If you’re hunting a PR – or that Boston qualifier – course choice matters. Flat roads, cool temps, sea-level air, and clean tangents equal free speed. Below, we break down the courses that consistently deliver.

What makes a marathon “fast”?

• Course profile: Gentle rollers are fine; big climbs aren’t. Net-downhill helps, but too steep can crush quads late.
• Elevation: Sea level (or close to it) gives you the most oxygen for the pace you want to run.
• Weather window: Cool and calm (about 45–55°F / 7–13°C) is the sweet spot. Heat, humidity, and headwinds slow everyone.
• Turns & surface: Fewer sharp turns and clean, closed roads make it easier to hold pace and run perfect tangents.
• Depth of field & logistics: Strong corrals, pacers, well-spaced aid, and predictable operations reduce friction on race day.

Record‑setting marathon courses

Berlin Marathon (Germany)  Pancake‑flat with world‑class organization and typically ideal September temps. The route through the Brandenburg Gate is iconic, but the real magic is how smooth and straight it runs-perfect for even splits and negative‑split dreams.

Chicago Marathon (USA)  Flat, fast, and electric from the first mile to the finish in Grant Park. Chicago’s wide streets and deep pacing options help you lock in early and never let go. It’s a crowd‑energy masterclass that still lets you run tangents.

TCS London Marathon (UK)  Mild spring weather, smart logistics, and a route built for rhythm. London is a bucket‑list major that doubles as a legit PR shot, especially for runners who thrive in big‑race environments.

Valencia Marathon (Spain)  Engineered for speed. The City of Arts and Sciences backdrop is stunning, and the course design minimizes momentum‑killers. Many athletes travel here specifically to run fast.

Dubai Marathon (UAE)  Extremely flat, out‑and‑back along the coast. Early‑morning winter starts can be fast-but watch heat and humidity trends on race week.

NN Marathon Rotterdam (Netherlands)  Fast, flat, and cool-Rotterdam quietly produces standout times year after year.

Other flat & fast international options to consider: Tokyo Marathon (Japan) and Milano Marathon (Italy).

PR‑friendly U.S. courses

Grandma’s Marathon (MN)  Point‑to‑point along Lake Superior with cool air and honest, rolling terrain. Excellent logistics and deep fields.

California International Marathon (CIM) (CA)  Folsom to Sacramento, net‑downhill with a fast finish by the Capitol. Deep pacing teams and outstanding odds for BQs.

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon (CA)  Ojai to Ventura with a steady drop and ocean‑air finish. A great choice if you like a gentle downhill profile.

Mohawk Hudson River Marathon (NY)  Protected bike paths, a friendly net drop, and fall temps that invite strong late‑race pacing.

Baystate Marathon (MA)  Two loops built for rhythm and tangents. Classic New England fall weather and BQ‑minded organization.

Wineglass Marathon (NY)  Scenic net‑downhill with a chilly start-great combination for late‑season PRs.

Lehigh Valley Via Marathon (PA)  A legacy PR course known for a favorable profile. (Always confirm current year details.)

REVEL Big Cottonwood (UT)  Serious downhill and serious speed-if your legs are prepared for sustained drop. Practice downhill tolerance in training.

REVEL Mt. Charleston (NV)  Very fast net‑downhill desert course; train your quads to cash in on the drop.

St. George Marathon (UT)  Big net drop, desert scenery, and crisp October air. Early miles are fast-respect the grade.

Philadelphia Marathon (PA)  Wide streets, cool temps, and a supportive crowd. A strong PR pick for late fall.

Choosing your PR course

• Profile & your strengths: Love steady turnover? Go flatter. Handle descents well? A net‑downhill might be your ace.
• Weather history: Look up average race‑day temps and wind. Pick a course with a reliable window.
• Operations & corrals: Deep fields, pacers, and clean starts reduce spikes in effort.
• Travel load: Less travel stress = better legs on race day.
• Rules & goals: Going for a PR versus a record? Many downhill courses are great for PRs but aren’t record‑eligible.

Bottom line: Nail the course, then nail the prep. Pick the environment that matches how you like to race, train specifically for that profile, and your next PR is in play.

Sources

1. The Top 15 Fastest Marathons In The World
2. Sea Level to Altitude Running: Detailed Guide and Pace Impacts
3. The record‑breaking course of the BMW BERLIN‑MARATHON
4. Berlin Marathon Course Map | Watch Athletics
5. World Record! Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya Runs 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon
6. 13 Fastest Marathons in the U.S.
7. Valencia Marathon: 2nd fastest men’s and women’s race in the world
8. Fastest time to run the Dubai Marathon (male)
9. Rotterdam Marathon – Wikipedia
10. Event info – NN Marathon Rotterdam
11. The 2025 Grandma’s Marathon Course Guide – Run Ready AI
12. Why is the Grandma’s Marathon so popular? – r/running