10 Real Races Worth Running This Fall
Let’s be honest — autumn is the best time of year to run a marathon in Europe. The temperatures are cooler, the routes are often prettier, and training through summer just feels easier than dragging yourself out in February.
If you’re planning a marathon this fall, here are 10 of the best autumn marathons in Europe — from iconic city routes to lesser-known scenic races. These picks are based on vibe, route, time of year, and yes, real-life logistics.
🍁 Why Autumn is the Best Time to Race
- Cooler weather = happier knees, better pacing
- Summer training → fall race = great timing
- Many courses are fast and flat
- Autumn travel in Europe? Always a good idea
🏁 10 Autumn Marathons in Europe (2025 Picks)
1. Berlin Marathon (Germany)
📅 Late September
Let’s start big. Berlin is one of the World Marathon Majors, and for good reason — the course is flat, fast, and the vibes are next level. If you’re chasing a PB or just want to run something iconic, this one should be on your list.
✅ Best for: speed chasers, major marathon bucket-listers
📍 Flat | World record course | Huge crowds
2. Amsterdam Marathon (Netherlands)
📅 Mid-October
This one’s underrated. You start and finish in the Olympic Stadium, run through Vondelpark, and along peaceful riverside stretches. Amsterdam in October = crisp air, colorful leaves, and post-race pancakes.
✅ Best for: fast courses with scenery
📍 Flat | Peaceful | Great for solo travelers
3. Dublin Marathon (Ireland)
📅 Late October
Known as “the friendly marathon,” Dublin feels like one big community run — but with international runners and excellent organization. The course has some hills, but nothing too scary.
✅ Best for: a welcoming crowd and fun weekend trip
📍 Hilly-ish | Green parks | Guinness after
4. Valencia Marathon (Spain)
📅 Early December (still feels like autumn)
Valencia is flat, fast, and sunny — and it’s become one of Europe’s top picks for winter-ish racing. Bonus: the blue-finish runway over water is Insta-perfect.
✅ Best for: winter sun + speed
📍 Fast | Warm | Well-organized
5. Loch Ness Marathon (Scotland)
📅 Early October
If you love peaceful, nature-heavy runs, this one is unforgettable. It starts in the Highlands and finishes by the legendary Loch Ness. Warning: no crowds here, just trees, mist, and maybe a monster.
✅ Best for: runners who want nature + hills
📍 Point-to-point | Hilly | Epic views
6. Budapest Marathon (Hungary)
📅 Early October
Run across bridges, along the Danube, and past some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture. It’s a smaller city race but still has all the big-race organization. A great excuse to explore Budapest.
✅ Best for: scenic urban runners
📍 Medium-sized | River route | Flat to rolling
7. Florence Marathon (Italy)
📅 Late November
If you want cobblestones, cathedrals, and carbs — Florence is calling. You’ll run through art history and finish in one of the most stunning squares in Europe. It can get a bit chilly, but the pasta makes up for it.
✅ Best for: runners who want a romantic racecation
📍 Historic city | Cold finish | Great food
8. Munich Marathon (Germany)
📅 Mid-October
Start in the Olympic Park and cruise through leafy suburbs, beer gardens, and historic spots. It’s not as famous as Berlin, but it’s well-organized and fast.
✅ Best for: low-key runners who still want German efficiency
📍 Well-marked | Oktoberfest optional | Flat
9. Porto Marathon (Portugal)
📅 Early November
A scenic coastal run along the Atlantic, with a mix of sea views and historic neighborhoods. Slightly hilly, but totally worth it for the ocean breeze and delicious food afterward.
✅ Best for: runners who love sea air and small hills
📍 Coastal | Friendly | Scenic course
10. Ljubljana Marathon (Slovenia)
📅 Late October
A hidden gem. Flat, green, and calm — the course is ideal for hobby runners who want a no-stress race in a charming small capital. It also has a half marathon option if you’re easing in.
✅ Best for: chill runners & first-timers
📍 Small crowds | Green city | Good support
🎒 Final Tips for Planning Your Autumn Race
- Book early — fall races fill up fast (especially Berlin, Valencia, Dublin)
- Check race calendars: some are Saturday, some Sunday
- If flying, arrive 2 days early to adjust and shake out
- Make it a racecation — trust me, it’s worth it
🙋♀️ Final Thoughts from a Hobby Runner
I’m not chasing records — I’m chasing good memories. And autumn in Europe is the best time for that. Whether you want fast or scenic, solo or social, there’s a fall marathon here for you.
If you’ve run any of these, tell me what you loved (or didn’t). And if you’re planning your first — let me know. I’ll be cheering from wherever I am, probably slow-running through the trees.
