12 marathons worth travelling for in 2025

From Aruba to Vancouver, these picturesque races (and one vertical challenge) will inspire you to lace up and run the 42km. Plus, a guide to luxurious hotels in each destination to celebrate the finish.

The second Friday in January has become known as Quitter’s Day because that’s when most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions, when the will power to eat better, be punctual or exercise more begins to wear off.

But if 2025 is the year you’re determined to run a marathon, the editors of Forbes Travel Guide have put together a rundown of exceptional races around the world that offer breathtaking views along their challenging routes. And to add to the motivation, there is also a list of luxury hotels near the 42-kilometre courses—because rest and recovery are vital to making it to the finish line.

Here are 12 marathons worth going the distance for this year:

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Malta Marathon

Race day: February 23

The Malta Marathon celebrates its 40th edition this year and is expecting a record 1,200-plus participants. The route takes runners through a scenic and demanding course, showcasing Malta’s diverse landscapes and historic sites. Both the Malta Marathon and the half marathon are predominantly downhill, starting in Mdina—the island country’s medieval capital at 623 feet up—passing through quaint towns and finishing at sea level.

Check in here: The Phoenicia Malta is an art deco stunner that provides convenience and luxury for racers. With an address at the gateway to current capital city, Valletta, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property grants runners easy access to the course. And with a modern spa and lush onsite gardens, it’s the ideal spot to recover after the race.

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Run Rome The Marathon

Race day: March 16

Is there a marathon that passes more iconic sites? Run Rome The Marathon uses its unique course design—nearly four miles of the route happens on cobblestones—to pass by the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Spanish Steps and more. While faster runners won’t have much time to enjoy the Roman scenery, those keeping a fit walker’s pace can take some unforgettable mental snapshots—and perhaps a few real ones.

Check in here: The race may be punctuated by breathtaking landmarks, but the views from The St. Regis Rome, a Four-Star property with bronze-embellished rooms and elegant public spaces sitting just 10 minutes from the finish line, are nearly as astounding.

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Boston Marathon

Race day: April 21

Started in 1897, Boston’s legendary race is the world’s oldest annual marathon with one of the world’s most difficult courses. On Patriots’ Day (a Massachusetts holiday commemorating the American Revolution’s first battle), more than 30,000 runners take off from the suburban Hopkinton and slog through the dreaded Heartbreak Hill (during Mile 20) before ending near the Boston Public Library.

Check in here: Just a four-minute walk from the finish line, Raffles Boston is a post-race sanctuary. Recuperate in a hydrotherapy-bathtub-equipped treatment suite at its Guerlain Spa or with a memorable modern Portuguese meal at chef George Mendes’ Amar.

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Vancouver Marathon

Race day: May 4

As temperatures start to warm in southwestern British Columbia, racing excitement heats up for Canada’s largest marathon. Along with ideal weather conditions, the Vancouver Marathon’s 20,000-plus participants annually look forward to a scenic course that traverses the city’s diverse areas, such as Wreck Beach, Yaletown and the West End before ending downtown.

Check in here: After 26.2 grueling miles, rest up in the luxurious Five-Star Shangri-La Vancouver. Recover at the hotel’s lavish spa, which features therapeutic massages in treatment suites equipped with a bathtub, fireplace and steam shower.

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Aruba Marathon

Race day: June 8

Heat is a marathoner’s worst enemy, which is why many of the world’s top marathons take place in the fall—or at least in cooler weather. But running 26.2 miles in a sun-drenched paradise should make up for some of the struggle. Looping along Aruba’s west coast, this 26.2-mile course leads runners through palms and native divi-divi trees, near turquoise waters at Eagle Beach and past the 98-foot California Lighthouse, one of the island’s most popular landmarks. It culminates with an awards ceremony—and a party—on the beach.

Check in here: Prepare for race day at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba, a relaxing adults-only haven along the route. The boutique hotel staffs a team of certified wellness specialists who can optimize your pre-race routine or help with post-race recovery.

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Marathon du Médoc

Race day: September 6

If you’re in Bordeaux, it’s understandable that you’d want a glass of wine during your visit. If you’re running the Marathon du Médoc through those famed vineyards, it’s downright expected. Lovingly referred to as “the world’s booziest marathon,” this untraditional marathon has in-race wine and cheese stations, colorful themes and participants wearing outrageous (and often wine-themed) costumes. It’s a day filled with smiles and swirling—that is, until the finish line is within sight.

Check in here: Once you take off your bib, find your way to Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes. Subtly sophisticated rooms, chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first European restaurant and a spa touched with international influences make this historic charmer worth toasting to.

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Budapest Marathon

Race day: October 12

The Budapest Marathon features a stunning course that showcase the city’s Andrassy Avenue, Chain Bridge, the Danube and Buda Castle. The race fittingly concludes at Heroes’ Square. For those not up for the full 26.2 miles, the race weekend features a variety of events for runners of all levels, including a 5k, a 10k and several long-distance relays.

Check in here: Four-Star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest boasts an enviable address close to the race’s start and finish. Fittingly for such an accomplishment, the property has a celebratory spirit that can be felt throughout its halls, from the impressive collection of Hungarian art to the contemporary Hungarian-Viennese cuisine at ÉS Bisztró.

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Chicago Marathon

Race day: October 12

The flat, fast course has long made this marathon a runner favorite—a record 160,000 applied for 2025. It cuts through 29 Chicago neighborhoods, including Pilsen (where mariachi bands play near Mile 19) and Chinatown (where lion dancers perform around Mile 21). The marathon starts and ends at Grant Park, whose 312-plus acres include Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain (one of the world’s largest fountains) and the Art Institute.

Check in here: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago expertly caters to marathoners. Concierges share route highlights, complimentary shuttles drop off participants close to the start and the hotel’s Adorn restaurant serves a special runner’s menu the night before and a rejuvenating brunch after the event.

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Lisbon Marathon

Race day: October 25

The Lisbon Marathon features one of Europe’s most breathtaking routes, as the entire course runs along the sea and other waterways. It starts in Carcavelos, winds along the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River and finishes at Praça do Comércio’s harbor-facing square.

Check in here: Runners will find a warm welcome at Corpo Santo Hotel, a property near the finish line that offers a marathon kit filled with an assortment of amenities, including water and energy bars along with a complimentary massage.

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New York City Marathon

Race day: November 2

The New York City Marathon is the world’s largest race—more than 55,000 finished in 2024—and is considered an unofficial holiday for the thousands of spectators who vigorously cheer as the runners make their way through all five boroughs. After starting in Staten Island, runners cross five bridges and cut through neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before reaching the iconic Central Park finish at Tavern on the Green.

Check in here: The Five-Star Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a prime spot to witness runners crossing the finish line, particularly from the comfortable perch of a Premiere Park View Suite. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art gym for those inspired to get a jump on next year’s training.

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Singapore Marathon

Race day: December

Filled with twists, U-turns and fast straightaways, the Singapore Marathon almost feels like an auto race. So it makes sense that course begins at the F1 Pit Building. Though the event’s 2025 specifics haven’t been announced yet, if things mirror last year’s happenings, spectators can expect a memorable finish on picturesque Anderson Bridge.

Check in here: Beyond its strategic positioning near the F1 Pit Building, Four-Star Marina Bay Sands is the ideal location for marathoners because of the attention to detail it places on pre-race preparation (a full-body wellness program) and post-race unwinding (in the iconic, 57th-floor infinity pool made famous in Crazy Rich Asians).

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Kiawah Island Marathon, South Carolina

Race day: December 13

For the past 46 years, runners have navigated the scenic Lowcountry of Kiawah Island, a barrier island near Charleston that has an average elevation of only six feet above sea level. The unique terrain has helped many runners achieve personal bests and qualify for the Boston Marathon. And seeing natural landmarks along the way—the gorgeous Ibis Pond Overlook is near the halfway point—is a great motivator, too.

Check in here: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort conveniently sits around Mile 13. Plus, the Five-Star hotel offers shuttle rides to the start, race weekend festivities and a luxurious Five-Star spa for post-race pampering.

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Bonus Race: Lotte World Tower Sky Run, Seoul

Race day: April

Not all marathons are run horizontally across 26.2 miles. This annual race—which is part of a global series—requires stamina to run up Korea’s largest and highest vertical marathon. Entrants scale the 123-story Seoul tower, the world’s sixth-tallest building. It’s a total 2,917 stairs to the top—more than 1,800 feet—where you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views and prizes. Held since 2017, the race saw a record 2,200 participants from the United States, Japan, Malaysia and other countries last year.

Check in here: Your weary legs won’t have to travel far after finishing the race—take the elevator to Four-Star Signiel Seoul, which encompasses the 76th to 101st floors. Every room comes with stellar vistas, and many have tubs overlooking the cityscape.

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This story was originally published on forbes.com.

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