Alternatives to the Berlin Marathon

Marathons to run instead of the Berlin Marathon

Were you unlucky in the Berlin Marathon ballot? We know how it feels. However, there are a good number of other marathons taking place around the same time. Perhaps one of these will be interest you.

We've listed a selection of marathons, in chronological order, that we think are worth consideration. Being that most Berlin Marathon applicants are primed to train for a late September event, we have focused on events happening close to the date of the Berlin event.

1. Helsinki Marathon
Run an urban marathon course through the streets of downtown Helsinki.

Date : 23 August 2025
Location : Helsinki, Finland
Cost : 52 - 90 Euro
URL : https://www.helsinkimarathon.fi/en/home/

2. Kilkenny Medieval Marathon
Runners follow a winding route through the medieval city of Kilkenny.

Date : 13 September 2025
Location : Kilkenny, Ireland
Cost : 60 Euro
URL : https://medievalmarathonkilkenny.ie

3. Oslo Marathon
A two-lap race aroound the Norwegian capital.

Date : 20 Septemebr 2025
Location : Oslo, Norway
Cost : 850 - 1100 NOK
URL : https://oslomaraton.no

4. Montreal Marathon / Marathon Beneva de Montreal
Run from Espace 67 on Ste-Helene Island, through the city, finishing at the Olympic Park's Esplanade.

Date : 21 September 2025
Location : Montreal, Canada
Cost : CAD $110 - CAD $140
URL : https://mtlmarathon.com/en/

5. Loch Ness Marathon
Run 26.2 miles throough beautiful Highland scenery, along the shores of Loch Ness.

Date : 28 September 2025
Location : Loch Ness, Scotland
Cost : £40 - £74
URL : https://lochnessmarathon.com

6. Warsaw Marathon
Run a marathon though Warsaw, including the Old Town and some of its finest parks.

Date : 28 September 2025
Location : Warsaw, Poland
Cost : 66 - 105 Euro (2024 prices)
URL : https://nnmaratonwarszawski.com/en/

7. Bruges Marathon
An enjoyable race, showing off much of the beautiful city of Bruges.

Date : 5 October 2025 (TBC)
Location : Bruges, Belgium
Cost : 80 - 95 Euro (2024 prices)
URL : https://greatbrugesmarathon.be/en/

8. Cologne Marathon
A scenic 26.2 mile race along the side of the Rhine, passing the impressive Cologne Cathedral and through numerous picturesque parks.

Date : 5 October 2025
Location : Cologne, Germany
Cost : 95 - 102 Euro
URL : https://koeln-marathon.de/en/

If none of these marathons appeal to you, there are many others around the same time, and later in the year. Check out our UK, European and International lists for many more marathon options.