Image credit: Canva/Women’s Running

Running has never been more popular, which means there’s more races than ever to choose from. But which is the best marathon in the world, Europe or even just the UK?

I’ve run more than 20 marathons – my first was Brighton Marathon back in 2010 and my most recent was London Marathon this year. I get asked a lot which is the best one I’ve run, and there’s no simple answer to that because they’ve all been different experiences and I’ve had different goals for them.

Finding the best marathon for you

The best marathon for you will differ from the best marathon for another runner. It all depends on what is important to you. Every runner has their own set of priorities, likes and dislikes, so when you’re choosing a marathon it’s important to think about what sort of experience you want to have as well as how far you’re willing to travel (and pay) for it.

The good news is that you can afford to be picky. There are so many races to choose from that you’re sure to find one that ticks all your boxes. You just need to get clear on what is a dealbreaker for you.

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What’s your budget?

For a sport where the main selling point is that it’s relatively cheap to do, the costs can start to mount up quickly when you look at entering a race. Race entries can range anywhere from around £30 to £90+ just for a place. On top of that you might want to get an official photo of you running it – these can range from free to £40+ depending on how many you want.

Check the what’s included with your marathon entry – do you get a finisher t-shirt included in the entry fee or is this extra? On top of your entry fees there’s the other costs such as travel and accommodation. For big city races such as London, you can be looking at £300/night for a basic hotel. Which brings us on to…

How far do you want to travel?

Travelling to a race can be fun and there are plenty of great races in the UK, Europe and around the world that would make a great trip. I’ve run marathons in Venice, Frankfurt, Copenhagen and an ultra marathon in Paris. While the races may not always have gone as planned, they’ve made for a great trip.

Some runners enjoy combining travel with running and using a race as a way to explore a new place and culture. However, other runners find it adds stress to an already stressful weekend.

Even fairly local races can be difficult to get to early on a Sunday morning if you’re relying on public transport, so look at your journey options before you commit. If you’re booking a marathon away from home, check whether you need to collect your number from an expo the day before and what the opening hours are before you book your travel.

Here’s our the European Marathons on our Bucket List.

What’s the course like?

Marathon courses can vary a lot from flat and fast to challenging and hilly. So whether you’re a road runner or a trail lover, you can expect a lot of choice in terms of scenery and terrain. The most scenic marathon I’ve run was definitely Marathon Eryri – it’s not a race for fast times but for taking in the view.

If you’re chasing a PB, you might be happy to forgo the scenery in favour of a fast course. And if it’s speed you’re looking for, it’s not just a lack of hills that are important. Lots of tight corners and cobbled streets can slow you down just as much as hills so study that course map.

Check out 5 of the flattest marathons in the UK.

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What’s the best marathon support – big city or small local?

Some runners thrive on hearing their name shouted out by thousands of runners while they run round the streets of a big city. But others would prefer a more sedate affair.

You might be hoping that your friends and family come along to support you though, so think about how they might do this. After all, they might not be willing to make a trip to the other side of the world to hold your Jelly Babies.

Get your training underway with our marathon training plans!

The best marathon race organisation

You don’t want to do all of your training only to be let down by poor race organisation. Look at past reviews of races and see how other runners found the race you’re considering.

Was there a long queue at the bag drop? Was there enough water on the course and were there plenty of toilets. Find out from other runners what they think – runners at your club or on social media may have feedback or recommendations of which races to get it right.

What are your goals for the race?

Your goal for the race is an important factor for deciding which marathon to enter. If it’s your first and you don’t think you’ll ever do another you may be willing to spend a little more on the experience than if it’s your fifth marathon.

You may have a few marathons under your belt already but be looking to run a fast time, which might mean you’re willing to travel a little further afield to get a flat, fast marathon course that will help you get a PB. Get clean on your goals and what you want to get out of your marathon.

Travelling to a race? Find out what you need to pack for a race abroad!