Looking to lace up your trainers and take on a marathon in 2025?
First of all, well done in advance for your willpower, determination and effort.
Secondly, good luck with the early mornings, late nights and braving rain, snow and sleet to pound the streets in preparation.
The herculean effort it takes to drag yourself across 26.2 miles surely deserves a holiday. So why not combine your training with a trip?
Europe offers some of the world's most scenic, exciting and challenging marathons. However, many of the heavyweights sell out well in advance.
These European marathons have already closed their ballots or sold out for 2025:
- Barcelona
- Belfast
- Berlin
- Copenhagen
- Dublin
- Hamburg
- London
- Paris
- Seville
- Valencia
The Best European Marathons for 2025
The good news is, there are still a whole load of incredible, interesting and challenging marathons in Europe with spaces available in 2025.
So, omitting the above, here are some of the best European marathons for 2025.
Athens Marathon
Where?: Athens, Greece
When?: Sunday 9th November 2025
Average Temperature: Low 17°C, high 22°C
Entry Fee: Between €55 and €135 (£46 to £113)
Website | Registration
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Athens is not a marathon, it's the marathon. This is where marathons originated in ancient Greece, with the first modern event held in the capital in 1896.
Marathons commemorate the legendary feat of the Greek courier Pheidippides. It's believed that he ran from Marathon to Athens to announce victory over the Persians in 490 BC.
Following his legendary path, the Athens event stays true to history. It takes runners along the same roads, with a brutal 21 km uphill stretch from the 10 km to the 31 km mark.
Make no mistake, this is one of Europe's toughest marathons.
But the reward is worth it. The final stretch sees participants storm into the Panathenaic Stadium. This all-marble arena hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
The crowd, the history, the sheer weight of the moment - it's goosebump-inducing.
With a World Athletics Label, this race is a bucket-list challenge for those who want to run in the footsteps of legends.
Rome Marathon
Where?: Rome, Italy
When?: Sun 16th March 2025
Average Temperature: Low 8°C, high 16°C
Entry Fee: €129 (approx £107)
Website | Registration
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Forget PBs, this one's all about the views and the experience. The Rome Marathon is a race through 2,700 years of history. The course is a sightseeing tour, taking you past sites such as Vatican City, the Spanish steps and Piazza Navona.
With a World Athletics Label, it's known for its stunning route, electric atmosphere and iconic finish at the Colosseum.
It's not all smooth going, though. Several stretches over cobblestones add an extra challenge and test your endurance. But if you want a marathon that's as legendary as the city itself, Rome is calling.
Medoc Marathon, France
Where?: Pauillac, France - around one hours' drive North of Bordeaux
When?: Saturday 6th September 2025
Average Temperature: Low 12°C, high 18°C
Entry Fee: €100 (approx £83)
Website | Registration
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The Marathon du Médoc isn't so much a race as a moving party through France's most famous vineyards.
Dubbed the "world's longest marathon" because of all the wine stops, it takes you past stunning châteaux, offering red wine, oysters, cheese and steak at aid stations.
It's known for its themes, wild costumes, legendary hospitality and swag. Runners receive a bottle of Bordeaux wine at the end.
Despite the fun, it's still a proper marathon with a strict 6.5-hour time limit.
If you want a race where the wine flows for as long as the miles, Médoc is an unmissable, bucket-list experience.
Marathon İzmir
Where?: Izmir, Turkey
When?: Sunday 13th April 2025
Average Temperature: Low 12°C, high 22°C
Entry Fee: €80 (approx £67)
Website | Registration
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Marathon İzmir is Turkey's fastest marathon, designed for speed and stunning coastal views.
With a flat, record-breaking course, it's a dream for PB hunters, attracting elite and amateur runners looking to push their limits.
The race takes you along the Aegean coastline, past İzmir's vibrant streets, historic sites and clock tower.
It also has the creds. Holding a World Athletics Label, it's praised for its eco-friendly initiatives and smooth organisation.
With perfect spring running conditions and a seriously fast route, Marathon İzmir is the go-to race for those chasing a PB with a side of sunshine and sea breeze.
Venice Marathon
Where?: Venice, Italy
When?: Sunday 26th October 2025
Average Temperature: Low 13°C, high 18°C
Entry Fee: €80 (£67) until 31st March
Website | Registration
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Venice marathon is a run through history, art and one of the world's most romantic cities.
Starting on the mainland, you'll pass Venetian villas, cross a floating bridge over the Grand Canal and finish in St. Mark's Square.
Flat for most of the way, but with 14 bridges to conquer at the end, it's a challenge worth taking.
Expect unreal views, a one-of-a-kind route and pure drama as you race past gondolas and historic palaces. Plus, it's eco-friendly, with sustainability initiatives to help protect Venice.
Runtalya Marathon
Where?: Antalya, Turkey
When?: Sunday 6th April 2025
Average Temperature: Low 12°C, high 22°C
Entry Fee: Approx between £22 and £28
Website | Registration
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The ancient Turkish city of Antalya is famous for its beaches and idyllic coastline. So its annual marathon, Runtalya, is sure to ease the pain of running 26 miles.
With a reputation for being well-organised, it's also ideal for both beginners and seasoned pros running abroad for the first time.
Plus, its flat course and ideal springtime temperatures mean you may end up with a PB.
Runtalya is part of a three-day festival that includes community events and live music. Ramping up the atmosphere further, it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
If you're not too tired following the run, there's sure to be no end of afterparties to crash.
Midnight Sun Marathon
Where?: Tromsø, Norway
When?: 21st June 2025
Average Temperature: Low 7°C, high 14°C
Entry Fee: 1,080 Norwegian Krone (approx £77)
Website | Registration
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With a course under the never-setting Arctic sun, the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø is a race like no other.
Held in one of the world's northernmost cities, the 24-hour daylight creates an atmosphere unlike any other marathon.
It offers a truly surreal experience, with a backdrop of golden skies, fjords and snow-capped peaks.
Midnight Sun is Norway's largest marathon and attracts runners from around the world. And with its flat and fast course making it perfect for PB chasers, it's little wonder why.
Lisbon Marathon
Where?: Lisbon, Portugal
When?: Sunday 25th October 2025
Average Temperature: Low 15°C, high 23°C
Entry Fee: €99.55 (£83)
Website | Registration
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The Lisbon Marathon is one of Europe's most scenic and fastest races.
It takes runners from Cascais to Lisbon, along the Atlantic and through the beautiful gardens of Oeiras. It then follows the banks of the Tagus river, touring the heart of old Lisbon.
With a mostly flat, downhill course, it's perfect for PB chasers. Expect ocean views, historic landmarks and a golden finish by the Tagus River.
It holds a World Athletics Label and is known for its perfect autumn running conditions.
Plus, there's live music and an electric atmosphere throughout. If you want a marathon that's fast, scenic and packed with coastal vibes, Lisbon is calling.
Stockholm Marathon
Where?: Stockholm, Sweden
When?: Saturday 31st May 2025
Average Temperature: Low 10°C, high 16°C
Entry Fee: €130 (approx £108)
Website | Registration
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If you want a marathon that's moderately challenging, famous for its epic crowd support and midsummer vibes, this one's got your name on it.
The largest marathon in the Nordics, Stockholm Marathon sees runners pass royal palaces, waterways and Stockholm's historic old town, Gamla Stan.
Known for its tough but rewarding course, it throws in rolling hills and unpredictable Swedish weather.
Finishing inside the 1912 Olympic Stadium, its old-school aesthetic will make you feel every inch the running legend.
Frankfurt Marathon
Where?: Frankfurt, Germany
When?: Sunday 26th October 2025
Average Temperature: Low 8°C, high 15°C
Entry Fee: €140 (approx £116)
Website | Registration
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Fast, flat and built for PB hunters, Germany's second-largest marathon is a firm favourite among the running community.
With World Athletics Elite Label status, Frankfurt Marathon attracts over 27,000 runners and offers perfect autumn temperatures and conditions.
The route is basically a tour of the city's best bits. It follows the Main River and takes in the historic concert hall Alte Opera.
It also hits Römerberg, Frankfurt's old town square and the market town Höchst, with its medieval houses, castle and magnificent church.
But the real highlight is the finish inside Festhalle, where you'll sprint down a red carpet under dazzling lights - pure theatre.
If you want a blazing-fast course with an epic finish, Frankfurt's your race.
Three-Country Marathon
Where?: Lindau, Germany
When?: Sunday 12th October 2025
Average Temperature: Low 6°C, high 15°C
Entry Fee: Between €80 and €103, depending on registration date (approx £67 - £85)
Website | Registration
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The Three-Country Marathon is a bucket-list race that takes you through Austria, Germany and Switzerland, all in the same run.
Starting on the shores of Lake Constance in Bregenz, you'll be kept company by the world-famous Alps and cosy medieval towns.
Known for its stunning views, smooth organisation and fast, mostly flat course, it's a dream for PB chasers and scenery lovers alike.
French Riviera Marathon
Where?: From Nice to Cannes, France
When?: Sunday 9th November 2025
Average Temperature: Low 8°C, high 17°C
Entry Fee: €85 - €95 (approx £70 - £79)
Website | Registration
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With 18,000 runners taking part in 2024, the French Riviera Marathon is France's second-largest, after Paris.
Its scale and smooth organisation aren't its only virtues. Over half of entrants last year were also first-timers, making this a popular event for marathon newbies.
Starting at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and ending close to the site of Cannes Film Festival, the route boats fresh seaside air, palm trees and mountain views.
Not to mention the potential to stay on and enjoy the magnificent South of France. Even in the winter, there are plenty of sights, great food and drink and post-race r&r to be had.
Luxembourg Night Marathon
When?: 31st May 2025
Where?: Luxembourg City
Average Temperature: Low 9°C, high 19°C
Entry Fee: €105 (approx £87)
Website | Registration
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With 17,000 runners, 100,000 spectators, 1,300 volunteers and 500 musicians entertaining participants along the way, Luxembourg Night Marathon has sure got the numbers.
It's also one of just a handful of organised night marathons worldwide. Its electric atmosphere, lively spectator support and scenic course through the city make it well-regarded among runners.
Physically, it isn't plain sailing. The route around the seriously hilly Luxembourg City includes some challenging inclines, especially in the Petrusse Valley.
But as all the best things are worth working for, maybe this unique run is the challenge your fitness regime is crying out for.
Loch Ness Marathon
Where?: Inverness, Scotland
When?: Sunday 28th September 2025
Average Temperature: Low 9°C, high 16°C
Entry Fee: £74
Website | Registration
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If you fancy running a scenic beast of a race through the jaw-dropping Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness Marathon is a must.
The route starts in the remote wilderness and follows the banks of Loch Ness, finishing in Inverness.
It's famous for its rolling hills, epic scenery, and unpredictable weather. One minute there could be sunshine, the next, a full Highland downpour.
Featuring Scottish hills that will test your soul, it's certainly not Europe's easiest marathon.
But the views and enthusiastic crowds make it worth it. Plus, there's always the chance of spotting Nessie mid-race - if the wall doesn't get you first.
Palermo Marathon
Where?: Palermo, Sicily
When?: Sunday 16th November 2025
Average Temperature: Low 14°C, high 20°C
Entry Fee: €30 until 14th May 2025 (approx £25)
Website | Registration
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Palermo Marathon offers a sun-drenched, culture-packed race through the streets of Sicily's capital.
Expect a scenic but tough course, with inclines and rolling hills, historic piazzas and coastal roads overlooking the Mediterranean.
Runners pass UNESCO-listed landmarks like the Palermo Cathedral and Teatro Massimo, weaving through palm-lined streets and ancient alleyways.
The humidity and hills make it a challenge. But the energy of the city, seaside views and post-race cannoli are irresistible draws.
Moray Marathon
Where?: Elgin, Scotland
When?: Sunday 13th April 2025
Average Temperature: Low 4°C, high 10°C
Entry Fee: £62
Website | Registration
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The Moray Marathon is a quiet, scenic race through the countryside and coast of northeast Scotland.
Expect peaceful roads and sea views, with a route that winds through Elgin, Lossiemouth, and Burghead.
The coastal breeze can be refreshing - or brutal, depending on the day.
A low-key and well-loved race, Moray is ideal as a qualifier and gunning for a PB.
Naples Marathon
Where?: Naples, Italy
When?: Sunday 19th October 2025
Average Temperature: Low 14°C, high 23°C
Entry Fee: €50 before 1st April, €60 after (£42 - £50)
Website | Registration
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Naples Marathon is a high-energy, sun-soaked race through one of Italy's most vibrant cities.
The course weaves past Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, offering a mix of city streets, coastal roads and passionate locals cheering you on.
The sea breeze helps with the heat, but the uneven roads and rolling terrain keep it interesting.
Run for the history, the chaos and the world-famous pizza - because you've absolutely earned it.
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Ready to run? Grab your eSIM, lace up and start your marathon journey now.
