No Paris Marathon bib? Europe's best spring 2027 marathons still open

Is Paris really out of reach? On Tuesday 20 October, the new organiser, Cadence, confirmed it: the 2027 Paris Marathon is officially sold out. After several waves of results sent out by email, the lottery outcome is now final. Every bib set aside for the general public has been taken, which leaves just four ways into the Paris Marathon:

• Charity bibs

• Corporate packages

• Partner promotions (prize draws)

• The resale platform (opening in December)

Luckily, we've put together a (non-exhaustive) list of the best marathons to consider if Paris didn't pick you. There's something for everyone, from PB hunters to first-time marathoners.

Rome Marathon, for a new PB in a stunning setting

Rome is probably the first city that comes to mind when you're looking for an alternative to Paris. Its marathon is just like the city: grand and steeped in history. Between the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the route sends 36,000 runners on a historical epic through the monuments. It's an open-air museum, which inevitably recalls the experience of running through the streets of Paris. Elevation is almost non-existent, but the course has a difficulty of its own: the famous cobblestones known as sampietrini. These small, uneven blocks can be hard on the feet, since the ground is never perfectly flat over several kilometres late in the race. It's an extra challenge in the historic centre of Rome, and part of the race's charm.

© Rome Marathon

© Rome Marathon

© Rome Marathon

© Rome Marathon

Barcelona Marathon, to run fast and spend a weekend by the sea

Barcelona is the place to be in 2027. The race has taken on a truly international dimension in recent years, and the city has everything you need for a perfect running weekend: a fast course through the city centre, the Mediterranean, mild sunny weather and picturesque neighbourhoods. Come here and you give yourself every chance of a PB, with the seaside and post-race cocktails as a bonus. Whether you're chasing a new personal best or just want a weekend escape, this race deserves a place in your 2027 season. Still doubting how fast the course is? At the 2026 edition, Fotyen Tesfay ran the second-fastest time in the race's history on her marathon debut (2:10:51).

© Marato Barcelona

© Marato Barcelona

© Marato Barcelona

Milan Marathon, for a new PB and great food

If you don't want to shuffle your race calendar, the Milan Marathon is the obvious option. It takes place on Sunday 4 April, the same day as the Paris Marathon. Milan is one of Italy's most popular marathons, and it's easy to see why. The route takes runners through the prettiest corners of the city, with a grand finale right on the famous Piazza del Duomo. Hard to beat. Milanese cuisine is one of the region's big draws, but people also come to Milan for the clock: the course is completely flat and fast, pool-table smooth. The atmosphere along the roadside delivers too, with thousands of spectators cheering runners on.

© Wizz Air Milano Marathon

Madrid Marathon, for the full running experience

If you'd like a few extra weeks of build-up and a marathon with a bit more spice, look no further. The Madrid Marathon is your race. Between a demanding course and an electric atmosphere with around twenty live bands, you come here to run, sure, but above all to party and celebrate running differently. With a hilly route that takes runners to every corner of the city, Madrid offers much more than a race against the clock: it's a celebration of running and music. As the name suggests, get ready for a Rock'n'Roll race. And Madrid is still Madrid. The Spanish capital is a city full of culture and history, a great destination for a good time with friends, family or on your own.

© Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid

© Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid

© Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid

© Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid

© Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid

© Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid

Prague Marathon, for a PB and the famous trdelník

Prague is probably one of the lesser-known options, which is a shame. The Czech capital ticks every box for a great spring marathon. The start and finish are on Old Town Square, at the foot of the astronomical clock, with Charles Bridge and the castle as a backdrop. The course is faster than it looks. Despite the city's relief, the organisers have managed to limit the climbs and the cobbles, and runners cross the Vltava ten times over six bridges. There are a few cobblestones in the medieval centre, but nothing that really affects your race. The course record of 2:05:09 shows that a fast time is possible. Prague also has a food scene all its own. Once you've crossed the line, it's the perfect moment for a trdelník, the local pastry you'll find on every street corner of the old town. Prague has plenty to offer, a very pleasant city to visit with its many museums and medieval architecture. The race date might tip the balance in its favour... or not. It takes place in early May, which gives you more time for a long winter build-up and keeps you out of the coldest months. But the later date can also mean slightly warmer temperatures on race day.

© RunCzech

Rotterdam Marathon, quite simply one of the fastest courses in the world

Let's be honest: in Rotterdam, you come for the time. The race now has a truly international profile, and every year the world's best runners come to try their luck. The Dutch marathon has seen three world records fall in its history: Carlos Lopes in 1985, Belayneh Dinsamo in 1988 and Tegla Loroupe in 1998. And the level isn't dropping. In 2026, Guye Adola won in 2:03:54, and Mekides Shimeles erased a women's course record that had stood for fourteen years. The course is flat, wide and free of real traps. You cross the Erasmus Bridge in the opening moments, then a big loop through the city leads to the finish on the Coolsingel. Another good argument: the race takes place on 11 April, just one week after Paris, so your training block barely has to move. And for 2027, the organisers are changing the rules: no more lottery, it's first come, first served. Free pre-registration is open until 3 November, and registration opens on 4 November. Don't hang around if you want to run one of the fastest marathons in the world.

© NN Rotterdam Marathon

© NN Rotterdam Marathon

© NN Rotterdam Marathon

Lake Annecy Marathon, for a PB and a race that's pure pleasure

What if you didn't need to board a plane to run in a postcard setting? Held since 1980, the Lake Annecy Marathon is one of the most beautiful races in France, and probably one of the most enjoyable to run. The out-and-back route follows the western shore of the lake, between turquoise water and summits that are sometimes still snow-capped. The scenery is breathtaking. With under 80 m of elevation gain, it's pool-table flat. The one difficulty may be mental. Much of the race is run on a bike path away from town, and the lack of crowd support and entertainment along that stretch can make it harder for some runners. Back in Annecy, though, the atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented, with a village set up on the Pâquier. The race also falls very close to Paris, just two weeks later, a good window to draw inspiration from the performances in Paris right before you line up.

© Brooks Marathon du lac d'Annecy

Hamburg Marathon, a course built for records

Less in the spotlight than Berlin, the Hamburg Marathon has nothing to envy it. Germany's biggest spring marathon is also one of the fastest in Europe, and its recent results prove it. The men's record fell in 2025 with Amos Kipruto's 2:03:46, then the women's record in 2026 with Brillian Kipkoech's 2:17:05. That same year, ten men ran under 2:06, which is simply huge. The flat, wide course passes through the emblematic spots of the Hanseatic city: the Reeperbahn, the banks of the Elbe, the Alster and the Stadtpark. With an early 8:30 am start, conditions are ideal for chasing a new PB. The last bibs are available on the Finishers platform. Don't wait too long...

© Hambourg Marathon

The Paris Marathon remains one of a kind, no doubt about it. But Europe has no shortage of alternatives, and if the lottery didn't go your way this year, there's a spring marathon out there waiting for you. Time chasers will find what they're after on the ultra-fast courses of Rotterdam, Hamburg, Milan or Barcelona. Those looking above all for an experience will fall for Madrid's rock atmosphere, the monuments of Rome and Prague, or the setting of Lake Annecy. In short, there's a race made for you. One piece of advice: don't wait too long, because bibs go fast. Very fast.

Find the marathon calendar on Finishers.com