Rejected by the 2027 London Marathon? Here Are 4 Amazing Alternatives Happening Across Europe the Same Weekend

You were buzzing. You dreamed the dream. You imagined the Mall, the crowds, maybe even a slow motion finish for the Instagram post. Then today you opened your inbox and saw the message you were convinced you would not be getting:

“Unfortunately…”

No London Marathon place in 2027.

It stings that bit more this year. With the marathon expanding to a two day event and thousands more ballot places available, plenty of runners felt this was finally going to be their year. Instead, the demand was bigger than ever, leaving countless hopefuls disappointed once again.

What now? Sure, you could pay for an expensive international travel package. Or you could try to raise thousands for a charity place while asking friends and family to dig deep. But if neither of those feels realistic, 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 25th April 2025

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: €49 early bird. increasing to €80
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 25th April 2027

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 25th April 2027

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: €100 (First 10,000 entries)
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

🇵🇹 European Marathon Aveiro – Sunday 25th April 2027

Often described as the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro offers one of Europe's flattest marathon courses, winding past colourful canals, Art Nouveau buildings and the beautiful Ria de Aveiro lagoon. It's an excellent choice if you're chasing a personal best while enjoying a city that many international runners overlook. The event also carries a World Athletics Road Race Label and is ranked among the world's top 100 marathons.

Entry fee: From €45 (early bird pricing) 
Why go? Fast, flat and refreshingly different from the usual marathon destinations. Plus, you'll have a great excuse to spend a long weekend sampling fresh seafood and Portugal's famous pastel de nata.
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
• Fancy a fast, flat course with a Portuguese coastal escape? → Aveiro

The London Marathon said no. But running still says yes.
Choose your plan B. Book it. Train for it. Run it.
Because on April 25th, your legs deserve a finish line too. 🏁