Calling all runners, dreamers, and spectators! 🏃♂️🌎 If your ambitions are set on the legendary 42.195 kilometers for 2026, you’ve arrived at the perfect starting line. 2026 is not just another year on the running calendar; it's a historic chapter with Sydney joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors, turning the "Big Six" into the "Magnificent Seven," and candidate races in Cape Town and Shanghai making their final bid for glory. Navigating the global marathon landscape—with its complex entry methods, strict qualifying times, high-stakes lotteries, and coveted prize purses—can feel like a marathon itself. That’s where this guide comes in. Consider this your all-in-one, meticulously researched digital handbook to the 2026 world marathon season. We’ve streamlined everything you need to know into a single, powerful resource. With marathons spanning Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and beyond, 2026 promises unforgettable experiences for runners of all levels. We’ll also highlight major changes, new rules, and prize structures, so you can plan your training and entries efficiently.
2026 Most Anticipated Marathon Events: A Complete Guide for Running Fans
If you’re already marking your calendars for 2026’s biggest marathon moments, you’re in the right place. This year is extra special—we’ve got 7 World Marathon Majors (yes, SYDNEY joins the club!), candidate races fighting for Major status, extreme adventure marathons, and elite championships that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a spectator, a seasoned runner chasing a PB, or a bucket-list dreamer, this guide has EVERYTHING you need to know (all up-to-date as of Feb 2026!).
Image from hkmarathon, Copyright by original author
Quick Glance: The Hottest 2026 Marathons You Can’t Miss
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🏆 7 Abbott World Marathon Majors (first time with Sydney!)
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🌍 2 Global Elite Championships (elite-only showdowns)
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⭐ 2 Candidate Races (fighting to become the next WMM Major!)
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🎯 10+ “Wild Card” Races (unique, iconic, and history-making)
🏆 #1: 2026 Abbott World Marathon Majors – The Pinnacle of Running
Let’s start with the crème de la crème: the Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM). These 7 races are the gold standard—elite talent, iconic courses, and energy you can feel through the screen. 2026 is historic because Sydney makes its debut as the 7th Major, joining the legendary six. Here’s your complete, confirmed calendar (sorted by date!):
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Date
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Marathon
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Location
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Why It’s a Must-Watch
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Official Link
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March 1, 2026
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Tokyo Marathon
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Tokyo, Japan
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The WMM season opener! Massive fields, perfect spring weather, and a course that weaves through Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods—pure cultural energy.
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April 20, 2026
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Boston Marathon (130th Edition)
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Boston, USA
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The OLDEST annual marathon (est. 1897!)—held on Patriots’ Day with strict qualifiers, passionate crowds, and that iconic “Heartbreak Hill” challenge.
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April 26, 2026
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London Marathon
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London, UK
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Charity runner central! Scenic course past Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge, with elite fields that always deliver close finishes.
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August 30, 2026
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Sydney Marathon
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Sydney, Australia
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FIRST YEAR as a WMM Major! Finish near the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—stunning views and a historic debut you won’t want to miss. Previously a WMM candidate, it officially joins the elite seven this year.
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September 27, 2026
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Berlin Marathon
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Berlin, Germany
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The WORLD’S FASTEST COURSE! 13+ world records (including Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35) have been set here—perfect for PBs and record attempts.
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October 11, 2026
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Chicago Marathon
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Chicago, USA
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Flat, fast, and diverse—runs through 29 neighborhoods. Recent women’s world record (Ruth Chepngetich, 2:09:56) was set here!
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November 1, 2026
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New York City Marathon
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New York City, USA
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World’s largest marathon (59,226 finishers in 2025!)—traverses all five boroughs with unbeatable crowd support.
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🌍 #2: Global Elite Championships – Where Champions Are Crowned
If you love elite-level competition (no mass participants, just the best of the best), these two championships are non-negotiable. While one skips the full marathon, both promise world-class racing:
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World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 2026 🇩🇰
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🗓️ Date: September 19–20, 2026
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📏 Distances: No full marathon, but elite half marathon, 5K, and mile races (plus 65,000 mass participants!)
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✨ Why Watch: World champions will be crowned on Copenhagen’s fast city courses—perfect for speed demons.
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🔗 Link: Copenhagen 2026 Official Site
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European Athletics Championships Marathon (Rome) 🇮🇹
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🗓️ Date: August 10–17, 2026 (marathon within the championships)
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📏 Distances: Elite-only full marathon (42.195 km)
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✨ Why Watch: Race through Rome’s historic streets—Colosseum, Vatican, and more—with Europe’s top runners battling for gold.
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🔗 Link: Rome 2026 European Championships
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⭐ #3: Major Candidate Races – High Stakes in 2026
These two races are in the final stretch of becoming the next Abbott World Marathon Majors—2026 is make-or-break. A win here could expand the WMM family to 8 (or even 9!) races. Here’s what you need to know:
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Date
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Marathon
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Location
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Key Details (Why It Matters)
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Status
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Official Link
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May 24, 2026
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Cape Town Marathon: The “Final Hurdle”
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Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
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Final evaluation to become Africa’s first WMM Major (after 2025’s weather cancellation). Hosts the AbbottWMM Age Group World Championships—finishers get a “provisional” Major star (official if it joins WMM).
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🟡 Candidate (Potential 8th Major)
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December 6, 2026
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上海马拉松 (Shanghai Marathon): 30th Anniversary
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Shanghai, China 🇨🇳
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30th anniversary + Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Horse”! Final WMM candidacy stages (potential 9th Major). 5K run becomes independent (Dec 5); new Xu Beihong-inspired medal; registration opens no later than April 2026.
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🟡 Candidate (Potential 9th Major)
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🎯 #4: Most Hyped “Wild Cards” – Not Majors, But Just As Epic
These races aren’t part of the WMM, but they’re generating massive buzz for their unique settings, history, or pure adventure. I’ve sorted them into categories to help you find your perfect match—all sorted by date within each section!
🎭 Cultural & Historic Icons (Run Through History!)
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Date
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Marathon
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Location
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Highlight (Why It’s Bucket-List Worthy)
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Official Link
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March 22, 2026
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Rome Marathon
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Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
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History + sport = magic! Course winds through the Vatican, Colosseum, and other ancient sites—run through 2,000+ years of history.
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April 12, 2026
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Paris Marathon
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Paris, France 🇫🇷
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Pure romance! Run past the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and other Parisian landmarks—spring in the City of Light is unbeatable.
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May 16, 2026
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Great Wall Marathon
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Tianjin, China 🇨🇳
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The ultimate adventure challenge! 5,164 stone steps, stunning Great Wall views, and a grueling test of endurance—for true thrill-seekers.
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November 8, 2026
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Athens Authentic Marathon
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Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
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For the purists! Run the ORIGINAL marathon route from Marathon to Athens—the birthplace of the sport (est. 490 BCE).
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🎡 Celebrated City & Scenic Marathons (Views + Vibes)
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Date
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Marathon
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Location
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Why It’s Hyped
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Official Link
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January 18, 2026
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渣打香港马拉松 (Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon)
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Hong Kong, China 🇭🇰
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World Athletics Gold Label race with 7.4k+ participants (25% non-local!). Star-studded (霍启刚, 郭晶晶, 周润发 joined in 2026!) and scenic—runs through Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
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March 8, 2026
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Los Angeles Marathon (41st Edition)
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LA, USA 🇺🇸
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Signature “Stadium to the Stars” course: Starts at Dodger Stadium, passes Hollywood/Beverly Hills, ends at Century City. Includes 5K and Kids Run (great for families!).
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March 22, 2026
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武汉马拉松 (Wuhan Marathon)
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Wuhan, China 🇨🇳
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30,000 participants (17k full, 13k half) with a NEW course covering all 7 central districts. “One city, two rivers, three towns” scenic route—runs during cherry blossom season!
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April 26, 2026
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Big Sur International Marathon
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California, USA 🇺🇸
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Most scenic US marathon! Highway 1, Bixby Bridge, redwoods, and ocean views. Challenging, 6-hour time limit, and a Boston qualifier (entry via random draw).
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July 4–5, 2026
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Gold Coast Marathon (46th Edition)
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Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺
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Flat, fast coastal course—perfect for PBs! Cool winter mornings, low humidity, and palm-lined beaches. Offers “Gold Coast Double” (half + full marathon).
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⚡ Speed & Extreme Challenges (For the Bold!)
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Date
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Marathon
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Location
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Why It’s a Challenge (or a PB Machine)
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Official Link
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January 18, 2026
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Mumbai Marathon
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Mumbai, India 🇮🇳
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Asia’s premier marathon with strong international participation. Newly updated coastal route—vibrant, energetic, and growing every year.
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February 15, 2026
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Seville Marathon
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Seville, Spain 🇪🇸
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Early-season PB paradise! Flat, fast course in beautiful Andalusia—ideal for runners training for a spring WMM Major.
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February 24–25, 2026
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Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon
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Ladakh, India 🇮🇳
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EXTREME adventure! High-altitude run on a frozen lake—unique, grueling, and totally unforgettable (NOT for beginners!).
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💡 Final Thoughts for Running Fans
Whether you’re a runner planning your 2026 race calendar or a fan following every elite showdown, this year delivers unmatched depth, drama, and global appeal. From Sydney’s historic WMM debut to Cape Town and Shanghai fighting for Major status, there’s no shortage of moments to cheer for.
Tag a fellow running fan who needs this guide! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
📅 2026 Marathon Timeline Snapshot (Chronological Order)
From 7 World Marathon Majors (hello, Sydney’s debut!) to elite championships, candidate races, and wild-card adventures, this one-stop timeline table has ALL the details you need: dates, locations, how to enter, prize money highlights, and direct official links. No scrolling chaos—just organized, up-to-date info (last updated: Feb 5, 2026) for spectators, PB chasers, and bucket-list dreamers alik!
🏁 2026 Marathon Timeline (Chronological Order)
Note: Prize money details focus on elite runners (all formatted for clarity!); mass participant entry info is clearly marked. “TBA” = To Be Announced (check official links for real-time updates!)
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📅 Race Date
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🏃♂️ Marathon Name (Category)
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📍 Location
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📝 Registration & Entry Methods
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💰 Elite Prize Money & Structure
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🔗 Official Link
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January 18, 2026
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Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (Wild Card - Scenic City)
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Hong Kong, China 🇭🇰
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Open to mass participants (7.4k+ spots); online registration (dates TBA); 25% non-local runner quota. Star-studded event (Kenneth Fok, Guo Jingjing, Chow Yun-fat joined in 2026!)
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World Athletics Gold Label race | Top elite prizes (USD):1st: 65,000 | 2nd: 30,000 | 3rd: 15,000 | 4th: 10,000 | Special bonuses for registered athletes
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January 18, 2026
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Mumbai Marathon (Wild Card - Speed Challenge)
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Mumbai, India 🇮🇳
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Asia’s premier marathon; open to international runners. Online registration (opens late 2025); first-come, first-served for most categories. Newly updated coastal route.
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International elite prizes (USD):1st: 50,000 | 2nd: 25,000 | 3rd: 15,000 | Additional bonuses for course records
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February 15, 2026
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Seville Marathon (Wild Card - Speed Challenge)
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Seville, Spain 🇪🇸
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PB-friendly race; open to mass participants. Online registration (opens mid-2025); random draw for oversubscribed waves. Ideal for spring WMM training.
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General individual class prizes (USD, men/women equal):1st: 15,000 | 2nd: 7,500 | 3rd: 5,000 | Course record bonuses (men: sub-2:04:00; women: sub-2:21:00)
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February 24–25, 2026
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Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon (Wild Card - Extreme Challenge)
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Ladakh, India 🇮🇳
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Extreme high-altitude race (NOT for beginners!). Limited spots; online registration (opens early 2026); mandatory fitness certification required.
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Focus on adventure over large prize pools | Top finishers prizes (local currency):1st: 50k | 2nd: 35k | 3rd: 25k | Plus commemorative awards & sponsorships
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March 1, 2026
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Tokyo Marathon (WMM - Season Opener)
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Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
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WMM season opener; mass entry via random draw (registration opens late 2025). International runners welcome; separate quota for non-Japanese participants.
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Winners: ¥10,000,000 (~$67,000) each (men/women)Course record bonuses: Men (sub-2:02:16) | Women (sub-2:16:28)
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March 8, 2026
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Los Angeles Marathon (41st Edition) (Wild Card - Scenic City)
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LA, USA 🇺🇸
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“Stadium to the Stars” course; open to mass participants (full, 5K, Kids Run). Online registration (opens mid-2025); no qualifier required for full marathon.
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TBA | Top elites earn ~$20,000 (winners) | Additional bonuses for American record holders
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March 22, 2026
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Rome Marathon (Wild Card - Cultural Historic)
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Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
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Historic course; open to mass participants. Online registration (opens late 2025); first-come, first-served. Runs through Vatican & Colosseum.
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TBA | Winners earn ~€20,000 | Course record bonuses (men: sub-2:07:00; women: sub-2:23:00)
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March 22, 2026
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Wuhan Marathon (Wild Card - Scenic City)
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Wuhan, China 🇨🇳
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30,000 total spots (17k full, 13k half). Registration open Dec 12–19, 2025; random draw if oversubscribed. New course covers 7 central districts (cherry blossom season!).
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TBA | Elite prize pool focuses on Chinese & international elites | Top finishers earn upwards of ¥100,000 (~$13,500)
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April 12, 2026
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Paris Marathon (Wild Card - Cultural Historic)
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Paris, France 🇫🇷
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Bucket-list race; open to mass participants. Online registration (opens mid-2025); random draw. Runs past Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées (spring in Paris!).
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TBA | Winners earn ~€30,000 | Course record bonuses (men: sub-2:05:00; women: sub-2:22:00)
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April 20, 2026
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Boston Marathon (130th Edition) (WMM - Historic)
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Boston, USA 🇺🇸
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Strict qualifier-only (time standards by age/gender); registration opens late 2025 (rolling basis for qualifiers). Held on Patriots’ Day; iconic “Heartbreak Hill”.
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Winners: $150,000 each (men/women)Course record bonus: $50,000 | Top 10 earn $10,000–$150,000
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April 26, 2026
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London Marathon (WMM - Charity Focus)
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London, UK 🇬🇧
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Mass entry via random draw (registration opens early 2026); charity entries available (most popular option). No qualifier required; scenic course past Buckingham Palace.
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Winners: £39,000 (~$49,000) eachCourse record bonus: £50,000 | Top 10 earn £5,000–£39,000
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April 26, 2026
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Big Sur International Marathon (Wild Card - Scenic City)
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California, USA 🇺🇸
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Most scenic US marathon; Boston qualifier. Entry via random draw (opens Aug 2025); 6-hour time limit. Limited spots (high demand!).
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TBA | Smaller elite prize pool (~$10,000 for winners) | Focus on amateur runners & scenery
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May 16, 2026
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Great Wall Marathon (Wild Card - Cultural Historic)
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Tianjin, China 🇨🇳
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Grueling adventure race (5,164 stone steps); open to mass participants. Online registration (opens early 2026); no strict qualifier, but fitness recommended.
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TBA | Prize pool focused on international elites | Winners earn ~$15,000 + commemorative awards
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May 24, 2026
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Cape Town Marathon: The “Final Hurdle” (WMM Candidate)
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Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
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Final WMM evaluation race; open to mass participants + AbbottWMM Age Group World Championships. Registration opens early 2026; online entry.
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TBA | Competitive elite prize pool (aimed at WMM qualification) | Winners earn ~$30,000 + bonuses
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July 4–5, 2026
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Gold Coast Marathon (46th Edition) (Wild Card - Scenic City)
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Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺
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Flat, PB-friendly course; open to mass participants (full, half, 10K, 5K). Online registration (opens late 2025); “Gold Coast Double” (half + full) available.
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TBA | Winners earn ~AUD 30,000 (~$19,500) | Course record bonus: AUD 20,000
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August 10–17, 2026
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European Athletics Championships Marathon (Elite Championship)
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Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
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Elite-only (no mass participants); invitation-only for Europe’s top runners. Part of the larger European Athletics Championships.
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Medalists prizes (€):Gold: 25,000 | Silver: 15,000 | Bronze: 10,000 | Additional bonuses for championship records
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August 30, 2026
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Sydney Marathon (WMM - Debut)
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Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺
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FIRST YEAR as WMM Major! Open to mass participants; registration opens early 2026 (random draw). Finish near Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge.
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TBA (WMM-standard prize pool) | Expected winners: ~AUD 100,000 (~$65,000) each | Course record bonuses
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September 19–20, 2026
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World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 2026 (Elite Championship)
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Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
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Elite races (no full marathon: half marathon, 5K, mile) + 65,000 mass participants. Elite: invitation-only; mass: online registration (opens mid-2026).
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World champions: $60,000 each | Top 8 earn $5,000–$60,000 | World record bonus: $100,000
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September 27, 2026
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Berlin Marathon (WMM - Fastest Course)
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Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪
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World’s fastest course; open to mass participants. Registration opens late 2025 (random draw). Perfect for PB/record attempts (13+ world records set here).
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Winners: €40,000 eachCourse record bonus: €50,000 | World record bonus: €100,000 (Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35 stands here)
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October 11, 2026
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Chicago Marathon (WMM - Fast & Diverse)
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Chicago, USA 🇺🇸
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Open to mass participants; registration opens early 2026 (random draw). No qualifier required; flat course through 29 neighborhoods (women’s world record set here!).
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Winners: $100,000 each (men/women)Course record bonus: $50,000 (Ruth Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 is the current women’s record)
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November 1, 2026
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New York City Marathon (WMM - Largest)
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New York City, USA 🇺🇸
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World’s largest marathon (59,226 finishers in 2025!); registration opens early 2026 (random draw + charity entries). Traverses all 5 boroughs.
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Winners: $100,000 each (men/women)Course record bonus: $50,000 | Top 10 earn $5,000–$100,000
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November 8, 2026
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Athens Authentic Marathon (Wild Card - Cultural Historic)
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Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
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Original marathon route (Marathon to Athens); open to mass participants. Online registration (opens mid-2026); no qualifier required (purist’s dream!).
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TBA | Winners earn ~€15,000 | Course record bonuses (men: sub-2:10:00; women: sub-2:25:00)
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December 6, 2026
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Shanghai Marathon: 30th Anniversary (WMM Candidate)
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Shanghai, China 🇨🇳
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Final WMM candidacy stage; 30th anniversary + Year of the Horse. Registration opens no later than April 2026 (random draw). 5K run is independent (Dec 5).
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TBA | Competitive elite prize pool (aimed at WMM qualification) | Winners earn upwards of ¥200,000 (~$27,000)
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💡 Blogger’s Final Tips for 2026 (Don’t Miss These!)
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📅 Mark Your Calendars: 2026’s biggest races (especially WMMs and candidates) will sell out FAST! Set reminders for registration opening dates—you won’t want to miss out.
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🏃 For Mass Runners: If you miss the random draw, prioritize charity entries (they’re often easier to secure!). Check official links weekly for TBA prize money and registration updates.
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👀 For Spectators: Circle these races: Sydney (historic WMM debut!), Berlin (world record attempts), and Cape Town/Shanghai (Major qualification drama)—these will be the most thrilling to watch!
Tag a fellow running fan who needs this timeline! 🏃♂️🏃♀️