10 Alternatives to the London Marathon
10 marathons to run instead of the London Marathon
Were you unlucky in this year's London Marathon ballot? We've been there too, so we know how it feels. However, there are a good number of other
top quality marathons taking place around the same time. Perhaps one of them will be interest you.
We've listed 10 marathons, in no particular order, that we think are worth considering. Being that most London Marathon applicants are primed
to train for a late April event, we've focused on events around a similar time to the London race.
1. Manchester Marathon
First run in 1908, the Manchester Marathon is a popular race, and easily one of the most popular UK marathons outside of London.
It is often considered to be the flattest marathon in the UK.
Date : 14 April 2024
Location : Manchester, England
Cost : £55 - £85
URL : https://www.manchestermarathon.co.uk
2. EMF Edinburgh Marathon
Starting in the centre of Edinburgh, this race passes the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace and leads runners along the scenic golf coast.
Date : 26 May 2024
Location : Edinburgh, Scotland
Cost : £68
URL : https://www.edinburghmarathon.com
3. Paris Marathon
For many runners looking for a marathon outside of the UK, this is a must-run race. Join 52,000 fellow athletes running through one of the world's prime capital cities.
Date : 7 April 2024
Location : Paris, France
Cost : € 110 - € 130
URL : https://www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en/
4. Brighton Marathon
Relatively flat, and boasting impressive coastal views, this is a popular marathon that will undoubtedly be over-subscribed.
Date : 7 April 2024
Location : Brighton, England
Cost : from £69.99
URL : https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk
5. Madrid Marathon
Describing itself as "the biggest running party in Spain", this is a popular race, typically attracting runners from over over 100 different countries.
Date : 28 April 2024
Location : Madrid, Spain
Cost : € 65 - € 95
URL : https://rocknrollmadridrun.com/?lang=en
6. Belfast City Marathon
A scenic 26.2 mile tour of Belfast, starting at the City Hall and finishing in Ormeau Park. One of the UK's most popular marathons.
Date : 5 May 2024
Location : Belfast, Northern Ireland
Cost : £42 - £67 (2023 prices)
URL : https://www.belfastcitymarathon.com
7. Milton Keynes Marathon
Run on the May Bank Holiday Monday, this award-winning marathon has an impressive stadium finish. It fills every year.
Date : 6 May 2024
Location : Milton Keynes, England
Cost : £46 - £54
URL : https://mkmarathon.com
8. Prague Marathon
The Czechs love running. So it is no surprise they host one of the most popular marathons, taking runners on a route past some truly memorable sites.
Date : 5 May 2024 (predicted)
Location : Prague, Czech Republic
Cost : € 60 - € 110 (2023 prices)
URL : https://www.runczech.com
9. Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
First run in 2023, the Leeds Marathon raises funds for The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal.
Date : 12 May 2024
Location : Leeds, England
Cost : £64
URL : https://www.runforall.com/events/marathon/leeds-marathon/
10. ASICS Windermere Marathon
Enjoy breathtaking scenery while running within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This event is also noted for its friendly support and the "carnival atmosphere" at the finish area.
Date : 19 May 2024 (predicted)
Location : Ambleside, England
Cost : £39 (2023 price)
URL : https://www.brathaychallenges.com/events/running/marathon
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.