What is the best marathon in the US? Is it New York or Boston? Or maybe Chicago? There are dozens of great races across the country, from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series to the Marine Corps Marathon. Which one should you run?
Marathon running has become a global phenomenon, with over 2 million runners participating in events around the world every year.
The sport is also growing rapidly in the United States, where there are now more than 100 marathons each weekend.
There are hundreds of marathons in the U.S., but only a handful offer elite-level competition. If you want to compete at the highest levels, you’ll need to train harder and faster than ever before. Here are some of the top marathons in America.
Los Angeles Marathon (LA)
The LA Marathon is held annually on Thanksgiving Day in downtown Los Angeles. It’s considered by many to be the most prestigious race in the nation.
In fact, this is the first time that the event will be broadcast live on NBC, as part of their coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The course starts and finishes near the iconic Hollywood sign, which serves as both a landmark and an aid station.
Runners pass through Beverly Hills along Wilshire Boulevard, then head east down Sunset Boulevard, passing such landmarks as Rodeo Drive and the Capitol Records building.
The LAR is held in January, attracting more than 40,000 runners from all over the world. The LA Marathon is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, Griffith Observatory, and downtown L.A.
The course runs through many of these areas, starting near the beach and winding through Beverly Hills, Westwood, Century City, and other parts of Los Angeles.
Los Angelinos love their marathon, which runs each February. The LA Xmas marathon is held on the last Sunday in December and attracts more than 22,000 runners from all over the world.
This marathon is held in LA every year, and it is a very popular event. The course goes through some of the most famous parts of the city, including the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park, and downtown.
The route is also very scenic, and there are lots of places along the route to take pictures.
Boston Marathon (BOS)
This annual event takes place in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. With a total elevation gain of 4,600 feet, the Boston course offers plenty of challenges for experienced runners and fast times for elites.
While the Boston course doesn’t have any particularly steep hills, it does include two major climbs — the Heartbreak Hill climb at mile 16 and Heartbreak Corner at mile 23. These sections can test even the fittest runners.
The Boston Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in the world. It was first to run in 1897 and draws more than 35,000 entrants annually.
The race begins in Hopkinton, MA, and ends in Copley Square in Boston. Runners follow the famous Freedom Trail, which traces the history of the United States, and pass historic sites such as Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
The Boston Marathon is the longest-running annual marathon in the world, and it is the standard by which many other marathons measure themselves, including the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, etc.
The Boston Marathon is also known as “the standard by which most marathon runners measure themselves.” The entry form is easy for runners to understand, and the follow-up confirmations are detailed.
The race is closed to traffic, except for local residents, and the spectators are some of the best in the world, especially at the finish line.
The expo and the results booklets are the best in the business. There are two pasta feeds, and the atmosphere is unmatched.
The local people are very friendly and supportive, and the locals are genuine about wanting you to enjoy yourself and run well. The only negative is the long bus ride to the starting line, and the expo is a crazy madhouse.
Philadelphia International Championship Marathon (PHL)
This race was created specifically to showcase the talents of the city’s residents. Held in November, the PIAA Championship Marathon draws thousands of spectators, making it one of the largest half-marathon events in the world.
The course begins in South Philly and passes through Fairmount Park, heading north up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
After crossing the Schuylkill River, the route heads west along the riverbank, passing the National Constitution Center and the Betsy Ross House. This race draws about 15,000 runners from across the nation.
The race begins on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and heads west along the Schuylkill River. Spectators can view the race from the Ben Franklin Bridge and catch a glimpse of the Liberty Bell.
Marine Corps Marathon (MAR)
This annual event is held in Washington, D.C., and is hosted by the Marine Corps Base Quantico. Over 30,000 people participate in the race, which includes a 5K and 10K race, as well as a full marathon.
The Marine Corps Marathon follows the Potomac River through Arlington National Cemetery, past the Pentagon, and into D.C. Along the way, participants get stunning views of the monuments and memorials that make the area so special.
This is a great event for people who want to see the monuments in Washington, DC. People come from all over to watch the race start and finish at the Iwo Jimi monument. The race starts and finishes at the Iwo Jimi monument.
The course goes past many important monuments in Washington, DC including the White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, World War II memorial, and more.
This marathon is held every year in October. Runners may run as long as 26 miles or more. There is also an option for walkers. The marathon is held annually in Washington, DC. The event honors veterans and active duty servicemen and women.
Runners wear blue shirts during the entire race. The marathon runs along the National Mall, starting from the Capitol Building and finishing near the Lincoln Memorial. The route is approximately 26 miles long.
San Diego Marathon (SAN)
The San Diego Marathon is held in early March and features a scenic oceanfront course. There are three races available: a 5K, 10K, and full marathon.
The San Diego Marathon starts and ends in Balboa Park, with the majority of the course following the park’s scenic paths. This makes the race great for strolling or running while enjoying the sights.
New York City Marathon (NYC)
New Yorkers love their marathon! Held each year in late October, the NYC Marathon attracts over 25,000 athletes from around the globe.
The course starts in Staten Island and winds its way through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park. The race also has a kids’ run option.
New Yorkers have been running since 1970 when the NYC Marathon began. The NYC Marathon is held each October and attracts more than 25,500 runners from all over the globe.
The New York City Marathon is an event that attracts thousands of runners from all over the world. It is one of the biggest events in the United States. People come from all over the world to participate in the marathon.
The marathon is organized into different groups such as men, women, veterans, etc.
The marathon takes place in New York City, and it is held annually in October. The marathon is a very popular event among many people. The marathon is also known to be very expensive.
Many runners spend a lot of money to attend this event. Contact information for the ING New York City Marathon is provided.
This is a fun game about running marathons. Your goal is to get as far as possible. You start out in Brooklyn, then go across the bridge into Queens, and finally make your way back down to Manhattan.
Along the way, you’ll be cheered on by thousands of spectators cheering you on. You’ll also need to watch out for obstacles such as traffic lights, and construction zones.
Chicago Marathon (CHI)
Chicagoans take pride in their marathon, and the city hosts some of the biggest marathons in the country. The Chicago Marathon is held in mid-October and attracts more than 20,000 runners from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
The Chicago Marathon follows Lake Shore Drive, beginning on the North Side and ending on the South Side. The course goes right by Navy Pier, where spectators line the streets to cheer on runners.
Chicago has hosted an annual marathon since 1981, and the Chicago Marathon is one of the biggest races in the city.
The Chicago Marathon is the best marathon in the United States. It attracts more runners than any other marathon in the country. It offers an amazing view of the city and the surrounding areas.
It is the best value marathon in the U.S. It is a great place to train before you go to New York City or Boston.
Dallas Marathon (DAL)
The DFW Marathon Association hosts this popular race in April, drawing thousands of runners from across the country.
The race begins at Six Flags and travels down the Katy Trail, through the heart of Downtown, and finishes in Uptown. Spectators can watch the runners go by from atop the AT&T Stadium.
Houston Marathon (HOU)
Houstonians love their marathon, and the event attracts nearly 30,000 runners every year. The Houston Marathon is held in November and offers a half-marathon, full marathon, and relay options.
Atlanta Marathon (ATL)
Atlanta is home to the largest marathon in the southeastern United States. The Atlantis Marathon is held annually in early December and attracts more than 18,000 runners from all across the country.
San Francisco Marathon (SFO)
San Franciscans are passionate about their marathon, which is held in March. This race attracts more than 25,000 runners from all around the world.
San Francisco is a beautiful city filled with amazing sights. Running along the Golden Gate Bridge is an unforgettable experience. The weather is always nice during the month of July. There are some tough hills, but the people make them fun.
Honolulu Marathon
The Honolulu Marathon is a laid-back destination marathon with beautiful scenery. There are over 33,000 participants in 2018. The race starts at Ala Moana Center and ends at Kapiolani Park.
This marathon is suitable for beginners who want to run, as well as experienced runners. This is the race that takes place every year in Hawaii.
There are many spectators lining up along the route. The course features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. The finish line is located in the heart of Waikiki.
After the marathon, visitors enjoy the festivities in the park. People from different countries come together to celebrate this event.
A big crowd gathers around the finish line, and everyone enjoys themselves. People come from far away to see the race. The weather is great, but it rains during the race.
The race starts early in the morning, and people stay overnight after the race. There are many hotels near the finish line.
Washington, DC Marathon (WAS)
Washingtonians love their marathon, which takes place each November. The Washington DC Marathon is held yearly in November and attracts more than 20,000 runners from all over North America.
Final Thoughts
Running marathons is one of the most challenging sports out there. You have to be fit enough to complete 26 miles without stopping. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to take on this challenge, then consider running shorter distances first.
If you decide to start training for your first marathon, then try to choose a race that will help you build endurance and prepare you mentally for what lies ahead.
When choosing a marathon, think about where you live and how much time you can devote to training. Choose a distance that you can comfortably train for.
You should also consider your goals when selecting a marathon. Do you want to qualify for Boston? Or do you just want to get outside and enjoy yourself while cheering on friends or family members?
Once you know what you want to achieve, you can begin planning your training schedule. Start slow and gradually increase your mileage. Work your way up until you reach your goal.
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