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The Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon send runners point-to-point down the world-famous Silverado Trail through the heart of Napa Valley wine country, with mile after mile of bucolic vineyards and a gentle net-downhill grade. The marathon starts on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga and the half marathon near Conn Creek Winery; both finish at Vintage High School in Napa. A USATF-certified Boston Qualifier with consistently cool early-March weather, the event is a favorite of both first-timers and competitive runners. A Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5K is also offered. Registration for the next edition opens June 24, 2027 at 8 AM PT; each distance typically sells out, so early sign-up is encouraged.

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is one of the world’s most celebrated city marathons, first run in 1976 and now an annual spring highlight that draws elite competitors and mass participants from across the globe. Over its decades-long history the race has grown into a major international event, showcasing professional fields alongside tens of thousands of recreational runners. The event is AIMS-certified and organized under the authority of the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme; it carries a World Athletics Elite/Label status and the course is officially measured and accepted as a Boston Marathon qualifying route. The route is quintessentially Parisian, traditionally starting on the Champs-Élysées and routing runners past a parade of iconic landmarks: Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame, the banks of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and through elegant neighborhoods and the Bois de Vincennes before a grand finish on tree-lined avenues. The course is comparatively flat and fast for a major capital-city marathon, with long, straight stretches that are conducive to strong times while offering continuous, postcard-worthy views. Race day atmosphere is festive and distinctly French — large, enthusiastic crowds, live bands and DJ zones, costumed supporters, and numerous on-course aid stations and refreshment points. Logistics are runner-friendly, with plentiful pacers for common goal times, clear signage, secure bag drop, and strong public-transport access to start and finish areas. Whether chasing a personal best, a Boston qualifying standard, or simply soaking in Paris, runners can expect first-rate organization, memorable urban scenery, and a celebratory finish befitting one of Europe’s classic marathons.

The Dubai Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the world, run on a predominantly flat, sea-level, out-and-back course along Dubai's coastal roads. Starting near Madinat Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab, the route's long, straight stretches and cool January conditions make it a renowned destination for personal bests. A World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, it has produced elite course records of 2:03:34 (men, 2019) and 2:16:07 (women, 2024) and attracts a large international field alongside its 10km road race and 4km fun run.