London
You’ve got to be quick off the mark to enter next year’s London Marathon, with the ballot for a place in the race opening on April 30 and closing on May 4. If you want to run the race on behalf of a charity, places can be secured via a number of good causes. The London Marathon website has a list of charities with guaranteed spots in the race. There are also ‘good for age’ places available to apply for, reserved for those who have completed marathons at set times for different age groups. The date of the 2018 race is yet to be officially confirmed. All the information you need is here.
New York
The New York Marathon 2018 takes place on November 4, and for British runners keen to take on the challenge of racing around the Big Apple, your best bet is to book a place through one of the race’s official travel partners, such as Sports Tours International.

Runners take on the marathon challenge in New York (Getty)
Berlin
Along with London and New York, Berlin is another of the world’s most spectacular city marathons, with this year’s event taking place on September 16. Charity places may still be available to UK runners, with the likes of Cancer Research and the Alzheimer’s Society being given spots in the race, and tour operators also offering race packages.
Tromso
Head to the Arctic Circle for a truly incredible marathon experience. Runners from across the world flock to Norway each year for this ‘Midnight Sun’ race, and for those not quite up to the full distance there are shorter options including a half marathon and a 10k race. This year’s race is set for June 16. Find out how to sign up here.
Athens
Take on the original marathon course by heading to Greece in November. The course is a tough one, with a gruelling uphill climb, but the ending will be worth it as the race finishes in the Panathinaiko Stadium, which was a site for athletic competitions in ancient times. The 2018 edition is on November 11 and registration information can be found here.