Best Marathons in Europe for 2027

  • Stubble & Co
  • Sport, Tips & Ideas, Travel
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Europe’s 2026 marathon season is already underway.

First-timers, seasoned runners, and elites are all putting down 42.2km across Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and beyond.

The finish line hits the same every time. Crowds. Noise. Relief. Then comes the question of what’s next.

Looking ahead to 2027, it depends on what you’re chasing. A faster time. A bigger stage. Or something that feels different.

Because a marathon isn’t just the race. It’s the days around it: the build-up, the reset after, and the chance to move through a new city on foot.

Here’s our Europe Marathon top picks for 2027.

PB Chasers

Berlin

The race: Flat. Wide. Efficient. Built for speed. Landmarks come fast: Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral. This is where records fall.

The city

  • Walk the length of the East Side Gallery.
  • Coffee and reset along the Spree. La Maison is a top pick.
  • Sauna and cold plunge culture is part of the city. Head to Vabali or Liquidrom and lean into it post-race.

Valencia

The race: Quietly one of the fastest courses in Europe. Flat, sea-level, built for rhythm. And the finish hits differently: ending across water at the City of Arts and Sciences.

The city

  • Refuel with paella at Casa Carmela and take in the views of the Albufera Natural Park for a mental reset.
  • Walk or cycle the dried riverbed of Turia Gardens. Low impact, high payoff.
  • Watch the sunset at La Malvarrosa or Las Arenas beach. Simple, effective recovery.

Amsterdam

The race: Flat with a few tight sections. Less chaos than majors, yet still quick. Expect an unforgettable start and finish inside the Olympic Stadium.

The city

  • Walk the canals and narrow streets of Jordaan. Known for its charming vibe and plentiful cafes and shops. It’s considered a top district for relaxed exploration.
  • Reset in Vondelpark. Easy pace, no pressure.
  • Take a short bike rides across Amstel River the next day.

Copenhagen

The race: Controlled. Well-organised. Good for a first marathon or a clean run at pace.

The city

  • Swim at the Brygge Harbour Bath if you’re up for it.
  • Walk through Nyhavn or the Meatpacking District. Take in the city’s charm and grab a celebratory drink at Jolene.
  • Bakeries do the heavy lifting. Fuel back up properly. Juno is a must.

Big Crowds. Big Energy.

London

The race: Loud. Relentless. Packed from start to finish. You don’t run this alone: crowds carry you through Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace.

The city

  • Walk South Bank and take in the sights at a slower pace. The London Eye, Tate Modern, and Borough Market, to name a few.
  • Pubs line every street. Packed out, booming, alive long after the race ends.
  • Head to one of London’s green spaces to take the reset further: choose from Hyde Park, Regents Park, or Victoria Park to start.

Paris

The race: Big field. Big visuals. The route opens strong, but challenges you further in. Towards the end, Bois de Boulogne will test your limits with an uphill battle.

The city

  • Walk the Seine. Flat, steady, ideal for the day after.
  • Head to Désirée or Le Rostand for coffee stops that turn into long stops.
  • Explore neighbourhoods like the historic Le Marais or the cobbled, hilly streets of Montmartre.

Barcelona

The race: High energy. Music, crowds, movement all the way through. A sightseeing tour in itself. Expect to see the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, and Torre Glòries.

The city

  • Walk the lively beachfront of Barceloneta. Flat, open, easy recovery sprinkled with atmosphere.
  • Tapas and long lunches in the Gothic Quarter. La Plata and La Vinateria del Call should be top of your list. Refuelling done right.
  • Late evenings spent drinking cocktails and listening to Jazz in El Born.

Something Different

Rome

The race: Uneven, technical, historic. Cobblestones, tight turns, constant visual distraction. Not built for speed.

The city

  • Wake early, beat the crowds. Explore the neighborhoods of Trastevere and Monti.
  • Long, slow days moving between landmarks. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Vatican, the list goes on.
  • Food does the recovery work. Opt for classics like Cacio e Pepe and Carciofi alla Giudia.

Lisbon

The race: Coastal, exposed, rolling. Not the easiest, but one of the best looking.

The city

  • Walk the city’s oldest neighbourhood, Alfama, known for picturesque sightseeing and Fado music. Slow, uphill, worth it.
  • Take a tram ride through the winding streets when the legs need a break.
  • Head to Senhora do Monte at sunset for panoramic views.
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