Whether you’ve decided to go for it and take on The Big One or you’re looking to notch up your next of many marathons, if you find strength in numbers you could do worse than sign up for one of these – the world’s 10 biggest 26.2 mile races.
The ING New York Marathon
Ultimately the biggest marathon in the world, the New York marathon can rightly claim to be the world’s favourite. Held in November, no other event attracts such a high proportion of international runners from so many different countries. Starting on Staten Island the course runs through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and the streets of Manhattan and includes spectacular views of the Empire State building, and a running finish through Central Park. With up to two million spectators, and 38,000 runners, the New York Marathon is simply an unforgettable experience.
www.nycmarathon.org
The Virgin London Marathon
Held in April every year, the Virgin London Marathon is certainly one of the most popular marathons in the world. Regularly attracting over 30,000 runners and a large enthusiastic crowd, it has a great party atmosphere and appeals to first-timers as well as seasoned marathon veterans and the running elite. A relatively flat course, runners take in many of the city's famous historic sights including The Tower of London, the River Thames, and St James's Park, and passing the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace on the way to the finish.
www.london-marathon.co.uk
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon
One of the World Marathon Majors is the Bank of America Chicago marathon. With a maximum of 45,000 participates registering in record time for this year’s 34th annual event, it promises to be bigger than ever. World renowned for its fast and flat course, the route starts and finishes in Chicago’s Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Held in October the course offers a scenic tour of Chicago and attracts an estimated 1.7 million spectators.
www.chicagomarathon.com
Paris Marathon
This year’s International Paris Marathon in April will see 40,000 participants set off along the beautiful Champs Élysées. They’ll be running through Bastille, Nation, Vincennes, les Tuileries and many other amazing sights of the French capital. One of the five World Marathon Majors, this 34th event regularly attracts running athletes from around the globe.
www.parismarathon.com
Boston Marathon
The world’s oldest annual city marathon, the Boston marathon is steeped in tradition and history. Back in 1897 only 18 runners entered the race. Numbers have certainly increased since then and this April about 25,000 runners are expected with over 500,000 spectators. The course passes through several small towns before finishing in central Boston.
www.baa.org
The BMW Berlin Marathon
Another World Marathon Major is the Berlin marathon. With a record-breaking course, the route is flat, straight and wide, with two gentle inclines. Held in September, with over 20,000 runners,
the marathon takes in contrasting scenes with grand historical architecture, modern, hi-tech shops against drab and austere buildings of the East. One of the highlights is the passing through the Brandenburg Gate.
www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/
The Marine Corps Marathon, Washington
The 36th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) in Washington held annually in October is the fifth largest marathon in the United States and the ninth largest in the world. With 30,000 expected participants, the course starts at Arlington, and winds through the capital, crossing the scenic Potomac River before heading back into Northern Virginia for the iconic finish at the Marine Corps War
Memorial in Rosslyn. Open to runners from all walks of life, this marathon is known as ‘The People’s Marathon’.
www.marinemarathon.com
The Honda Los Angeles Marathon
In 2010 the LA Marathon was the fourth largest marathon in the United States and one of the top-ten worldwide. The breath-taking course runs from Dodger Stadium through downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the U.S. Veterans Administration grounds and finishing in Santa Monica overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Held in March, this annual event certainly has a great party atmosphere with start-to-finish entertainment from hundreds of cheerleaders and many great bands.
www.lamarathon.com
Tokyo Marathon
With approximately 32,000 runners expected in the Tokyo Marathon next February, this is another top ten favourite marathon. In fact the Tokyo marathon has become so popular that over 300,000 applicants applied for the 32,000 places. The race starts at the Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku, and ends at the Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba and passes the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and Ginza.
www.tokyo42195.org
Honolulu Marathon
The Honolulu Marathon in 2010 was the 10th largest marathon in the world and the largest sporting event in Hawaii. Held annually in December with an early start to avoid the humidity of the latter part of the day, it is a big event with a great atmosphere. The course starts in Ala Moana Beach Park with a spectacular fireworks display and takes in Honolulu’s notable sights, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Koko Head Crater and finishes at Kapiolani Park. It’s easy to see why this is such a popular place to run.
www.honolulumarathon.org
By Sharon Davies
Sharon Davies is a freelance journalist and writes a regular running blog at http://southbristolrunner.blogspot.com
Image credits: Virgin London Marathon/Gettty images, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, ASO-Credit Maindru, Fay Foto, Vic Sailer PHOTORU, Marine Corps Marathon, LA Marathon, Tokyo Marathon
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