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The World’s Most Important Marathons: The Ultimate Global Guide Marathon running has become a truly global sport. Every year, millions of runners participate in races across continents, from historic European cities to modern Asian metropolises. Among thousands of races worldwide, about 50 marathons stand out as globally representative events. 📊 World Top 50 Marathon Summary Table Tier Marathon Country City Month Participants Competition S New York City Marathon USA New York Nov 50,000 Very High S Boston Marathon USA Boston Apr 30,000 Extreme S Chicago Marathon USA Chicago Oct 48,000 High S Berlin Marathon Germany Berlin Sep 47,000 High S London Marathon UK London Apr 50,000 Extreme S Tokyo Marathon Japan Tokyo Mar 38,000 Very High S Sydney Marathon Australia Sydney Aug 35,000 Medium A Valencia Marathon Spain Valencia Dec 33,000 Medium A Paris Marathon France Paris Apr 45,000 Medium A Seoul Marathon Korea Seoul Mar 20,000 Medium A Rotterdam Marathon Netherlands Rotterdam Apr 17,000 Me...

  📊 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...