The largest marathons by continent, as of 2016, are:
- North America: New York City
- Europe: Paris
- Asia: Tokyo International
- Africa: Soweto
- South America: Buenos Aires
- Australia: Melbourne
(Source: ARRS.)
South Africa's Comrades Marathon would be considered, but it is actually an ultramarathon.
South America has a very big Sao Silvestre race in Brazil (New Year's Eve traditionally has multiple Saint Silvester races worldwidetraditionally has multiple Saint Silvester races worldwide) but it's 15km, not a marathon, despite being listed as one in several places.