The year 2020 is just around the corner, and more importantly, there are a lot of sporting events to look out for, ranging from the Australian Open, IIHF World Championship, UEFA Champions League, Commonwealth Games, Tour de France, Wimbledon, Paralympics, to name but a few.
With that being said, the aim of this article is to reveal to you some of the Major World Marathons scheduled for 2020 and their tentative dates. They include the following:
Major World Marathons in 2020 and their dates
1. Boston Marathon (20th April 2020)
The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world. It was first organized 122 years ago (April 1897), with only fifteen runners. It is usually held on the third Monday of the Month of April.
The race now boasts of over 30,000 runners and 20,000+ finishers, running from Hopkinton in southern Middlesex County to Boston’s Copley Square.
That’s not all; it is worthy to state that this marathon attracts more than 500,000 spectators year in year out, which makes it one of the most widely viewed sporting events in England.
2. London Marathon (26th April 2020)
The London Marathon is a long-distance running event that takes place in London, United Kingdom. The event started on 29th March 1981 (approximately 38 years ago) and has ever since then grown to become one of the best all-round marathons in the world.
Part of the things that distinguish the competition from most other marathons is that potential participants usually find it difficult to get a spot in the race via the public ballot. Record has it that over 400,000 entrants apply every year, while only 17,000 or thereabout eventually ends up on the start line through the ballot.
More importantly, it will interest you to know that the running event is religiously watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators, not forgetting that it also features some best runners in the world, including the world record holder Eliud Kipchoge. Eliud has won 4 out of the past 5 London Marathon.
3. Rock’n’Roll Madrid Marathon (26th April 2020)
Rock’n’Roll Madrid Marathon is a yearly marathon race held in Madrid, Spain every April. The event was first organized back in 1978 and has become one of the major running events not just in Spain but Europe at large.
Just as New York marathon, London marathon, Berlin marathon and other major running events, the Rock’n’Roll Madrid Marathon is classified as a Gold Label Race by the International Athletics Federation while the European Athletics Running for All also certifies it to be a 5-star Quality Road Race by.
Having said that, it is equally worthy of letting you know that the race features more than 30,000 runners, with support from over 500,000 spectators and a live performance by professional band groups.
4. Berlin Marathon (27th September 2020)
The Berlin Marathon is among the six World Marathon Majors and is often categorized as one of the best road marathons in the world. The history of this event could be traced to 1974, when it was first held in Berlin, Germany’s capital. A lot of companies sponsor this event, such as Giti Tire in 2019.
For the past couple of years, the Berlin Marathon is being held in September, especially on the last weekend. The event receives over 40,000 runners (both professional athletes and newbies), with a whopping 42+ kilometres official marathon distance.
Based on research, the estimated number of spectators is up to 1 million, with a prize purse about $400,000+ and Time/record bonus over $200,000.
5. New York City Marathon (1st November 2020)
The New York City Marathon is an epic marathon that spans through the five boroughs of New York City. It attracts over 90,000 applicants and 50,000+ finishers annually, making it the biggest marathon in the world.
The official marathon distance of this event is about 42+ kilometres. Some of the key areas to run through include the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Central Park.
One thing about the New York City Marathon is that it has a large supporter base. It boasts of millions of spectators to help scream for and cheer up their favourite runners for a more sensational atmosphere.
With that being said, it might interest you to know that this running event is a very challenging course as it draws much strength. In fact, it is rated among the most challenges courses of the major Marathons. Finishing strong in the marathon requires solid and meticulous race strategy alongside utmost patience.
6. Valencia Marathon (6th December 2020)
The Valencia Marathon is an annual marathon organized by SD Correcaminos Valencia sports club in Valencia City, Spain. It was first held in 1981 (approximately 38 years ago) and is currently rated among the leading Road Races in Spain with the IAAF Gold Label.
There are a lot of factors that make this road running event worthwhile, particularly for PB-seekers. The foremost is that the course features no hills and the roads to run through are mostly wide and straight. This significantly reduces the risk of decelerating for any bottleneck, especially when considering that the race features only 20,000 runners.
In addition to the above, it might excite you to know that the Valencia Marathon is held early December – a period where the city usually has lower temperature and little chances of rain that could’ve been a major threat for the runners.
Furthermore, the Valencia Marathon eliminates the lottery of ballot entry as interested participants are only required to sign up online, unlike many other prominent marathons like Berlin, London and New York.
SOME OTHER WORLD MARATHONS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2020 (AND THEIR TENTATIVE DATES)
- Tokyo Marathon (1st March 2020)
- Midnight Sun Marathon (Norway) (20th June 2020)
- Loch Ness Marathon (4th October 2020)
- Chicago Marathon (11th October 2020)
- Frankfurt Marathon (25th October 2020)
- Athens Marathon (8th November 2020)
WRAPPING UP
Having known some of the Major World Marathons in 2020 and the tentative date for each race, it is important we highlight certain benefits you tend to gain when you participate in such rigorous activity.
The first is that it is beneficial to physical health as it helps in improving cardiovascular function, burning calories, boosting blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.
That aside, marathon also allows you to discover new places, reduces stress, boosts confidence, gives you a feeling of accomplishment and the host of other benefits.
However, if you want to be a top finisher in any marathon race, it is very crucial you remain physically fit as it helps in determining the extent to which you will perform throughout the event. Here are a few tips for staying fit:
- Get enough sleep; ideally 7 – 8 hours a day.
- Reduce your sugar intake.
- Incorporate more physical exercises into your daily routine and stick to it. Do it for at least 20 minutes a day.
- Drink enough water daily; ideally 1.5 to 2 litres.
- Cut back on unhealthy snacks and replace them with fruits and vegetables, high in fibre.
- Eat foods with a low glycemic index.
- Avoid over-sitting; stand up at least every hour.
- Reduce stress levels to the barest minimum.
- Visit your physician regularly for a checkup.
