Missed out on the TCS London Marathon? Here’s the best marathons in spring
A total of 1,338,544 people applied for the 2027 edition of the TCS London Marathon, making it a record-breaking amount of applications for the UK-based event and the largest amount of applications for one marathon ever. The 2026 edition of the TCS London Marathon saw 59,830 runners take part, from a total of 1,133,813 applications, meaning even with an increase in days and subsequently entries there’s still going to be a lot of runners who sadly have to postpone their London dream until 2028.
Not to worry though, at Marathon Tours & Travel we offer a number of superb marathon packages that can take you running all over the world. Whether you’re gearing up for your first marathon, or you’re a seasoned pro aiming for the prestigious six-star medal, we have access to incredible races that cater to all runners. Here are just a few events from our calendar to consider…
Wizz Air Milano Marathon – 04/04/27
One of the new additions to our race calendar, the Milano Marathon takes place in the fashion capital of Europe, three weeks before the TCS London Marathon. Known for its incredibly flat course that offers runners a real chance to achieve a personal best, it also provides a great opportunity to see the sights of Milan as you stomp along its streets.
Celebrating its 25th edition in 2027, the fastest marathon in the world in 2021 starts at the Corso Sempione and finishes outside the iconic Piazza del Duomo. Our brand new Marathon Tours & Travel package offers runners a three-night stay in the centre of Milan, close to all the sights and the race day action as well. Providing guaranteed entry, pre-race welcome drinks, dinner and shake-out run and a post-race celebration, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off a European Marathon and see one of the continent’s most iconic cities.
Milano Marathon packages – click here.
Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris – 11/04/27
Swap one European capital city for another with the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, one of the largest marathons in the world. Taking in all of Paris’ most famous landmarks, the marathon attracts north of 50,000 runners every year and is the largest marathon outside the Abbott World Marathon Major series. Starting on the Champs Elysees in front of the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the route takes you past Place de la Bastille, Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower before you finish on the wide and spacious Avenue Foch.
We have been proud to provide packages for the Paris Marathon for a number of years and have a number of different options for how you can spend your time in Paris. All of our packages include guaranteed entry and stays in the heart of Paris close to tourist hotspots and the race start and/or finish. Plus, you get all the additional extras that make Marathon Tours & Travel packages so popular with runners, including pre-race drinks, dinner and shake-out runs, escort to the race start and post-race celebrations.
Paris Marathon packages – click here.
adidas Manchester Marathon – 18/04/27
We’re biased, but there is nothing better than the adidas Manchester Marathon as an alternative to the TCS London Marathon. Set in our home city, the race traditionally takes place the week before London and is purportedly the second most popular race in the UK and fourth most popular in Europe! Showcasing everything the UK’s cultural capital has to offer, Manchester brings its undeniable energy with crowds lining the street for the entirety of the route.
The course is a predominantly flat route, passing by some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks including Old Trafford stadium, along Deansgate and finishing in the cricket stadium made famous by numerous notable international cricket matches. Our adidas Manchester Marathon packages offer guaranteed entry to international runners, with a 4* hotel located at the centre of the city’s trendy Northern Quarter. On top of that, our packages also include all the hallmarks you can expect from Marathon Tours & Travel, with pre-race drinks, dinner and shake-out runs and a post-race celebration as well.
Manchester Marathon packages – click here.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – 23/05/27
What is better than missing out on an Abbott World Marathon Major in the TCS London Marathon and replacing it with another in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon? The newest Major in the series, Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will join the series for the first time in 2027, marking a historic moment for the city, country and continent of Africa. This race brings a fresh energy to the series as the first Marathon major in Africa, with a unique course that is simply not replicated anywhere in the world – starting in a vibrant city, passing below an iconic mountain and finishing back in the city.
Marathon Tours & Travel are proud to be the Official Tour Operator for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2027, meaning we are trusted by the race organisers to manage all of their tour operator packages. Our packages range from those made for convenience, allowing you to focus on your race, to those looking to make the most of your experience in Cape Town, with extensions and huge showcases of everything the city has to offer. All include guaranteed entry, accommodation close to the race start and/or finish and the functions, events and camaraderie that you can come to expect from MTT.
Cape Town packages – click here.
View our packages here: