Running a marathon is no easy feat. If you want to run a successful race, you’ll need to prepare properly.
This means training, nutrition, and hydration as well as knowing your own personal limits.
If you have never run a marathon before and aren’t sure if you are up to the task, then you may want to pick a race that will give you an easy time.
Marathon running has become increasingly popular over the years.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans flock to these events every year, but only a select few actually make it across the finish line within the specified time limit.
As you can see, marathons are not for the faint of heart, and before you sign up for one, you’ll need to choose a course that fits your fitness level.
That’s why this article is here to show you some of the easiest marathons for beginners in the United States.
These events will involve simple courses that won’t be too challenging for runners who are taking on their first marathon.
Mountains 2 Beach
Location: Ventura, California
Date: May 29th
The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons in the United States.
Runners start in the mountains in downtown Ojai and run down the beautiful winding Ventura valley before eventually reaching the beach at the surfing town of Ventura.
It’s a great way to enjoy some spectacular scenery while also getting a good workout.
If you’re looking for a cross-country marathon that will take you through stunning landscapes without being too strenuous, then this is a great choice for you.
Since most of the run is down hill, you will have gravity working on your side to make you much faster.
As well as the main marathon itself, there is also the choice of a half-marathon and a 5k run along the beachfront.
St. George Marathon
Location: St George, Utah
Date: October 1st
This is another marathon that takes the runner mostly downhill, which is one thing that makes it relatively fast.
It starts up in the Pine Valley mountains and descends roughly, 2600ft before reaching the finish line in St George.
If you enjoy the fresh air and seeing spectacular mountain terrain in the process, then this is the race for you.
There are a few uphill sections, but nothing very major, and most runners will find this a relatively simple race to complete provided they have done the proper training.
There are aid stations along the way where you can refill your water bottle and stock up on supplies for finishing the race.
If you want to eventually build up to running the Boston marathon, then this race can be used to qualify for it, provided you complete it within a specific time limit.
Los Angeles Marathon
Location: Los Angeles, California
Date: March 19th
Some runners may be daunted by the idea of a large city race if they have never run a marathon before.
However, most of the contestants at the Los Angeles Marathon are complete beginners, embarking on their very first race of this kind.
This means you can rest easy knowing that you are not alone and accompanied by a large community of runners who are just as inexperienced as you.
This race starts at the Dodger stadium and finishes at the avenue of stars in the city center.
During this route, the runner will have a chance to admire all the incredible sights that LA has to offer.
Contestants will pass through downtown LA, Hollywood and many other iconic areas in one of America’s most famous cities.
Newport Marathon
Location: Newport, Oregon
Date: June 4th
The largest hill you will encounter during this Marathon is a 40ft incline at the 4-mile mark.
Aside from this, the Newport marathon is a gentle run that winds around the perimeter of the Yaquina Bay.
As such, runners will be able to enjoy some truly spectacular sights as they meander through the rolling neighborhoods and open spaces.
There are only limited spaces available for this race, so if you do want to register for it, you would be well advised to do so in advance.
Aid stations have been placed every two miles along the course, so you won’t need to worry about running out of water during your run.
As well as being rated by many athletes as an excellent first marathon, this is also a great race for anybody looking to qualify for the Boston marathon.
A1A Marathon
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Date: February 18th
For those who aren’t a fan of running downhill, the A1A marathon is a great choice for avoiding any kind of incline.
This race takes place mostly on flat ground, which makes it a great course for complete beginners looking to try their first marathon.
Since it takes place in Florida, you also won’t have to worry as much about adverse weather conditions.
As well as the main marathon itself, there is also a course for a half-marathon.
This will be a good choice if you want to ease yourself into long distance running with a shorter route that you may find easier to complete.
One of the best parts about this race is the beautiful beachfront scenery you will get to admire while you are running.
Austin Marathon
Location: Austin, Texas
Date: February 19th
This is another race that is ideal for those who don’t like running down hills.
Although there are a couple of short inclines near the beginning of the race, they are nowhere near as steep or challenging as some others listed here.
Because of this, the Austin marathon is a perfect option for people who are new to marathons.
This race is held in the heart of the city, making it possible for runners to see all the amazing views that Austin has to offer.
There are plenty of aid stations along the way, so you shouldn’t have to worry about running out of water before the finish line.
Mesa Marathon
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Date: February 4th
If you live in the area, then you probably already know that this is one of Arizona’s premier races.
With over 8,000 participants taking part each year, this is definitely one of the biggest events in the state.
The fact that it is held in the desert means that you can expect to experience some truly breathtaking scenery as you run.
The course is almost completely downhill, so you can relax and let gravity do most of the work for you.
Because of this, you should be fine, provided you train properly and bring plenty of water.
Since it takes place in a desert, it would be a good idea to make sure you are okay with running in high temperatures before registering for this race.
Grandma’s Marathon
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Date: June 18th
This is one of the oldest marathons in the United States, having started back in 1977. Over the years it has grown from a small local event to one of the largest in the country.
If you are interested in running in a historic location, then this is the right race for you.
The course is set up around Lake Superior, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the lake all day long.
While it does take place in an urban setting, it still manages to feel very rural.
Contestants have the choice between running the whole marathon or a smaller half-marathon, should they prefer.
This is a great event because it is attended by runners of all ages and skill levels, making it a great choice for first timers.
Philadelphia Marathon
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date: November 19th-20th
This is another popular race in the United States, which makes sense given its home city. Philadelphia is known for being a vibrant, exciting city full of culture and history.
It is built on mostly flat landscape and the weather in November can generally be relied upon to be very clement, making this another excellent marathon for beginners.
The course goes through many different neighborhoods, giving you the chance to explore the city while you run.
You will pass through parks, museums and other historical sites throughout the race.
If you aren’t feeling the whole marathon then you can register for a shorter half-marathon, or a 8k route, so you won’t have any trouble finding a race that matches your skill level.
Conclusion
There are lots of great options for people looking to get into marathon running.
While there are certainly more than enough races to choose from, the ones we have covered in this list are well known for their gentle courses and scenic routes.
Some of them are easier to register for than others, so you may want to start planning in advance to attend some of the more exclusive events.
Whether you want to try out a new distance or you just want to see how far you can go without getting too tired, these races will challenge you to push yourself further than ever before.
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