| The best marathons are those that are easily | | | | The winner of the first Berlin Marathon that was held |
| accessible and well planned with adequate information | | | | in 1974 is still a participant in the run to this date. This |
| and good infrastructure. Security is another important | | | | speaks volumes about the race from a |
| factor that a good marathon is expected to provide. | | | | participant’s perspective. |
| Here is a list of the ten best marathons in the world | | | | 4. The Chicago Marathon - The Chicago marathon |
| worth participating in. The first five marathons | | | | re-invented itself after a few lows to become one of |
| described below are part of the World Marathon | | | | the best in the world. The course facilitates speed, |
| Majors competition and have their prize money at a | | | | making it a special attraction for participants. |
| million dollars. | | | | 5. The Boston Marathon - The Boston marathon is |
| | | | | set apart by its high standards in terms of |
| 1. New York City Marathon - Described as the | | | | qualifications required. This marathon offers a fast |
| “The World’s Most Human Race”, the | | | | paced course and very good crowd support. It is a |
| New York City Marathon attracts over 37,000 | | | | matter of prestige to be able to participate in this |
| participants each year from over 40 countries. The | | | | run. |
| New York City Marathon boasts prize money of | | | | 7. The Stockholm Marathon - This race attracts an |
| $600,000 and about two millions spectators that line | | | | average of 12,000 participants every year. |
| the route. The marathon also enjoys coverage from | | | | 8. Paris Marathon – The race enjoys a scenic |
| the world media reaching out to more than 300 million | | | | course and a lot of media coverage. It has 20,000 |
| TV viewers. | | | | participants. |
| 2. The London Marathon – This marathon was | | | | 9. The Rotterdam Marathon - With 10,000 |
| first inspired by the New York Marathon, but has | | | | participants, the Rotterdam course is flat like the rest |
| surpassed it in terms of a beautiful course and | | | | of the country. |
| meticulously executed planning. The list of participants | | | | 10. The Dubai Marathon - Like the region that hosts |
| is growing each year and the marathon has hosted | | | | it, the Dubai Marathon is small but one of the richest |
| over 35,000 runners in the last few runs. | | | | marathons in Asia with prize money of $500,000 and |
| 3. The Berlin Marathon – The Berlin marathon | | | | a world record bonus of a million dollars while the |
| draws in large crowds and it was estimated that | | | | number of participants is about 2,000. |
| over 35,000 people competed in the race in 2008. | | | | |