Marathons have always been a popular challenge. But for 2021, they’ve become an especially historic event.
Depending on the marathon, “race season” usually fluctuates every year. Certain marathons always aim for spring (like the Boston and London Marathons) or even a certain date — like the NYC Marathon, held on the first Sunday of November.
But after the postponements and various race complications caused by COVID-19 over the last year, 2021 has looked very different. Namely, some — really most — of the world’s most historic marathons are happening back to back.
We’ve got everything you need to know about which marathons are happening when, which still have registration open, and why this year could be the best year ever for marathon runners.
Major Marathons in 2021
Major international marathons including the “Big 5” — Berlin, London, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong — are all happening back to back within a 2-month period. And the biggest marathons in the U.S. — like the Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and NYC Marathons — also take place within that same timeline.
How did that happen? Well, race organizers have been making constant updates as to when they feel safe to welcome back a large field of runners in person. The Boston Marathon and London Marathon (usually held in April), and the Hong Kong marathon (usually held in early spring) were all postponed to October.
Not only is this in-person, fall marathon lineup a big deal for elite runners, but it will also be a big deal for spectators.
And the hype around this year’s massive marathon schedule — whether its back-to-back nature was on purpose or a coincidence — is big. Even brands are stepping in, kitting out marathon runners and designing marathon-themed shoes to help celebrate.
Here are the biggest marathons to watch for in 2021, in order by race date:
- Rome Marathon: September 19
- size: about 10,000 runners
- registration open until September 10
- Berlin Marathon: September 26
- size: 45,000 runners
- needed to qualify
- London Marathon: October 3
- size: projected 50,000 runners
- needed to qualify
- Twin Cities (MN) Marathon: October 3 (sold out)
- size: about 10,000 runners
- Chicago Marathon: October 10
- size: 45,000 runners
- needed to qualify
- Boston Marathon: October 11-12
- size: 30,000 runners
- needed to qualify
- Tokyo Marathon: October 17
- size: capped at 25,000 runners
- needed to qualify, registration closed; no international runners
- Paris Marathon: October 17 (sold out)
- size: 60,000 runners
- Amsterdam Marathon: October 17
- size: 16,500 runners
- registration available; no international runners
- Hong Kong Marathon: October 24
- size: 18,500 runners
- NYC Marathon: November 7
- size: over 50,000 runners
- general registration sold out
Editor’s note: Most of the marathons on the list above have virtual race options this year. Virtual registrations are still open.
More U.S. Marathons Happening: Register Today
We are 30-60 days out from maybe the biggest marathon event in history. Here are a few U.S. 2021 marathons that are still accepting applications:
- Colfax Marathon (Denver, CO): October 16-17
- Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon: October 23-24
- Colorado Marathon: October 24
- Marine Corps Marathon: October 31
- Los Angeles Marathon: November 7
- NYC Marathon: November 7 (limited registration options available)
- Honolulu Marathon: December 12 (no qualifying time)
If you deferred registration for a marathon in 2020 or qualified in 2021 to run this year, best of luck. We’ll see you out there!
