Bucket list marathons and ultramarathons to run in 2027

For many runners, a bucket-list race begins with a finish-line photo, a medal or the thought of standing on a start line somewhere spectacular. 

But when it comes to some of the world’s biggest marathons and ultramarathons, the race can start long before race day. 

Ballots, qualifying times, lotteries, charity places and limited international entries mean that if you’re dreaming about a major running challenge in 2027, now is the time to start planning. 

Some 2027 entry processes are already under way, while others have already closed. The ballot for the 2027 London Marathon has been drawn, Tokyo’s main entry windows have taken place, and applications for the centenary Comrades Marathon are already under way. Other races, including New York, Berlin and Chicago, have different entry processes and timings to consider. 

And it isn’t just the biggest city marathons that fill early. Some ultramarathons have limited places, qualification requirements or entry processes that mean leaving your planning until 2027 could be too late. 

So, whether you’re looking for your first overseas marathon, chasing a personal best or ready to go beyond 26.2 miles, here’s how to choose your 2027 bucket-list race and when to start preparing for it. 

When should you book a marathon for 2027? 

Some major 2027 marathons open their entry processes 6 to 12 months before race day, while others require runners to plan even earlier. 

There is no single entry window that applies to every race. Depending on the event, you may need to enter a ballot, achieve a qualifying time, secure a charity place, use an official tour operator or meet specific ultramarathon requirements. 

Major events can use: 

• Ballots – places are allocated randomly from eligible applicants. 

• Qualifying times – runners must achieve a specified time, usually at an eligible race. 

• First-come-first-served registration – places can disappear quickly once registration opens. 

• Charity places – runners secure a place by fundraising for an official charity. 

• International tour operators – some overseas runners can access places through authorised travel providers. 

• Lotteries or drawings – particularly popular races may use a random selection process. 

• Qualification or points systems – some prestigious ultras require runners to meet specific eligibility criteria. 

That means choosing your race is only the first step. You also need to understand how and when you can actually secure a place. 

If you’re reading this during 2026, don’t automatically assume that a race with a closed ballot is no longer an option. Charity places, official tour operators, qualifying routes and other entry categories can provide alternative ways to reach the start line. 

Best marathons to run in 2027 

If you’re building a 2027 bucket list, there are plenty of options to consider, from the world’s biggest city marathons to multi-stage desert ultras. 

The right race depends on what you’re looking for. You might want an iconic atmosphere, a fast course for a PB, a major overseas running experience or a challenge that takes you well beyond the standard marathon distance. 

Here are some of the races worth putting on your radar. 

London Marathon 2027 

Date: 24th–25th April 2027 

The London Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic mass-participation races, making it a natural choice for runners looking for atmosphere, prestige and a major marathon on home soil. 

The 2027 event is particularly significant because it will take place across two days, with the Double London Marathon Weekend scheduled for Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th of April. 

The main ballot has already been drawn. London Marathon Events says results were sent to applicants on the 9th of July 2026, with a limited number of charity places still available. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean your chance to run London in 2027 is over if you missed the ballot. Charity places can provide another route into the race, while runners should check the official London Marathon website for other available entry options. 

Best for: An iconic atmosphere and a first major marathon. 

Entry: The main 2027 ballot has closed and been drawn. Charity places are still available in limited numbers. 

Planning tip: Don’t assume you can wait until the year of the race to enter. The London ballot opened well before race day, so if you miss out on 2027, start planning early for a future edition. 

Tokyo Marathon 2027 

Date: 7th March 2027 

Tokyo offers the chance to combine a major marathon with a much bigger overseas adventure. 

The race takes runners through one of the world’s most exciting cities, making it an appealing option if you want to tie in both running and travel. 

The 2027 Tokyo Marathon takes place on 7th of March. The official entry schedule included overseas ONE TOKYO GLOBAL applications from 31st of July to 13th of August 2026 and general applications from 14th to 28th of August 2026, with selections made after the application periods. 

For runners who have secured a place, the next challenge is preparing for a major international trip as well as the race itself. 

Best for: Runners who want to turn their marathon into a long-haul travel experience. 

Entry: The main 2027 application windows have now closed. Check the official race website for any remaining opportunities or future entry information. 

Planning tip: Factor the race into your wider holiday plans, including flights, accommodation, time-zone adjustment and recovery. 

Boston Marathon 2027 

Date: 19th of April 2027 

For many runners, Boston is about more than simply entering a marathon. The challenge begins with earning the right to run it. 

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious races in the world, and its qualifying system gives runners a clear performance goal to work towards. 

The 2027 race takes place on 19th of April, with qualifier registration scheduled for September 2026. Unlike a simple first-come-first-served entry, achieving the published qualifying standard does not automatically guarantee a place when applications exceed the field limit. 

That makes Boston a race where your preparation can begin long before you submit your application. 

Best for: Runners chasing a qualification goal. 

Entry: Qualification is the key route into the 2027 race, with registration scheduled for September 2026. 

Planning tip: Your Boston plan starts with the qualifying race. Work backwards from the qualification and registration deadlines and allow enough time to build towards the required performance. 

New York City Marathon 2027 

Date: 7th of November 2027 

Few races offer the combination of city sights, crowds and atmosphere associated with the New York City Marathon. 

Running through the five boroughs and finishing in Central Park makes New York one of the ultimate dream city marathons, particularly for runners who want the race itself to be a major travel experience. 

For 2027, runners without guaranteed entry will have a non-guaranteed drawing, with other routes including charity partners, international tour operators and qualifying times. 

The exact 2027 drawing dates should be checked with the official race organiser before planning around the entry process. 

Best for: The ultimate city-marathon experience. 

Entry: The drawing and other entry routes should be checked with the official organiser as dates are confirmed. 

Planning tip: Don’t rely on one entry route if New York is a priority. Consider charity or tour operator options alongside the general drawing. 

Berlin Marathon 2027 

Date: To be confirmed 

If your priority is performance rather than sightseeing, the BMW Berlin Marathon deserves a place on the list. 

Berlin is famous for its flat, fast course and has long been a favourite among runners chasing personal bests. The race also offers the prestige of being one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. 

For runners who want to combine a major international race with a realistic PB opportunity, Berlin can be an attractive choice. 

The 2027 race date and entry details should be checked with the organiser once officially announced. 

Best for: Chasing a PB. 

Entry: The race traditionally uses a lottery alongside other qualifying and guaranteed-entry routes, but 2027 details should be confirmed with the organiser. 

Planning tip: Treat your race choice as the beginning of your training plan. Once you know your target race, work backwards from race day and build your training around it. 

Chicago Marathon 2027 

Date: 10th of October 2027* 

Chicago combines a major-city atmosphere with a course that appeals to runners focused on performance. 

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes runners through 29 neighbourhoods across the city and attracts participants from around the world. It offers the chance to combine a fast road marathon with one of the biggest race atmospheres in the US. 

The race organiser lists Sunday the 10th of October 2027 as the anticipated date, although future dates are subject to change. 

It’s also a reminder that you don’t need to complete every World Marathon Major to have an exceptional year. The best race is the one that matches the experience you’re looking for. 

Best for: A major-city marathon with a fast-course feel. 

Entry: Check the official race website for the 2027 application window and entry requirements. 

Planning tip: Consider what you actually want from the trip — a PB, a big social experience, a holiday or simply the satisfaction of running one of the world’s famous races. 

*The date is currently listed as an anticipated future event date and is subject to change. 

Best ultramarathons to run in 2027 

A marathon is 26.2 miles (42.195km). An ultramarathon is any running event longer than the standard marathon distance. 

For runners looking for something more adventurous, ultras can take the bucket-list concept to another level. 

They can involve deserts, mountains, extreme distances, multiple stages and qualification requirements, meaning the preparation can be very different from a conventional road marathon. 

Comrades Marathon 2027 – South Africa 

Date: 13th June 2027 

The Comrades Marathon is one of the world’s best-known ultramarathons, traditionally covering approximately 90km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. 

The 2027 edition is particularly significant: it will be the 100th Comrades Marathon and the 50th Down Run, starting in Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban. The race is expected to cover approximately 90km, with the final distance subject to confirmation. 

The 2027 entry process is already under way. General ballot applications opened on 9th of September 2026 and close on 22nd of September, with the ballot draw scheduled for 23rd of September. Official international tour packages also provide a route to a guaranteed entry, subject to the race’s requirements. 

Best for: Experienced marathoners looking to make the leap into international ultrarunning. 

Entry: General ballot applications are open during September 2026, with official tour operator packages also available subject to capacity. 

Planning tip: This isn’t a race to leave until the last minute. Check the qualifying requirements and build your training around the demands of the Down Run. 

Marathon des Sables – Morocco 

Date: April 2027 

For a truly extreme challenge, the Marathon des Sables is hard to overlook. 

The multi-stage event takes runners into the Sahara, combining a long overall distance with heat, desert terrain and the challenge of managing your effort over several days. 

Unlike a conventional marathon, competitors need to think about much more than running speed. Heat management, hydration, nutrition, equipment and the ability to recover between stages all become part of the challenge. 

The popularity of the event also means that places can be limited, so it’s an event where planning well in advance is particularly important. 

Best for: Runners looking for an extreme, once-in-a-lifetime challenge. 

Entry: Check the official Marathon des Sables website for the latest availability and waiting-list information. 

Planning tip: Its multi-stage format means your training should prepare you for running on tired legs as well as coping with heat, sand and the practical demands of a desert race. 

MDS Ultra – Morocco 

Date: 2027 

If the Sahara appeals but you want a different distance or format, the MDS Ultra offers another way to take on a desert endurance challenge. 

The MDS Ultra includes 100km and 100-mile options, giving experienced runners the opportunity to take on an extreme distance without necessarily choosing the traditional multi-stage Marathon des Sables format. 

The organiser currently lists MDS Ultra 2027 as a 100-mile or 100km challenge, with a 40-hour time limit. 

Best for: Runners looking for a desert ultra and a serious endurance challenge. 

Entry: Check the official MDS website for the latest registration information and event details. 

Planning tip: Don’t just consider the distance. Think about heat, terrain, kit requirements, nutrition and how you’ll train for running in a desert environment. 

UTMB and Alpine trail ultras 

Date: Varies by event 

For runners drawn to mountains rather than city streets, the UTMB World Series offers some of the world’s most prestigious trail-running challenges. 

The series includes races across a range of distances and locations, while the flagship UTMB events in Chamonix attract some of the world’s leading trail runners. 

However, entering a major Alpine ultra isn’t always as simple as paying an entry fee. Depending on the event, qualification, a valid UTMB Index and Running Stones can form part of the pathway to entry. 

That means the planning process can begin well before the year of the race. A runner targeting a major UTMB event in 2027 may need to complete qualifying races and build up the necessary experience during 2026. 

Best for: Experienced trail runners looking for a major mountain challenge. 

Entry: Requirements vary depending on the race, so research the individual event and its qualification pathway before committing. 

Planning tip: Don’t choose the race first and worry about qualification later. Check what you need to do to become eligible and build your race calendar around it. 

Which 2027 race is right for you? 

Rather than asking which marathon is objectively the “best”, think about what you want your race to give you. 

The right choice will depend on your running experience, goals, budget, travel plans and, crucially, the entry route. 

A first-time marathoner may want to prioritise a race with a straightforward course and plenty of support, while an experienced runner chasing a PB might be more interested in Berlin or Chicago. 

For a runner looking for a major travel experience, Tokyo or New York could offer the combination of running and sightseeing you’re looking for. And if you’re ready to move beyond road marathons, Comrades, Marathon des Sables or a major Alpine ultra could provide a completely different challenge. 

When should you start training for a 2027 marathon? 

The right training timeline depends on your existing running experience. 

A first-time marathoner should establish a consistent running base before beginning a formal marathon training block, while an experienced runner can work backwards from race day and build a structured plan around it. 

The key is not to confuse entering the race with starting marathon training. 

For a new marathon runner, the first priority is building consistent running habits and a sustainable base. 

For a regular runner, identify your race and work backwards from race day to determine when your structured training should begin. 

For an ultramarathon runner, preparation can involve much more than increasing mileage. Depending on the event, you may need to build experience over longer distances, train on specific terrain, practise with mandatory kit and complete qualifying races. 

A useful way to think about your preparation is: 

Secure your entry → build your base → start structured training → complete your longest runs → taper → travel → race 

In other words, the earlier you know what you’re running, the easier it is to build a sensible plan around it. 

What else should you plan once you’ve secured your place? 

Getting your race entry is a huge milestone, but it isn’t the end of your planning. 

Flights and accommodation 

Popular races can attract huge numbers of runners and spectators, which can put pressure on flights and accommodation. 

For an overseas race, booking earlier can give you more choice and make it easier to stay close to the start or finish. 

It’s also worth checking how you will get to the race village or start line on race morning. A hotel that looks convenient on a map isn’t necessarily the easiest option if roads are closed or public transport is busy. 

Race requirements 

Check the event’s requirements carefully. 

Depending on the race, you may need qualifying evidence, medical documentation, registration paperwork or specific equipment. 

This is particularly important for ultramarathons, where mandatory kit lists can be extensive and failing to carry the required equipment can prevent you from starting or continuing. 

Your training plan 

Give yourself enough time to increase training volume gradually. 

Don’t try to compress months of preparation into a few weeks simply because the race is getting closer. 

Your training should also reflect the conditions you’ll encounter. A flat road marathon, mountain ultra and desert stage race all require different preparation. 

Shoes and equipment 

Your race is not the time to experiment with completely unfamiliar kit. 

Make sure your shoes, clothing and equipment have been tested during training. 

For ultras, this becomes even more important if the event has mandatory equipment requirements or involves carrying supplies over multiple stages. 

Climate and terrain 

A marathon in London, a race in Tokyo, a desert ultra in Morocco and an Alpine trail race demand very different preparation. 

Research the conditions you’ll face and make your training as specific as possible. 

If you’re travelling somewhere significantly hotter or colder than home, think about how you’ll prepare for the change in conditions before race day. 

Recovery and tune-up races 

If you’re using qualifying or preparatory races as part of your build-up, allow enough recovery between them and your target event. 

Your training calendar should support your goal race rather than compete with it. 

Get Marathon Running or Ultramarathon Insurance from SportsCover Direct 

You’ve put months of training into your 2027 race, so it’s worth thinking about what happens if something unexpected affects your plans. 

From travel disruption and lost baggage to problems that prevent you from taking part, the right cover can help protect the wider trip you’ve invested so much time and money in. 

SportsCover Direct’s marathon running insurance is designed for runners travelling to take part in a marathon, helping provide protection against a range of unexpected events during your trip. Depending on the policy and circumstances, cover can include emergency medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, race fees, sports equipment, delayed baggage, personal accident and search and rescue. 

Taking on an ultramarathon? You can also explore specialist ultramarathon insurance for longer-distance running events. 

Before you travel, make sure you understand what your policy covers, including any exclusions, conditions and limits that apply to your chosen race and activities. 

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