Frequently Asked Questions About Finding the Right Marathon

How do I choose my first marathon?

Consider these five key factors when choosing your first marathon:

1. Give yourself 16-18 weeks to train – Pick a race date that allows adequate preparation time
2. Location matters – Local races eliminate travel stress; destination races can be motivating
3. Course terrain – Flat courses (Chicago, Berlin) are faster; hilly courses (Boston, San Francisco) are more challenging
4. Race size – Larger races (30,000+ runners) offer more support and energy; smaller races feel more intimate
5. Time of year – Consider weather conditions during both training and race day

What’s the difference between flat and hilly marathon courses?

Flat marathons (like Berlin, Chicago, Valencia) are ideal for:

• First-time marathoners
• Runners seeking PR (personal record) or Boston Qualification times
• Those training in flat areas

Hilly marathons (like Boston, Big Sur, San Francisco) are better for:

• Experienced runners seeking challenge
• Those who train in hilly/mountainous terrain
• Runners prioritizing experience over time

Our Marathon Finder lets you filter by terrain type: Very Flat, Mostly Flat, Rolling Hills, Hilly, and Very Hilly.

When should I register for a marathon?

Popular marathons (World Marathon Majors, major city races):

• Register 6-12 months in advance
• Many use lottery systems (NYC, Chicago, Tokyo, London)
• Boston requires qualifying time

Regional marathons:

• Register 3-6 months ahead
• Usually guaranteed entry
• Early bird pricing often available

Tip: Use our tool to find races in your target timeframe, then check registration deadlines on each marathon’s website.

What are the World Marathon Majors?

The World Marathon Majors (WMM) are six of the most prestigious marathons globally:

1. Tokyo Marathon (March) – Japan
2. Boston Marathon (April) – USA (requires qualifying time)
3. London Marathon (April) – UK
4. Berlin Marathon (September) – Germany
5. Chicago Marathon (October) – USA
6. NYC Marathon (November) – USA

All six are included in our Marathon Finder with direct registration links.

How do I know if a marathon is good for a Boston Qualifier (BQ)?

Look for these characteristics in BQ-friendly marathons:

• Flat or net-downhill courses – Berlin, Chicago, Houston, CIM (California International)
• Cool weather – Fall/spring races ideal (avoid summer heat)
• Fast field – Races known for fast times have experienced pacers
• USATF certified course – All races in our finder are certified

Use our terrain filter to find “Very Flat” or “Mostly Flat” courses, then sort by date to match optimal racing weather.

Can I search for marathons in Canada?

Yes! Our Marathon Finder includes 15 Canadian marathons across all provinces:

Major Canadian Marathons:

• Manitoba Marathon (Winnipeg) – June
• Toronto Waterfront Marathon – October
• BMO Vancouver Marathon – May
• Servus Calgary Marathon – May
• Tamarack Ottawa Marathon – May

Filter by “Canada” in the location search to see all options.

What should I look for when comparing marathons?

Key factors to compare:

1. Date – Does it fit your training schedule?
2. Terrain – Match your training environment and goals
3. Average finishers – Indicates race size and support level
4. Location – Travel logistics and costs
5. Registration deadline – Don’t miss out!
6. Course time limit – Most marathons have 6-7 hour limits

Our tool displays all this information for each marathon to make comparison easy.

Are international destination marathons worth it?

Destination marathons can offer incredible experiences beyond just the race:

Popular destination marathons in our finder:

• Rome Marathon (historic city tour while running)
• Paris Marathon (run past the Eiffel Tower)
• Tokyo Marathon (experience Japanese culture)
• Dubai Marathon (luxury and fast times)
• Bangkok Marathon (tropical adventure)

Benefits: Combines travel with racing, scenic courses, cultural experience
Considerations: Higher cost, jet lag, travel logistics

How far in advance are marathon dates announced?

Most marathons announce dates 12-18 months in advance. Our Marathon Finder includes confirmed dates for 2025 and 2026 races.

Pro tip: Sign up for race newsletters to get early registration notifications and avoid missing lottery deadlines for popular races.

What if I can’t find a marathon in my area?

Try these search strategies:

1. Broaden your location search – Search by state/province instead of city
2. Expand your date range – Search “All Months” to see all available races
3. Consider terrain flexibility – If training in flat areas, you can still run hilly courses (just adjust training)
4. Check nearby regions – Regional races often within 2-3 hour drive

Our tool includes 78 marathons across North America and internationally – there’s likely an option within reasonable travel distance!

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Start Your Marathon Journey Today

Ready to find your perfect marathon? Use the Marathon Finder tool above to search by location, terrain, and date. Whether you’re chasing your first finish line or your next personal record, your perfect race is waiting.

Need running gear for your marathon training? Check out our comprehensive running shoe reviews and hydration gear guides to prepare for race day.