Choose a race that fits you
Choosing your first marathon: compare the practical details
Your first marathon needs more than an appealing finish line. Check the time limit, course, entry route and journey home. These races show three different options, with the trade-offs made clear.
Course descriptions come from the linked organiser pages. Where a detailed map is from an earlier year, its edition is shown. Entry labels use the same records as our race guides.
| Race | Course & practical trade-off | Published time limit | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 ABP Newport Marathon18 Apr 2027 | Mostly flat roads, from Newport’s riverfront to the Gwent Levels and back. Flat does not mean effortless. Prepare for the full distance and the more open sections, and leave a realistic margin within the six-hour limit. Official course information | Six hours. A sweep bus supports runners outside the limit. Official time-limit rulesPublished course description; use the final edition’s map for detailed logistics. | General entries sold out General marathon entry is sold out. Charity, Business Challenge and City & Summit bundle places are listed separately. Half-marathon and 10K availability is separate. Read entry requirements |
| 2027 Edinburgh Marathon30 May 2027 | An early descent from the city, followed by a coastal route towards Gosford House and back to the Musselburgh finish. The finish is away from the start. Plan your return journey, and keep the descent comfortable so it does not set an unrealistic pace for the coast. Official course information | Six hours 30 minutes from the back of the field crossing the start. The sweeper can remove runners who fall behind. Official time-limit rules2027 route page. | Check entry options 2027 entry is advertised from £84.50 for a standard place, with charity entry from £0. Current availability is shown during the MyRunning entry process. Read entry requirements |
| 2027 TCS London Marathon24–25 Apr 2027 | A mostly level city marathon with an early descent, bridge crossings and urban turns. You need an actual entry and an allocated day. The two-day 2027 edition has different finish arrangements; check the allowance that applies to you. Official course information | Saturday: the organiser gives a maximum allowance of 7 hours 45 minutes. Sunday uses different finish arrangements, including a secondary Green Park finish. Official time-limit rules2027 two-day arrangements; the linked course facilities may still show 2026. | Public ballot closed The public ballot has closed and results were issued on 9 July. Limited official charity places remain; specialist entry categories have separate conditions. Read entry requirements |
Before you choose your first marathon
- Choose a cut-off with room for drinks, toilets and a difficult patch. A finish-time target exactly on the limit leaves no margin.
- Check whether the start and finish are in different places. Include the journey back in your budget and plan.
- Make the entry requirements and fundraising commitments part of the decision, alongside the course.