LottoRunsNon-majors · Bucket list
Bucket List Marathons (Non-Majors)
Races known for lotteries, instant sell-outs, or top runner reviews. Entry tips: join pre-sales/newsletters, consider charity bibs or travel partners, and set reminders for registration openings.
Lottery; charity bibs; sells fast
Big Sur International Marathon
California, USA
Typical timing: Late April
Coastal cliffs, Hurricane Point climb, iconic scenery.
Lottery; transfers; charity bibs; quick sell-out
Marine Corps Marathon
Washington, DC, USA
Typical timing: Late October
Monuments course, great crowd support, “People’s Marathon.”
Opens early; sells out quickly
Paris Marathon
Paris, France
Typical timing: Early April
Fast-ish course, world-class city experience, deep fields.
Sells out; limited waves
Amsterdam Marathon
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Typical timing: Mid October
Flat/fast, finishes in the Olympic Stadium, cool fall weather.
Opens October; sells out quickly
Grandma’s Marathon
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Typical timing: Mid June
Point-to-point along Lake Superior; cool temps; runner-loved.
Opens spring; sells out; popular BQ
California International Marathon (CIM)
Sacramento, California, USA
Typical timing: Early December
Net-downhill, fast BQ course, well-organized.
Lottery/ballot + charity; sells out
Two Oceans Marathon (56K)
Cape Town, South Africa
Typical timing: Easter weekend
Coastal ultramarathon with famous views; iconic event.
No cap; but travel sells out
Honolulu Marathon
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Typical timing: Mid December
Destination race, no time cutoff, warm beachfront finish.