About European Marathons
Above we provide a comprehensive list of upcoming European marathons and half marathons across the continent. We feature the major races taking place in each country, and for smaller countries that don't host a full marathon, we showcase their premier half marathon events.
Clicking on each race entry will provide detailed information about your chosen course, including start times, entry fees, number of participants, and registration deadlines. Many races also offer additional distance options such as 10K, 5K, and relay events.
Why Run a European Marathon?
European marathons offer runners a unique combination of world-class racing, rich history, and cultural experiences. From running through the ancient streets of Athens following Pheidippides' legendary route, to racing past Renaissance masterpieces in Rome or Florence, these events provide unforgettable experiences that combine athletic achievement with cultural immersion.
Fastest European Marathon Courses
Looking to set a personal best? Several European marathons are renowned for their flat, fast courses and ideal racing conditions:
- Frankfurt Marathon - Consistently one of the fastest courses in the world, held in late October
- Rotterdam Marathon - Flat Dutch course known for fast times, held in April
- Berlin Marathon - Home to multiple world records, run in September
- Valencia Marathon - Fast December race with excellent weather conditions
Popular Marathon Destinations by Season
Spring (March-May)
Barcelona, Paris, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Hamburg, Prague, Madrid, Rotterdam
Autumn (September-November)
Berlin, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Athens, Dublin, Valencia, Lisbon, Venice
Winter (December-February)
Seville, Malaga, Lanzarote - ideal for warm-weather racing
Summer (June-August)
Stockholm, Helsinki, Midnight Sun Marathon - Nordic summer experiences
Tips for International Marathon Runners
- Book early: Accommodation fills up quickly for major races like Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam
- Check visa requirements: Plan ahead for races in non-EU countries like Turkey
- Language barrier: Most major European races have excellent English support and signage
- Transportation: European races typically have excellent public transport access
- Registration: Popular races sell out months in advance - some use ballot systems
- Race-cation: Combine your marathon with a European city break for the full experience
Major European Marathon Events
Some of the most prestigious and popular marathons in Europe include:
- Paris Marathon - One of the largest in the world with over 50,000 runners
- Berlin Marathon - World record course and part of the World Marathon Majors
- Athens Classic Marathon - The original marathon route
- Amsterdam Marathon - Flat and fast course through a beautiful city
- Dublin Marathon - Ireland's largest marathon with fantastic crowd support
Stay Updated on Race News
We regularly tweet about upcoming European marathons, entry openings, race-day tips, and registration deadlines. Follow us on Twitter @racelists to stay informed about the latest race news.
Looking for races closer to home? Check out our UK Marathon listings, UK Half Marathon calendar, or explore our race pace calculators and marathon training plans.
