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  📊 Major Marathons in Africa & Middle East (Summary Table) Marathon Country City Month Participants Competition Tier Key Feature Dubai Marathon UAE Dubai January ~15,000 Medium A Very fast course, high prize money Cape Town Marathon South Africa Cape Town October ~18,000 Medium A Major candidate, scenic Istanbul Marathon Turkey Istanbul November ~25,000 Medium B Only intercontinental marathon Jerusalem Marathon Israel Jerusalem March ~10,000 Low B Historic course Marrakech Marathon Morocco Marrakech January ~8,000 Low B Winter destination race Abu Dhabi Marathon UAE Abu Dhabi December ~12,000 Low B Fast growing event Two Oceans Marathon* South Africa Cape Town April ~16,000 Medium A Iconic ultra-distance race *Note: Two Oceans is technically an ultra marathon but globally recognized. 🏃‍♂️ The Most Important Marathons in Africa and the Middle East Africa and the Middle East have become increasingly important regions in global marathon running. While Africa produces many of th...

  Africa and the Middle East play a unique role in marathon running. Africa produces many of the world’s greatest marathon champions, while the Middle East hosts some of the fastest and highest-prize races. These marathons represent performance, heritage, and global expansion. 🥇 1. Dubai Marathon (UAE) Location:  Dubai, United Arab Emirates Held:  January Participants:  ~15,000 Dubai Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the world. It has historically offered some of the highest prize money in marathon running, attracting elite runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. Dubai represents elite performance. 🟦 2. Cape Town Marathon (South Africa) Location:  Cape Town, South Africa Held:  October Participants:  ~18,000 Cape Town Marathon is the most important marathon in Africa. It is currently a candidate to become a future World Marathon Major. Cape Town represents Africa’s global rise. 🟦 3. Istanbul Marathon (Turkey) Location:  Istanbul, Turkey Held...

  Oceania has emerged as one of the most attractive marathon regions in the world. With scenic coastal routes, ideal running weather, and rapidly growing international recognition, marathons in Australia and New Zealand are now global destination races. 🥇 1. Sydney Marathon (Australia) 4 Location:  Sydney, Australia Held:  August Participants:  ~35,000 Status:  World Marathon Major Sydney Marathon is the newest addition to the World Marathon Majors. Runners cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish near the Sydney Opera House, making it one of the most scenic major marathons in the world. Sydney represents Oceania’s global status. 🟦 2. Melbourne Marathon (Australia) 4 Location:  Melbourne, Australia Held:  October Participants:  ~15,000 The Melbourne Marathon finishes inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. This unique finish makes it one of the most memorable marathon experiences. 🟦 3. Gold Coa...

  Asia has become one of the fastest-growing regions in marathon running . With world-class organization, massive participation, and strong elite competition, Asian marathons now stand alongside the best in the world. Here are the most representative marathons across Asia. 🥇 1. Tokyo Marathon (Japan) 4 Location:  Tokyo, Japan Held:  March Participants:  ~38,000 Status:   World Marathon Major Tokyo Marathon is the most prestigious marathon in Asia. It features world-class organization and attracts elite runners from around the world. The race route passes through central Tokyo and finishes near Tokyo Station . Tokyo represents Asia’s global standard. 🟦 2. Seoul Marathon (South Korea) 4 Location:  Seoul, South Korea Held:  March Participants:  ~20,000 The Seoul Marathon is one of the oldest and most competitive marathons in Asia. Many elite runners compete here, and the course is known for fast finishing times. Seoul represents Asia’s competitiv...