The Ultimate Comparison: The BIG 5 World Marathons — Which One Should You Run?
- Nathan Rose
- Jul 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 15
For many runners, completing a marathon is more than a physical feat—it's a milestone of determination, discipline, and self-discovery. But if you’ve ever dreamed of running one of the world’s biggest and best marathons, you’ll know how difficult it can be to choose the right one. Should you go for atmosphere, scenery, speed, history, or all of the above?
In this guide, we’ll dive into five of the most iconic marathons on the planet: London, New York City, Berlin, Tokyo, and Boston. We’ll look at how they stack up in terms of course difficulty, overall experience, travel logistics, and affordability for UK-based runners. We’ll also offer guidance on which marathon is best for beginners, where to find the best crowd energy, and how to get the most out of your trip—complete with spots for photos and affiliate product placements.
LETS CHECK OUT THE BEST WORLD MARATHONS:
London Marathon: A National Treasure with Global Flair
The London Marathon is the jewel of British road racing. Held each April, it’s known for its electric atmosphere, scenic urban route, and world-class organization. The course weaves past some of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks: the Shard, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye, before finishing triumphantly near Buckingham Palace.
For UK-based runners, it's the most accessible of the big five. You won’t need to worry about jet lag or visa restrictions, and domestic travel is inexpensive and straightforward. The course itself is flat, making it excellent for first-timers and runners chasing a personal best. What really sets London apart is the crowd support—thousands of spectators line every inch of the course, often with witty signs and live music that keep your spirits high even when the legs start to fade.
Ballot entry is notoriously competitive, but many secure a bib through charity spots or official travel partners. If you’re staying overnight, accommodation in central London can be pricey—expect to pay £150 to £300 per night around the race weekend. If you're traveling from outside the city, train fares range between £20 to £150 depending on timing and location.
Total costs for UK residents often come to around £300 to £700, making this one of the most budget-friendly majors—especially without international flights.
New York City Marathon: A Five-Borough Festival of Running
Few races in the world match the energy of the New York City Marathon. With over 50,000 runners and 2 million spectators, the streets of all five boroughs transform into a 26.2-mile celebration of diversity and endurance. From the adrenaline rush of starting on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the iconic finish in Central Park, the race is packed with unforgettable moments.
Running NYC feels like being in a movie. Each neighborhood offers its own cultural twist, from the soulful gospel choirs in Harlem to the Latin rhythms of the Bronx. Unlike the flatter London or Berlin courses, New York has some rolling hills and bridges that make pacing more challenging, especially in the second half. However, the energy of the crowd more than compensates for the physical effort.
For UK runners, getting to New York means a transatlantic flight, typically costing between £350 to £550 return. Hotels in Manhattan can be expensive—£200 to £400 per night—so many opt to stay in Brooklyn or Queens to save on costs. Entry is usually through the ballot, time qualification, charity fundraising, or booking through an international travel operator.
Expect to spend anywhere from £1,200 to £2,200 overall, making this one of the pricier marathons but well worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime race experience.
Berlin Marathon: The Fastest Route to a Personal Best
Berlin is synonymous with speed. It’s here that multiple world records have been set thanks to its pancake-flat course, wide roads, and nearly ideal running weather in late September. Whether you're an elite athlete or a recreational runner, Berlin offers a fast and scenic experience through one of Europe’s most culturally rich capitals.
What makes Berlin special isn’t just the efficiency of German race organization, but also its combination of history and hospitality. You’ll pass the famous Brandenburg Gate in the final stretch, but along the way you'll run past remnants of the Berlin Wall, Tiergarten park, and the Reichstag building. The city has a cool, understated energy on race day, which contrasts nicely with the manic hype of New York or London.
For UK runners, Berlin is easily accessible by a short flight (around £100 to £200 return). Hotels range from £100 to £200 per night, with budget options available further from the city centre. Entry is by lottery or travel package, and while demand is high, it's generally more attainable than London or Tokyo.
Overall, a Berlin marathon weekend will likely cost between £650 and £1,000, making it one of the most affordable world majors and arguably the best value for serious runners chasing a personal best.
Tokyo Marathon: Where Precision Meets Passion
Running the Tokyo Marathon is as much a cultural experience as it is a physical one. Taking place in March, the race offers a unique blend of Japanese precision, tradition, and hospitality. You’ll find yourself swept along a fast and efficient course, lined with orderly but deeply supportive crowds. While less raucous than New York or London, the energy is warm, respectful, and beautifully human.
The course takes runners past the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and the Ginza shopping district, showcasing both ancient and ultra-modern Tokyo. The organization is flawless: everything from bib pickup to bag check runs like clockwork.
For runners from the UK, Tokyo presents the biggest logistical and financial hurdle. Flights average £700 to £1,000, and accommodations—though generally cheaper than London or NYC—range from £80 to £200 per night. Entry is highly competitive and often only guaranteed through international travel packages, which can push overall costs up to £1,400–£2,500 for the trip.
If you're looking to combine marathon running with the adventure of discovering a new culture, Tokyo is unmatched.
Boston Marathon: Earn Your Place on Running’s Most Hallowed Ground
The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world and arguably the most prestigious. Unlike the other world majors, Boston requires runners to qualify with a fast time (unless entering through a charity or travel program), making it a race for seasoned athletes and committed amateurs.
Held each April on Patriot’s Day, the point-to-point course begins in rural Hopkinton and ends in downtown Boston. Along the way, runners face legendary obstacles like Heartbreak Hill, a deceptively tough climb around mile 20. Crowd support is fierce, particularly from college students in Wellesley and Boston College who bring a wild energy to the route.
Getting to Boston from the UK involves a flight costing around £350 to £600, and accommodation in the city runs between £200 and £350 per night. While the race itself isn’t overly expensive—about $230 to enter—the total trip often lands in the £1,100 to £1,900 range, particularly if you add in extra nights to explore the historic city.
Boston isn’t the race you start with—but it might be the one you finish your marathon journey on.
So, Which Marathon Should You Choose?
Choosing your first—or next—marathon depends on your goals. If you’re a beginner, the London Marathon is a smart place to start thanks to its flat route and vibrant local support. Berlin is another great option, especially for those chasing a personal best or looking for a race with top-tier logistics and lower cost.
If you’re after a world-class experience that doubles as a cultural adventure, Tokyo and New York deliver unforgettable memories. For runners with more experience and a qualifying time, Boston is a lifetime achievement and a crown jewel of your marathon career.
No matter which race you choose, what matters most is that you get to the start line, soak up the energy of the crowd, and cross the finish line knowing you've pushed your limits. These races are about more than miles—they’re about moments that stay with you forever.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Heads up! Some of the links here are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I might earn a tiny commission—at zero extra cost to you. Think of it as a little “thank you” that keeps this running party going. Thanks for helping me keep the good vibes (and great content) coming!
References :
Comments