Looking to lace up your trainers and take on a European marathon in 2027? Well done in advance for your willpower, determination, and effort.
Race through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on the iconic Three-Country Marathon, run beneath the midnight sun in Norway, or taste your way through French vineyards on the Médoc Marathon. Here are the best marathons in Europe for 2027.
Top European Marathons for 2027
Places at major European marathons like London and Barcelona typically sell out months in advance. These are the best alternative marathons in Europe for your next running adventure.
Athens Marathon
Where?: Athens, Greece
When?: TBC. Likely Sunday 14 November 2027
Average Temperature: Low 12°C, high 19°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fees were between €75 and €165
Adobe Free Stock
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-kilometre 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?: Sunday 14 March 2027
Average Temperature: Low 7°C, high 17°C
Entry Fee: €119
Adobe Free Stock
Forget PBs, this one’s all about the views and the experience. The Rome Marathon is a race through more than 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.
Médoc Marathon, France
Where?: Pauillac, France – around one hour's drive north of Bordeaux
When?: Saturday 4 September 2027
Average Temperature: Low 14°C, high 25°C
Entry Fee: €110
Adobe Free Stock
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?: TBC. Likely Sunday 11 April 2027
Average Temperature: Low 12°C, high 22°C
Entry Fee: TBC. Likely about €80
Adobe Free Stock
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?: TBC. Likely Sunday 24 October 2027
Average Temperature: Low 10°C, high 19°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fees were between €80 and €120
Adobe Free Stock
The 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 4 April 2027
Average Temperature: Low 15°C, high 21°C
Entry Fee: TBC
Adobe Free Stock
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 ideal for both beginners and seasoned pros running abroad for the first time.
Plus, its flat course and ideal springtime temperatures give you a great shot at a PB.
Runtalya is part of a three-day festival that includes community events and live music. 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?: Saturday 19 June 2027
Average Temperature: Low 7°C, high 14°C
Entry Fee: Between NOK 1,050 and 1,400 (£83 and £111), depending on how early you register
Adobe Free Stock
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.
The race gets underway in the evening, and it’s a truly surreal experience racing through the night.
Midnight Sun is Norway’s largest marathon and attracts runners from around the world. And with a backdrop of golden skies, fjords, and snow-capped peaks, it’s little wonder why.
Lisbon Marathon
Where?: Lisbon, Portugal
When?: TBC. Likely Sunday 10 October 2027
Average Temperature: Low 15°C, high 23°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fee was €134
Adobe Free Stock
Lisbon is famously home to one of Europe’s best half marathons, and the city’s marathon is among the continent’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 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 29 May 2027
Average Temperature: Low 8°C, high 17°C
Entry Fee: Between SEK 1,295 and 1,995 (£99 and £152), depending on how early you register
iStock Photo / brittak
If you want a marathon that’s moderately challenging, famous for its epic crowd support, 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?: TBC. Likely Sunday 24 October 2027
Average Temperature: Low 8°C, high 15°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fees were between €111 and €166
Adobe Free Stock
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, the Frankfurt Marathon attracts thousands of 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 Oper.
It also hits Römerberg, Frankfurt’s old town square, and the Höchst district, 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 to Bregenz, Austria
When?: TBC. Likely Sunday 10 October 2027
Average Temperature: Low 6°C, high 15°C
Entry Fee: Between €82 and €110, depending on registration date
Adobe Free Stock
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 German island of Lindau and finishing in Bregenz, Austria, you’ll trace the shores of Lake Constance through three countries.
Along the way, you’ll be kept company by views of 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?: Nice to Cannes, France
When?: TBC. Likely Sunday 7 November 2027
Average Temperature: Low 8°C, high 17°C
Entry Fee: Between €66 and €96, depending on registration date
Adobe Free Stock
With more than 15,000 runners scheduled to take part in 2026, the French Riviera Marathon is France's second-largest, after Paris.
Starting at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and ending close to the site of the Cannes Film Festival, the route boasts 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 rest and relaxation to be had.
Luxembourg Night Marathon
Where?: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
When?: Saturday 8 May 2027
Average Temperature: Low 9°C, high 19°C
Entry Fee: From €92, depending on registration date
Adobe Free Stock
With 18,000 runners (as of 2026), 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 26 September 2027
Average Temperature: Low 9°C, high 16°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fee was £75
Adobe Free Stock
If you fancy running a scenic beast of a race through the jaw-dropping Scottish Highlands, the Loch Ness Marathon is a must.
The route starts in the remote wilderness, follows the banks of Loch Ness, and finishes 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, Italy
When?: TBC. Likely Sunday 14 November 2027
Average Temperature: Low 14°C, high 20°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fees were between €25 and €50, depending on registration date
Adobe Free Stock
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 4 April 2027
Average Temperature: Low 4°C, high 12°C
Entry Fee: £59 for non-medal entry and £65 for medal entry
Adobe Free Stock
The Moray Marathon is a quiet, scenic race through the countryside and along the 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 or if you’re gunning for a PB.
Naples Marathon
Where?: Naples, Italy
When?: TBC. Likely Sunday 17 October 2027
Average Temperature: Low 14°C, high 23°C
Entry Fee: TBC. 2026 entry fees were between €60 and €80, depending on registration date
iStock Photo / kitz-travellers
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, and the mainly flat course helps you find your running rhythm.
Run for the history, the chaos, and the world-famous pizza — you’ve absolutely earned it.
Don’t Run Out of Data — Get an eSIM From Airalo
Planning your marathon adventure? Stay connected on the go with a country-specific or regional Europe eSIM from Airalo.
Find race routes, book last-minute hotels, and share your finish-line triumphs — all without worrying about roaming charges getting out of hand.
