Charting the World’s Easiest—And Most Punishing—Marathon Routes

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Source: Vizualstatistix

Unlike people, marathons are not created equal: While the distance doesn’t change—26 miles, 385 yards—the terrain does. A lot. Some courses are gentle creatures, offering level roads or mild downhill slopes. Others are brutal monsters, with steep inclines and knee-killing downgrades. These semicircular graphs put those courses on display: November’s New York City Marathon is a little bit Jekyll-and-Hyde, combining benevolent descents with sinister climbs; the equally prestigious Boston course gifts a runner with merciful downhills. And if the there-and-back Whiskey Row race in Arizona looks too hellish, head to Berlin. More than 8 miles of the run have a 0 percent grade—easier on your knees and your lungs.