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 11 2027 TCS London Marathon - Apr 25
Country/RegionFranceEngland
MonthAprilApril
Avg Temperature8-15°C8-14°C
Course TypeMostly FlatMostly Flat
Elevation~60m~50m
Field Size54,00050,000
EntryOpen EntryBallot + Charity
World MajorNoYes
BQ CourseYesYes
Crowd SupportGoodExceptional

Detailed Comparison

Paris and London are Europe's two largest spring marathons, both held in April with similar temperatures. The critical difference for most runners is entry: Paris is open entry (register and pay), while London requires a ballot with roughly 10:1 odds. If you want a guaranteed World-class European marathon, Paris is the pragmatic choice.

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. If you want a guaranteed entry to a fast, beautiful European marathon, run Paris. If you can win the ballot, London's atmosphere and World Major status make it worth the gamble.

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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 significantly easier. It uses open registration on a first-come, first-served basis with 57,000 spots, and entries typically remain available for weeks. London's ballot accepts only 3-4% of applicants, making it one of the hardest marathons to enter. If you want a guaranteed European spring marathon, Paris is the reliable choice.

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 open registration and generous 6-hour 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 guaranteed entry matters, 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.

Prepare for Your Marathon

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