The 5 bekendste marathons ter wereld: what runners should know about safety

There is no official universal ranking of the world’s five most famous marathons. Fame depends on history, international recognition, scale, route, sporting prestige and cultural impact. Based on those criteria, five clear choices are the Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon and New York City Marathon. Tokyo is also globally prominent and is often included when people discuss the leading world marathons, so this is an editorial selection rather than a definitive top five.

For runners travelling abroad, the appeal of these races goes beyond the course itself. A major marathon brings crowded start areas, unfamiliar transport systems, road closures, changing weather and local event rules. Good preparation is therefore part of the race experience. Always use the current organiser’s participant guide as the final authority, because arrangements can change from one edition to the next.

1. Boston Marathon, United States

The Boston Marathon is one of the most recognisable races in the sport, with a long history and an entry system that makes participation especially meaningful for many runners. It is a point-to-point race rather than a simple loop from the city centre, and qualification or entry conditions mean that participants should study the official instructions carefully before booking travel.

The race-day environment can involve early transport to the start, organised staging areas and a long transition between the start and finish. That makes timing important: allow room for delays, baggage procedures and movement through controlled areas. Do not assume that a route or transport plan from a previous year will still apply. Check the current guide for start access, baggage arrangements, security procedures and the recommended way to reach the finish area.

Preparation takeaway: plan the complete journey from accommodation to the start, not just the finish-line celebration, and keep your official participant information accessible.

2. London Marathon, United Kingdom

The London Marathon is famous for its enormous urban atmosphere, landmark scenery and dense support from spectators. The event crosses different parts of the capital, so participants and supporters should expect substantial movement around the city and possible disruption to normal public transport and road travel.

On race morning, a clear plan matters. Check the current information about your start area, arrival time, bag drop and transport options. Agree on a post-race meeting point before entering the crowded event zone; relying on a last-minute phone call can be difficult when networks are busy, batteries are low or groups leave by different exits. Spectators should also remember that the most obvious landmarks may be among the busiest places to meet.

Follow marshals, barriers and one-way arrangements rather than trying to force a quicker route through a crowd. For the latest details on access, road closures, baggage and medical support, use the organiser’s instructions for the specific edition.

Preparation takeaway: build a transport and meeting-point plan that still works if the city centre is crowded or normal routes are closed.

3. Berlin Marathon, Germany

The Berlin Marathon has international status because of its fast reputation, major-city setting and strong connection with elite marathon history. The broad urban course and prominent start and finish areas attract runners and spectators from around the world, creating a lively but highly concentrated race environment.

Dense areas around the start and finish can make simple movements take longer than expected. Road closures may affect hotel transfers, taxis and sightseeing plans, while weather can vary considerably between the early morning and the later stages of the race. Check the organiser’s current guidance for transport, security, baggage and aid-station arrangements rather than relying on assumptions based on another event.

Runners should also avoid turning a busy aid station or narrow section into a sudden stopping point. Move predictably, follow instructions from course staff and step aside safely if you need assistance. If the forecast changes, reassess clothing, travel timing and your race-day expectations in line with official advice.

Preparation takeaway: allow extra time around the start and finish, and prepare for weather conditions that may not match the forecast you saw when you booked your trip.

4. Chicago Marathon, United States

The Chicago Marathon is one of the best-known large-city races in North America. Its international field, iconic city setting and extensive spectator presence make it a major destination for recreational runners as well as experienced competitors.

Crowd movement is an important practical consideration. Start waves, corrals, security checks and baggage procedures can all affect how long it takes to reach the correct position. Transport planning should account for road closures and large numbers of people travelling in the same direction. Read the current participant guide for the exact entry requirements, start-wave information and bag policy, since these details are specific to each edition.

Chicago weather can also be variable. Heat, humidity, wind or cooler conditions may change how the course feels, even if the route itself is familiar. Check the forecast and any official heat guidance, then adjust your pace and expectations conservatively. Use the event’s aid and medical services as directed, and ask staff for help if you begin to feel unwell.

Preparation takeaway: treat the start-corridor plan and the weather plan as equally important parts of your race preparation.

5. New York City Marathon, United States

The New York City Marathon is famous for its five-borough route, bridges, international field and extraordinary relationship with the city. Its scale makes it memorable, but it also means that race morning begins well before the starting signal for many participants.

Runners may need to travel early to a designated start area and then manage transfers, waiting periods and controlled access before the race. Bridge sections can feel different from ordinary city streets, and the route’s size makes it especially important to know where you will meet supporters after finishing. Arrange a meeting point away from the busiest finish-line exits and allow extra time for security, transport and possible delays.

Keep essential documents, race confirmation and emergency contact details available. If you are travelling with a group, make sure everyone knows what to do if phones stop working or plans change. The organiser’s current guide should take priority for start transport, baggage, security, medical facilities and course instructions.

Preparation takeaway: plan for an early, multi-stage race morning and do not underestimate the time needed to move between transport hubs, start areas and meeting points.

General race-day safety for a major marathon

Before travelling, read every organiser communication and save important information offline. Arrive with enough time for security checks, baggage drop and entry to your start corral. In crowded lanes, avoid stopping suddenly; move to the side when possible and follow marshals, barriers and local event rules. Know how to reach an aid station or medical point, and understand the procedure for withdrawing if continuing is no longer sensible.

Use a pre-arranged meeting point rather than depending entirely on live phone contact. Keep identification and an emergency contact accessible, and tell a trusted person where you will be staying. If you enjoy following the wider sportwereld beyond running, keep that separate from race-day decisions: event instructions and your own condition should guide your choices.

Weather, heat and changing conditions

Race weather can affect clothing, travel, waiting times and whether an original performance goal remains realistic. Check the forecast close to race day and read the organiser’s heat or weather guidance. Adjust pace and expectations conservatively rather than trying to force a plan designed for different conditions.

Use official aid stations as directed, seek shade or cooling where it is available, and stop to ask event medical staff for help if you feel unwell. Avoid treating general online advice as a personal medical plan. Qualified medical advice and the race’s own procedures take priority, particularly when symptoms develop during exertion.

Travel preparation before you leave

Verify entry requirements, transport changes and event communications through official sources. Keep your race confirmation, identification and essential travel documents backed up, and do not rely on a single phone battery or one route to the start. In busy public areas, stay aware of your belongings without becoming distracted from navigation or your group.

In short, the five races above are among the most internationally famous marathon experiences, but their appeal comes with different logistical demands. Before departure, confirm the current participant guide, transport plan, weather outlook, meeting point and emergency contacts. On race morning, leave time for security and transfers, follow local rules and listen to event staff. The organiser’s instructions and qualified medical advice should always take precedence over generic online tips.