Here is a list of some of the fastest marathons in the world in no particular order. If your goal is to set a new PR in 2023, then check out these races. Some of them do not have qualifying times, but they can get you a qualifying for other races!
Berlin: absolute fastest in the world!
When:
september 24th 2023
Why:
If you make a list of the fastest marathons in the world, Berlin MUST be on it. In 2022 Eliud Kipchoge set a new world record here, with 02.01.09, he broke his 02.01.40 personal PR, and world record from 2016. A great thing about the Berlin marathon is the weather. Nine out of ten that you will have the best marathon weather you can wish for: blue sky, 10-15 degrees celsius, and no wind. Combine that with enourmous crowds cheering you on, and picture perfect organization, you have almost all of the ingredients to set a new PR.
Qualify?
Yes and no. If you are a fast runner there is the possibility for guaranteed entry. The qualifying times depend on your age group. Otherwise, there is a lottery system that can get you into the Berlin marathon.
Website:
https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/
Boston (not really)
When:
April 17th 2023
Why:
Boston is a special one. It is the first annual marathon. It is considered one of the, if not the most precious marathon to get into. It’s somewhere on top of every marathon runners list. From start to finish you drop about 140 meter (not in a straight line though), making it a fast course. Interestingly, when writing this list I found out that due to the constant decline in the course, Boston does not meet the criteria for the world records.
Qualify?
Yes, and many try. In some years meeting the qualifying times is enough, in other years you need to be significantly faster, as only the fastest get in. Just like some other races on this list however charity entry is also an option.
Website:
https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon
London
When:
April 23th 2023
Why:
For most runners in the world the London marathon is one that takes some time to get used to, as the UK is a left handed driving country… Just kidding. London is beautiful, and so is the marathon. It’s fast too: in 2019 Eliud Kipchoge ran 2:02:37.
Qualify?
Yes, there are qualifying times. But there’s also a charity option.
Website:
https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com
Amsterdam
When:
October 15th 2023
Why:
There are two Dutch marathons in this list. Each year there is rivalry between the two marathons: which one will be the fastest marathon in the Netherlands? For a couple of years it has been Amsterdam, until 2021. This marathon is known for it’s almost completely flat course with a beautiful start and finish in the olympic stadium. It has hardly any sharp turn (just one actually), and follows a flat road along the Amstel river for about 15km.
Qualify?
No. So this is a great race if you want to set a PR. The Amsterdam Marathon is used by many runners as a qualifying race for Boston or London for example.
Website:
http://tcsamsterdammarathon.nl
Rotterdam
When:
April 16th 2023
Why:
Currently the fastest marathon in the Netherlands, and holder of several world records, the Rotterdam marathon is fast. incredibly fast. It is considered #demooiste (the most beautiful), in the Netherlands. It is a real city marathon taking you to the different boroughs of the city. If you need support to set a PR then this is the marathon for you.
Qualify?
No qualifying times needed here either. So this is another great one to set a PR
Website:
http://nnmarathonrotterdam.org
Frankfurt
When:
October 30th 2022
Why:
This is one of the fastest marathons in the world, and certainly in Germany (not the world record holder, but on average the Frankfurt has a finish time under 4 hours). It is fast, and it is popular. It is one of the biggest running events in Germany.
Qualify?
No qualification needed.
Website:
https://www.frankfurt-marathon.com
Got some training to do? Here is a list of my five favourite marathon tempo workouts