Do you want to beat your personal record on the queen distance? Are you looking for a flat marathon to improve your chances of success? Here is a top 10 of the most rolling marathons around the world. By choosing one of these courses, you can really make the most of your marathon training plan! Low elevation and smooth asphalt will be the order of the day throughout this article! So, are you ready to surpass yourself?
Contents
10 – Deauville Marathon
We start this top 10 of the most rolling marathons with a French marathon, we needed at least one! The Paris Marathon cannot be part of the ranking with its less rolling course of more than 200m of D+.
The Deauville Marathon was recently created and its flat course in two loops quickly became a real advantage. It is also the French marathon that had the highest percentage of runners under 3 hours in 2022 (17%). Sure, it was the French championships, but it is still far ahead of the others.
9 – Dubai Marathon
Flat, that’s what stands out immediately when you look at the profile of the Dubai Marathon course. It more than deserves its place in this top 10 of the most rolling marathons. If it’s not too hot, it’s one of the best marathons for breaking records.
Its loop course along the sea allows you to easily navigate and maintain your pace throughout the race!
8 – Milan Marathon
The course of the Milan Marathon is the fastest in the country. Among the fastest in the world, its relatively flat course navigates through the city, allowing you to enjoy the typical Italian architecture of the city.
As long as you don’t go too fast either!
7 – Amsterdam Marathon
A nice 7th place in this ranking of the most rolling marathons for the Amsterdam Marathon. Its flat course will take you around the city and its monuments. You can particularly enjoy a passage under the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s famous museum.
Its extremely flat profile could have given it a few more places in this top 10 of the most rolling marathons. However, the weather conditions in the Netherlands and the many turns that require restarting from time to time cost it points compared to its competitors.
6 – Rotterdam Marathon
If the TV program “Question for a Marathon” existed, to the question “Are you one of the most rolling marathons in the world?” the Rotterdam Marathon would surely answer “Yes, of course!” A little less known than Amsterdam, the Rotterdam Marathon has an extremely flat and somewhat straighter course than its Dutch counterpart.
During the course, you can also enjoy a magical passage over the water on the famous Erasmus Bridge. So go for your time and walk (run!!!) on water!
5 – Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon, which is part of the Six World Marathon Majors, takes the 5th place in this top 10 of the most rolling marathons. Known for its first 5 kilometers of gentle downhill slopes, it is perfect for beating your personal record. Be careful, though, of a few hairpin turns to negotiate on the course.
Additionally, you can enjoy an unprecedented visit to the Japanese capital and its famous districts!
4 – Valencia Marathon
Just off the podium, we find a big one, the Valencia Marathon in Spain (not in the Drôme, no!). In terms of rolling courses, the Valencia Marathon is starting to establish itself in the field since the 4th best time (worldwide) for men and the 3rd for women were achieved on its course in 2022!
Ride the wave of records with the Valencia Marathon and its fiery Spanish atmosphere!
3 – Chicago Marathon
We start the podium with, on the third step, a marathon renowned for the ease of its course. As one of the Six World Marathon Majors, the Chicago Marathon has always been conducive to records. The women’s world record of 2h14m4s was set on its course by Brigid Kosgei in 2019.
Its course along part of Lake Michigan and then through part of this iconic U.S. city will make you forget your difficulties and allow you to surpass yourself.
2 – London Marathon
The London Marathon takes the second place in this ranking of the most rolling marathons. And not just because the record set in 2023 by Kelvin Kiptum at 2h1m25s is only 16 seconds off the world record.
The London Marathon is one of the Majors, its slightly downhill start is conducive and helps to get going for the rest of the race. Enough to be sure to break your time in the British capital!
1 – Berlin Marathon, the winner of the most rolling marathons
In first position in this ranking, the Berlin Marathon in Germany. The course of 7 world records, including the current record by Eliud Kipchoge at 2:01:09, is THE marathon par excellence to dream of personal records. In addition, it is one of the Six World Marathon Majors, enough to add a legendary race to your repertoire!
The Berlin Marathon has an incredible course marked notably by the historical heritage of the German city. About 20m of elevation, a course without major turns, ideal weather conditions with very little wind, it’s the recipe for a great time over the 42.195km.
Other rolling marathons in France
You will have noticed, most of the most rolling marathons considered the fastest are abroad and quite difficult to access. But don’t worry, many rolling marathons also exist in France. They may have less prestige but absolutely nothing to envy to the others.
You might also be interested in these articles: