The Best Full Marathons in Europe

Europe is home to some of the best full marathons (26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometres) in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for your next marathon to conquer, or a passionate traveller seeking a new adventure, mixing running and culture is the perfect way to see a new city.

From historic city routes to scenic coastal races, Europe’s marathon calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences. This list highlights the very best marathons in Europe based on course, atmosphere, scenery, organisation, and travel accessibility that are worth adding to your bucket list race calendar.

Not looking for 26.2 miles? Check out our guide to the best half marathons in Europe.

Paris Marathon – France

The City of Light offers more than romance, fashion and food – it’s also one of the most iconic marathon settings in the world. With Parisian landmarks around every corner, this race is perfect for first timers and seasoned marathoners.

Paris Marathon Race Details

Held each April, the Paris Marathon begins on the historic Champs-Élysées and winds past sights like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Eiffel Tower. The course also explores the leafy parks of Bois de Vincennes and Boulogne, providing runners with both city and nature backdrops.

Travel Info

Flights from major UK airports (London, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Birmingham) take around 1 hour 20 minutes. Paris is served by two main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly.

Insider Tip

Right beside the Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower is a sports facility, the Centre Emile Anthoine. Like many sports centres in the Paris area, it has a running track that’s open free to the public from 7-9PM. It’s a hidden track beside the torrent of visitors with an epic view of the Eiffel Tower.

Sports Tours Package

If you want to take part in this very sought-after event and explore the city of love, join our Paris Marathon tour package for guaranteed entry, centrally located accommodation, a sightseeing tour, on the ground support from our experienced team and more!

Rome Marathon – Italy

The Rome Marathon is like no other. It is an opportunity for athletes to follow in the steps of Roman Gladiators and experience this cities unique and charming atmosphere. This European city offers incredible historic sights and monuments that will make a runners marathon experience one to remember.

Rome Marathon Race Details

This marathon has been around since 1995 and usually takes place during March each year. The route takes athletes on a journey through the city, passing the famous Rome Colosseum, along the Fori Imperiali, towards the Vatican and St. Peters Square, where you may see a glimpse of the Pope.

Travel Info

Flights to Rome operate from all major UK airports (London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle etc) and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Rome has two international airports, the Leonardo da Vinci Airport and the Ciampino Airport.

Top Sights to Explore

Rome has a range of experiences to offer tourist, from taking part in a cooking class, ancient ruins, markets and museums. Here are a few of our top picks:

• The original Roman Crypts and Catacombs
• Pizza making class
• Visit the Colosseum with a guided tour
• Vatican Museum

Sports Tours Package

If the idea of running the Rome Marathon has caught your interest, check out our Rome Marathon tour packages. We offer multiple night accommodation packages, meet and greet welcome drinks, race briefing, sightseeing tour, 5k shakeout run, post marathon celebrations and of course, guaranteed race entry.

Medoc Marathon – France

The Marathon du Medoc is an event like no other, known as the wine marathon. Combining wine, food, fancy dress and sports, this marathon is the ultimate bucket list for travel and running. This is less about speed more about enjoying the journey.

Medoc Marathon Race Details

Held in September, this one-of-a-kind event winds through 59 vineyards in the Bordeaux region. Expect to taste local wines, enjoy oysters and cheese at aid stations, and soak up the liveliest atmosphere like no other.

Travel Info

Direct flights to Bordeaux from UK airports average 1 hour 30 minutes, with the shortest flight duration being 1 hour 23 minutes from Bristol Airport. Bordeaux is compact and easy to navigate once you arrive.

Top Sights to Explore

• Place de la Bourse – stunning 18th-century square and iconic reflecting pool, which creates a mesmerising mirror effect, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• La Cité du Vin – immersive wine museum experience, offering interactive exhibits.
• Marché des Capucins – sample Bordeaux’s best regional delicacies, like foie gras, cheeses and cannelés (perfect for lunch or brunch!)
• Les Bassins de Lumières – a converted WWII submarine base, transformed into a digital art museum.
• Bordeaux River Cruise – take in the city from the Garonne River on this excellent boat tour.

Sports Tours Package

From guaranteed entry to group dinners and vineyard visits, our Médoc Marathon experience is tailored for runners who want fun, fitness, and fine wine, all in one weekend.

BMW Berlin Marathon – Germany

Part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, Berlin is one of the fastest marathon courses in the world, and a favourite for those chasing a PB. The flat, fast route coupled with fantastic crowd support makes it one of the most popular races globally.

Berlin Marathon Race Details

Taking place in late September, runners pass historic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and the Berlin Wall. With perfect autumn running conditions and elite-level organisation, it’s easy to see why records are made here.

Travel Info

Direct flights from London to Berlin take under 2 hours. Berlin Brandenburg Airport connects easily to the city via train or bus.

Insider Tip

Recharge post-race with a peaceful walk or picnic in Tiergarten, Berlin’s expansive park right near the finish line.

Sports Tours Package

Secure your spot in this world-class race with our Berlin Marathon package, including guaranteed race entry, hotels, the biggest after party in berlin and full race-week support.

TCS Amsterdam Marathon – Netherlands

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is truly one of a kind. Famous for its scenic canals, rich cultural life, and open-minded spirit, the city blends history and modern charm effortlessly. It’s ideal for runners chasing a fast time or simply enjoying a well-organised race in a vibrant European capital.

Whether you’re exploring world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, diving into history at the Anne Frank House, or experiencing the unique character of the Red-Light District, Amsterdam offers a mix of experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Amsterdam Marathon Race Details

Held in October, the course starts and finishes in the historic Olympic Stadium. Highlights include stretches along the Amstel River, through leafy parks, and into the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural quarters.

Travel Info

Frequent direct flights from UK cities take just over an hour. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is just a 15-minute train ride from the city centre.

Insider Tip

Visit the Albert Cuyp Market, just a short walk from the finish line, for fresh stroopwafels, street food, and a local beer to toast your achievement.

Sports Tours Package

Enjoy your Amsterdam Marathon race weekend stress-free with our travel packages including a choice of three distances (Marathon, half marathon or 7.5K) race entry, accommodation, and expert support throughout.

Irish Life Dublin Marathon – Ireland

Warm, welcoming, and full of energy, the Dublin Marathon is one of Europe’s friendliest races. The route offers a mix of Georgian streets, leafy suburbs, and vibrant local support from start to finish.

Dublin Marathon Race Details

Held in late October, runners take in Phoenix Park, UCD, and finish near Merrion Square. A great option for both first-timers and experienced runners.

Travel Info

Flights to Dublin take under 1 hour from most UK cities, with excellent public transport links from the airport to city centre.

Insider Tip

After the race, head to the Guinness Storehouse or explore the iconic Temple Bar for traditional music and celebratory pints with fellow runners.

Sports Tours Package

Join our Dublin Marathon tour for a race experience that feels like a homecoming – with guaranteed entry, expert support and added perks.

Athens Marathon – Greece

This is where the marathon began. Literally. Run in the footsteps of Pheidippides on the original route from Marathon to Athens, making this race a true pilgrimage for long-distance runners.

Athens Marathon Race Details

Held in November, the Athens Marathon starts in the town of Marathon and finishes in the historic Panathenaic Stadium. The hilly course adds to the challenge, but the history makes it unforgettable.

Travel Info

Flights from London to Athens average around 3.5 hours. The city is well-connected by metro and taxis.

Insider Tip

Visit the Acropolis Museum or take a post-race dip along the Athenian Riviera for the ultimate recovery experience.

Sports Tours Package

Be part of history with our Athens Marathon travel experience – a true bucket list event. With the marathon entry and 10k and 5k races also available to book, it’s a must for every runner.

Valencia Marathon – Spain

Known as “The City of Running,” Valencia offers one of Europe’s fastest and flattest marathons with perfect warm December weather. It’s a runner’s paradise with a spectacular finish over water on a floating blue carpet at the Museo de las Ciencias.

Valencia Marathon Race Details

Held in early December, the Valencia Marathon is well-organised and atmospheric. The vibrant crowds and scenic course make it an ideal winter vacation and end of year goal.

Travel Info

Flights from the UK to Valencia take about 2.5 hours, with multiple carriers offering direct routes.

Insider Tips

• City of Arts and Sciences – stunning finish line setting and a must-visit
• Turia Gardens – 9km of green space perfect for a shakeout run
• Mercat Central – taste local delicacies post-race
• Serranos Towers – panoramic city views
• Valencia Cathedral – home to a chalice claimed to be the Holy Grail

Sports Tours Package

With guaranteed race entry, hotel stays, and expert support, our Valencia Marathon package is the ultimate way to end your running year on a high.

Why Book With Sports Tours International?

At Sports Tours International, we specialise in creating unforgettable race experiences across Europe and beyond. Our European marathon packages include:
• Guaranteed race entries – no ballot, no qualifying time 
• Expert support from experienced reps
• Handpicked hotels in prime locations
• Social events with fellow runners – Welcome drinks, shakeout runs, pre-race briefs, guided expo trips, after parties.
• Optional guided tours and sightseeing extras

Let us take the stress out of race planning so you can focus on what matters – running your best race and making unforgettable memories with Sports Tours.

Looking for half marathons? Check out our guide to the best half marathons in Europe.