It is no coincidence that tens of thousands of runners worldwide come to America to compete in marathon events. The country offers some of the biggest, most competitive races, guaranteed to have a festive atmosphere. In this article, we have selected the 5 best marathons in the USA.
1. The Boston Marathon
Though not the top marathon in the world in terms of attendance, the Boston Marathon is probably the most coveted among runners. Every year, the marathon is held on the third Sunday of April, the same day Americans celebrate Patriot Day.
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most famous.
The marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors series. To register, you must qualify by time (run another marathon from an accredited list with a certain time depending on the gender and age of the runner) or participate through charity.
The marathon route passes through the heart of Boston and 7 neighboring towns. The elevation drop of 459 feet (140 meters) over the 26.2 mile route exceeds the IAAF standards for road marathons, so the records set here are not recorded.
2. The Chicago Marathon
Registration for next year’s Chicago Marathon opens immediately after the current year’s marathon ends.
Registration options are standard – a lottery, charity, and other special programs, as well as buying a tour from an accredited operator. Winning the lottery is real; many will get lucky on the first try.
The city is located on Lake Michigan, it is often very cool and windy here, but the weather is usually good on marathon days and sometimes even hot like in summer.
The start and finish are at Grant Park in the city center, and the route passes through the downtown, old low-rise areas, university campus, and Chinatown. For those who run for the result – in the first half of the distance, due to skyscrapers and tunnels, the GPS signal is lost, and the pace may not be displayed correctly.
Right before the finish line, there is a small hill. After the finish, you can relax in a special area of Grant Park and then go for the traditional Chicago pizza on a thick dough.
The marathon is well-organized, and Chicago is one of those American cities that you should definitely visit. The marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors series.
3. The New York Marathon
The world’s largest marathon was once just a friendly run of buddies winding through Central Park. But they wanted something more, and the New York Marathon was born.
The modern route of the famous NYC marathon passes through all 5 counties of New York. It starts at Staten Island, passes through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, then finishes in Manhattan.
Every runner dreams of running through the legendary Central Park, and the New York City Marathon provides participants with such an opportunity.
Registration opens in January. Slots can be won in a lottery, and fast runners can qualify by time. Other ways to get registered are a charity, special organizer programs, or buying a tour from an accredited tour operator. The marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors series.
While in New York, enjoy the city that never sleeps. The city is full of life, and there is always somewhere to go and something to do.
4. Michigan Grand Rapids Marathon
The Metro Health/Grand Rapids Marathon is a 26.219 mile (42.195 km) race held every October in Grand Rapids, Michigan, since 2004. This is a USATF-certified course and one of the best marathons in the USA. In 2008, the Grand Rapids Marathon attracted Metro Health as a title sponsor.
During the full marathon, runners tour downtown Grand Rapids before heading out of town to the trails of Millennium Park. This is considered a flat, fast course and an excellent opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
The marathon uses “famous” pace commands based on the times of famous people who have run marathons. Current tempo teams include Oprah Winfrey (4:29), P. Diddy (4:14), Will Ferrell (3:56), George W. Bush (3:44), William Baldwin (3:24), and Pi (3:14).
In addition to the main event, there is a kids marathon, 5K, 10K, half marathon, and fitness exhibition.
5. The Big Sur International Marathon
The Big Sur International Marathon is an annual marathon held in California along the Pacific Coast and is one of the best races to participate in. The marathon was founded in 1986 and gathers about 4,500 participants annually.
In addition to the marathon, the event usually includes a 21-mile (34 km) run, a relay race, a 5 km run, and various walks. Marathon runners have 6 hours to complete the event. Since the launch of the marathon, more than $2 million in grants have been given to charity.
The finish line for all events is the Crossroads shopping center in Carmel, California. The Marathon starts south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The Power Walk and 21-mile (34 km) run start at Andrew Moler State Park. The 10.6-mile (17.1 km) Walk and Run starts at Grimes Ranch. The 9 miles (14 km) and 5-km races start and end at the finish line.
The marathon route follows State Route 1 and crosses the Bixby Creek Bridge at the halfway point. Hurricane Point is a 560-foot peak between mile markers 10 and 12. There are 11 help points along the route. You can see the map here.
The 2020 and 2021 races were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all 2020 edition registrants being given a 60% refund and the option to register during the 2022 or 2023 priority registration period.
