Running a marathon is a remarkable achievement that requires careful planning.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a beginner, organizing your marathon calendar in advance can make a huge difference in your training and race experience.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your marathon journey for 2025.
Why Plan Ahead for Marathons?
Planning months ahead ensures you have enough time to train properly, register for events, and manage logistics.
With a well-structured schedule, you can set realistic goals, stay motivated, and avoid last-minute stress.
This approach also allows you to balance your personal and professional life, ensuring you’re ready on race day.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Marathon
The right marathon can make a big difference in your running journey.
Here are a few factors to consider when picking the right marathon.
Location
Consider races in attractive destinations like California or NY.
Date
Choose a marathon that fits well with your training schedule and personal commitments.
Course Difficulty
Pick a marathon with a course that aligns with your running style and abilities, whether you prefer flat and fast or hilly and scenic.
2025 Marathon Calendar
Estimates suggest that between 2,500 and 4,000 marathons occur annually worldwide.
They attract approximately 11 million participants, and this number is only growing.
Here, we highlight the most prominent races you might be interested in.
For the most up-to-date information and registration details, it's advisable to check the official websites of each marathon.
January
- Neujahrsmarathon Zürich – January 1, Zürich, Switzerland. Start the year with a midnight run along the banks of the Limmat River.
- Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon – January 3, Tiberias, Israel. Israel's oldest marathon, circling the Sea of Galilee.
- PolarNight Marathon – January 4, Tromsø, Norway. Experience running under the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle.
- Chevron Houston Marathon – January 19, Houston, Texas, USA. A fast, flat course attracting elite runners.
- Marrakech Marathon – January 26, Marrakech, Morocco. A scenic race through historic sites and palm groves.
February
- Phoenix Marathon – February 8, Mesa, Arizona, USA. A downhill course offering a potential for personal bests.
- Publix Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon – February 9, Melbourne, Florida, USA. A scenic course along Florida's Space Coast.
- Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon – February 23, El Paso, Texas, USA. A Boston qualifier showcasing the culture and scenery of El Paso.
March
- Albany Marathon – March 1, Albany, Georgia, USA. A flat and fast course known for its Southern hospitality.
- Raccoon Mountain Marathon – March 16, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. A scenic race around the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir.
- Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon – March 16, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. A festive St. Patrick's Day race along the Atlantic coast.
- Los Angeles Marathon – March 9, Los Angeles, California, USA. A city race from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica.
- Rome Marathon – March 23, Rome, Italy. Run through the historic streets of the Eternal City.
- Bakersfield Marathon – March 29, California, USA.
April
- Paris Marathon – April 6, Paris, France. A scenic route passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Vienna City Marathon – April 6, Vienna, Austria. A historic race through Austria's capital.
- Boston Marathon – April 21, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The world's oldest annual marathon is renowned for its challenging course.
- London Marathon – April 27, London, United Kingdom. A World Marathon Major passing by London's famous sites.
- Salt Lake City Marathon – April 26, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Voted "Best Running Event in Utah" with multiple race options.
May
- Copenhagen Marathon – May 18, Copenhagen, Denmark. A flat course through the charming streets of Copenhagen.
- Edinburgh Marathon – May 25, Edinburgh, Scotland. A scenic race starting in the city center and finishing along the coast.
June
- Stockholm Marathon – June 7, Stockholm, Sweden. A picturesque course through Sweden's capital.
- God’s Country Marathon Race Series – June 7, Potter County, Pennsylvania, USA. Traverse through scenic north-central Pennsylvania.
- San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon – June 2, San Diego, California, USA. A lively race with live music along the course.
- Big Five Marathon – June 21, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A challenging race through a private game reserve.
- Jungfrau Marathon – June 14, Interlaken, Switzerland. A mountain marathon with breathtaking alpine views.
July
- Gold Coast Marathon – July 6, Gold Coast, Australia. A flat and fast course along Australia's coastline.
- San Francisco Marathon – July 27, San Francisco, California, USA. A challenging course with iconic views, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Madison Marathon – July 13, Ennis, Montana, USA. One of the highest road marathons in the country.
- Swiss Alpine Marathon – July 26, Davos, Switzerland. A high-altitude race through the Swiss Alps.
August
- Sydney Marathon – August 31, Sydney, Australia. Debuting as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
- Hokkaido Marathon – August 24, Sapporo, Japan.
September
- Sydney Marathon – August 31, 2025, Sydney, Australia. Debuting as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
- Berlin Marathon – September 21, 2025, Berlin, Germany. Renowned for its flat and fast course, ideal for personal bests.
- Loch Ness Marathon – September 28, 2025, Inverness, Scotland. A scenic race along the shores of Loch Ness.
October
- Chicago Marathon – October 12, 2025, Chicago, Illinois, USA. One of the six World Marathon Majors, known for its flat course.
- Amsterdam Marathon – October 19, 2025, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Features a picturesque route through historic sites.
- Marine Corps Marathon – October 26, 2025, Arlington, Virginia, USA. Known as "The People's Marathon," honoring the U.S. Marine Corps.
November
- NY City Marathon – November 2, 2025, New York City, NY, USA. The world's largest marathon, traversing all five boroughs.
- Athens Authentic Marathon – November 9, 2025, Athens, Greece. Run the original marathon route from Marathon to Athens.
- Istanbul Marathon – November 16, 2025, Istanbul, Turkey. The only marathon spanning two continents, from Asia to Europe.
December
- Honolulu Marathon – December 14, 2025, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. A popular destination marathon with scenic ocean views.
- Singapore Marathon – December 6, 2025, Singapore. A nighttime race through the city's vibrant streets.
- Pisa Marathon – December 21, 2025, Pisa, Italy. A flat course finishing near the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and new races are being added regularly.
You can also subscribe to the AIMS calendar to stay updated.
These marathons offer unique experiences and are set in some of the most iconic and beautiful locations around the world.
For more detailed information on each event, you can visit their official websites or registration pages.
Marathon Training and Preparation: Tips From Pro Athletes
Developing a solid training plan is crucial for marathon success.
Most training plans span 16 to 20 weeks, focusing on gradually increasing mileage, incorporating long runs, speed work, and recovery days.
Eliud Kipchoge, the world record holder in the marathon, follows a meticulously structured training plan that includes long runs, intervals, and strength training.
As Kipchoge says, "The marathon is not about the legs, it's about the heart and mind," emphasizing the mental as well as physical preparation required.
Proper nutrition and hydration are equally vital throughout the training period.
A well-rounded diet with plenty of carbs, proteins, and fats, paired with proper hydration, ensures peak performance.
Shalane Flanagan, the 2017 NY City Marathon champion, underscores the importance of nutrition, having co-authored the book "Run Fast. Eat Slow." to highlight healthy eating for runners.
She states, "Food is my fuel. I focus on eating nutrient-dense foods to keep my body strong and my mind sharp."
Cross-training and strength work are also key components of a well-rounded training regimen. These activities improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.
Des Linden, the 2018 Boston Marathon winner, includes swimming and cycling in her training to maintain fitness while giving her legs a break from running.
Linden notes, "Cross-training is a great way to maintain fitness while allowing your body to recover from the pounding of running."
Race Day Essentials
Having the right gear can make a significant difference on race day.
This includes well-fitted running shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, and any necessary accessories like a GPS watch or hydration pack.
Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2009 NY City Marathon and the 2014 Boston Marathon, always emphasizes the importance of proper gear.
He says that "The right gear can help you perform at your best and prevent injuries."
Race-day nutrition should be carefully planned.
This might include energy gels, bars, or drinks.
Practicing your nutrition strategy during long training runs is crucial to avoid any surprises on race day.
Kara Goucher, an Olympian and professional marathoner, shares her race-day nutrition strategy, which includes taking energy gels at regular intervals.
She advises, "Practice your nutrition during long runs so you know what works for you on race day."
Post-Marathon Recovery and Reflection
Proper recovery is essential to help your body heal and prevent injuries.
This includes rest, gentle exercise, and good nutrition.
Ryan Hall, the fastest American marathoner, emphasizes the importance of recovery, using techniques like ice baths, massages, and rest days.
He explains, "Recovery is where the magic happens. It’s when your body rebuilds and gets stronger."
After the marathon, focus on replenishing glycogen stores with carbohydrates and repairing muscles with protein.
Shalane Flanagan recommends nutrient-rich foods like sweet potatoes, lean meats, and plenty of vegetables for post-race recovery. She advises, "Post-race nutrition is crucial for recovery. Eat a balanced meal within an hour after finishing."
Taking time to reflect on your marathon experience is also important.
Celebrate your accomplishments, analyze what went well, and identify areas for improvement.
