If you’re a marathon runner looking to achieve a personal best (PB), or even make a serious attempt at an elite qualifying time, choosing the right race is critical. The course layout, the weather, the crowd support – all these factors can significantly impact your performance on race day.
Europe, with its rich history and culture, provides an abundance of city marathons with courses that are not only scenic and vibrant, but also designed for speed. These races offer a blend of mostly flat terrain and cool, favorable weather conditions, creating the ideal environment for runners to push their limits and potentially achieve their fastest times.
In this article, we bring you a curated list of the six fastest marathons in Europe, each providing a unique opportunity for runners to set a new PB while experiencing some of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world. From the record-breaking course of the Berlin Marathon to the early-year race in Seville, these marathons stand out as the best courses to clock your fastest marathon time. Let’s lace up and explore what makes each of these European marathons a must-run for speed seekers.
BMW Berlin Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, 24th September 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
Course Record: 2:01:39 (Men), 2:18:11 (Women)
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The BMW Berlin Marathon is a race that has become synonymous with world records, thanks to its flat, fast course. This race is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and has a history that dates back to 1974. It attracts over 40,000 runners from around the globe each year, making it one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world.
The course of the Berlin Marathon winds through the historical city of Berlin, passing iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berliner Dom. The fast, flat terrain is a favorite among elite runners looking to break records or hit personal bests, while the electric atmosphere from the supportive crowd is a boost for runners of all levels.
Virgin Money London Marathon
Next Race Date: April 2024
Course Terrain: Road / Mostly Flat
Course Record: 2:01:25 (Men), 2:15:25 (Women)
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The Virgin Money London Marathon is another event in the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. Established in 1981, it has become a staple in the international marathon calendar, attracting elite athletes and amateur runners alike.
The course is known for its scenic route that takes runners through the heart of the UK’s capital city, passing notable landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.
While the course is mostly flat, there are a few undulations that add to the challenge. However, these minor elevations are well-balanced by the roaring crowds and the iconic finish line in front of Buckingham Palace.
Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP
Next Race Date: Sunday, 3rd December 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
Course Record: 2:03:00 (Men), 2:18:30 (Women)
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The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP, often simply referred to as the Valencia Marathon, has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the fastest marathons in the world. The race, held in Spain’s third-largest city, showcases the city’s mix of old and modern architecture.
The Valencia Marathon course is flat and fast, making it an excellent choice for runners looking to set a new personal best or achieve a qualifying time for other major marathons. The race takes place in early December, offering typically mild and sunny weather conditions that are conducive to fast times.
Generali Milano Marathon
Next Race Date: April 2024
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
Course Record: 2:04:49 (Men), 2:19:35 (Women)
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The Generali Milano Marathon, held in Italy’s fashion and business capital, is a relatively young race with its inaugural run in 2000. Despite its youth, it has quickly gained prestige and popularity among both elite and amateur runners.
The course is flat and fast, winding through some of Milan’s most iconic sites, including the Sforza Castle and the Piazza Duomo. The race is usually held in early April, offering runners a chance to enjoy the city’s beautiful spring weather.
The Milano Marathon’s flat terrain and favorable weather conditions create an optimal environment for runners aiming to achieve their personal best times.
Mainova Frankfurt Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, 29th October 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
Course Record: 2:03:42 (Men), 2:20:36 (Women)
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The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is Germany’s oldest city marathon, with its first race taking place in 1981. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most significant marathons in Europe, attracting a broad field of international elite and recreational runners.
The race course is exceptionally flat and fast, allowing for high-speed competition and personal bests. It takes runners through the vibrant city of Frankfurt, past modern skyscrapers and historical landmarks, culminating in a memorable indoor finish line in the Frankfurt Festhalle, which adds to the uniqueness of this event.
Manchester Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, 2nd April 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
Course Record: 2:08:16 (Men), 2:26:46 (Women)
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The Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s premier running events, known for its flat course and enthusiastic crowd. It’s a popular choice for first-time marathon runners and those looking to achieve personal bests or qualifying times for other races.
The course of the Manchester Marathon takes runners on a tour of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Old Trafford football stadium, home to Manchester United. While it is a largely urban race, there are sections of the course that offer a pleasant contrast, taking runners through leafy suburban areas of the city.
Zurich Maratón de Sevilla
Next Race Date: Sunday, 19th February 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
Course Record: 2:04:46 (Men), 2:23:13 (Women)
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The Zurich Maratón de Sevilla, or simply the Seville Marathon, is one of the most beloved races in Spain, offering a flat and fast course that takes runners through the city’s most beautiful and iconic landmarks, including the Plaza de España and the María Luisa Park.
The marathon takes place in February, making it one of the earliest major marathons of the year. This timing often results in cool, ideal running conditions that, combined with the flat course, provide runners with a fantastic opportunity to set a personal best or secure a qualifying time for other major races. The Seville Marathon offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and athletic competition, creating a memorable experience for all participants.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, each of these six marathons offers not only a fast, flat course perfect for achieving a personal best, but also a unique cultural experience that distinguishes each race. From Berlin’s historic landmarks to Valencia’s blend of old and modern architecture, and from the fashion capital of Milan to the vibrant city of Frankfurt, these marathons present the best of Europe’s cityscapes.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner looking to shave off a few more minutes from your time, or a first-time marathon runner aiming for a strong debut, these races provide the ideal mix of competitive and supportive environments to help you reach your goals. As you consider your next race, remember that marathoning is as much about the journey as it is about the finish line – and these marathons are sure to deliver on both fronts.
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