Top Marathons to Run in the United States

Are you finding a lack of motivation to run a marathon? Most people would consider it normal not to find motivation to run a marathon, but I think training for a marathon can be beneficial in many ways, including getting fit, staying hydrated to survive the long runs, and eating healthier so you don’t regret it during your long run. If you are struggling to find a reason to run a marathon, here are some of the most popular marathons in the nation to use as goals.

TCS New York City Marathon

In 2017, there were 50,773 runners that competed in the TCS New York City Marathon. The average finish time was 4:39:07 which means runners averaged 10:38 per mile. This is a popular marathon for Kenyans to run and win; they captured first and second place for the 2017 marathon with times of 2:10:53 and 2:10:56. That is an average of 4:59 minutes per mile! The only down side for the TCS New York City Marathon is that you have to be drawn from a lottery. To qualify for this lottery, you have to run another marathon that they consider to be a qualifier for the TCS New York City Marathon to prove you can run it in a certain time for your age group. For example, for men who are between 18 and 34, you have to run a marathon in 2:53, averaging 6:53 minutes per mile. For women in this age group to qualify, you have to run it in 3:13, averaging 7:21 minutes per mile. The chances of getting picked to run is 16.5%. If you are from the New York area, you are more likely to get picked, and you’re more likely to get picked if you live in the United States than if you didn’t. These are very high standards for a marathon!  If you weren’t drawn and still want to run, you can run for a charity, but you have to raise $2,620 to get in. It may seem close to impossible to get in, but you can use this marathon as a major future goal!

Chicago Marathon

This marathon is run the same way as the TCS New York City Marathon. You can get a guaranteed spot if you meet a qualified time in your age group, have run the Chicago Marathon five or more times in the last ten years,  fundraised for a charity, if you are a runner for an international tour group, or if you have run the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k four or more times and are running the most recent one. Up to 45,000 runners can run this marathon, and Bank of America has been it’s main sponsor. A new feature for this marathon is that you can get an automatic entry if you meet the qualifying times. For men between 16 and 29, you have to run a marathon in 3:10, and women in this age group have to run one in 3:40. That means men have to average 7:14 minutes per mile, and women have to average 8:23 minutes per mile. This is more manageable than the TCS New York Marathon if you’re looking for an easier entry!

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is known for the bombing that happened in 2013 and is the oldest Marathon in the world with its first race being in 1897. The date of the Marathon always falls on Patriot’s Day, which is the third Monday of every April. There were up to 32,000 runners in 2014. To qualify for this marathon, women between 18 and 34 have to run a qualified marathon in 3:35, which means they have to average 8:12 per mile. The men in this age group have to run 3:05, averaging 7:03 pace per mile. The Boston Marathon seems to be pickier about which marathon you run for qualification, so make sure you ask if it is up to Boston Marathon’s standards. Unfortunately, you can’t sign up for a fundraiser to enter into this Marathon. Only accepted times allow you a chance in the lottery.

Honolulu Marathon

Unlike other marathons, this marathon has no qualifying standards, so this is a popular marathon for first-timers. 21,814 runners competed in the 2014 marathon. It may be a little pricey, but at least you get to be in Hawaii, and it won’t be freezing! The only con is that the weather is unpredictable, so keep an eye on the weather as it comes up. The course is out and back on the coast and is relatively flat with two hills. The course goes through downtown Honolulu, past Iolani Palace and the Christmas lights, through Waikiki and climbs up and around Diamond Head before heading out through Kahala and out to Hawaii Kai. Turning back after Hawaii Kai toward Kahala and Honolulu, the course passes Diamond Head again on the ocean side before finishing in Kapiolani Park. Sounds like a great first marathon!

Ascis Los Angeles Marathon

Race day is usually on or near Valentine’s Day, so this marathon is used in celebration of loving running. 21,500 runners competed in this marathon in 2014. The start line is at Dodgers Stadium and takes you all the way to the Santa Monica Pier on the coast. There are no qualifying standards for this marathon, so you can register whenever! Make sure you’re at least 16 years old or else you will be disqualified and banned from the event for 2 years.

Marine Corps Marathon

This Marathon takes place in Arlington, VA near the Marine Corps Headquarters.  It is open to everyone who is 14 or older and doesn’t offer prize money, giving it the name “The People’s Race”. This marathon was started by a Marine in the 1970’s who wanted to advertise the military due to its decline from the aftermath of the Vietnam war and the increase of running. The first male to finish did so in 2:21, and the first female was 2:56. The race grew up to 9,000 people in 1981 and continues to grow today. Oprah Winfrey ran in 1994 and Al Gore ran with his daughters in 1997. This is another marathon that you don’t have to run qualifying times for, and you can put time dedicated to the military.

Walt Disney World Marathon

Taking place in Walt Disney World, the course takes you through all four of the theme parks: Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. You can stop throughout the run to take pictures with different characters. 19,201 people competed in magical costumes. It usually takes place in January and fills up quickly. You can sign up for email updates so you can register before they run out of spots! There is also provided training on their website if you are struggling to find a workout schedule.

Philadelphia Marathon

Always held on the third Sunday in November, it’s known for its popularity of being a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Only 10,359 runners competed in this marathon in 2014. This race will be celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this November. There are no qualifying times to enter and it is known for taking running through the historical area of Philly. The start and finish are between 21st and 25th Street on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the course takes you around two rivers. They are focused on making sure the course is flat, fast, and scenic for their runners. There are no restrictions for registration, so all are welcome to sign up!

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Taking place in Minneapolis, it’s known for being the most beautiful urban marathon in America. The course takes you by the Mississippi River and local lakes and is known for its most challenging finishes with an steady uphill between miles 21 and 25. About 8,853 runners competed in 2014. It has been in the top ten marathons in the nation since 1982, but I recommend not choosing this as your first marathon because you won’t know what 26.2 miles feels like until race day, and running up a hill after 20 miles is not the best idea for beginners. Let this be a second marathon choice!

Chevron Houston Marathon

Last in our list with 7,048 runners in 2014, it is considered a flat and fast course that starts downtown and takes you through Houston Heights, Neartown, Hermann Park, and Rice University. It is also popular for being a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Training programs are offered online like other marathon websites. Although there is no worry with entry into the marathon, you can be guaranteed a spot in the first corral if you can show you have run a time of at least 4:00 hours for a marathon. Being in the first corral is a benefit because then you won’t have to run around people you want to pass.