Marathon finder & race calendars

Find a Marathon: Canada, USA & Europe Race Finder

Use this Marathon Finder to build a short list around your training window, travel plans and race goal. For a deeper search, jump to the Canada Marathon Calendar, USA Marathon Calendar or Europe Marathon Calendar. Chasing a fast European race? Compare the fastest marathons in Europe for a PB or Boston qualifier.

Pick one filter below. Month, country or course type is usually enough to narrow the list without overthinking it.

StartUse the finder CanadaBy province USABy state EuropeBy country Fast EuropePB & BQ picks BQQualifying races TrainPick a plan PaceSet a goal ShoesRace day picks WatchTrack the build
Runners' legs during a road race
Use the filters below to find a race that fits your training, not just the prettiest race photo.

Interactive tool

Marathon Finder Tool

Choose a month, country, course type or goal. This is a quick cross-region shortlist. For the full European list, use the Europe Marathon Calendar.

Showing 0 marathons
Before you register: Use this page to make a shortlist, then check the official race website before you book flights, hotels or a training plan. Race dates, courses, entry rules, registration status and Boston qualifier details can change. For deeper lists, use the Canada Marathon Calendar, USA Marathon Calendar, Europe Marathon Calendar or Boston Qualifier Marathons page.

Looking for a more specific marathon list?

This main page is the broad finder. These focused pages are better when you already know the country or race goal you want.

Canada Marathon Calendar Find Canadian marathons by province, region, month and course type. USA Marathon Calendar Find U.S. marathons by state, region, month and race goal. Europe Marathon Calendar Search European marathons by country, month, course style, race goal and BQ status. Fastest Marathons in Europe Compare fast European courses for a PB or Boston qualifying attempt. Boston Qualifier Marathons Compare races that may suit a Boston qualifying attempt. Training Plans Choose a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon plan. Training Plan Creator Once you pick a race date, build a simple plan around it. Beginner Marathon Plan A simple first marathon plan if your goal is to finish healthy. Best Marathon Shoes Compare race day shoes and long run options before you buy. Marathon Watches Find a GPS watch for pacing, long runs and race day tracking.

How to find the right marathon for you

The perfect marathon is not always the biggest race or the fastest course. It is the race that fits your training time, travel budget, weather comfort and reason for running.

For your first marathon

Pick a race that keeps the logistics simple. A local or easy-travel race can be less stressful than a bucket-list trip when you are already nervous about the distance.

For a faster time

Start with flat or gentle downhill courses, then check weather, turns, crowding and aid station spacing. If Europe is on your list, compare the fastest marathons in Europe before you choose.

For a destination race

Look beyond the race photos. Check flight cost, hotel location, start-line transport, food options and how your legs usually feel after travel.

How to use this finder

  • Use the month filter first if your training window is already set.
  • Use the course filter if you care about a faster time, easier pacing or a more scenic race.
  • Use the country filter if you want to avoid cross-border travel planning.
  • Use the search box if you already know the race name, city or region.

After you pick a race

Once you have a race date, work backward from that day. Most runners do better with a steady 16 to 24 week build than a rushed plan.

Use the Running Training Plan Creator once you know your race date. If you want a simple set schedule instead, start with the Beginner Marathon Training Plan or the full Training Plans hub.

Quick answers before you search

  • First marathon: choose easy travel, clear race logistics, good support and a course that does not scare you.
  • Fast time: start with flat or gentle downhill road races, then check weather, crowding and turns.
  • Destination race: check hotels, food, start-line transport and how much walking the trip will add.
  • World Marathon Majors: the series includes Boston, Chicago, New York City, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Sydney. Cape Town has been confirmed to join in 2027. Entry can be harder than a normal marathon, so check each race’s entry path early.

What to compare before you register

  • Date and how it fits your 16 to 24 week build
  • Course profile and surface
  • Race size, corrals and pace groups
  • Weather risk for that city and month
  • Hotel, travel and start-line logistics
  • Time limit, refund policy and transfer rules
Boston qualifier note: A race being listed as a Boston qualifier is only a starting point. For a BQ attempt, confirm the current course certification, full marathon distance, official results process and any downhill-course rules with the race organizer and the B.A.A. before you register.

Next steps after you shortlist a marathon

A race date gives your training a target. These pages help you turn that target into a plan, pace, gear setup and race day checklist.

Plan Choose your training plan Use the Training Plans hub for set plans or a custom schedule. Build Create a custom plan Build around your race date, current fitness and weekly schedule. Pace Calculate your marathon pace Work out the pace needed for your goal finish time. Splits Plan your race splits Break your goal into smaller, easier to follow segments. Shoes Pick marathon shoes Compare cushioned trainers, race shoes and carbon plate options. Watch Choose a marathon watch Find a watch for long runs, pacing, workouts and race day. Race day Learn how pacers work Use a pace group without giving up control of your own race. Community Find a running club Train with local runners if long runs feel easier with a group. Shoe finder Match shoes to your goal Use the shoe hub if you are still unsure what type fits your feet.

Marathon Finder FAQ

How do I find my perfect marathon?

Start with the practical stuff first: the month you can race, how far you want to travel, the weather you can handle and the course type that suits your goal. A perfect marathon for one runner might be a huge city race. For another runner, it might be a smaller local race with easy parking and less stress. Once you have a date, move to the Training Plans hub.

How do I find a specific type of marathon?

Use the filters to narrow the list by month, country, race size, course type and Boston qualifier status. For example, you can look for a flat fall marathon, a Canadian marathon, a large U.S. race or a smaller event that feels easier to manage.

How do I find a BQ-friendly marathon?

Use the Boston qualifier filter first, then check the course carefully. Flat and gentle downhill races are often popular for qualifying attempts, but weather, crowding, turns, aid stations and travel stress also matter. You can also compare our Boston Qualifier Marathons page. Always confirm qualifier status on the official race website before you register.

When should I register for a marathon?

For big city races, lottery races and popular BQ-style races, start checking 6 to 12 months ahead. For smaller regional races, 3 to 6 months may be enough, but early registration is still safer if you need hotels or flights.

What is the difference between a flat and hilly marathon?

A flat marathon is usually easier to pace and is often better for a personal best. A hilly marathon can be more scenic or memorable, but it asks more from your legs. If you train on flat roads, add hill work before choosing a hilly course. Use the Race Pace Calculator to test different goal times.

Can I search for marathons in Canada?

Yes. Use the country filter on this page for a quick Canada search, or use the dedicated Canada Marathon Calendar for province, region and Canadian race planning notes.

Can I search for marathons in the USA?

Yes. Use the country filter here for a quick U.S. search, or use the USA Marathon Calendar if you want state, region and race-goal filters.

What if I cannot find a marathon near me?

Search by country first, then try a nearby city or region. If nothing fits, widen the month filter or use the Canada, USA and Europe calendar pages. Sometimes the best race is not the closest one, but it should still fit your travel budget and training life.

Can I search for marathons in Europe?

Yes. This main finder includes a smaller selection of European races, while the Europe Marathon Calendar is the better choice if you want to compare races across many countries, months and course styles.

Where can I find fast marathons in Europe?

Use the Fastest Marathons in Europe guide if a PB or Boston qualifying time is the priority. It compares course profile, recent amateur results, field depth, entry access and the main catch with each race.

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