5 Marathons Every Runner Should Suffer Through At Least Once (And Brag About Forever)
Let’s be real — running 42.195 km isn’t normal. But if you're already deep in the marathon cult (welcome, we have blisters), these five events are the holy grail. They're iconic, ridiculous, emotional, painful... and totally worth every grimace.
If you’re going to torture yourself with long runs, early alarms, and questionable toenails, might as well do it somewhere unforgettable, right?
🗽 1. New York City Marathon – The One Where You Cry in Central Park
When: November
Where: New York, USA
Why You’ll Love It: You run through five boroughs, past a million spectators, and through a wall or three. The city doesn’t sleep, and neither will your quads. But the finish line in Central Park? Pure magic (and maybe a medical tent).
Pro Tip: Don't high-five everyone in Brooklyn. Save your energy for the Bronx. You’ll need it.
🇬🇧 2. London Marathon – Flat, Fast, and Fully British
When: April
Where: London, UK
Why You’ll Love It: Fancy running past Buckingham Palace while possibly being overtaken by a guy dressed as Big Ben? This is the one. The crowds are wild, the course is forgiving, and the drizzle? Well, it’s British charm, darling.
Fun Fact: Thousands run in costumes. So yes, you might lose to a rhino.
🇯🇵 3. Tokyo Marathon – Orderly Chaos in the Best Way
When: March
Where: Tokyo, Japan
Why You’ll Love It: Everything runs like clockwork — even your legs (until kilometre 35). The people? Polite. The signs? Hilarious. The vibes? Immaculate. If you like marathons with a side of sushi and soul, say konnichiwa.
Pro Tip: Don’t litter. Don’t be late. Don’t forget your paperwork. This isn’t a backyard fun run — this is Tokyo.
🇩🇪 4. Berlin Marathon – The Fast One (Where You Still Somehow Don’t PR)
When: September
Where: Berlin, Germany
Why You’ll Love It: It’s flat. It’s fast. It’s the birthplace of marathon world records. You’ll start feeling like Kipchoge, and finish feeling like a bratwurst. But it’s legendary — and running through the Brandenburg Gate is a moment.
Expectation vs Reality: You train for a PR. You get a cramp. You eat a pretzel. Still worth it.
🇿🇦 5. Comrades Marathon – Because 42km Wasn’t Enough Suffering
When: June
Where: South Africa
Distance: Oh, just 89km. No biggie.
Why You’ll Love It: “Comrades” is Afrikaans for “what fresh hell is this?” Just kidding. Kinda. It’s the ultimate test of endurance, grit, and emotional stability. It breaks you and then somehow makes you want to come back.
Warning: Not for the faint of heart, weak of hamstring, or short of snacks.
Planning to Regret One of These?
If you're brave (or reckless) enough to sign up for one, make sure your gear is solid. Check out our Marathon Ready Collection — because if you're going to suffer, you might as well look good doing it