12 Marathons Worth Running in 2025 – Forbes Travel Guide Story
The second Friday in January is known as “Quit Day” because it’s the day when most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions and the willpower to eat better, keep time, or exercise more begins to wane.
But if you decide to run a marathon in 2025, Forbes Travel Guide editors have put together a roundup of exciting races around the world that offer stunning views along challenging routes. For added motivation, a series of luxury hotels are also listed near the 26.2-mile course, as rest and recovery are crucial to reaching the finish line.
Here are 12 marathons worth running this year:
malta marathon
Match day: February 23
this malta This year marks the 40th edition of the marathon, with a record number of participants expected to reach more than 1,200. The route will take runners through a scenic and demanding course showcasing Malta’s diverse landscapes and historical sites. Both the Malta Marathon and Half Marathon are primarily downhill, starting in the island nation’s medieval capital Mdina at an altitude of 623 feet, passing through quaint towns and finishing at sea level.
Sign in here: Phoenician Malta is an Art Deco stunner that offers racers convenience and luxury. The Forbes Travel Guide four-star hotel’s address is at the gateway to the current capital city of Valletta, giving runners easy access to the course. With a modern spa and lush gardens, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate after a game.
Run the Rome Marathon
match day: March 16
Will any marathon pass through more iconic sites? running Rome The marathon features its own unique course design — a nearly four-mile route on cobblestones — that takes in the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Spanish Steps and more. While faster runners won’t have as much time to admire the sights of Rome, those who maintain a healthy walker’s pace can take some memorable snapshots in their mind’s eye – and maybe some real ones too.
Sign in here: The race may be interrupted by stunning landmarks, but never The St. Regis RomeA four-star hotel just 10 minutes from the finish line, it’s almost as stunning with its bronze-accented rooms and elegant public spaces.
boston marathon
Match day: April 21
Started in 1897, bostonThis legendary race is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most difficult courses in the world. On Patriots Day (a holiday in Massachusetts that commemorates the first battle of the American Revolution), more than 30,000 runners set out from suburban Hopkinton and trudge through the terrifying Heartbreak Mountain (during 20 miles), Finally ending near the Boston Public Library.
Sign in here: Just a four-minute walk from the finish line. Raffles Hotel Boston It’s a post-race refuge. Rejuvenate in one of Guerlain Spa’s treatment suites with hydrotherapy baths, or dine on unforgettable modern Portuguese cuisine at chef George Mendes’ Amar restaurant.
vancouver marathon
Match day: May 4
As temperatures begin to warm in southwestern British Columbia, enthusiasm for Canada’s largest marathon is heating up. In addition to ideal weather conditions, the Vancouver Marathon’s more than 20,000 runners each year look forward to a scenic route that takes them through various areas of the city, such as Shipwreck Beach, Yaletown and the West End, before ending in the city centre.
Sign in here: After 26.2 grueling miles, rest in a luxurious five-star hotel Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver. Recuperate at a luxury hotel spawhich features therapeutic massages in treatment suites equipped with bathtubs, fireplaces and steam showers.
Aruba Marathon
Match day: June 8
Heat is a marathon runner’s worst enemy, which is why many of the world’s top marathons are held in the fall, or at least in cooler weather. But running 26.2 miles in sun-drenched paradise should make up for some of the difficulty. Repeatedly ArubaThis 26.2-mile course on the West Coast takes runners through palm trees and native divi divi trees, near the turquoise waters of Eagle Beach, and past the 98-foot-tall California Lighthouse, the island’s most popular landmark one. The event culminates with an awards ceremony and beach party.
Sign in here: Preparing for game day Friendship and Tara Beach Resort, Arubaan adults-only recreational paradise along the way. This boutique hotel has a team of certified wellness experts who can optimize your pre-race routine or aid in post-race recovery.
Medoc Marathon
Match day: September 6
If you’re in Bordeaux, it’s understandable that you’ll want a glass of wine during your visit. That’s totally to be expected if you’re running through those famous vineyards during the Medoc Marathon. Affectionately dubbed “The World’s Drunkiest Marathon,” this unconventional marathon features wine and cheese stations, colorful themes, and participants in quirky (often wine-themed) costumes. It was a day full of smiles and spins until the finish line was in sight.
Sign in here: Take off your bib and find your way there Mondrian Bordeaux Calmus. Sophisticated guest rooms, chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first European restaurant, and a spa with international influence make this historic and charming hotel worth raising a glass to.
Budapest Marathon
Match day: October 12
The Budapest Marathon features a stunning course that showcases the city’s Andrássy Avenue, Chain Bridge, Danube River and Buda Castle. The match ended fittingly in Heroes’ Square. For those not running the full 26.2 miles, the race weekend offers a variety of activities for runners of all levels, including 5K, 10K and some longer relays.
Sign in here: four stars Corvinus Kempinski Hotel Budapest Boasting an enviable address close to the start and finish of the race. Befitting this achievement, there is a celebratory atmosphere throughout the hotel’s halls, from the impressive collection of Hungarian art to ÉS Bisztró’s contemporary Hungarian-Viennese cuisine.
chicago marathon
Match day: October 12
The flat, fast course has long made this marathon a favorite among runners – with registrations reaching 160,000 in 2025, breaking the race record of 29 races. chicago Communities, including Pilsen (mariachi bands perform near Mile 19) and Chinatown (lion dancers perform near Mile 21). The marathon starts and ends in Grant Park, which covers more than 312 acres and includes Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain (one of the largest fountains in the world), and the Art Institute.
Sign in here: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Professionally catering to the needs of marathon runners. A concierge will share route highlights, a free shuttle will pick up and drop off participants near the start point, and the hotel’s Adorn restaurant will serve a special runner’s menu the night before and a rejuvenating brunch after the event.
Lisbon Marathon
Match day: October 25
The Lisbon Marathon has one of the most stunning routes in Europe, as the entire course stretches along the sea and other waterways. It starts in Carcaveillos, winds along the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River, and ends in the Plaza Commerce square facing the harbor.
Sign in here: Runners will receive a warm welcome Hotel Corposantoa hotel near the finish line, offers a marathon package with amenities including water and energy bars and a free massage.
New York City Marathon
Match day: November 2
this new york city The marathon is the world’s largest race – with more than 55,000 people finishing in 2024 – and is considered an unofficial festival for thousands of spectators, as runners pass through all five boroughs. Huge cheers. Starting in Staten Island, runners cross five bridges and pass through neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before arriving at the iconic Central Park finish at Tavern on the Green.
Sign in here: five star hotel The Ritz-Carlton, New York, Central Park There’s no better place to witness a runner crossing the finish line, especially from the comfort of a premium Park View Suite. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym for those who want to train over the next year.
Singapore Marathon
Match day: December
Full of twists, turns and fast straights, Singapore A marathon almost feels like a car race. So it makes sense that the course starts in the F1 pit building. Although specific details for the 2025 event have yet to be announced, if things are the same as last year, spectators can look forward to an unforgettable finale on the picturesque Anderson Bridge.
Sign in here: In addition to its strategic location close to the F1 pit buildings, the four-star Marina Bay Sands Hotel It’s the perfect place for marathon runners because of its attention to detail in pre-race preparation (a total body wellness program) and post-race relaxation (in the signature infinity pool on the 57th floor). crazy rich asians).
Kiawah Island Marathonsouth carolina
Match day: December 13
For the past 46 years, runners have traversed the picturesque Low Countries kiawah islandis a barrier island near Charleston with an average elevation of just six feet above sea level. The unique terrain has helped many runners achieve personal bests and qualify for the Boston Marathon. Admiring natural landmarks along the way – the beautiful Ibis Pond Lookout is just around the midpoint – was also a great motivator.
Sign in here: Kiawah Island Golf Resort Preserve Located near 13 miles, transportation is convenient. In addition, this five-star hotel offers shuttle services to the starting point, race weekend festivities and a luxurious five-star hotel spa For post-race care.
Bonus Competition: Seoul Lotte World Tower Sky Run
Match day: April
Not all marathons are run horizontally for 26.2 miles. The annual race, part of a global series, requires endurance to run South Korea’s largest and tallest vertical marathon. Competitors climb 123 floors Seoul Tower, the sixth tallest building in the world. There are a total of 2,917 stairs (over 1,800 feet) required to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views and prizes. Since the event was held in 2017, last year it attracted 2,200 participants from the United States, Japan, Malaysia and other countries, setting a record high.
Sign in here: After the game, your tired legs don’t have to go far – take the elevator to Four Stars Signed in Seoulcovering floors 76 to 101. Each room offers stunning views, and many have bathtubs overlooking the city.
