons!” 27 runners, RaceRaves (Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon)

16. Volkswagen Prague Marathon

Prague, Czechia · Next race 2 May 2027

Racers loveStarts in Old Town Square and crosses the Vltava, including Charles Bridge.

Watch outCobbles of roughly 2 to 7 km (1.2 to 4.3 mi) plus tram tracks.

“one-of-a-kind experience” RaceRaves (pkroon)

17. Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon

Champaign, United States · Next race 24 Apr 2027

Racers loveFlat loop: 139 m (456 ft) of gain by one count, and 13.4% of 2026 finishers ran a Boston time.

Watch outMostly residential streets and farmland; reviewers call it dull after halfway.

“the race director is very good at her job” George Brown and Michael Zielinski, MarathonGuide reviews

18. NN Marathon Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands · Next race 11 Apr 2027

Racers loveFlat course: listed gain is 12 m (39 ft) and the men's record is 2:03:36.

Watch outThe first 5 km (3 mi) are crowded, especially on the Erasmus Bridge.

19. Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

Virginia Beach, United States · Next race 21 Mar 2027

Racers loveOne of the flattest US marathons, about 82 m (270 ft) of gain, Boston-eligible.

Watch outOcean wind is common; expect a headwind on the return.

“Shamrock had by far the best post race celebration I've experienced at a race.” 95 ratings, RaceRaves

20. Boston Marathon

Boston, United States · Next race 19 Apr 2027

Racers loveCrowds line almost the whole 42.2 km (26.2 mi), loudest at the Wellesley Scream Tunnel and Boston College.

Watch outEntry needs a qualifying time, charity bib or tour package. Standards start at 2:55 for men 18 to 34.

“Spectators line the entire route.” RaceRaves Boston Marathon reviews

21. Copenhagen Marathon

Copenhagen, Denmark · Next race 9 May 2027

Racers loveFlat loop with about 100 m (330 ft) of gain; first-timer friendly and fast.

Watch outThe first 2 to 3 km (1 to 2 mi) are crowded and pace groups can start too fast.

“one of the best-supported marathons we've run” The Running Channel: Copenhagen Marathon Review…

22. Zurich Marato de Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain · Next race 14 Mar 2027

Racers lovePasses Sagrada Familia near 14 km (8.7 mi) and finishes under the Arc de Triomf.

Watch outSold out more than 2 months ahead in 2025, so register early.

“the best I have ever run” First-time marathoners, RaceRaves (6 reviews)

23. Chevron Houston Marathon

Houston, United States · Next race 17 Jan 2027

Racers loveWarm up, drop bags and use hundreds of toilets indoors at the convention center before the 06:55 start.

Watch outCorral waits of 40 to 60 minutes outdoors in cold years; 2 °C (35 °F) starts have happened.

“Overall a very well organized race, where runners are considered.” RaceRaves

24. Little Rock Marathon

Little Rock, United States · Next race 6 Mar 2027

Racers loveProduction rated 4.7 of 5 on RaceRaves from 238 ratings.

Watch outSteep hills between 23 and 31 km (14 and 19 mi) and another near 39 km (24 mi).

“The medal is insane.” 238 runner ratings, RaceRaves Little Rock Marathon page