For UK runners with a thirst for adventure and a love of challenge, 2025 is the perfect year to conquer the world one race at a time. Whether you’re aiming to complete your first marathon or pushing yourself to ultramarathon glory, these events offer life-changing experiences.
Running a marathon is more than just a race—it’s a journey of self-discovery. The months of training build resilience, discipline, and confidence, while the thrill of race day and the sense of achievement at the finish line are moments you’ll never forget. Add in the excitement of running in iconic destinations, from the bustling streets of London and Berlin to the rugged trails of Mont Blanc, and you have an experience that’s as much about exploration as endurance.
Our list of marathons takes you through ancient cities, past landmarks, through the desert and along the Great Wall of China. Whether you’re looking for a fast, flat course to smash a personal best or an ultra-distance challenge to truly test your limits, these must-run events will inspire and motivate you.
European Marathons
There’s no better way to combine your love of running with the excitement of travel than by tackling some of Europe’s most iconic marathons. From the historic streets of Athens and Rome to the bustling avenues of London and Paris, Europe’s marathons are about more than just the miles—they’re immersive experiences. These races offer the perfect blend of scenic routes, rich history, and vibrant cultures, all wrapped in the electric buzz of race-day atmospheres.
So, if you’re chasing a personal best on a flat, fast course or looking to soak up the sights as you run through architectural wonders, Europe’s top marathons promise unforgettable adventures and the chance to see the continent in a way few others can.
Barcelona Marathon
• Date: 9 March 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €80–€120 (depending on registration date)
• Nearest Airports: Barcelona-El Prat Airport
• Why Run It?
The Barcelona Marathon offers a flat, fast course through one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Runners are treated to stunning views of landmarks like the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, and the Magic Fountain. With its mild March weather and lively atmosphere, this race is a great choice for those looking to combine a weekend city break with a marathon challenge.
Rome Marathon
• Date: 16 March 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €60–€90
• Fly to: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino
• Why Run It?
Running through the Eternal City in the Rome Marathon is like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets, breathtaking architecture, and a course that takes you past the Colosseum and Vatican City make this marathon a cultural and athletic feast.
Paris Marathon
• Date: 6 April 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €110–€140
• Fly to: Charles de Gaulle, Orly
• Why Run It?
Picture yourself running along the Seine, past the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, as the City of Light opens up before you. The Paris Marathon combines a visually stunning course with a festive, laid-back vibe. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a post-race croissant!
London Marathon
• Date: 20 April 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: £49 (UK residents) / £120 (international entrants)
• Why Run It?
The London Marathon is a cornerstone of the global running calendar. From Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace, the flat course winds through the capital’s most iconic landmarks, drawing massive crowds that cheer you every step of the way. Known for its inclusivity, this race is ideal whether you’re running for charity, chasing a PB, or soaking up the electric atmosphere.
Berlin Marathon
• Date: 28 September 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €125
• Fly to: Berlin Brandenburg Airport
• Why Run It?
Berlin is synonymous with speed – it’s the marathon of choice for those chasing a world record or personal best. The flat course takes you past architectural marvels like the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag, with a supportive crowd that makes every kilometre fly by.
Amsterdam Marathon
• Date: 19 October 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €95–€105
• Nearest Airports: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
• Why Run It?
The Amsterdam Marathon boasts a scenic, flat course ideal for setting a personal best. The route takes you through the city’s historic streets, along the Amstel River, and finishes inside the iconic Olympic Stadium. It’s perfect for runners who love culture, as Amsterdam’s compact size makes it easy to explore the city’s museums, canals, and nightlife after the race.
Athens Classic Marathon
• Date: 9 November 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €90
• Fly to: Athens International Airport
• Why Run It?
Take on the course that started it all. Following the original route from Marathon to Athens, this Athen’s marathon race ends in the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. The hilly course is a challenge, but the sense of history makes it truly special.
Global Marathons for Adventurous Runners
For those with a spirit of adventure and a passport at the ready, global marathons offer the ultimate opportunity to combine your love of running with a journey to new and exciting destinations. These world-renowned events attract runners from every corner of the globe, creating a unique melting pot of cultures, camaraderie, and competition. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of the Great Wall in China, these races go beyond the finish line, offering unforgettable experiences that blend sport, exploration, and discovery.
Chasing a dream on a legendary route or ticking a bucket-list race off your calendar, these international marathons are guaranteed to inspire and challenge you in equal measure.
Boston Marathon (USA)
• Date: 21 April 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: $230 (US residents) / $250 (international entrants)
• Fly to: Logan International Airport
• Why Run It?
The Boston Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s a rite of passage. As the world’s oldest annual marathon, it carries immense prestige. The challenging course, known for the infamous “Heartbreak Hill,” is lined with passionate spectators. To participate, you’ll need to meet strict qualifying times, making it a dream goal for many runners.
New York City Marathon (USA)
• Date: 3 November 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: $295 (non-NYRR members)
• Fly to: JFK, LaGuardia
• Why Run It?
The NYC Marathon is the largest in the world, taking you through all five boroughs of the city. The energy from the diverse crowds, the skyline views, and the iconic finish in Central Park make it a bucket-list race for runners worldwide.
Tokyo Marathon (Japan)
• Date: 3 March 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: ¥18,200
• Fly to: Haneda, Narita
• Why Run It?
Renowned for its impeccable organisation, the Tokyo Marathon offers runners the chance to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities. From its neon-lit skyscrapers to ancient temples, the route showcases Japan’s unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Comrades Marathon (South Africa)
• Date: 8 June 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: ZAR 1,200–1,800
• Fly to: King Shaka International
• Why Run It?
This 90-kilometre ultramarathon is steeped in history and camaraderie. Whether it’s the uphill or downhill year, Comrades is a test of physical and mental endurance that rewards runners with an overwhelming sense of achievement.
Great Wall Marathon (China)
• Date: 17 May 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: $700 (includes local tour package)
• Fly to: Beijing Capital International
• Why Run It?
Running along the Great Wall of China is as challenging as it is breathtaking. The steep inclines and ancient stone steps make this one of the toughest marathons in the world, but the views and the sense of history make it worth every gruelling step.
The Ultimate Challenge: Ultramarathons
For runners who crave adventure and want to push themselves far beyond the traditional marathon distance, ultramarathons represent the pinnacle of endurance sports. These epic events test not only your physical strength but also your mental resilience, as you navigate longer distances, rugged terrains, and extreme conditions. Ultramarathons are more than just races—they’re journeys of perseverance and self-discovery, where the rewards go far beyond the finish line.
You could be scaling alpine peaks, traversing vast deserts, or covering hundreds of miles through breathtaking natural landscapes – each ultramarathon brings its own unique challenges and unforgettable experiences. The camaraderie among runners and the unparalleled sense of accomplishment you feel after conquering these gruelling courses make ultramarathons truly special. From the Sahara’s scorching heat to the mountain trails of Mont Blanc, these events are perfect for those ready to embrace the extraordinary. Here are some of the most iconic ultramarathons to inspire your 2025 race calendar.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
• Date: 26 August – 1 September 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €300–€350
• Fly to: Geneva, Lyon
• Why Run It?
The UTMB is the crown jewel of trail running. Covering 171 kilometres and crossing through France, Italy, and Switzerland, this race features dramatic alpine scenery, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather. It’s a test of endurance for even the most seasoned ultrarunners.
Marathon des Sables (Morocco)
• Date: 21–29 April 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: €3,200 (includes logistics)
• Fly to: Ouarzazate
• Why Run It?
Dubbed the “toughest footrace on Earth,” this 250-kilometre, self-supported stage race takes place in the Sahara Desert. You’ll face blistering heat, sand dunes, and the need to carry your own supplies. It’s an unparalleled test of mental and physical strength. The most expensive on our list but the Marathon des Sables is an event to test your limits like no other.
Western States 100 (USA)
• Date: 28–29 June 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: $410
• Fly to: Reno-Tahoe, Sacramento
• Why Run It?
One of the most prestigious 100-mile races, Western States traverses rugged trails in California’s Sierra Nevada. From river crossings to stunning vistas, this race has become legendary for its difficulty and camaraderie.
Badwater 135 (USA)
• Date: 21–23 July 2025
• Approx Entrance Fee: $1,500
• Fly to: Las Vegas McCarran International
• Why Run It?
Known as the “world’s toughest footrace,” Badwater takes you 135 miles through Death Valley at the height of summer. With temperatures often exceeding 50°C, it’s not for the faint-hearted but offers bragging rights like no other.
Embarking on a running adventure in an unfamiliar city or tackling a course that pushes your boundaries is as exhilarating as it is challenging, these events combine the thrill of travel with the ultimate test of endurance.
Ready to rise to the challenge? 2025 is packed with opportunities to push your limits, explore incredible destinations, and create unforgettable memories. From marathons to ultramarathons, it’s time to lace up and make this your most adventurous year yet.
Get Marathon Running or Ultramarathon Insurance from SportsCover Direct
As an endurance event, marathons can be extremely testing on the body and the mind. And while the achievement of completing one can represent the experience of a lifetime, they do also bring with them an extra layer of complexity. There’s additional risk of your travel plans being disrupted, or of your luggage being lost, stolen or damaged in transit.
At SportsCover Direct, our affordable policies can protect you against unexpected incidents during your trip, and even compensate you for entry fees if your chosen marathon is cancelled.
You’ll find essential marathon cover for your trip including emergency medical cover, repatriation, search and rescue, cancellation, sports equipment, delayed baggage, personal accident, race fees and much more.
Check out further information on our marathon insurance policies today.
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.