You were buzzing. You dreamed the dream. You imagined the Mall, the crowd, maybe even a slow-mo finish for the ‘Gram. But then today you opened your inbox and saw the all-too-familiar: “Unfortunately…”
Yep. No London Marathon place for April 2026.
What now? Sure, you could shell out for a wildly overpriced international travel package. Or you could try and raise four grand for charity while begging your mates to donate more than a fiver. But if neither of those feels doable (or fair), don’t hang up the trainers just yet.
Because the good news? There are a plethora of marathons going ahead all over Europe that same weekend! No ballot, no drama, just solid alternatives with guaranteed entry and real finish-line glory. Here are five excellent ones you can still book and brag about:
🇱🇹 Kaunas Marathon – Sunday 26th April 2026
Tucked away in Lithuania’s second city, the Kaunas Marathon is like that underrated playlist you found before it got cool. Fast, scenic, and crowd-free in all the right ways, this one winds through a historic city with chilled Baltic charm and a riverbank finish that feels more zen than Zone 1.
Entry fee: €65 approx in 2025, Registration Opening Soon
Why go? Zero ballot stress, PB potential, and a quirky race that gives "hidden gem" energy
Great if you want to be the only person in your club rocking a Lithuania finisher’s tee.
Marathon website: Here
🇩🇪 Hamburg Marathon – Sunday 26th April 2026
Germany does marathons like it does engineering: precisely, perfectly, and with bratwurst at the end. Hamburg is the biggest spring marathon in the country and a serious PB course. Flat, fast, and packed with support. You’ll fly past canals, docks, and cheering crowds who somehow clap in rhythm.
Entry fee: €135 (Yeah, I know)
Why go? Top-tier logistics, flat-as-a-pancake course, and big city buzz without the London ballot blues. Perfect for runners who live by their Garmin and split-check in their sleep.
Marathon website: Here
🇪🇸 Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon – Sunday 26th April 2026
This is not a quiet race. It's loud, it’s proud, and it’s absolutely brimming with Spanish flair. Expect live music on every corner, a scenic-but-hilly route through Madrid’s landmarks, and more cowbell than your ears are ready for. Bring energy, sunscreen, and maybe a few dance moves.
Entry fee: €80 (Until 28/02/26)
Why go? Live music, screaming fans, a city in full swing and yes, the medal is enormous, shiny, and ridiculous in the best way possible.
You didn’t get London, but you might just get the most fun 42.2km of your life.
Marathon website: Here
🏴 Blackpool Festival of Running Marathon – Sunday 26th April 2026
Alright, it's not quite London... but hear us out. There’s a marathon, a half, and a whole carnival of running events, all set on the breezy Blackpool promenade. There are deckchairs, donkeys, and more wind than you bargained for. But it’s flat, friendly, and fun in that uniquely British way.
Entry fee: £40
Why go? UK-based or dirt cheap flights to get there via Manchester, nostalgic vibes (for the English anyway), and you’ll still get chips at the end. Oh and it's only £40 to enter?
Think “London’s cheeky cousin up north”, less fanfare, more funfair.
Marathon website: Here
🇬🇷 Alexander the Great Marathon – Sunday 26th April 2026
Run in the footsteps of history. Literally. This race starts in Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great, and ends by the sea in Thessaloniki. It’s a point-to-point marathon that combines history, coastal scenery, and Greek sunshine. The crowds may be smaller, but the mythic vibes are enchanting.
Entry fee: €35
Why go? Scenic, soulful, and full of storytelling rights for years
Because “I ran from the birthplace of Alexander the Great” > “I ran in Docklands.”
Marathon website: Here
So, Which One’s for You?
- Want to chase a PB and geek out over stats? → Hamburg
- Craving a city party in the sun? → Madrid
- In the mood for chill Euro adventure? → Kaunas
- Looking for a UK option without Heathrow prices? → Blackpool
- Fancy a sun-soaked run with a side of ancient history? → Thessaloniki
The London Marathon said no. But running still says yes.
Choose your plan B. Book it. Train for it. Run it.
Because on April 26th, your legs deserve a finish line too. 🏁