Marathons mean something different to every runner – maybe it’s your first finish, the race where you hit the wall and pushed through, or the one where the brutal weather wouldn’t quit. There’s no single way to rank them by experience, because every race tells its own story.
For this guide to the best marathons in the US, I’ve focused on what runners nationwide keep coming back to: the most popular, memorable, and well-reviewed races across all 50 states. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier or looking for a scenic bucket-list course, these are the marathons that define running in America.
What are the Best Marathons In Each State?
The best marathons in the US are:
Alabama – BHM26.2
Hoover, AL | Oct 5, 2025
Course Type: Urban with rolling hills
Elevation Gain: 1222 feet (372m)
Participants: 185 Finishers (2025)
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BHM26.2 is Alabama’s only marathon that donates every dollar of profit to charity, supporting the Magic Moments foundation for children. The course winds through Hoover’s residential streets with a mix of gentle hills and flat stretches, giving runners a true feel for central Alabama terrain. What makes it stand out is the strong local support and the sense of community that comes from running a race built entirely around giving back.
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Alaska – Skagway Marathon
Skagway, AK | Jun 28, 2025
Course Type: Hilly, Road
Participants: 23 Finishers (2025)
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The Skagway Marathon is a rare out-and-back route that blends ocean, forest, and glacier views in one brutal stretch. Runners start in historic Skagway, run past the Taiya River trestle, dive into Sitka spruce woods, and climb into West Creek Valley – eventually catching sight of the West Creek Glacier framed by sharp peaks. The shift from road to rougher terrain and the dramatic Alaskan backdrop make it more of an expedition than a typical city marathon.
→ Discover more great marathons in Alaska
Arizona – Mesa Marathon
Mesa, AZ | Feb 14, 2026
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 288 feet (87m)
Participants: 3,192 Finishers (2025)
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Mesa Marathon is known for its net downhill profile, shedding nearly 1,000 feet from start to finish, which draws runners chasing fast times. The route begins under the iconic white Phoenix sign on Usery Mountain, then winds through desert terrain and veers into Mesa’s neighborhoods lined with cacti and citrus groves. Because the finish sits along the Salt River at Riverview Park, the final stretch delivers a blend of urban and natural scenery that sets it apart from purely city-center routes.
→ Discover more great marathons in Arizona
Arkansas – Arkansas Marathon
Booneville, AR | Oct 12, 2024
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 1144 feet (348m)
Participants: 14 Finishers (2024)
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This race feels rooted. It runs out and back through stretches bordering Ouachita and Ozark National Forest, with wildlife sightings common – deer, turkey, even rabbits. Parking is easy, the crowd is light, and the rural backdrop gives you space to breathe.
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California – California International Marathon
Folsom, CA | Dec 7, 2025
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 663 feet (202m)
Participants: 8,371 Finishers (2024)
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CIM is famous for its net-downhill, point-to-point layout from Folsom Dam into Sacramento’s Capitol area, making it one of the faster courses in the U.S. The route passes through six municipalities and over 50 neighborhoods, shifting from suburbs into tree-lined stretches along the American River. In fall you see vivid foliage framed against city streets, and in recent years the event has upped its sustainability efforts – recycling, composting, and cutting plastic waste are baked into race operations.
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Colorado – Denver Colfax Marathon
Denver, CO | May 17, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 693 feet (211m)
Participants: 2,276 Finishers (2025)
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The Denver Colfax Marathon captures everything about running at altitude without making it miserable. The course passes through Denver’s landmarks, including Empower Field, the Denver Zoo, and a fire station where runners weave through the trucks mid-race. It’s one of the few marathons that takes you through a mix of city parks, neighborhoods, and riverside paths, offering a true snapshot of Denver life at a mile high.
→ Discover more great marathons in Colorado
Connecticut – Hartford Marathon
Hartford, CT | Oct 11, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 754 feet (229m)
Participants: 1,647 Finishers (2024)
Price: Check Here
The Hartford Marathon starts and finishes under the grand Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park, giving it one of the most striking start lines in New England. The route follows the Connecticut River, crossing over multiple bridges and winding through historic towns lined with colonial homes and fall foliage. Cool October air and the flat, steady course make it a favorite for runners chasing a personal best without the chaos of a major city race.
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Delaware – Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon
Rehoboth Beach, DE | Dec 6, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 261 feet (79m)
Participants: 886 Finishers (2024)
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Much of the course is flat and fast, but the stretch through Cape Henlopen State Park introduces soft sand and gentle rise that tempers speed potential. Half the race is gravel or packed crushed-stone trail rather than pavement, making footing unpredictable in places. The out-and-back section on a narrow trail can feel tight, especially when marathoners and half-marathoners converge late in the race. At mile 22, runners pass under a tunnel strung with flags from different states – a small symbolic nod to how many use this as a “state count” race. The after-party is unusually generous, with local beer, real food, and a lively DJ setting a festive mood despite December chills.
→ Discover more great marathons in Delaware
Florida – Town of Celebration Marathon
Celebration, FL | Jan 25, 2026
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 217 feet (66m)
Participants: 375 Finishers (2025)
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The Town of Celebration Marathon feels more like running through a film set than a typical road race. Designed by Disney, the town’s pastel homes, boardwalks, and lakeside paths give the course a nostalgic, almost storybook feel. The humidity can be tricky, but the early start and shaded trails keep it manageable. What really defines this race is its quirky charm – spectators sip coffee on their porches, and you finish surrounded by palm trees and small-town calm just minutes from the bustle of Orlando.
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Georgia – Atlanta Marathon
Atlanta, GA | Feb 28, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 1370 feet (417m)
Participants: 1,941 Finishers (2025)
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The Atlanta Marathon is defined by its hills – relentless, rolling, and honest. It’s a course that forces pacing discipline as it winds through neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Midtown. Runners pass landmarks from the Olympic Centennial Park to the BeltLine, getting a crash course in Atlanta’s topography and culture. The mix of urban grit, tree-lined streets, and sharp elevation changes gives it a tougher, more character-building feel than most city marathons.
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Hawaii – Maui Oceanfront Marathon
Lahaina, HI | Jan 18, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 166 Finishers
Participants: 251 Finishers (2025)
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The Maui Oceanfront Marathon delivers some of the most dramatic scenery of any U.S. race. The route hugs the coastline between Wailea and Lahaina, with runners watching the sun rise over Haleakalā and whales breaching offshore during winter months. It’s hot, humid, and unforgiving at times, but the sound of waves and the endless ocean backdrop make it feel more like a moving postcard than a road race.
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Idaho – Coeur d’Alene Marathon
Coeur d’Alene, ID | May 24, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 786 feet (239m)
Participants: 412 Finishers (2025)
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What makes the Coeur d’Alene Marathon stand out is how quiet it feels. The course runs along Lake Coeur d’Alene, and for long stretches, you can hear little more than your footsteps and the wind coming off the water. The town itself has a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe – runners grab coffee on the lakefront before the start and finish among evergreens and sailboats. It’s less about chasing a PR and more about settling into the rhythm of Idaho’s mountain calm.
→ Discover more great marathons in Idaho
Illinois – Quad Cities Marathon
Moline, IL | Sep 27, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 511 feet (155m)
Participants: 540 Finishers (2025)
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The Quad Cities Marathon covers two states, four cities, and five bridges, making it one of the more varied urban courses in the Midwest. The race starts in downtown Moline, crosses the Mississippi River into Iowa, loops through Bettendorf and Davenport, then heads back to Illinois. Runners tackle the Arsenal Bridge, a military drawbridge that rumbles underfoot, and pass through quiet riverfront parks before finishing alongside the water. The constant switch between city streets, industrial stretches, and open river views gives the race a rhythm that never feels repetitive.
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Indiana – Carmel Marathon
Carmel, IN | Apr 18, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 525 feet (160m)
Participants: 1,451 Finishers (2024)
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The Carmel Marathon winds through one of Indiana’s most polished suburban areas, mixing downtown streets with paved greenways lined by budding trees each spring. The start and finish sit in the city’s Arts & Design District, where runners pass murals, galleries, and roundabouts that make the course feel distinctively local. Elevation changes are mild but constant, creating just enough variation to keep things interesting without breaking rhythm. The race’s early-April timing often brings cool weather and the smell of fresh rain on the pavement – ideal conditions for steady running.
→ Discover more great marathons in Indiana
Iowa – Wabash Trace Nature Marathon
Shenandoah, IA | Sep 13, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 667 feet (203m)
Participants: 45 Finishers (2025)
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Most of the route runs on a crushed-limestone rail-trail that follows quiet farmland and wooded corridors, giving a steady, shaded rhythm to the miles. About 90 percent of the course is on the converted Wabash Trace Nature Trail, and old railroad trestles span minor creeks along the way. The turn at Imogene is a subtle shift before retracing your steps, and the finish returns you to downtown Shenandoah — it’s more “trail in the Midwest” than urban spectacle.
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Kansas – Salina Crossroads Marathon
Salina, KS | Nov 8, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 384 feet (117m)
Participants: 442 Finishers (2024)
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The Salina Crossroads Marathon is celebrated for its flat and fast double-loop course that threads through downtown Salina, with just enough subtle undulations to keep things honest. It’s USATF certified and a Boston qualifier, with a reputation for speed. What gives it local flavor is the pre-race “electric guitar” style national anthem, and an antique car leading the first stretch, both nods to the community’s embrace of quirky race traditions. At the finish, runners often find local DJs, murals, and food trucks anchoring the festival feel right in Salina’s heart.
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Kentucky – Hatfield McCoy Marathon
South Williamson, KY | Jun 13, 2026
Course Type: Hilly
Participants: 181 Finishers (2025)
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The Hatfield McCoy Marathon runs through the rugged hills along the Kentucky–West Virginia border, tracing the old feud country of the same name. The course starts in Williamson, crosses a state line three times, and winds past family cemeteries, coal towns, and mountain hollows that haven’t changed much in decades. Blackberry bushes line the road in June, and locals often hand out cold rags and watermelon slices near the halfway point. It’s hilly, humid, and rooted in Appalachian storytelling.
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Louisiana – Louisiana Marathon
Baton Rouge, LA | Jan 18, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 373 feet (113m)
Participants: 1,224 Finishers (2025)
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The Louisiana Marathon captures Baton Rouge at its most colorful, with oak-lined streets, live jazz, and the smell of crawfish boils drifting from front yards. The course starts near the State Capitol and winds past LSU’s lakes, where mist rises off the water on cool January mornings. Runners cross quiet neighborhoods with moss-draped trees and finish downtown to a festival atmosphere filled with Cajun food and local music. It’s a marathon that blends southern hospitality with a touch of Mardi Gras energy – distinctly Louisiana from start to finish.
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Maine – Maine Marathon
Portland, ME | Oct 5, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 858 feet (261m)
Participants: 1,176 Finishers (2025)
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The Maine Marathon follows a scenic out-and-back route from Portland’s Back Cove to Yarmouth, starting flat before shifting into a series of rolling hills around mile six. The course mixes quiet residential stretches with sections that open up to ocean views and bursts of fall color. The cool October air, tree-lined roads, and steady elevation changes make it a race that rewards patience early and strong pacing late. Aid stations and crowd energy pick up near the turnaround, and the run back into Portland feels fast and satisfying, especially with the city skyline waiting at the finish.
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Maryland – Salisbury Marathon
Salisbury, MD | Apr 4, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 367 feet (111m)
Participants: 255 Finishers (2025)
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The Salisbury Marathon is unusually flat and straightforward — nearly every mile stays at the same gentle grade, making it a strong pick for anyone aiming for a personal best or a Boston qualifier. The full and half courses follow the same path for about 10.8 miles before diverging, giving you the option to bail into the half if needed. Free downtown parking and race shuttles reduce pre-race stress. In later miles, the course passes through quiet country roads with brief flashes of river crossings and open fields. Swells of wind sometimes come in the second half, reminding runners that even flat courses have surprises.
→ Discover more great marathons in Maryland
Massachusetts – Baystate Marathon
Lowell, MA | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 507 feet (154m)
Participants: 1,078 Finishers (2024)
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Baystate Marathon runs a double-loop route along the Merrimack River in Lowell, with only a handful of bridge crossings as its modest elevation changes. Its reputation as one of the fastest courses in the Northeast comes from its openness and consistency – more than a quarter of finishers typically qualify for Boston. The race is volunteer-run and emphasizes a clean, runner-focused experience, with the local running club funneling proceeds into community programs and youth development.
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Michigan – Detroit Free Press Marathon
Detroit, MI | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 388 feet (118m)
Participants: 3,659 Finishers (2024)
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This marathon is one of the few in the U.S. that crosses international borders — you run over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada early, then return through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel for an “underwater mile.” The middle miles take you through Detroit’s neighborhoods like Indian Village, where tree-lined streets bring seasonal color and locals line the sidewalks. The course stays mostly flat, with the bridge and tunnel segments providing the only real elevation surprises.
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Minnesota – Grandmas Marathon
Duluth, MN | Jun 20, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 557 feet (169m)
Participants: 7,542 Finishers (2025)
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The course runs point to point from Two Harbors to Duluth along Lake Superior’s North Shore, offering early miles of forested lake views before opening into wide water vistas. Gentle rollers pepper the route, but the stretch near mile 22 dubbed “Lemon Drop Hill” brings a sudden surge just when fatigue sets in. Crowd support becomes more consistent late in the race, especially in residential Duluth, and many note how the finish in Canal Park – with views of the Aerial Lift Bridge – feels like a payoff after miles of solitude.
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Mississippi – Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Biloxi, MS | Dec 14, 2025
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 140 feet (42m)
Participants: 615 Finishers (2024)
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The coast defines this race. The route runs from Pass Christian into Biloxi, tracing a flat, straight line along the Gulf highway for many miles. Expect humidity and occasional headwinds to muscle into your rhythm. Around mile 24, there’s a ramped overpass – subtle on paper but tiring after 24 miles. The finish lands you in the baseball stadium; the climb in feels tough after long miles, but the stadium atmosphere brings it home.
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Missouri – Greater St. Louis Marathon
St. Louis, MO | Apr 11, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 455 feet (138m)
Participants: 1,181 Finishers (2025)
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The Greater St. Louis Marathon is laid out in approximately four loops or out-and-back segments that let spectators spot runners multiple times along the way. The course meanders through neighborhoods like Soulard and Lafayette Square, and features stretches near iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Toward the end it drops gently before a sudden uptick in the final stretch – unexpected after mostly rolling hills. The event also draws crowds in clusters, especially near the riverfront and stadium districts, creating bursts of energy in quieter stretches.
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Montana – Missoula Marathon
Missoula, MT | Jun 28, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 492 feet (150m)
Participants: 1,153 Finishers (2025)
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The Missoula Marathon begins with miles of countryside, where early turns ease you into open roads bordered by fields and distant peaks. Around mile 13, “Halfway Hill” kicks in – a half-mile climb framed by evergreens and marked by a lone cowboy waving you onward. After that the route rolls downhill toward town, crossing rivers like the Clark Fork and the Bitterroot, with wide views and occasional river breezes. Nighttime packet pickup, shuttle logistics, and well-advertised aid stations help ease race morning tension, and in the finish zone you arrive downtown with few distractions, just the calm of that last stretch.
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Nebraska – Lincoln Marathon
Lincoln, NE | May 3, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 520 feet (158m)
Participants: 801 Finishers (2025)
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It begins on the University of Nebraska campus and pushes through broad city streets before threading into parks, neighborhoods, and the Rock Island Trail. Around mile 13 the half and full courses split – the full continues on a long out-and-back through quiet stretches with limited shade. The finish inside Memorial Stadium gives it one of the more dramatic race endings in the country. The mix of familiar urban infrastructure and a stadium close brings contrast few other marathons offer.
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Nevada – REVEL Mt Charleston Marathon
Las Vegas, NV | Mar 28, 2026
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 169 feet (51m)
Participants: 2,404 Finishers (2025)
Price: Check Here
This race drops nearly 2,000 feet over the first 20+ miles, creating a fast downhill stretch that tugs on quads. The asphalt is smooth, and course markings and tech support are tight, so navigation feels seamless. The early miles are starkly quiet – no neighborhoods, no crowds, just desert views opening into mountain ridgelines. The sunrise over Mt. Charleston frames much of the route. Later miles flatten out, and the finish area brings you back into residential streets with enough energy to ease the descent.
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New Hampshire – Clarence DeMar Marathon
Keene, NH | Sep 28, 2025
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 645 feet (196m)
Participants: 308 Finishers (2025)
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The course drops about 600 feet overall, giving runners a gentle downhill momentum early on, though rolling hills still pepper the route. After passing through wooded sections and small streams, runners hit a cemetery stretch around mile 21 that often catches attention – especially when leaves are turning. In the final third, the route winds into the town of Keene, bringing in local energy, volunteers, and a finish at Keene State College that feels rooted and welcoming.
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New Jersey – Atlantic City Marathon
Atlantic City, NJ | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60m)
Participants: 971 Finishers (2024)
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The Atlantic City Marathon begins and ends right on the boardwalk in front of Bally’s, so after staying close to your hotel you can practically roll out of bed into the start. Much of the later miles are run beside the ocean, with about eight miles officially on the boardwalk itself. Early segments dip into city streets and ramps, offering occasional elevation changes, but the majority of the race stays flat. Along the boardwalk, you’ll deal with loose boards, shifting foot traffic, and strong coastal winds – especially coming back. In quieter stretches through neighborhoods south of AC, runners find moments of calm before the finish pulls back to the seaside bustle.
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New Mexico – Duke City Marathon
Albuquerque, NM | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Participants: 483 Finishers (2024)
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The Duke City Marathon follows a mostly flat, bike-path heavy out-and-back route through Albuquerque’s Bosque trail and desert fringes. There’s a subtle uphill section on the way out (miles 10–14) that’s often reversed on the return, creating a slight downhill feel toward the finish. The tree-lined trail and distant Sandia Mountains anchor the views, and the early morning desert air delivers a dry, crisp backdrop. At 4,500 feet elevation, breathing feels different; the thin air gives a constant reminder you’re not running at sea level.
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New York – New York City Marathon
Staten Island, NY | Nov 2, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 810 feet (246m)
Participants: 55,521 Finishers (2024)
Price: Check Here
Running through all five boroughs is just the start. The New York City Marathon kicks off on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge early (a steep rise at the beginning), and winds through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan, finishing in Central Park. Crowd depth is intense – streets are packed consistently, turning many miles into a festival of cheers, signs, bands, and spontaneous support. The Queensboro Bridge stretch is often cited as a mental test, with miles on concrete and no crowd cover. After that, the Harlem hills and Fifth Avenue give you sharp accelerations just when legs feel heavy, before the final downhill into Central Park.
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North Carolina – Coast Guard Marathon
Elizabeth City, NC | Apr 12, 2026
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 88 feet (26m)
Participants: 486 Finishers (2025)
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The Coast Guard Marathon is famously flat (nearly pancake-flat the whole way), with only a slight rise onto a bridge near the start. Part of the route runs through the Coast Guard base, even down an active airstrip section, which adds a rare military twist. Around midcourse the route swings past a massive WWII airship hangar that dominates the waterfront skyline. In the final miles it cuts through residential Elizabeth City, where energy picks up again before finishing near the Pasquotank River waterfront.
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North Dakota – Fargo Marathon
Fargo, ND | May 30, 2026
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 260 feet (79m)
Participants: 953 Finishers (2025)
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The Fargo Marathon kicks off inside the Fargodome arena, sending runners into city streets lined with dozens of live bands, DJs, and cheering sections. During the race you cross the Red River into Moorhead and back, weaving residents’ neighborhoods and lakeside roads into the mix. In tight spots near mile 15, runners are sometimes asked to skip a brief two-mile out-and-back section to stay on schedule. The finish brings you back under the dome, wrapping 26.2 miles in a dramatic, indoor‐stadium finale.
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Ohio – Flying Pig Marathon
Cincinnati, OH | May 2, 2026
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 975 feet (297m)
Participants: 4,710 Finishers (2025)
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The Flying Pig Marathon loops through Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, crossing over the Ohio River via multiple bridges that shift the view from city to waterfront back to urban neighborhoods. The route threads through Eden Park, passing under trees and through quiet residential sections before launching into stretches through towns like Mariemont and Walnut Hills. One of the quirks is the pig motif everywhere – statues, signage, and local art nodding to Cincinnati’s “Porkopolis” history – which gives the race a playful identity amidst serious miles. The start in downtown and finish near the riverfront make for a scenic, energetic bookend.
→ Discover more great marathons in Ohio
Oklahoma – Route 66 Marathon
Tulsa, OK | Nov 23, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 822 feet (250m)
Participants: 1,090 Finishers (2024)
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The Route 66 Marathon courses through Tulsa’s arts districts and leafy neighborhoods, then threads its way onto a stretch of historic Route 66 itself. It includes a playful “Center of the Universe” detour – a quirky extra 0.3 miles to stand on a spot that produces a strange echo effect. The hills are more noticeable than expected, especially early and late, with gradual inclines sneaking up when runners least anticipate them. Community support is strong: block parties along the route bring energy and local flavor you won’t find in many typical road races.
→ Discover more great marathons in Oklahoma
Oregon – Eugene Marathon
Eugene, OR | Apr 26, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 496 feet (151m)
Participants: 3,791 Finishers (2025)
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The Eugene Marathon kicks off from Hayward Field and ends right there on the track, giving finishers a rare sensation of stepping into track-and-field lore. The early miles take you through university neighborhoods and leafy streets, then you loop out through riverfront trails and parklands. One standout moment comes around mile 9 when you cross a river bridge and dive into green natural areas, followed by more exposed sections through Alton Baker Park. A key twist: what feels flat in parts actually has subtle rollers – especially in the second half – so “flat” here is relative. The finish on the iconic Hayward track gives the race a ceremonial feel unlike most road marathons.
→ Discover more great marathons in Oregon
Pennsylvania – Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia, PA | Nov 23, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 744 feet (226m)
Participants: 12,381 Finishers (2024)
Price: Check Here
The Philadelphia Marathon winds through historic Old City and past the Liberty Bell before strolling along the Schuylkill River and looping out to Manayunk. The early miles are wide and fast, but subtle rollers around Bridge Street, Kelly Drive, and near the river pull at your rhythm late in the race. Crowds pack the city center, and spectator density drops in the middle stretches along the river – which offers a quiet contrast to the noise. As the finish approaches, run up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway past the Art Museum and into the heart of the city with the skyline ahead.
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Rhode Island – Amica Newport Marathon
Newport, RI | Oct 12, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Participants: 889 Finishers (2024)
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The Amica Newport Marathon starts right on Easton’s Beach, then snakes through coastal roads, historic mansions, and waterfront stretches – especially Ocean Avenue, where runners often feel the Atlantic breeze. Small rolling hills appear later in the race, including a notable climb around mile 24 and some persistent elevations in the back half. The first 13 miles tend to draw more crowds; after that, it opens into quieter neighborhoods and beach-adjacent stretches. Architecturally rich neighborhoods and ocean views dominate early miles, while the second half leans on subtle elevation shifts that keep the course from ever feeling flat and mundane.
→ Discover more great marathons in Rhode Island
South Carolina – Myrtle Beach Marathon
Myrtle Beach, SC | Mar 7, 2026
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 283 feet (86m)
Participants: 1,167 Finishers (2025)
Price: Check Here
The Myrtle Beach Marathon offers one of the flattest courses on the East Coast, with just around 25 feet of elevation gain over 26.2 miles. The route includes about nine miles along Ocean Boulevard, running close to the ocean and past resorts, where coastal breezes often come into play – particularly in the second half. Early miles go through residential stretches and quiet neighborhoods; as the half and full split, crowd support thins out, making exposure to wind a challenge for solo runners. The finish usually brings you into Pelicans Stadium, where participants relax in the outfield with pizza, beer, and live music.
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South Dakota – Sioux Falls Marathon
Sioux Falls, SD | Sep 21, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 586 feet (178m)
Participants: 404 Finishers (2025)
Price: Check Here
This marathon opens inside the Sioux Falls Arena before moving into city streets, later following the city’s bike-trail network and riverside paths. The middle miles include series of gentle rollers that sneak up when fatigue sets in. As the race approaches Falls Park, the route tightens and direction changes increase. In brisk fall conditions, wind on exposed stretches can feel like a hidden opponent.
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Tennessee – Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon
Nashville, TN | Apr 25, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 922 feet (281m)
Participants: 2,733 Finishers (2025)
Price: Check Here
The Nashville marathon trail mixes music, hills, and grit. The course winds through Broadway and Music Row early, then navigates tight turns and adds three sizeable climbs through Shelby Park late in the race. The crowd energy is constant through the city neighborhoods, but sections in industrial or residential zones become quieter, making the climbs feel steeper by contrast. Near the finish, runners merge onto the grounds of Nissan Stadium, weaving through the venue and ending under the lights. There’s also a heavy soundtrack – dozens of bands and DJs play live along the course, making it part concert, part race.
→ Discover more great marathons in Tennessee
Texas – The Cowtown Marathon
Fort Worth, TX | Mar 1, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 736 feet (224m)
Participants: 1,750 Finishers (2025)
Price: Check Here
This marathon starts and ends in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, launching from the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The route dips into the Historic Stockyards, circles through TCU’s campus, traverses city neighborhoods and the Trinity River trails. A notable feature: runners pass by the Fort Worth Zoo and Hogan’s Alley late in the race, offering occasional glimpses of wildlife and city green space. Around mile 10 the course becomes hillier than expected, pushing memory of flat training routes. Community energy is constant – crowds and local bands appear across dozens of blocks – making even quiet stretches feel supported.
→ Discover more great marathons in Texas
Utah – Ogden Marathon
Ogden, UT | May 16, 2026
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 398 feet (121m)
Participants: 1,332 Finishers (2025)
Price: Check Here
The Ogden Marathon plunges through Ogden Canyon, delivering sweeping mountain views and canyon walls that line much of the early miles. It has a net-downhill profile, which lets gravity work in your favor through scenic stretches. Mid-race, there are long descents and few flat reliefs, so the pulse of the course often feels like riding down a mountainside. Near the finish, the route enters more urban surroundings, offering a contrast between wilderness and town.
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Vermont – Mad Marathon
Waitsfield, VT | Jul 12, 2026
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 2134 feet (650m)
Participants: 246 Finishers (2025)
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The Mad Marathon winds through the Mad River Valley on a mix of back roads and gravel, with around 30 percent unpaved sections adding texture to the run. The route curves past working farms, historic barns, covered bridges, and rolling farmland framed by Green Mountain views. Runners climb more than 2,000 feet over the course, and the hills never quit – even late in the race. The weather in July can bring heat and humidity, meaning some miles feel tougher than elevation alone would suggest.
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Virginia – Richmond Marathon
Richmond, VA | Nov 15, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 490 feet (149m)
Participants: 5,029 Finishers (2024)
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The Richmond Marathon weaves through historic neighborhoods, crossing the James River and threading under shade trees before arriving at a distinctive downhill finish. The course includes one long bridge and several gentle rollers that challenge pacing, then gives that final push downhill into the downtown stretch. Live music, party zones, and spirited groups line key streets, particularly in the heart of the city, making the energy ebb and flow. The route shifts from urban to riverfront to parkland, giving runners a layered snapshot of Richmond’s character.
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Washington – Seattle Marathon
Seattle, WA | Nov 30, 2025
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 942 feet (287m)
Participants: 2,017 Finishers (2024)
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The Seattle Marathon weaves in urban highway stretches (like parts on I-5) and quiet trail segments (Burke-Gilman Trail), offering sharp contrast between city grit and natural views. Late in the race a tough climb hits just as you think you’re nearing the end—many runners note that miles 22–24 sneak uphill past Green Lake and onto Highway 99. The finish inside Memorial Stadium gives it a symbolic punch, arriving on a turf field after tackling bridges, trails, and city streets.
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West Virginia – Marshall University Marathon
Huntington, WV | Nov 2, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 354 feet (107m)
Participants: 359 Finishers (2024)
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The Marshall University Marathon begins on campus and then flows through Huntington’s neighborhoods, crossing the Guyandotte River a couple of times. Midway you’ll hit stretches alongside rail lines and past local taverns, with an energy shift when you jog through suburbs where runners get frequent waves and cheers. The finish brings you back into the stadium precinct, where the campus setting makes for a quiet but meaningful homecoming.
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Wisconsin – Eau Claire Marathon
Eau Claire, WI | May 3, 2026
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 590 feet (179m)
Participants: 633 Finishers (2025)
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This route crosses eight bridges over the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, weaving the downtown skyline with riverfront segments that feel like a bridge tour punctuated by running. The second half of the course, sometimes called the “Blugold Mile,” slices through UW-Eau Claire’s lower campus, giving a sudden burst of energy just when legs feel heavy. Finishers enter via the Graham Avenue chute, slicing through the heart of downtown where the old meets new at the Pablo Center.
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Wyoming – Visit Casper Marathon
Casper, WY | Jun 1, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 548 feet (167m)
Participants: 110 Finishers (2025)
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The race starts indoors at the Ford Events Center – a welcome shelter from wind or morning chill – before dropping into a winding out-and-back course that follows the North Platte River Parkway trail system. The first 6–9 miles include rolling terrain, but later the route flattens and runs close to the river, alternating between shaded bike paths and open crossings. With elevations between about 5,310 and 5,187 feet, the thin air is a steady presence. In the final miles, you return to downtown Casper and finish near David Street Station, where energy builds again after long stretches of solitude along riverwalks and residential corridors.
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Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
