Run Rome The Marathon |
March
Rome is magical in March. Mild, sunny and blissfully uncrowded, it sets a magnificent stage for Run Rome The Marathon, where racers tread in the footsteps of ancient gladiators along cobblestone streets, passing an open-air museum of legendary landmarks—the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Square. When it’s time to recharge, Hotel de Russie, tucked on one of Rome’s most fashionable corners, offers a 19th-century palazzo setting and a jaw-dropping Valadier-designed garden—a serene pre- and post-race escape. For runners and spectators alike, hotel personal trainer and Ironman legend Danilo Palmucci leads tailored workouts, from dynamic toning to high-energy cardio intervals. Guests can also join him for an early morning run through the Eternal City, soaking up history, fresh air and perhaps a quick espresso along the way.
Tokyo Marathon |
March
Held every March on the fast, flat streets of Japan’s electrifying capital, the Tokyo Marathon attracts thousands of international runners every year. Of all the World Marathon Majors, it’s perhaps the most elusive and intriguing—and what better place to carb-load beforehand than in a city celebrated for its cuisine? From tucked-away ramen stalls and hidden gems beneath train stations to refined hotel dining rooms, the city offers endless opportunities to fuel up before race day. At Park Hyatt Tokyo, culinary variety takes center stage: a New York–style grill, an authentic French brasserie and a modern Japanese restaurant inspired by kaiseki traditions. Reopening in December after a lavish renovation, located steps from the start line, this sanctuary in the sky provides a serene, luxurious escape from the marathon frenzy—the perfect base for runners chasing their next personal best.
London Marathon |
April
No matter how well you think you know London, the city takes on a thrilling new energy during the London Marathon weekend. Even the quietest corners along the world-famous course burst to life with roaring crowds, pounding music and vibrant color as tens of thousands of runners and spectators flood the city. The route—largely unchanged since the inaugural race in 1981—winds past London’s most iconic landmarks before finishing triumphantly on The Mall, the grand tree-lined boulevard between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. As far as marathon hotels go, Conrad London St. James sits just across the park from the finish line—a welcome sight after 26.2 miles on the road. Settle pre-race nerves over afternoon tea in The Orchard Room, then toast your finish with local craft ales and hearty pub fare at Blue Boar.
Boston Marathon |
April
Perhaps the most famous marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon, held every year on Patriots’ Day, carries a storied history and remains one of the most coveted races on the calendar. Entry requires an increasingly competitive qualifying time, and achieving a BQ—a Boston Qualifier time—has become a badge of honor for dedicated marathoners. Even if you don’t secure a bib, InterContinental Boston makes race weekend a treat for runners and supporters alike. The hotel’s spa pampers tired muscles with deep tissue massages, rejuvenating skin scrubs and hydrating leg and foot treatments. After a day of racing—or cheering—classic cocktails and Old World wines, paired with boards of meats, cheeses and olives at Bar Fellini, offer the perfect finish.
BMO Vancouver Marathon |
May
Where rugged natural beauty meets vibrant urban energy, Vancouver stands in a league of its own. Summer draws hikers and paddlers, winter calls skiers to the nearby slopes, but spring brings something special: the BMO Vancouver Marathon. Tracing 70% of its route along the shoreline, the course winds through 12 iconic neighborhoods, past cherry blossoms, towering forests and sweeping Pacific views. Just a short walk from the Stanley Park finish line, the newly renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia puts you at the heart of the celebration. Its grand lobby hosts live evening entertainment, setting a cheery post-race mood—whether you’re toasting a personal best or simply the joy of finishing. Indulge in elevated dining at Hawksworth, unwind with tailored treatments at Sense, A Rosewood Spa or let the concierge curate experiences that capture the very best of the West Coast.
Seawall. Photo: Maylies Lang / RUNVAN®
Chicago Marathon |
October
The legendary Chicago Marathon is a magnet for elites, drawing some of the fastest runners on the planet—and phenomenal crowd support every step of the way. But you don’t need a race bib to experience the city’s running spirit—from sunrise miles along Lake Michigan and iconic architecture at every turn to refueling with classic deep-dish pizza, Chicago is a runner’s playground. Bridging the city’s storied past with modern comforts, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park makes an elegant home base for both racing and leisure. Just a block from Grant Park (the start and finish of the marathon), this marathon hotel’s stylish rooms feature sweeping skyline views and plush amenities. Indulge in bold Latin American flavors at Toro, then unwind at Leaf Spa with a massage, facial or restorative body treatment.
Lisbon Marathon |
October
Starting in the seaside village of Cascais and finishing in the heart of downtown Lisbon, the Lisbon Marathon is a sea and riverside course tailor-made for personal bests. Runners set off along the oceanfront, buoyed by sea breezes and early morning light, before following the sparkling banks of the Tagus River past UNESCO World Heritage landmarks and finishing at the grand Praça do Comércio. For a stylish marathon weekend stay, check into The Vintage Lisbon, a head-turner tucked on a quiet street near the Botanic Garden that pairs cinematic good looks with easygoing charm—think dark wood, a lively lounge bar and in-room cocktail trolleys. Its two standout spaces are opposite yet equally essential after 26 miles: a subterranean spa below and a breezy rooftop bar above, perfectly positioned for the post-race celebration.
Venice Marathon |
October
Framed by La Serenissima’s rich tapestry of art, history and culture, the Venice Marathon has become a major player in the European running scene. Weaving through the city and along the seafront, the course unfolds over winding canals and floating bridges, passing historic churches and stately 18th-century villas. Just steps from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, Splendid Venice offers runners the easygoing charm of a private residence with all the luxuries of a five-star stay. During race weekend, this hotel’s I LOVE TO RUN package takes care of every detail—from a high-protein breakfast and late checkout to exclusive digital training content by Correre Naturale—so you can focus on soaking up la dolce vita (and maybe a spritz or two) after crossing the finish line.
New York City Marathon |
November
Each November, more than 50,000 runners take to the streets for the New York City Marathon—officially the largest marathon in the world. Traversing all five boroughs, from Staten Island to Central Park, it’s famed for its challenging bridges, roaring crowds and the electric energy only the Big Apple can deliver. For those chasing PRs without compromising recovery, Equinox Hotel is the ultimate marathon basecamp. The spa offers lymphatic drainage, infrared saunas and cryotherapy; rooms are designed for restorative sleep and in-room dining serves balanced pre-race meals to fuel every stride. With access to the Equinox Club for last-minute tune-ups and a performance-focused pool, this premier marathon hotel delivers proximity, precision and post-race indulgence during one of the city’s most exhilarating weekends.
Honolulu Marathon |
December
If any marathon can tempt your travel partner to tag along, it’s surely the Honolulu Marathon. Held every December, this beloved race embraces the motto “no time limit, just Aloha spirit,” making it a top choice for first-timers. More importantly, you’re literally running through paradise—26.2 miles of ocean views, palm-fringed streets and island breezes. And what better way to reward yourself post-race than with mai tais on Waikiki Beach? Ka La’i Waikiki Beach takes the experience to the next level with spacious, residential-style suites featuring full kitchens and in-room laundry—ideal for both pre-race prep and recovery. Arrive a week early for an indulgent taper spent poolside or on the beach, and after crossing the finish line, unwind at Spa Ka La‘i—reopening in spring 2026 after an island-inspired redesign—where signature treatments and Hawaiian healing traditions promise the ultimate marathon renewal.
Cover image credit: Honolulu Marathon Association
