Where to race and how to get in
Guides
How to get a place, which races to pick on each continent, and how to plan a race trip abroad.
Entering racesHow race ballots work, and when to enterMost big races now use a ballot. Here's when they open and what to do if you miss one.Race listsSpring 2027 races you can still enterMissed the ballots? These spring races are still open, month by month.Entering racesMarathons with no ballot: first come, first servedSign up and you're in. Big marathons that skip the ballot.Entering racesHow to qualify for Boston, and the best marathons to do itThe times you need, which races count, and fast courses to run your BQ.Race listsRace weekends for under €450Hotel, entry and food for under €450, not counting flights.Race listsMajor marathons on every continentBig-city marathons in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.Race listsBest half marathons in the USAFrom the NYC Half to Honolulu, with dates, temperatures and how to enter.Race listsWinter races in the Middle EastDubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Tel Aviv and more, from December to March.Race listsMarathons and half marathons in Asia and OceaniaTokyo, Sydney and the Gold Coast, with dates and how to get a place.Race listsSouthern hemisphere races from April to AugustCape Town, Sydney and the Gold Coast, when it's cool race weather there.Race listsFlat and fast European half marathons for a PBThe flattest halves in Europe, with dates, temperatures and how to get a place.PlanningYour first half marathon abroad: what to plan, and whenA week-by-week plan, from booking the race to race morning.
Where to stay for race weekend
The best hotel areas for big marathons, near the start and finish