10 Best Marathons in the USA 2026: Top Races to Run

If you’re planning to run a marathon in the USA, choosing the right race can be almost as important as the training itself. Maybe you’re chasing a Boston qualifying time, looking for a flat course like Chicago, or you simply want a race with incredible scenery and an unforgettable atmosphere.

From major city races to coastal courses and fun destination events, these are 10 of the best marathons in the USA, with key details on dates, locations, course styles, and what makes each race worth considering.

What Makes a Marathon One of the Best?

The best marathons in the US tend to share a few traits: a well-organized course, strong crowd support, a distinctive setting, and a reputation that draws runners back year after year. Some races earn their spot through speed and flat terrain, others through scenery or sheer size.

The 10 Best Marathons in the USA

1. Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the best marathons in the USA for runners chasing a personal best. The flat 26.2-mile course takes place through Chicago every October and attracts thousands of runners from around the world. The 2026 race is scheduled for October 11, 2026, with the course passing through the city's diverse neighborhoods before finishing in Grant Park. For more details, check out our Chicago Marathon Guide.

Race details:

• Date: October 11, 2026
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Distance: 26.2 miles (42.2 km)
• Athletes: Thousands of participants
• Best for: Personal bests, first major marathons, and fast-course racing

2. Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annually held marathon and one of the most prestigious races in the sport. The 2026 edition was held on April 20, with a field of about 30,000 athletes running the 26.2-mile point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston.

The 2027 Boston Marathon will take place on April 19, 2027. The course remains famous for its history, huge spectator support, and challenging sections such as Heartbreak Hill. For more details, check out our  Boston Marathon Guide.

Race details:

• 2026 Date: April 20, 2026
• 2027 Date: April 19, 2027
• Location: Hopkinton to Boston, Massachusetts
• Distance: 26.2 miles (42.2 km)
• Athletes: About 30,000
• Best for: Experienced runners, Boston qualifiers, and marathon history

Most runners need to achieve a qualifying time for their age group and gender, although charity and other eligible entry programs are also available. For 2027, the B.A.A. has also introduced updated rules for qualifying times from significantly downhill courses.

3. New York City Marathon

The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the world's most famous and popular marathons. The 2026 race takes place November 1, covering 26.2 miles through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The race features approximately 50,000 runners, ranging from professional athletes to recreational and charity runners. For more details, check out our New York City Marathon Guide.

Race details:

• Date: November 1, 2026
• Location: New York City, New York
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: About 50,000 runners
• Best for: Crowd energy, destination racing, and bucket-list experiences

With huge crowds lining the streets, NYC is particularly appealing if race-day atmosphere matters as much as the course itself.

4. Marine Corps Marathon

Known as "The People's Marathon," the Marine Corps Marathon takes runners through Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., past some of the country's most recognizable monuments. The 2026 race is scheduled for October 25 and covers the standard 26.2-mile marathon distance. The event is now the third-largest marathon in the United States and is promoted by its organizers as a particularly good marathon for beginners. Read our Marine Corps Marathon Guide for more details.

Race details:

• Date: October 25, 2026
• Location: Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: One of the largest marathon fields in the US
• Best for: First-time marathoners, military supporters, and history lovers

The iconic landmarks and strong spectator support make this one of the most memorable races for newer marathoners.

5. Walt Disney World Marathon

The Walt Disney World Marathon combines 26.2 miles of running with Disney entertainment, characters, themed race areas, and a huge destination experience. The next race takes place on January 10, 2027, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The marathon starts at 4:30 a.m. and is part of the larger Marathon Weekend.For more details, check out our Walt Disney World Marathon Guide.

Race details:

• Date: January 10, 2027
• Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: Large recreational and destination-running field
• Best for: Families, Disney fans, first-timers, and fun

For runners looking for one of the funnest marathons in the USA, Disney is difficult to beat.

6. Big Sur International Marathon

The Big Sur International Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons in the USA, following California's Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel with ocean views, redwoods, Bixby Bridge, and the challenging Hurricane Point climb. The 2026 race has already taken place on April 26, while the 2027 race will be held on April 25, 2027.For more details, check out our Big Sur International Marathon guide.

Race details:

• 2026 Date: April 26, 2026, already completed
• 2027 Date: April 25, 2027
• Location: Big Sur to Carmel, California
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: About 4,500 marathon entrants
• Best for: Scenic running and bucket-list races

With more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain, Big Sur is better suited to runners seeking a memorable scenic experience than those focused solely on a personal best.

7. Honolulu Marathon

The JAL Honolulu Marathon combines a full marathon with a tropical vacation. The 2026 race is scheduled for December 13 in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a 26.2-mile course featuring coastal scenery and the Aloha spirit. More than 35,000 runners from around the world are expected, making it one of the largest and most welcoming marathons in the United States. Read our Honolulu Marathon 2026 guide for more details on the course, training, and race-day preparation.

Race details:

• Date: December 13, 2026
• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: 35,000+ runners
• Best for: First-time marathoners, international runners, and tropical scenery

There is no qualifying time and no official time limit, so runners can race, walk, or enjoy the course at their own pace.

8. Twin Cities Marathon

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon runs from Minneapolis to Saint Paul and is known for its tree-lined streets, lakes, Mississippi River views, and strong community support. The 2026 race takes place October 4 at 8:00 a.m., covering the standard 26.2-mile marathon distance. Read the complete Twin Cities Marathon 2026 course and race guide.

Race details:

• Date: October 4, 2026
• Location: Minneapolis to Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: Large competitive and recreational field
• Best for: Fall scenery, urban running, and community atmosphere

The event also attracts professional and emerging athletes competing for prize money, making it appealing to both elite and recreational runners.

9. Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon is a June classic along Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline. The 26.2-mile point-to-point course starts near Two Harbors and follows Scenic Highway 61 before finishing in Duluth's Canal Park. The 2026 race was held in June, while the next edition is scheduled for June 19, 2027.

Race details:

• Date: June 19, 2027
• Location: Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: Thousands of runners
• Best for: Fast racing, lake views, and loyal marathon communities

The course has rolling hills but a net downhill profile, helping make Grandma's a popular choice for runners targeting Boston qualifying times. The race reports that more than 14% of finishers qualify for Boston on average.

10. Flying Pig Marathon

Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon is one of the most entertaining races on this list. The 2027 race takes place May 2 and covers 26.2 miles through Cincinnati and nearby communities, including parts of Northern Kentucky. The event starts at 6:30 a.m. and is famous for its playful pig theme and energetic weekend atmosphere. Read the complete Flying Pig Marathon 2027: Complete Cincinnati Race Guide

Race details:

• Date: May 2, 2027
• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Athletes: Large recreational marathon field
• Best for: Fun, community atmosphere, and destination racing

The rolling course provides a challenge, but the race's humor, entertainment, themed mile markers, and lively finish make it a favorite for runners who want an experience rather than simply a fast time.

Quick Comparison: Month and Course Style

How to Choose the Right Marathon for You

• Chasing a personal best or a Boston qualifying time: look for flat, fast courses like Chicago, Grandma's, or Honolulu.
• Want scenery over speed: Big Sur and Twin Cities are built for the views.
• Running your first marathon: Disney World and Honolulu are known for beginner-friendly pacing and atmosphere.
• Want a bucket-list, high-energy race: New York City and Marine Corps deliver crowd support and iconic scenery.

Key Takeaways

• The best US marathons range from flat and fast (Chicago, Grandma's) to scenic and challenging (Big Sur, Twin Cities).
• Boston is the only major US marathon requiring a qualifying time for most runners.
• New York City is the world's largest marathon by finisher count.
• Fueling strategy, including nitrate timing, matters regardless of which course you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions