10 Best Marathons in the US for 2024
Best Marathons in the US
Around 1,000 marathons are held in the United States every year. The largest one sees tens and thousands of endurance athletes cross the finish line after completing the 26.2-mile course. Here are the top 10 best marathons in the US for 2024.
No. 10: Hatfield McCoy Marathon in Williamson, West Virginia
Hatfield McCoy Marathon is the longest running and among the best marathons in the US, in Kentucky and West Virginia. It traverses the two states. The challenging course, named after the Hatfield-McCoy dispute, takes runners through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. It includes both road sections and trail sections.
No. 9: Honolulu Marathon – Honolulu, Hawaii
This is among the fourth-largest best marathons in the US, after New York, Chicago and Boston. The race is tropically beautiful and warm. There’s also no time limit so anyone can finish. It’s a good first marathon. The route runs through downtown Honolulu, past Waikiki, up Diamond Head and to the stunning finish at Kapiolani Park. After the race, everyone gets fresh Hawaiian malasadas – delicious local donuts with sugar.
No. 8: Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago, Illinois
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of six major World Marathons, is usually held the second Sunday of October. The fast, flat course will take runners past famous Chicago landmarks as they travel through 29 different neighborhoods. It starts and finishes in Grant Park. The popular race draws more than one million spectators every year.
No. 7: Shiprock Marathon, Shiprock New Mexico
The Shiprock Marathon, held the first weekend in May, takes runners through rugged desert landscapes within the Navajo Nation. Live music is played to keep runners motivated. This unique running experience will be unforgettable.
No. 6: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Race – Indianapolis (Indiana)
The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon qualifies well, since the USATF-certified route is fast and flat. The course takes you through Indianapolis’ historic neighborhoods, where you can enjoy the Hoosier hospitality. It finishes near the Indiana State House. This marathon is perfect for those who are new to long distance running. The November date will bring crisp fall weather and a downhill finish.
No. 5: Coast Guard Marathon – Elizabeth City, North Carolina
This is the perfect running tour for anyone who has ever wanted to see a military base. The Coast Guard Marathon takes place at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City along the Pasquotank Riverfront. Participants can even run on the runway or around one of WWII’s last remaining airship hangars. Both military personnel and civilians can register.
No. 4: Big Sur International Marathon – Big Sur, California
The Big Sur International Marathon, a popular choice among nature lovers and runners, is known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. This challenging course, which runs from Big Sur north along Highway 1 to the finish in Carmel, features breathtaking views and significant elevation changes. The USATF certified course has been dubbed “one of America’s jewels.”
No. 3: Marine Corps Marathon – Arlington, Virginia
The Marine Corps Marathon, also known as “The People’s Marathon,” honors the sacrifices and dedication of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the biggest marathons in the World and has a rich history. The course winds through Arlington, Virginia, Washington, D.C., passing many of the famous landmarks in the area, such as the National Mall and U.S. Capitol.
No. 2: New York City Marathon, New York City
Live event reflects the essence or soul of the city within which it is organized. This event has become cultural, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the world and people of all ages, who come to participate. It commences from Staten Island and covers all the five boroughs terminating at Central Park. The outsider notes that the course of the race also include passing by such landmarks as Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.
No. 1: Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati, Ohio
Many runners have favored organized marathon known as Flying Pig Marathon for several years. To further support this study, Flying Pig Marathon is a lot of fun. There are pigs everywhere. Everything is immediately associated with the “pig psen”, in which the parties with different speed can be sorted into different groups, “finish swine”, and the pizza and beer party after the race. Nature of the course, though mostly up and down, is scenic, which goes through some of the most spectacular and diverse parts of Cincinnati, towns and along the Ohio River. Finishers get medals, mylar blankets and all the catering services, as well as the pig party after the race.
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