Top 29 Best Marathons in the USA: 26 Miles Around the Country
Looking to make good on your long distance running goals? And combine that drive with the opportunity to witness some exciting new places across the country from the most unique and active perspective? Then check out these top 29 best marathons in the USA! Regardless of how many of these racing events you participate in, each one is guaranteed to be an exceptional destination “runcation” experience! From big city energy to rural back road serenity, the courses of these 29 best USA marathons will have you hooked!
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Table of Contents
The Top 29 Best Marathons in the USA
These are the best marathon courses in the country to experience an epic “runcation” at, with these 29 best marathons USA style!
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Map of the 29 Best Marathons in the US
Use this map below to see the locations of all 29 of the best marathons in the United States. As you can see, there is something for everyone, and a destination worth running in in every corner of the country! Just imagine all the new things you can see running these destination courses!
Locations of the 29 best marathons in the United States!
#1: Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon
When: June
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Surrounding Attractions: Cook Inlet, Chugach Mountains, Anchorage, hiking
Best For: Destination runners, outdoor lovers, small towners, animal lovers
A marathon to highlight the longest day in summer, the summer solstice. That is what this running event is based around. In addition to this festive environment, runners will get to enjoy classic Alaskan views, including a backdrop of Denali, as well as a taste of this small town, rural, Alaskan town.
More information on the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon
#2: Run Crazy Horse Marathon
When: October
Location: Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills, South Dakota
Surrounding Attractions: Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Elk Peak in the Black Hills, Wind Cave National Park, Badlands National Park (check out this road trip itinerary for BOTH National Parks)
Best For: outdoor lovers, history buffs, National Parks, Monuments, and State Parks
The mantra of this marathon is Black Hills beauty. And that’s exactly what type of scenery to expect on this run. The Black Hills Wilderness is one of the most unique areas of the country, with rolling hills, mountain peaks, and craggy spires. Not to mention the overload of outdoor opportunities to enjoy when you are not running, such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, hiking the state high point at Black Elk Peak, Wind Cave National Park, and Badlands National Park!
This course takes place in the shadow of one of the nation’s most impressive memorials, the Crazy Horse Memorial.
After the race, check out this South Dakota National Parks itinerary to see both of this state’s twin National Parks!
More information on the Run Crazy Horse Marathon
#3: Rock and Roll New Orleans Marathon
When: March
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Surrounding Attractions: the French Quarter, Garden Districts, Mississippi River, Cafe Du Monde, museums
Best For: big city runners, southern charm and high energy, southern architecture appreciators, jazz culturists
Run through some of the most iconic areas of New Orleans, like the French Quarter and Garden District, as well as passing by some iconic sights like the Mississippi River! This course is full of energy and enthusiasm, due to its accompanying Mardi Gras season, and really embraces the character of the south, and specifically, the unique personality of New Orleans!
Afterwards, there is a never ending spread of distinctive things to do, from sampling Cajun cuisine, to touring the WWII Museum, to taking in a jazz show, to strolling some of the best architecture in the South.
More information on the Rock and Roll New Orleans Marathon
#4: Rock and Roll Nashville Marathon
When: November
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Surrounding Attractions: downtown Nashville and country music establishments
Best For: country music junkies, big city runners, high energy and southern charm
This marathon is full of live country music, running the friendly streets of Nashville in high energy fashion! Afterwards, soak up more of the southern attitude with a multitude of southern restaurants and live music bars.
More information on the Rock and Roll Nashville Marathon
#5: Missoula Marathon
When: June
Where: Missoula, Montana
Surrounding Attractions: hiking, rafting, downtown Missoula
Best For: rural outdoor runners, wide open spaces, backcountry enthusiasts, small towners
Stunning rural scenery that highlights the best of Montana, on a mostly flat course filled with friendly spectators. This race does a great job of balancing Montana’s backcountry views with Missoula’s small town and friendly feel! Just like the logo says, if you want to run wild, this is the place! And this marathon is also a Boston qualifier.
More information on the Missoula Marathon
#6: Route 66 Marathon
When: November
Where: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Surrounding Attractions: downtown Tulsa, Brookside District, Arkansas River
Best For: Americana, history buffs
This marathon route provides runners a glimpse of Tulsa, a city that may not be at the top of everyone’s mind when they think of destination race locations, but a city that is still rooted in unique Midwest history. This course winds through several of Tulsa’s quaint neighborhoods, its bustling Brookside District, and skirts the banks of the serene Arkansas River. And of course, you’ll have a chance to run on Route 66 itself, a unique way to partake in this part of American history. Live music and friendly local spectators line this course adding to the charming character of this race. This is also another Boston Qualifier marathon.
More information on the Route 66 Marathon
#7: Amica Newport Marathon
When: October
Where: Newport, Rhode Island
Surrounding Attractions: beaches, downtown Newport
Best For: beach lovers, historical neighborhood runners, seaside towns
This race sums up the best of coastal New England vibes, on a course that traces along sunny beaches, historical homes, serene state parks, and historical buildings with roots in the Revolutionary era. This multi-faceted race gives runners a glimpse of everything that makes the New England region quintessential. And just as an added bonus, the finish line is seaside, so you can relax with your hard working toes in the sand after your run!
More information on the Amica Newport Marathon
#8: Kaua’i Marathon
When: September
Where: Kaua’i Marathon
Surrounding Attractions: beaches, resorts, outdoor opportunities, Waimea Canyon, National Tropical Botanical Garden
Best For: beach and jungle enthusiasts, resort life, warm weather runners
This marathon courses through stunning Hawaiian coastlines, with accompanying jungle and volcanic peak views. There is a significant climb on this course, but the payoff is getting to run through the iconic “Tunnel of Trees”, as well as being treated to coastline views from above as you descend towards the finish line at one of the island’s best beaches at Poipu.
More information on the Kaua’i Marathon
#9: Rock and Roll Las Vegas Marathon
When: November
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Surrounding Attractions: casinos, nightlife, the Strip, and Valley of Fire State Park
Best For: nightlife, high energy, and nighttime runners
This marathon is unique, in that it takes place at night on the Las Vegas Strip, which is arguably the best time to witness the lights and energy of this environment. This marathon actually closes down the Strip, so you have this iconic course all to yourself, with your fellow runners of course, without the cars and traffic. This course is energized from start to finish, true to Las Vegas style!
More information on the Rock and Roll Las Vegas Marathon
#10: Cowtown Marathon
When: February
Where: Fort Worth, Texas
Surrounding Attractions: downtown Fort Worth, historic Stockyards, Dallas
Best For: western heritage, big city vibes and high energy
Run through historic downtown Fort Worth and experience its western roots at the Stockyards, and historic neighborhoods and homes! This course is a beloved tradition with Texas runners, and is heralded as one of the top races in the state of Texas, as well as across the country! It is big on spectator energy and runner morale, for those that appreciate the high energy races!
After the race, check out some of the area’s best state parks for camping and hiking near Fort Worth!
More information on the Cowtown Marathon
#11: San Francisco Marathon
When: November
Where: San Francisco, California
Surrounding Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, California coastline, Alcatraz
Best For: iconic landmarks, hilly courses, ocean views, high energy courses and big city appreciators
This course takes full advantage of one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, the Golden Gate Bridge, and its surrounding city and ocean-scapes provide a stunning, one of a kind background and racing experience. Don’t just glimpse the Golden Gate Bridge, actually appreciate the rare opportunity to run across it on this race! The remainder of the course will also have you appreciating San Francisco’s characteristic hills and neighborhoods!
More information on the San Francisco Marathon
#12: Big Sur Marathon
When: November
Where: Big Sur, California
Surrounding Attractions: California oceanside and beaches, coastal towns
Best For: ocean views, beach runners
Run along historic Highway 1 on the edge of California, with miles and miles of epic coastline views! From Big Sur to Carmel, this course takes advantage of some of California’s best scenery. It is also a Boston qualifier!
More information on the Big Sur Marathon
#13: Walt Disney World Marathon
When: January
Where: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Surrounding Attractions: Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom
Best For: Disney fanatics, whimsical courses, high spectator energy and involvement
According to this race, this is the most “enchanting” course in the country, and for good reason! Imagine running alongside scores of costumed spectators and fellow runners alike, in a race that appreciates all things Disney! There are few events with more childlike fun and imagination that participating in a Disney marathon!
More information on the Walt Disney World Marathon
#14: Carlsbad 5000 Marathon
When: September
Where: Carlsbad, California
Surrounding Attractions: Legoland, Botanic Gardens, beaches, downtown Carlsbad, oceanside towns, Carlsbad State Park
Best For: coastline runners, ocean views
This race has been around for over 30 years, and is cherished as an iconic California race! Loads of the distinct California sun, ocean views, and miles of coastline! This course also provides a good dose of spectator energy in the town of Carlsbad.
More information on the Carlsbad 5000 Marathon
#15: Boston Marathon
When: September
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
Surrounding Attractions: historical landmarks, buildings, and architecture, Boston Harbor, sporting venues and events, downtown Boston
Best For: history junkies, iconic courses, bucketlist runners, qualifiers
Arguably one of the most well known races and courses in the world, the Boston Marathon should be at the top of every long distance runner’s bucket list! It is the oldest annual marathon event in the world, and draws runners from all over the world for an epic experience of runner morale! The course winds through the historic areas of Boston, and passes by iconic establishments like Boston College as it winds towards the harbor.
More information on the Boston Marathon
#16: Chicago Marathon
When: October
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Surrounding Attractions: Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago, museums, restaurants, sporting venues
Best For: big city runners, high energy, historic landmarks and architecture, harbor views and cityscapes
Big city energy, lots of visual stimulation, and amazing scenery of both the surrounding lakeshore and Chicago landmarks! This is a flat and fast course that starts and finishes in beautiful Grants Park, and passes through a multitude of Chicago neighborhoods, each filled to the brim with enthusiastic and supportive spectators!
More information on the Chicago Marathon
#17: New York City Marathon
When: November
Where: New York City, New York
Surrounding Attractions: downtown NYC, museums, nightlife, restaurants, historical landmarks and tours, city parks, Statue of Liberty, Central Park
Best For: big city runners, high energy, history buffs, iconic landmark appreciators
New York is full of things to appreciate as a “runcation” destination! There’s the history you are bound to see, with museums, landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and classic neighborhoods. Some of the best city parks in the world reside here in NYC also! There is a lot to appreciate here both on the course and off. This classic marathon draws scores of runners from across the globe, making this an event full of comraderie! Over a million runners have crossed the finish line of this race since its creation, with tens of thousands of finishers each year, billing this as one of the world’s largest marathon events.
More information on the New York City Marathon
#18: Pikes Peak Marathon
When: August
Where: Pikes Peak, Colorado
Surrounding Attractions: Mountain towns, hiking, mountaineering, outdoor opportunities, Manitou Falls, Colorado Springs
Best For: backcountry and outdoor appreciators, uphill trail runners, high elevation runners
The Pikes Peak Ascent Marathon is one of the most challenging marathons in the country. Get ready for some rugged trail running on Barr Trail, and exhilarating uphills climbs, with some awesome rewarding views of Pike National Forest! Colorado is famous for its 14’er peaks, and on this race, you actually get to run up one of the state’s most famous ones at Pikes Peak! Uphill and high elevation training go far on this race, if you can make that happen! When you are finished with this grueling feat, explore charming Manitou Falls, the mountain town that hosts this event.
More information on the Pikes Peak Marathon
#19: Couer d’ Alene Marathon
When: May
Where: Couer d’ Alene, Idaho
Surrounding Attractions: hiking and outdoor opportunities, Couer D’ Alene National Forest
Best For: rural runners, backcountry and outdoor appreciators
Held in the far northwestern sliver of Idaho, this race gets runners away from it all, and provides an opportunity to run in a rugged setting that will get you back at one with nature at its finest. Stunning backcountry views of rugged Idaho, with a majority lake views along the course, and plenty of outdoor opportunities and small town charm to take part in when the race is done!
More information on the Coeur d’ Alene Marathon
#20: Fargo Marathon
When: May
Where: Fargo, North Dakota
Surrounding Attractions: downtown Fargo, outdoor opportunities, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Red River Valley
Best For: outdoor appreciators, scenic view runners, small town charmers
This marathon takes advantage of a great rural setting, surrounded by stellar outdoor sights. The course is fast and flat, and winds through charming and quaint historic neighborhoods in Fargo. The course is also filled with live music, bands, and plenty of energy, making this a fun and energetic environment set in the heart of North Dakota.
More information on the Fargo Marathon
#21: Philadelphia Marathon
When: November
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Surrounding Attractions: historical buildings and landmarks, downtown Philadelphia, museums
Best For: history buffs, big city runners
Run past Philadelphia’s rich history, old neighborhoods, and scenic, extensive, waterfront, on this flat, fast, spectator filled, city course! Runners will see historical sights like Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, Love Park, Friendship Gate, the U.S. Mint, City Hall, and Main Street.
More information on the Philadelphia Marathon
#22: Marine Corps Marathon
When: October
Where: Arlington, Virginia
Surrounding Attractions: Washington D.C, Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, White House, National Mall, museums, historical icons and landmarks
Best For: history junkies, armed services
This race is organized by the men and women of the United States Marine Corps, and serves to honor those who have sacrificed their service. The start line of the course is situated by the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, passes by the National Mall, and then finishes at the Marine Corps War Memorial. This course will take you past some of the most recognizable and significant historical monuments in the country.
More information on the Marine Corps Marathon
#23: Hatfield McCoy Marathon
When: June
Where: Goody, Kentucky
Surrounding Attractions: outdoor opportunities, small mountain towns
Best For: rural small towners, rural runners
Enjoy a fun, hilly run through the rural backcountry of Kentucky, past old coal camps and the region where the Hatfield McCoy feud actually took place, past the homestead of Randolph McCoy and gravesites of his relatives, and the home of Reverend Anderson Hatfield. This course also passes mountains, rivers, and small rural towns along the way.
More information on the Hatfield McCoy Marathon
24: Honolulu Marathon
When: December
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
Surrounding Attractions: beaches, outdoor opportunities, hiking, resorts, island tours, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach
Best For: beach and ocean views, jungle scenery
This mostly flat course combines all the best things about Honolulu, from its vibrant and thriving downtown, to Waikiki Beach, to its scenic harbor, to its lush oceanside parks, to its stunning monuments like Diamond Head.
More information on the Honolulu Marathon
#25: Niagara Falls International Marathon
When: October
Where: Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York/Canada
Surrounding Attractions: Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo
Best For: scenic runners
This unique race starts in one country, and finishes in another! If you have ever wanted to fully appreciate the magnificent sight of Niagara Falls, enjoy it from the finish line of this event, in Canada! Enjoy the charming neighborhoods of downtown Buffalo, New York, before crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada, and onto Niagara Falls! This race is also a Boston Qualifier.
More information on the Niagara Falls International Marathon
#26: Flying Pig Marathon
When: October
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
Surrounding Attractions: downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati Zoo, Ohio River
Best For: city runners and big energy
This race represents quintessential urban Ohio. In its own humble way, this big city race has a course that weaves through charming, historic neighborhoods, quaint parks, riverfront views of the Ohio, and other local sights. The spectators on this course provide a big boost, and are one of the main reasons this fun event is on the list!
More information on the Flying Pig Marathon
#27: St. George Marathon
When: October
Where: St. George, Utah
Surrounding Attractions: National Parks, outdoor opportunities, mountain towns
Best For: rural, backcountry runners, outdoor appreciators, red rock junkies
If a red rock backdrop is your preferred scenery of choice for marathon running, then the St. George Marathon is a perfect fit for your destination race! This is a majority flat and fast race, through some of the best southwestern scenery in the state! Start in the Pine Valley mountains, and continue to run through Snow Canyon, Diamond Valley, Dammeron Valley, and each of their respective and impressive scenery. After the race, enjoy the distinctive Utah flair of the mountain town of St. George, and all the further outdoor opportunities it offers.
Bonus – you can’t go wrong with checking out any of Utah’s National Parks as well while you’re in the area, including my favorite, Arches National Park!
More information on the St. George Marathon
#28: Twin Cities Marathon
When: October
Where: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Surrounding Attractions: downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul
Best For: urban runners, big city energy, river and lake views
Experience the twin experience of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, on this beautiful urban marathon event. A flat race, that starts in Minneapolis and finishes in St. Paul, and passes along several serene lakes, both sides of the iconic Mississippi River, and sprawling urban landscape of both these twin cities. It’s a great sampling of the northern heritage of the U.S.
More information on the Twin Cities Marathon
#29: Napa Valley Marathon
When: March
Where: Napa Valley, California
Surrounding Attractions: Napa Valley, wineries, outdoor opportunities
Best For: countryside and rural runners, small towns and winery appreciators, outdoor enthusiasts
According to this marathon slogan, runners have the chance to “run, sip, and savor” along this extremely scenic Napa Valley countryside. This course follows the famous Silverado Trail, from Calistoga to Napa, passing numerous vineyards and wineries along the way. There’s plenty of outdoor opportunities and places to relax afterwards, and is a great destination race for those looking to knock off some reputable wineries from their bucketlist.
More information on the Napa Valley Marathon
There you have it! The 29 best marathons in the USA, encompassing every aspect of long distance running that a runner could want! Whether you are a big city or small town runner, mountain or ocean viewer, or a combination in between, committing to training for and running a marathon in any of these destinations will be a challenge you never regret taking on! Conquer all 29 best marathons in the USA with this straightforward training plan!
Download your own 16 Week Marathon Training Calendar HERE!
- Need help planning the perfect destination “runcation” at any of these 29 best marathons in the USA, perfectly suited for you? Follow these 3 steps to planning a perfect destination race experience!
Now that you know where running can take you, are you ready to get started training?
- If you are looking for some guidance, everything you need can be found in this one stop 16 week marathon training calendar, filled with expert advice from over a decade of personal and proven experience!
- Not quite ready to bite off a full marathon? Check out this list of the top half marathons in the USA!
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