T
he 2026 racing season is shaping up to be a historic one for the marathon world. In Boston, the world’s oldest annual race celebrates 130 years, while New York City marks a half-century of its legendary five-borough route (although it’s the 52nd running of the race).
But for athletes who take globetrotting literally, the appeal of racing extends far beyond the major cities. Today’s premier marathons offer the chance to sprint (or stroll, no judgements) past the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, follow the palm-lined coasts of the Cayman Islands or share the path with the “Big Five” in a South African game reserve.
Forbes Travel Guide curated a list of the best marathons worth traveling for this year. And because a world-class performance requires world-class preparation, these bucket-list races are paired with the finest hotels that offer everything from cryotherapy to post-race fine-dining feasts.
The world’s oldest annual marathon turns a spry 130 this year. Organizers say to expect some special race weekend additions that recognize the milestone as well as other noteworthy anniversaries, including 50 years since the famed 1976 “Run for the Hoses” race (the 96-degree marathon was the hottest on record, prompting spectators to cool off runners with garden hoses) and 60 years since Bobbi Gibb’s pioneering 1966 run as the marathon’s first female contestant—five years before women were officially sanctioned to run in the race.
