Paris vs London Marathon — Key Differences
Compare the Paris and London Marathons — Europe's two biggest spring marathons. Course beauty, speed potential, entry difficulty, and atmosphere.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2027 Paris Marathon - Apr 4 | 2027 TCS London Marathon - Apr 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Country/Region | France | England |
| Month | April | April |
| Avg Temperature | 8-15°C | 8-14°C |
| Course Type | Mostly Flat | Mostly Flat |
| Elevation | ~60m | ~50m |
| Field Size | 54,000 | 50,000 |
| Entry | Open Entry | Ballot + Charity |
| World Major | No | Yes |
| BQ Course | Yes | Yes |
| Crowd Support | Good | Exceptional |
| Course speed | Fast course (0.91) | Fast course (0.89) |
| Race-week weather score | 71/100 | 72/100 |
Detailed Comparison
Paris and London are Europe's two largest spring marathons, both held in April with similar temperatures. Entry used to be the big difference: Paris sold places first-come, first-served while London ran a ballot. From the 2027 edition Paris is also a lottery (free to enter September 8–30, €169 if drawn), so neither race guarantees a place; Paris still plans at least 35,000 general-public bibs against London's roughly 10:1 ballot odds, so your chances are far better in Paris.
Paris's point-to-point course starts on the Champs-Elysees, passes through the Bois de Vincennes, along the Seine, through the Bois de Boulogne, and finishes at the Arc de Triomphe. It is one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world. London's route has more historical landmarks but slightly less visual grandeur. Both are mostly flat with minor undulations.
Crowd support heavily favors London, which draws 750,000+ spectators compared to Paris's more modest but enthusiastic roadside presence. Paris gives you far better odds of a fast, beautiful European marathon; if you win the tougher London ballot, its atmosphere and World Major status make it worth the gamble.
Explore Each Marathon
2027 Paris Marathon - Apr 4
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →2027 TCS London Marathon - Apr 25
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Paris or London Marathon?
Both courses are mostly flat, but London has a slight edge with ~50m of elevation gain compared to Paris's ~60m. London also benefits from a wider, more open course with fewer tight turns. Paris features gentle rolling sections along the Seine and through the Bois de Vincennes. Use our Pace Calculator to set realistic splits for either race.
Is it easier to get into the Paris or London Marathon?
Paris is easier, but from 2027 it is no longer guaranteed. Paris switched to a lottery for the 2027 edition: enter free between September 8 and 30, 2026, results from October 1, and at least 35,000 general-public bibs are drawn at a flat €169. London's ballot accepts only 3-4% of applicants, making it one of the hardest marathons to enter. Paris remains the higher-probability European spring marathon, but plan a backup.
How does the weather compare at Paris vs London in April?
Both races are held in April with similar spring conditions. Paris averages 8-15°C and can occasionally reach the high teens on sunny days. London averages 8-14°C and tends to be slightly cooler with more cloud cover. Neither race typically presents extreme heat risk, but warm spells are possible. Monitor conditions using our Weather Race Score tool.
Is Paris or London better for a first marathon?
Paris is more accessible for first-timers thanks to its far better lottery odds and generous cutoff. The scenic route past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame makes the experience unforgettable. London offers a more electric crowd atmosphere but is much harder to enter. For a first marathon where your odds of getting in matter, Paris is the practical choice.
Is the Paris Marathon a World Marathon Major?
No, Paris is not a World Marathon Major, while London is one of the seven WMM races. However, Paris is one of the largest marathons in Europe with 57,000 runners, and both courses are BQ-eligible. If completing all seven Majors is your goal, London counts toward the Seven Star Medal but Paris does not. Use our Boston Qualifying Calculator to check your BQ target for either race.
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