Best Spring Marathons to Run in 2027 (March-May)

Which spring 2027 marathon is right for you? Compare March to May races from Tokyo and Boston Majors to fast European courses.

Spring brings a fresh wave of world-class marathons, including three World Majors and some of the planet's most iconic courses. Whether you've been training through winter or maintaining base fitness, these spring races offer unforgettable experiences and competitive conditions.

How We Selected These Marathons

  • March-May race date
  • Cool spring temperatures
  • Iconic spring scenery
  • World-class race organization
  • Strong spectator culture
  • International accessibility

Our Top Picks

# Race DateAvg TempElevationCutoffBQ Course
1 LA Marathon March 7, 202715°C291 m6.5hYes
2 Tokyo Marathon March 7, 20277°C45 m7hYes
3 Barcelona Marathon March 14, 202712°C134 m6hYes
4 Nagoya Women's Marathon March 14, 20278°C40 m7hYes
5 Rome Marathon March 14, 202712°C55 m7hYes
6 Chongqing Marathon March 21, 202714°C150 m6.5hYes
7 Wuxi Marathon March 28, 202712°C25 m6.25hYes
8 Brighton Marathon April 4, 202711°C145 m7hYes
9 Paris Marathon April 11, 202710°C164 m5.75hYes
10 Manchester Marathon April 18, 202710°C55 m6hYes
Show all 22 races
# Race DateAvg TempElevationCutoffBQ Course
11 Boston Marathon April 19, 202712°C148 m6hYes
12 Big Sur International Marathon April 25, 202711°C665 m6hYes
13 Eugene Marathon April 25, 20278°C178 m7hYes
14 TCS London Marathon April 25, 202711°C75 m8hYes
15 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 25, 202716°C231 m6.5hYes
16 Flying Pig Marathon May 2, 202714°C290 m7hYes
17 Edinburgh Marathon May 30, 202712°C120 m6.5hYes
18 Seoul Marathon March 15, 20266°C93 m5hYes
19 Zurich Marathon April 12, 202610°C147 m6hYes
20 Prague Marathon May 3, 202614°C50 m6hYes
21 Copenhagen Marathon May 10, 202613°C15 m6hYes
22 Lanzhou Marathon May 24, 202618°C237 m6hYes

Built from official course data for 349 races · as of July 7, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Which spring marathon is the hardest to get into?

Tokyo Marathon has the lowest acceptance rate (~10% lottery), followed by Boston (BQ time required + additional buffer). London runs a ballot with ~15% acceptance. Paris and Rome use open registration that sells out 4-6 months ahead.

Is spring or fall better for a marathon?

Both seasons offer ideal racing conditions. Spring advantages: more World Majors, post-winter base building, scenic spring scenery. Fall advantages: peak summer training, more choice globally, often better weather predictability. Personal preference and training cycle determine the best fit.

How do I train through winter for a spring marathon?

Winter marathon training requires cold-weather adaptations: layered clothing, reflective gear for dark runs, treadmill as backup for extreme conditions, and adjusted hydration (you still sweat in cold). When training indoors, use our Treadmill Pace Converter to match your treadmill speed settings to your outdoor training paces. Start your plan in November-December for March-April races.

What if it rains on spring marathon day?

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Pack a disposable poncho for the start corral, wear moisture-wicking fabrics, apply body glide generously, and have a hat with a brim. Light rain actually helps cooling and has minimal performance impact. Check our Clothing Temperature Guide for rain-day gear.

Can I run Tokyo and Boston in the same spring?

It's technically possible (Tokyo: early March, Boston: mid-April, ~6 weeks apart) but extremely challenging. You'd need to recover from Tokyo while maintaining fitness for Boston. Most coaches recommend choosing one as your 'A race' and treating the other as a training run at controlled effort.

Useful Training Tools

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