Top 10 Must-Run Events of 2025: Your Guide to This Year’s Best Races

Ready for something to train for? Whether you want a new PR, a scenic adventure, or just a reason to run with a crowd, 2025 is packed with can’t-miss races. Here are the top 10 running events—across the globe and right here in the US—that deserve a spot on your race calendar.

---

1. Boston Marathon

Date: April 21, 2025
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Distance: Marathon (26.2 miles)
Why Run It: Iconic. Legendary. Boston is still the dream for distance runners worldwide. Qualifying is tough, but running Boylston Street in April is unforgettable.
Official Boston Marathon

---

2. London Marathon

Date: April 27, 2025
Location: London, UK
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: Flat, fast, and famous for its crowd support and sightseeing route. A major on every marathoner’s bucket list.
London Marathon

---

3. Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: Flat and fast, ideal for PR seekers. Epic city vibes and typically perfect fall weather.
Chicago Marathon

---

4. New York City Marathon

Date: November 2, 2025
Location: New York, NY, USA
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: The world’s biggest marathon. Five boroughs, over 50,000 runners, millions of spectators. Nothing else compares.
NYC Marathon

---

5. Paris Marathon

Date: April 13, 2025
Location: Paris, France
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: Run past the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and through historic Paris streets. The world’s most romantic marathon?
Paris Marathon

---

6. Comrades Marathon

Date: June 8, 2025
Location: Durban, South Africa
Distance: Ultramarathon (approx. 56 miles / 90km)
Why Run It: The oldest and most famous ultra in the world. An epic point-to-point race with legendary camaraderie.
Comrades Marathon

---

7. Big Sur International Marathon

Date: April 27, 2025
Location: Big Sur, CA, USA
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: America’s most scenic marathon. Think Pacific cliffs, Bixby Bridge, and coastal wind in your hair.
Big Sur Marathon

---

8. Tokyo Marathon

Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: One of the World Marathon Majors—famous for crowd support and a fast, well-organized course.
Tokyo Marathon

---

9. Western States Endurance Run

Date: June 28, 2025
Location: Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, USA
Distance: 100 miles (ultramarathon, trail)
Why Run It: The original 100-miler. Technical, historic, and legendary in the ultra world. Lottery entry only.
Western States 100

---

10. Honolulu Marathon

Date: December 14, 2025
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Distance: Marathon
Why Run It: Run with the sunrise on the Pacific. No time limit, so anyone can finish. Plus: beaches, palm trees, and post-race recovery in paradise.
Honolulu Marathon

---

How to Pick Your Race

• Chasing a PR? Go for Chicago or Berlin (honorable mention—Berlin is the world-record course).

• Scenic adventure? Big Sur, Honolulu, or Paris.

• Dreaming big? Qualify for Boston or win the NYC lottery.

• Ultra goal? Try Comrades or Western States (if you get in!).

---

Tips for Your 2025 Race Calendar

• Register early—these fill up fast (some by lottery or time qualification)

• Make travel and lodging plans as soon as you get in

• Train for the specific terrain (flats, hills, or trails)

• Plan a post-race celebration—half the fun is in the reward

---

Ready to Train for One of These?

Get a personalized plan or join a coaching group to make the most of your training.
Questions about which race fits your goals? Book a call or shoot me a message—I’ll help you plan your next finish line.