What can be better than a good, energetic running race? A scenic run! One where you can observe the beauty of nature, the ocean, historical monuments, or famous buildings.
If you like scenic runs, you will appreciate this article. We have prepared a list of the most scenic marathons and other races so you can challenge yourself in the most picturesque places in the USA.
1. La Jolla Half Marathon
Many runners come to California each May to participate in this beautiful, picturesque race. It starts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Here you may run a 5k or a half-marathon.
The half-marathon course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching a challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. From there, runners follow atop Torrey Pines mesa, continue down through residential La Jolla Shores and finish at La Jolla Cove.
If you don’t run long distances and prefer scenic 5k runs, La Jolla offers a mostly downhill 5k course with some of the most picturesque views of the last 3.1 miles of the half marathon course.
The price you pay for participation is from $49 to $139, depending on the race and time you register.
2. Disney World 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and marathon
Why is it so scenic? Just imagine all those wonderful Disney characters and dressed-up race participants helping take your mind off the miles you run. You will surely see surprises along the way and fun entertainment to keep you motivated.
After that race, you can explore Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. You will also have time for dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs.
Take your family and children – this will be a fantastic experience. As for prices, you will pay from $103 to $229, depending on the time you register and the race you choose. Early birds pay less!
3. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon and 5k
Forbes named this running event one of the top 7 most beautiful half marathons in the US, along with the two previous races included in this list.
It takes place in the middle of July and offers a half-marathon ($159) and Rosé 5k ($45).
Napa and Sonoma is a truly iconic event that gathers runners and wine lovers from all 50 states and many other countries each year. The world-famous Napa and Sonoma Valleys invite you to leave all your worries behind and immerse yourself in a tremendous atmosphere of hospitality and new acquaintances.
The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful courses ever. What could be better than spending a morning running past charming vineyards, working farms, and sprawling ranches in California’s famous wine country?
The winding route that starts at the Cuvaison Carneros winery is dynamic and challenging. You’ll climb the hills, enjoy wide open spaces with panoramic views, and see the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Preserve, San Pablo Bay, and Mt. Tamalpais. And, of course, you’ll see plenty of animals—donkeys, llamas, chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats—when you run the entire distance.
Be sure to stay for the after-party celebration — its price is included in your ticket. Bring your family and friends – they will also have a lot of fun here.
4. Maui Marathon
Another running event mentioned in Forbes’s list of top scenic marathon courses is the Maui Marathon. It takes place in April in one of the most amazing places on our planet – the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Challenge yourself in a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or marathon for $65 to $140, or try the double marathon for $205. The marathon event is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
The course’s slope does not exceed 200 feet, so it is comfortable for both beginners and experienced runners. The 10k is considered one of the world’s most scenic 10k races.
The race starts at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, goes south through Lahaina to Launiupoko Park, and then heads back north to the beach. While running, you can enjoy views of the beautiful ocean coast and mountains. You might even get lucky and see some whales!
After the race, there is lots of entertainment available: surfing, diving, snorkeling, and much more. Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation, Ali Kula Lavender Farm, and the Maui Ocean Center to enjoy the island’s atmosphere.
And, of course, you’ll see one of the most breathtaking sunsets on Earth!
5. The New York City Marathon
This running event takes place each November and has become one of the city’s biggest attractions.
It is a great scenic race, providing views of the Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, towering skyscrapers and famous landmarks, connecting bridges, the bay, and beautiful Central Park, where the race ends. Add fall foliage with red, orange, and yellow hues, and you get one of the most incredible races for running in the USA.
To register, you must log into your dashboard and select your time slot to pick up your race number at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo.
6. Big Sur International Marathon
The end of April is an iconic time for California, as thousands of runners from all over the country come here to participate in the Big Sur Marathon. The course runs along Highway 1, the Nation’s First nationally-designated scenic highway, offering breathtaking views of California’s mountains, rural pastures, giant Redwoods, and the Pacific Coast. And that’s not all – an elegant musician in a tuxedo playing the piano will be awaiting you halfway down the course.
If you don’t want to run a marathon, you can choose the relay, 11m, 21m, 12k, or 5k distances. You will also be able to observe the picturesque scenery – an unspoiled rocky coast with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Big Sur Marathon is often called one of most beautiful marathon courses in the world – many runners from all places on the map add it to their list of most desired marathons.
This is a very popular event, so keep an eye out for the registration start date for details and prices.
7. New River Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k
Breath-taking scenery, the New River Valley, North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, locally crafted awards, and local hospitality! That is real feedback from one of the participants of this event which takes place each May in Fleetwood, Asheville.
The New River Marathon is one of the best marathons in the US and an official Boston Marathon Qualifier. The event also offers a 5k and a half-marathon.
Approximately 20.8 miles of the marathon course follows along the South Fork New River banks, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States. The banks of the scenic New River offer pastoral views of the River, Christmas tree farms, and horse and cattle farms.
After the race, you can leave for a bluegrass party and check out the eclectic vibe of downtown Asheville, which features more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. Sounds great, we think.
The price changes depending on the registration date, so hurry to be an early bird to pay less!
8. Crow Pass Crossing Trail Race
How about trail running in Alaska in the summer? If that sounds good, you should consider participating in this running event in July.
It is a 22-mile run in Chugach Park along the unforgettable Crow Pass National Historic Trail!
Trail runners love this race for its incredible route, which is definitely not for the faint of heart. You will have to run on unmarked trails through forests, steep slopes, mountain slopes, and even the Eagle Glacier. However, the stunning views you will see during the run will make you forget the pain and fatigue.
The course ends at the Eagle River Nature Center, with an awards ceremony and party.
Registration will open in May, so stay tuned not to miss out.
9. Mount Desert Half Marathon
Let’s talk about the most beautiful race in the Northeastern US. It starts in the pretty village of Northeast Harbor and then smoothly passes along the mouth of the only natural fjord on the Atlantic coast, lined with pink granite. Add the beauty of changing fall colors, and it’s like candy for the eyes.
The Mount Desert takes place each October in Bar Harbor, Maine. You can run a marathon, a half-marathon, and a relay here.
Maine’s mountainous coastline, natural beauty, and comfortable course make this race popular with beginners and skilled runners.
The participation price will be available after registration opens.
10. Kauai Half Marathon
This scenic half marathon takes place in early September in Hawaii. Many runners come here yearly to run a marathon ($220) or half-marathon ($115) and observe the local beauty.
The race starts in Poipu, a resort at the sunny southern end of Hawaii’s fourth-largest island. The course follows the scenic coastline with breathtaking views of beaches, untouched wilderness, rugged volcanic peaks, and green tropical rainforests.
It looks so amazing that you may forget that you came to run the race. But the main view you can observe half an hour from the start of the race is the unbelievable Hawaiian sunrise.
11. Golden Leaf Half Marathon
Come to Snowmass Village, Colorado, in September to participate in this gorgeous running event. The Golden Leaf Marathon takes place with the support of Adidas Terrex. What makes this run unique is the nearly 1000 ft. of elevation from Snowmass to Aspen and the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain ski areas.
Because of the elevation climb and some trail running along the course, this race is recommended for skilled runners only. Still, if you feel ready for such a race, don’t waste time, as entry places sell out quickly. The price for participation is $85.
12. Newport Half Marathon
The Newport Marathon takes place in Newport, Rhode Island, in late October. Many runners come here yearly because the race is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
However, this is not the only thing that attracts runners. The course passes through the entire city of Newport and neighboring Middletown, which is simply stunning.
You’ll get beautiful views of the waterfront and gorgeous Newport mansions on Bellevue Avenue. So you don’t just run a race; you get a stunning tour of the best of Newport.
Here you can run a marathon and a half marathon. Prices will depend on the date you buy the ticket – the earlier you do it, the less you pay to participate.
13. Myrtle Beach Marathon
This running event takes place each March in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is a flat and fast course near the ocean that attracts more than 5000 runners yearly.
Here you can choose to run a full marathon, half marathon, 5k, or family fun run. The price is from $20 to $104 and increases closer to the run date. The race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
You can take your family and friends with you and have a fantastic weekend at one of the most scenic ocean fronts in the US.
Catch a ride on the iconic SkyWheel, stroll down the oceanfront boardwalks, or explore, shop, and dine at Broadway at the Beach, all while experiencing genuine Southern hospitality after the race.
14. Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon’s Strip at Night
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Series is famous all over the US. Still, don’t miss this run if you want an amazing experience. While most races start in the morning, the Rock’ n’ Roll Marathon’s Strip at Night kicks off after sunset.
Just imagine those Vegas lights and the fantastic road-race-slash-dance party while running a 5k, 10k, or half-marathon. Costumes, music, and fun – you won’t want to miss it!
This running party takes place in November; the price is $74, $139, or $149, depending on your chosen race.
So, grab your good mood and favorite sneakers, register, and get ready to be challenged in one of the most scenic running events you have ever seen!
15. Zane Grey Highline Trail Run
We will finish our list with one of the most scenic ultramarathons and most challenging 100k races in the country – the Zane Grey Highline Trail Run. The race takes place in April.
The course runs on the Highline Trail near Christopher Creek, Arizona, at the base of the Mogollon Rim. This year it will be point-to-point, from west to east, finishing on top of the Rim at the Rim Top Trailhead near the Mogollon Rim Visitors Center.
To take part in this famous scenic trail, you’ll need to mention a comparable trail run you’ve completed that would give the organizing committee an indication that you’d be able to care for yourself out on the trails and be without aid for extended periods.
The price starts from $220 and increases closer to the race.
Wrap Up
Many US marathons, half-marathons, and shorter races amaze runners from all over the country with their scenic beauty. We’ve listed our favorites. Choose one and prepare to be challenged in one of the most beautiful places in the US.
