Welcome to the European marathon season. A cornerstone of the global sporting calendar, Europe’s best running routes have been tactfully spread out across the year, ensuring athletes have the best shot at a PB while enjoying racing in milder temperatures, rather than the height of summer. With cities across the continent preparing to host thousands of contestants and spectators, these overseas marathons also present the perfect opportunity for a shoulder season city break. From Barcelona to Berlin, and Vienna to Venice, here are Europe’s best marathons to mark in your calendar – and the hotels guaranteeing the five-star treatment you’ll need afterwards. 

Barcelona Marathon: 16 March 2025

The Barcelona marathon offers a flat, fast course through one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. It began in 1978, and was founded by Catalan chemist Ramón Oliu, who had run the New York City marathon two years earlier and wished to start a race in his home city. Runners are treated to stunning views of landmarks like the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, and the Magic Fountain, with the race starting and finishing at Plaça d’Espanya, at the foot of Montjuïc. With its mild March weather and lively atmosphere, this race is a great choice for those looking to combine a weekend city break with a marathon challenge.

Where to stay: Serras Barcelona

Tucked away behind a striking 19^th-century Molina-designed façade, Serras Barcelona blends historic charm with modern minimalism. Step inside to discover thoughtful interiors featuring geometric patterns, soft sea-grey tones, and abstract art across 26 rooms and two suites. In need of some extra space? Book the Suite Mediterraneo to be treated to a bougie lounge area that opens onto a private balcony boasting views of Ciutat Vella, as well as a deep tub complemented by Diptyque amenities for a well-deserved bubble bath. 

Overlooking Port Vell, the five-star boutique hotel also offers a rooftop pool for post-marathon recovery, which also doubles as a sun-drenched spot for yacht-watching with a cachaça cocktail in hand. Foodies will love Agreste Mar, a celebration of Italo-Catalan flavours by chef Fabio Gambirasi, who trained in several Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Italy. Expect delectable small plates of sea urchin in coffee sauce, Arturo Sánchez Iberian pork Milanese with béarnaise sauce, and pig trotter and sweetbread medallion. Food is fuel. 

From £218 per night. 

Rome Marathon: 16 March 2025

Running through the Eternal City in the Rome marathon is like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets, breathtaking architecture, and a course that takes you past the Colosseum and Vatican City, make this marathon a cultural and athletic feast. Expect to see St Peter’s Basilica and the famous Spanish Steps along the route, with the last kilometre sweeping past the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum before the finish line at the Imperial Forums. Sightseeing on steroids. 

Where to stay: Romeo Roma

Having only opened its doors in December, and situated just steps from Piazza del Popolo in Rome’s city centre, Romeo Roma is one of the last projects from world-renowned Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid. A fine example of her trademark blend of history and contemporary design, local materials have been used throughout, including Italian marble, sustainably-sourced wood, and restored ancient frescoes, all housed in an historic palazzo dating back to the late 16^th century. 

The 74-key hotel is among the most spacious in the city, so you can relax away from the crowds while enjoying views over the rooftops to the Piazza del Popolo. Elsewhere, discover a destination restaurant overseen by decorated chef Alain Ducasse, a Neapolitan-inspired bistro, an open-air courtyard with indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop lounge and bar, an international art collection and a wellness centre by Sisley Paris. Head to the spa to enjoy an array of phyto-aromatic treatments to rejuvenate post-marathon skin, as well as a movement studio and fitness centre with Technogym equipment to release tension in your muscles. 

From £2,042 per night. 

Vienna Marathon: 6 April 2025

The Vienna marathon offers a flat course through one of Europe’s most elegant cities, and is now in its 42^nd year. Athletes will pass iconic landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna State Opera, and the Hofburg Palace, with the sound of The Blue Danube waltz adding a unique Viennese touch. Held in April, expect mild weather with a touch of spring sunshine, which will no doubt provide a much-needed serotonin boost for the 42.195km ahead. 

Where to stay: The Amauris Vienna

Just a stone’s throw from the renowned opera house, Relais & Châteaux property The Amauris is perfectly positioned for exploring the city. Combining the old with the new throughout, the 19th-century edifice encapsulates all the charm of Vienna’s historical centre while providing respite in the form of its Michelin-star Glasswing restaurant, which also offers a mix of innovation and tradition in the form of a seven-course tasting menu by chef Alexandru Simon. 

Push the boat out by booking the hotel’s signature Opera Suite, featuring a balcony with an exclusive view of the famous state opera house, as well as a marble bathroom, freestanding bath, heated floors, and Nespresso coffee machine. No afternoon is complete without a visit to the Amauris Spa, where runners can indulge in a relaxing treatment, massage or take a swim in the counter-current system pool. 

From £327 per night.

Paris Marathon: 13 April 2025

Hot off the heels of the Olympic Games last year, the French capital is now gearing up for its annual running race, which is one of the five largest marathons in the world. Having begun in 1896 with just 191 participants, the course now draws nearly 54,000 runners every year, who dash past the Champs-Élysées, Bois de Vincennes, and the River Seine before finishing on Avenue Foch. Picture yourself running past the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, as the City of Light opens up before you – and don’t forget to reward yourself with a post-race croissant (or two). Allez, allez, allez!

Where to stay: Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs

Inspired by the Golden Age of travel, internationally-renowned Italian architect Fabrizio Casiraghi was briefed with designing a 138-key hotel that feels like stepping into the home of an art collector. The result? The understated but glamorous Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs, where almost every touch point has a story to tell, from the stars that sprinkle the carpet to the four lesser-known Gustav Klimt artworks that adorn the walls. At the hotel’s heart sits Grands Voyageurs, a vibrant transatlantic brasserie combining French and American influences with a seafood-focused menu, which can be rounded off with a digestif at the seductive subterranean bar, Poppy. Expect plenty of cheese, oysters, French onion soup, and steak frites. This is Paris after all. 

From £320 per night.

London Marathon: 27 April 2025

The London marathon is a highlight of the global running calendar. From Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace, Cutty Sark and St James’s Park, the relatively flat 26.2 mile course winds through the capital’s most iconic landmarks, drawing massive crowds that cheer you every step of the way. Known for its inclusivity, this race is ideal if you’re running for charity, chasing a PB (Paula Radcliffe set world records on three different occasions here) or soaking up the electric atmosphere. It’s one of the best marathons in the world for a reason. 

Where to stay: The Goring

The Goring's Royal Suite, where the Princess of Wales stayed the night before her wedding to Prince William in 2011

If it’s good enough for the Princess of Wales – who stayed here the night before her wedding to Prince William in 2011 – then it’s certainly good enough for us. Lounge in luxury after running 26 miles at The Goring, where impeccable service comes as standard. Opened in 1910 by Otto Goring, it is the only five-star luxury hotel in London that is owned and run by the family that built it – and reflects a generational passion for quality. 

If the whole family is flying in for the marathon, we recommend booking one of the connecting Garden Rooms, housing two bedrooms, an open-plan living space and marble bathrooms which have all the lavish touches you’d expect from the Royal Family’s favourite hotel, including Gainsborough silk-lined walls, fine Italian linen, and Jo Loves amenities. Running 26 miles certainly works up an appetite, which the Michelin-starred Dining Room will happily satiate with perfectly-proportioned dishes of Sharpham cheese agnolotti, Rhug Estate venison and hot pot pie, and steamed halibut in champagne sauce. Toast to your achievements at The Goring cocktail bar and visit the manicured garden to bask in the spring sunshine. 

From £870 per night. 

Copenhagen Marathon: 11 May 2025

One of Europe’s smaller marathons is held in one of its most stylish and sustainable cities: Copenhagen. The May marathon draws roughly 10,000 participants, and follows a flat loop course that weaves through historic streets and waterfront districts, passing landmarks like the Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid, and Nyhavn’s colorful harbour. With its cooler spring weather, enthusiastic crowds, and eco-friendly race setup, this marathon is a great choice for those looking to combine their next PB with a relaxed Scandi city break. Plus, with Copenhagen’s plethora of outdoor swimming pools and saunas, post-marathon recovery has never been so easy. 

Where to stay: Grand Joanne

A tribute to Copenhagen’s leading ladies, and one of the city’s coolest enclaves, Grand Joanne is stylishly situated in the vibrant Vesterbro district, where old-fashioned hospitality meets contemporary Danish design with a feminine touch. Inside, sculptural furnishings, warm wood accents, and statement carpets provide the perfect post-marathon retreat. The 162 rooms span six floors, ranging from the chic and comfortable Cozy Room with a queen-sized bed, to the private penthouse, featuring its own balcony, heated floors, living area and views overlooking the hustle and bustle of Vesterbro below. 

The penthouse isn’t the only place to catch some serious vistas. The rooftop terrace also offers a stunning vantage point over the city's terracotta rooftops and mint-green spires, while the bar-restaurant is where savvy travellers and fashion-forward locals gather over Mediterranean small plates and pop-inspired cocktails. A largely undiscovered gem is Pinden: the hotel’s very own Scandi-style pub which serves beer, wine, and snacks while celebrating classic Danish bodega traditions. 

From £106 per night.

Berlin Marathon: 21 September 2025

The Berlin marathon is synonymous with speed. The European destination is where many of the world’s best have set new records – eight women scored times below 2:20 in the 2023 race, and nine men were below 2:05 – making it the race of choice for those chasing a personal best. The flat course takes you past architectural marvels like the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag and promises a supportive crowd that aims to make every kilometre fly by. Held annually since 1974, the event also hosts other races across the marathon distance over the same weekend, such as inline skating, handcycling and a wheelchair race.

Where to stay: Château Royal Berlin

Château Royal could easily be mistaken for one of the city’s many galleries given the 100-strong art collection by up-and-coming and famous names that adorns its walls – and those with a keen eye can expect to spot the likes of Alicja Kwade, Tino Sehgal, and Danh Vo. Offering both style and substance, the hotel is home to 89 rooms and 20 suites, including the Rapunzel Rapunzel Tower Suite: a bright and beautiful corner cocoon with four-metre soaring ceilings and a sunset-facing bay window. 

Runners and spectators can enjoy expertly-curated culinary experiences at Restaurant Château Royal, where head chef Philipp Walther serves Mediterranean flavours in the form of risotto rosse with marinated octopus, crispy rice croquettes with aged pecorino, and mussel stew with braised cucumber. Once your legs have recovered, the River Spree and Brandenburg Gate in the Mitte district, home to a number of must-see museums, cafés and boutiques, are on the hotel’s doorstep – so you better get out and explore. 

From £218 per night. 

Amsterdam Marathon: 19 October 2025

The Amsterdam marathon boasts a scenic, flat course ideal for setting a PB – and has witnessed a number of world record winners. The route takes you through the city’s historic streets, dotted with stately riverside mansions and historic windmills, and then along the Amstel River, before finishing inside the Olympic Stadium. It’s perfect for runners who double as culture vultures, as Amsterdam’s concise size makes it easy to explore the city’s museums, canals, and nightlife after the race.

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Peacock Alley

Spanning six 18^th-century canal palaces, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam faces the Herengracht canal and is located in the UNESCO-listed area of the city. After a day of exploring the nearby museums, markets and attractions – or running the marathon – we recommend unwinding at the Guerlain Spa and fitness centre, which features a pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a range of tailored treatments. 

Meanwhile, chef Sidney Schutte is at the helm of the two Michelin-starred Spectrum, where diners can expect a delectable seven-course tasting menu, crafted using fresh, local produce, before continuing the evening with creative cocktails at the hotel’s Vault Bar, which nods to the hotel's former life as a bank. The personal concierge service is on hand to arrange private canal boat tours or offer Waldorf Astoria branded bikes for exploring the city, while those after languid lounging can head to the hotel’s private leafy courtyard which is among the largest in the city.

From £695 per night. 

Venice Marathon: 26 October 2025

The Venice marathon began back in 1986 but sadly no longer follows the original route due to necessary diversions away from high tidal spots (in 2018 runners ran through ankle-deep water), forcing organisers to drop Piazza San Marco from the course. However, the route still flows through many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, starting in the historic town of Stra and zipping through a number of charming streets and canal bridges. Aside from slight inclines covered with wood to preserve the city’s steps, this is a predominantly flat course and, coupled with mild October weather, is the perfect blend of athletic challenge and cultural immersion. 

Where to stay: Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort

The only hotel in Venice with its own beach – and famous for its long-standing partnership with the Venice Film Festival – Hotel Excelsior Lido Resort is an Italian pillar of elegance and luxury. It is set away from the main hub of the city, which is in fact one of its main draws, while guests can still reach San Marco within 15 minutes thanks to the hotel’s exclusive shuttle boat. Spacious rooms and suites boast Moorish architecture and lagoon views, while the extensive in-room massage menu ensures guests can enjoy therapeutic treatments without having to leave their room. 

Runners and spectators alike can lounge on the beach under private cabanas or take a dip in the heated hotel pool. When hunger inevitably calls, dine at one of the four culinary outlets on property, from the balmy Elimar Beach Bar serving fresh Italian classics to the al fresco Adriatico Terrace overlooking the sea.

From £295 per night. 

Athens Classic Marathon: 9 November 2025

Take on the course that started it all. Following the original route from Marathon to Athens – and inspired by the ancient Athenian army run after the Battle of Marathon in 490BC – this race ends in the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. It is the most difficult major marathon race in Europe – the course is uphill for a whopping 21km – but, some would say, views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus make it well worth it – especially when greeted with a gyros afterwards. 

Where to stay: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Located on the southernmost tip of the Vouliagmeni peninsula, and just 30 mins from the Greek capital, Four Seasons Astir Palace is one of the Athens Riviera’s crown jewels. Its proximity to the city allows discerning guests to seamlessly combine a tranquil beach escape with exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, while calling one of its 303 pristine rooms home for a week or two. 

The hotel offers eight restaurants, but the stand-out offering comes from Pelagos by Michelin-starred chef Luca Piscazzi, who showcases traditional Greek, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Elsewhere, the Athens Spa specialises in ancient wellness rituals performed within eight treatment rooms, two suites, and three beachside cabanas overlooking the Aegean Sea. Once the marathon-induced aches and pains have been soothed, enjoy a selection of concierge-curated tours of historical sites, hands-on cooking classes featuring local cuisine, tennis, water sports, and fitness classes so you can make the most of the Athens Riviera.

From £582 per night.

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