The Essential Guide to Fall Marathon Races

Course à pied

August 22, 2024

From New York to Sydney, Fall (or Autumn) is one of the peak seasons for marathon racing around the world. But which marathon should you choose, and how do you enter it? We profile some of the biggest, fastest, and most popular marathons around the world this Fall.

Even though there are marathons taking place on most weekends throughout the year, the majority of the 'bigger' races happen during one of two seasons: Spring and Fall/Autumn. This not only allows participants to race when the weather is (usually) more accommodating for distance running but also provides enough of a gap between seasons to allow most runners to race twice in a year with ample recovery time in between.

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In this article, we profile the biggest and most famous Fall marathons around the world. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it features a variety of marathons all of which have garnered attention for a variety of reasons. Some are beautiful, others are fast, all of them are worth having on your radar if you're interested in entering an Autumn race.

Races with Ballot entries

New York City Marathon, USA

When: First Sunday in November
Cut-off time: 6.5 hours
Course records: Men - 2:04:58 (Tamirat Tola 2023) / Women - 2:22:31 (Margaret Okayo 2003)
Entry: Lottery

Let's start with the biggest marathon of them all. While London isn't far behind, the New York City Marathon is the biggest marathon on the planet, with more than 50,000 runners tackling the iconic course. It's also one of the most well-supported, with more than two million people lining a route that takes in each of New York's five boroughs and passes landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller, the Statue of Liberty, and finishes in Central Park.

Started in 1970 by the New York Road Runners, just 55 of the 127 starters finished the inaugural race. In 2023, runners from 148 different countries line up alongside athletes from every State in the USA - proof of its massive popularity. As a result, most entrants get their bib via a lottery system, but New York residents have options to enter via the New York Road Runners 9+1 program.

Berlin Marathon, Germany

When: September
Cut-off time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Course records: Men - 2:01:09 (Eliud Kipchoge 2022) / Women - 2:11:53 (Tigst Assefa 2023)
Entry: Ballot

If you're looking to set a PR in the marathon, Berlin is the place to race. Fast, flat, and boasting extended segments of long straight roads, it's no surprise that Berlin is where Eliud Kipchoge set the marathon world record in 2022 (02:01:09). As you might expect from a vibrant city, Berlin puts on a show for competitors. Millions of spectators line a route that loops through the heart of the city, taking in sights like the Reichstag, Berliner Dom, and Potsdamer Platz. The finish line at the Brandenburger Gate is one of the best in the world.

Like New York, getting entry to the Berlin Marathon is... challenging. Over 40,000 runners line up every year alongside some of the world's best, meaning that for most entry is via a ballot.

Chicago Marathon, USA

When: October
Cut-off time: 6.5 hours
Course records: Men - 2:00:35 (Kelvin Kiptum 2023) / Women - 2:13:44 (Sifan Hassan 2023)
Entry: Ballot

Another of the world marathon majors, Chicago has earned legendary status for its fast course and lively atmosphere. Starting and ending in Grant Park in the center of the city, the route takes in 29 different neighborhoods, attracting well over a million spectators every year.

Because of its popularity, the race is over-subscribed every year, and a ballot system for entries is now in place. However, there are options for faster runners who have previously competed in the race to gain a spot on the start line.

Amsterdam Marathon, Netherlands

When: October
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Course records: Men - 2:03:38 (Tamirat Tola 2021) / Women - 2:17:20 (Almaz Ayana in 2022)
Entry: Ballot

There's a reason why the Amsterdam Marathon is so popular, and it's not just because Amsterdam is a fantastic city for a little break. Pretty much pancake-flat, Amsterdam is a race to choose for anyone looking to register a PR. The course starts in the Olympic Stadium and passes through the Rijksmuseum before following the Amstel River out into the countryside. It then returns to the city center, for a lively finish back in the Olympic Stadium.

Owing to the speed of the course (and quite possibly the location), Amsterdam is over-subscribed every year. There are various ways of gaining entry, but most get their spot through the race ballot system.

Races without a ballot

Sydney Marathon, Australia

When: September
Cut-off time: 7 hours
Course records: Men - 2:07:03 (Moses Kibet 2022) / Women - 2:24:33 (Stellah Barsosio 2019)
Entry: Online registration

When is a Fall Marathon not a Fall Marathon? When it takes place in the Southern Hemisphere Spring. Regardless, the picturesque Sydney Marathon is fast becoming one of the world's most popular marathons - and is a candidate to become a World Marathon Major. While the route might be popular, it's not one to do if you're targeting a PR. The tight, twisting course features multiple punchy hills. But don't let that deter you, because it's the route of the Sydney Marathon that makes this one special: skirting one of the most picturesque cities in the world the route crosses Sydney Harbour Bridge before finishing at the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney is growing in popularity year on year, and sells out months in advance these days (25,000 runners). Given its growing popularity, don't be surprised if a ballot system isn't introduced in the coming years.

Valencia Marathon, Spain

When: December
Cut-off time: 5.5 hours
Course records: Men - 2:01:48 (Sisay Lemma 2023) / Women - 2:14:58 (Amane Beriso 2022)
Entry: Online registration

Fast becoming one of Europe's pre-eminent events, the bustling city of Valencia comes alive in December when the marathon rolls into town. A beautiful course, usually bathed in the early winter sunshine of Southern Spain, attracts 35,000 runners all chasing PRs on a fast, flat course.

Now that the word is out about Valencia the bibs sell out fast, so make sure you get in early to enjoy this stand-out event.

Chengdu Marathon, China

When: October
Cut-off time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Entry: Online registration

One of the few point-to-point marathons on this list, Chengdu features a fast course for the 35,000 runners who enter every year. Starting in the 3,000 year-old Jinsha Archealogical site, much of the race takes place on a highway, meaning that support can sometimes be limited. The race finishes at the International Exhibition Centre.

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Munich Marathon, Germany

When: October
Cut-off time: 6.5 hours
Course records: Men - 2:09:46 (Michael Kite 2000) / Women - 2:33:09 (Karolina Szabó 1991)
Entry: Online registration

Taking in the old city and the new, the Munich Marathon draws athletes from across the world to enjoy a fast course and a great atmosphere. Starting out from the Olympic Park, the route winds its way past some of Munich's most spectacular locations, including the Isar brigge, the Bavarian State Opera, and finally via Leopoldstrasse and Franz-Jospeh-Strasse towards the finish line at the Olympic Park. Be ready to savor those final kilometers as the crowd is loud and you'll remember the celebrations for years to come.

Cape Town Marathon, South Africa

When: October
Cut-off time: 6.5 hours
Course records: Men - 2:08:31 (Stephen Mokoka 2018) / Women - 2:24:02 (Meseret Dinke Meleka 2022)
Entry: Online registration

There are few cities in the world that can rival Cape Town for dramatic beauty. So it's no surprise that the Cape Town marathon is spectacular. For anyone looking to see the highlights of this gorgeous city, the route starts out on the Waterfront before heading inland, skirting the base of Table Mountain and then heading back out towards the Ocean.

Due to its increasing popularity, Cape Town is in the process of applying for Marathon Major status. If you want to be one of more than 18,000 runners to tackle the course, you'll either need to get in early or go through the ballot.

The finish line of the Athens Marathon. Photography by: brunocoelho

Athens Marathon, Greece

When: November
Cut-off time: 8 hours
Course records: Men - 2:10:34 (Edwin Kiptoo 2023) / Women - 2:31:06 (Rasa Drazdauskaitė 2010)
Entry: Online registration

The race where it all began. The Athens Marathon should be on the 'to do' list of any student of running history. Not because the course is fast or particularly interesting - it's not. But it is steeped in history and boasts possibly the best finish line of any marathon in the world.

Starting where it all began, in the town of Marathon, the route follows the tarmac all the way to downtown Athens - including a lengthy section of near-permanent uphill. When the road does start to drop down into the city, runners head towards the finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium - where the original Olympic Games took place back in 1896. You likely won't set a PR at Athens, and there may be times when you question your decision to enter, but you will be tracing the footsteps of the running gods in the birthplace of this beautiful event - and that is reason enough to enter this one.

Lisbon Marathon, Portugal

When: October
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Course records: Men - 2:05:52 (Andualem Shiferaw 2021) / Women - 2:24:13 (Sarah Chepchirchir 2016)
Entry via: Online registration

The most beautiful marathon in the world? It's a big shout, but the Lisbon Marathon is certainly in the conversation. Of the marathons on this list, it is one of the 'smaller' ones in terms of participants - just over 7,500 people tackle the course each year. However, those that do enter are in for a treat: the route is almost entirely along the coastline or the river, offering stunning views of one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

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Frankfurt Marathon, Germany

When: October
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Course records: Men - 2:03:42 (Wilson Kipsang 2011) / Women - 2:19:11 (Valary Aiyabei 2019)
Entry: Online registration

There are two things that make the Frankfurt marathon stand out from many of its European counterparts: the first is the fast, flat course that is perfect for PR hunters. The second is the fact that it finishes inside. Yes, unlike most marathons, the Frankfurt finish line ends in the city Festhalle, which means the atmosphere greeting everyone on the enormous red carpet is nothing short of electric. The race has a six-hour cut off time, meaning it is suitable for anyone who can run 13:44 mins/mile pace / 8:30 mins/km marathon pace

The Marine Corps Marathon. Photography by: Rena Schild

Honolulu Marathon, USA

When: December
Cut-off time: None
Course records: Men - 2:07:59 (Titus Ekiru 2019) / Women - 2:22:15 (Brigid Kosgei 2017)
Entry: Online registration

In the words of the Honolulu Marathon organizers, 'There is no time limit, just Aloha spirit'. The fourth largest marathon in the USA (behind the three world marathon majors), Honolulu quite probably ranks number one when it comes to stunning views. When the route is not hugging the coastline, it veers inland with views of the lush countryside and beautiful mountains. While not the fastest course on the calendar, this race is about savoring the experience - and Hawaii's spectacular scenery.

California International Marathon, USA

When: December
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Course records: Men - 2:10:27 (Jerry Lawson 1993) / Women - 2:26:02 (Paige Stoner 2022)
Entry: Online registration

A downhill marathon? Sort of. This point-to-point net downhill race (which boasts some rolling hills along the route) proudly boasts the moniker of the 'Fastest Course in the West'. Because of its speed, the race attracts a strong Elite field and plenty of spectators. It's also one of the Boston Qualifier events, so if you're aiming for one of Boston's challenging qualifying times, this is one to think about.

Marine Corps Marathon, USA

When: October
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Course records: Men - 2:14:01 (Jeffrey Scuffins 1987) / Women - 2:37:00 (Olga Markova 1990)
Entry: Lottery

With over 23,000 runners, the Marine Corps Marathon (a.k.a. The People's Marathon) is understandably popular. Organized by the US marines, not only does the event run like clockwork, but it takes in most of Washington's major landmarks. With a route that starts and finishes at the Pentagon, passes the Washington Monument, The Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, it is much an opportunity to sightsee as it is to shoot for a PR on a fast, flat course.