2. Zurich Marathon

The Buzz -- Although young by any standard, this race has earned a spot among the top marathons in Europe, if not the world. Most of the activity is centered at Landiwiese, the starting and ending point of the race, where you'll find plenty of vendors offering food, beverages and merchandise, plus a children's play area; the villages and suburban communities along the race route also arrange festivities. Top contenders among the 8000 runners finish around 10:30 or 11am, and the awards ceremony is at 1:30pm.