Jan 21, 2013 —
Europeans are fit, which is amazing when you consider all the smoking, drinking, and eating of fourteen pounds of cheese at lunch.
How does everyone live to be a hundred?
Maybe all the great races in Europe have something to do with it, because there are a ton of them to choose from every year, ranging from knee-shattering full marathons to fun afternoon jogs perfect for the whole family.
It doesn’t matter which country you find yourself in or what time of year it is, as chances are good there’s a race nearby to take part in. And the best part is that many of them double as a great way to explore the city, especially if it's your first time there.
Check out our collection of cool races in Europe. We’ll bet a slab of gruyere you’ll find one perfect for you!
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Running / Sports
Every Year in October
Selling out nearly every year since it was first held back in 1975, the Amsterdam Marathon routinely attracts several thousand entrants, all flooding the streets in an attempt to run that magic 26.2-mile distance.
Actually, not quite all, because this great running race in Amsterdam also includes a half-marathon, an 8K run, and even a 1K sprint
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Running
Every Year in March
Seeming to grow in popularity every year, the Barcelona Marathon – Marató Barcelona – can draw more than 15,000 people to the streets of this beautiful city, and can make for a wonderful way for first-time visitors to check out Barcelona’s iconic sights.
Held every March to capitalize on routinely pleasant spring weather, the Barcelona Marathon has
Barcelona
Camp Nou
Carrer d’Arístides Maillol
08028 Barcelona
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Running
Every Year in Late September
Normally held on the last Sunday in September, the Berlin Marathon (officially known as the BMW Berlin Marathon) has attracted more than 40,000 participants in recent years, and has maintained its status as one of Germany’s most popular running events since the very first race was held back in 1974.
Because the Berlin Marathon is part of the World
Berlin
Throughout the city
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Running
Every Year in April
On the world’s largest marathons, the Virgin London Marathon was founded in 1981, and though the very first race drew just under 8,000 participants, these days roughly four times that show up to give 26.2 miles the ol’ college try.
Elite runners aren’t just at the starting line for fun, however, because since the London Marathon is part of the
London
Throughout the city
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Running
Every Year in Late April
Taking place in late April every year, the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon (Maratón de Rock 'n' Roll Madrid) is not some watered-down running event, but an IAAF Silver Label Road Race that has attracted more than 10,000 participants in recent years.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series is one of the largest running events in the world, with 26 North
Madrid
Throughout the city
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Running / Sports
Every year in October
Though it’s nowhere near as big – or as competitive – as the Berlin Marathon, the Munich Marathon in October still manages to attract several thousand runners.
An annual affair since the first race was established in the early 1980s, the Munich Marathon’s race route still follows the very same course as the one used during the 1972 Olympic
Munich
Olympiapark
Olympiapark Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21
80809 Munich
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Running
Every Year in April
Easily one of the more popular marathons in Europe – only the London and Berlin races garner more attention – the Paris Marathon is an annual event that takes place in April and draws more than 35,000 runners to the City of Light.
The first modern races were held in 1976, but Paris marathons have been an active city event since as far back
Paris
Throughout the city
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Running
Every year in March
Part of the world marathon scene since 1983, the Rome Marathon is an annual race held in March that puts a whole new spin on the saying, “all roads lead to Rome.”
The full 26.2-mile Rome Marathon course can change year-to-year, but always promises to pass by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Coliseum, Saint Peter's Square, and
Rome
Throughout the city
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Running
Every Year in October
It may not be the biggest marathon in Europe, but the Venice Marathon – held every year in October – is arguably the prettiest.
After all, it’s Venice!
Founded in 1986, this great road race manages to attract some pretty big names thanks to a not-so-shabby €10,000 prize purse for the winner in both the men’s and women’s categories. However, anyone
Venice
Throughout the city
