
Marathons
Nothing but respect to marathon runners. This collection tracks the races worth signing up for, the ones with the good medals, the legendary courses, and the finish lines you'll remember long after your legs forgive you. We don't expect you to complete it, but we expect you to try.
Entries
- 1. Boston Marathon (Boston, MA)
The world's oldest annual marathon, held every Patriots' Day since 1897 and one of the six World Marathon Majors.
- 2. New York City Marathon (New York, NY)
The world's largest marathon by finishers, running through all five boroughs of New York City.
- 3. Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)
One of the six World Marathon Majors, known for its flat course and consistently fast finish times.
- 4. Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, D.C.)
One of the largest marathons in the US, nicknamed the People's Marathon for having no prize money.
- 5. Los Angeles Marathon (Los Angeles, CA)
Scenic 26.2-mile course running from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier along iconic LA streets.
- 6. Honolulu Marathon (Honolulu, HI)
One of the largest marathons in the world, held each December through the streets and coastline of Oahu.
- 7. Twin Cities Marathon (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN)
Scenic fall marathon connecting the two downtowns along the Mississippi River, known as the Most Beautiful Urban Marathon.
- 8. Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)
World Marathon Major known for its fast, flat loop course through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.
- 9. Walt Disney World Marathon (Orlando, FL)
Unique race running through all four Walt Disney World theme parks, drawing tens of thousands of costumed runners.
- 10. Big Sur International Marathon (Big Sur, CA)
Stunning point-to-point coastal race along Highway 1 widely regarded as one of the most scenic marathons in the world.
- 11. Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series (Various)
Nationwide marathon series featuring live bands at every mile marker, held in cities across the US.
- 12. Portland Marathon (Portland, OR)
Well-organized Pacific Northwest marathon known for its flat course, enthusiastic crowds, and runner-friendly logistics.
- 13. Seattle Marathon (Seattle, WA)
Thanksgiving weekend race with views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline.
- 14. Philadelphia Marathon (Philadelphia, PA)
Fall marathon winding past iconic landmarks including the Art Museum steps and Fairmount Park.
- 15. Houston Marathon (Houston, TX)
One of the fastest marathon courses in the country, attracting elite runners chasing qualifying times each January.
- 16. Denver Marathon (Denver, CO)
Fall race through the Mile High City with views of the Rocky Mountains and a fast, popular course.
- 17. San Francisco Marathon (San Francisco, CA)
Challenging course crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and winding through the city's iconic neighborhoods.
- 18. Vermont City Marathon (Burlington, VT)
Scenic New England race along Lake Champlain, one of the most beloved smaller marathons in the country.
- 19. Grandma's Marathon (Duluth, MN)
Point-to-point summer race along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, known for its fast course and festive atmosphere.
- 20. St. George Marathon (St. George, UT)
Lottery-entry fall race through the red rock landscapes of southern Utah, one of the fastest courses in the US.
- 21. Steamtown Marathon (Scranton, PA)
Downhill point-to-point course through the Pennsylvania hills, a favorite among runners chasing a Boston qualifier.
- 22. Missoula Marathon (Missoula, MT)
Beloved summer race through the mountain valleys of western Montana with a small-town festive atmosphere.
- 23. Avenue of the Giants Marathon (Humboldt, CA)
Iconic race run entirely through an ancient redwood forest along California's Avenue of the Giants.
- 24. Rehoboth Beach Marathon (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
Popular mid-Atlantic destination race drawing runners to the Delaware shore each December.
- 25. Mesa-Phoenix Marathon (Mesa, AZ)
Fast downhill point-to-point course in the desert Southwest, one of the top Boston qualifier races in the country.