Marathons in United States 2026: Routes, Dates & Elevation

United States is home to 143 marathons in our database, spread across cities including Austin, Big Sur, Boston, and Chicago, and more.

The country hosts 3 Abbott World Marathon Majors — Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon — putting it among the most sought-after destinations on the global racing calendar. New York City Marathon is the largest race in the lineup, typically drawing around 59,226 finishers, while the full spread offers everything from fast urban courses to scenic regional events.

Below are the largest races in the country; browse by region for the full list.

Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line.

AustinTexasUnited States

Austin Marathon

The Austin Marathon attracts about 10,000 finishers each February through Texas's capital city. The course passes the State Capitol, the University of Texas campus, and the rolling hills of south Austin with live music at multiple stages. February mild Texas weather and the 'Live Music Capital of the World' race atmosphere make it one of the largest marathons in the Southwest.

Next race: Sunday, 14 February 2027

Big SurCaliforniaUnited States

Big Sur International Marathon

The Big Sur International Marathon is widely regarded as America's most beautiful marathon, drawing about 4,500 runners each April on a point-to-point along California's Highway 1. The course passes the iconic Bixby Bridge at mile 13, McWay Falls viewpoints, and the rugged Big Sur coastline. It is not a personal-best course — the hills and cliffside scenery are the reward.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

World Marathon Major

BostonMassachusettsUnited States

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and the only major requiring qualification for most runners. Starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street, the course features the challenging Heartbreak Hill and legendary New England crowd support. It is the pinnacle race for competitive amateur marathoners.

Next race: Monday, 19 April 2027

World Marathon Major

ChicagoIllinoisUnited States

Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon winds through 29 diverse neighbourhoods of the Windy City. Known for its flat, fast course and enthusiastic Midwest crowds, Chicago has hosted landmark performances including Kelvin Kiptum's previous men's world record (2:00:35, 2023) and Ruth Chepngetich's all-time women's record (2:09:56, 2024). It remains a favourite for runners chasing Boston qualifying times.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

ClevelandOhioUnited States

Cleveland Marathon

The Cleveland Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Cleveland, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Cleveland. The route crosses the Hope Memorial Bridge, passes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and follows the Lake Erie shoreline. Hilly with climbs on the Hope Memorial Bridge and through Ohio City.

Next race: Saturday, 15 May 2027

ColumbusOhioUnited States

Columbus Marathon

The Columbus Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Columbus, United States. The course starts and finishes at North Bank Park (311 W Long St). The route passes the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, Ohio State University, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026

DallasTexasUnited States

Dallas Marathon

The Dallas Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Dallas, United States. The course starts and finishes at Dallas City Hall. The route passes Dealey Plaza, White Rock Lake, and the Katy Trail. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.

Next race: Sunday, 13 December 2026

DetroitMichiganUnited States

Detroit Marathon

The Detroit Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Detroit, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Detroit. Mostly flat with climbs on the bridge and tunnel approaches.

Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026

EugeneOregonUnited States

Eugene Marathon

The Eugene Marathon draws about 4,500 finishers each April in Track Town USA, finishing at the historic Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The course passes Pre's Trail, the Willamette River, and the city's running-obsessed neighbourhoods. April spring weather and the Hayward Field finish make it a pilgrimage for American running fans.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

CincinnatiOhioUnited States

Flying Pig Marathon

The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's beloved spring race, drawing about 10,000 finishers through the city's seven hills and across the Ohio River. Named for Cincinnati's pork-industry heritage, the Pig features enthusiastic local crowds, a tour of downtown, Eden Park, and the riverfront, and a finish festival at Sawyer Point. May weather and rolling terrain make it a challenging but festive Midwest marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 1 May 2027

DuluthMinnesotaUnited States

Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon is a classic North Shore point-to-point from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota, drawing about 6,500 runners each June. The net-downhill course follows Lake Superior's scenic Highway 61 with views of the big lake, boreal forest, and Duluth's hillside finish in Canal Park. Cool lake breezes and a fast early profile make it one of America's most popular regional marathons.

Next race: Saturday, 19 June 2027

HonoluluHawaiiUnited States

Honolulu Marathon

The Honolulu Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 18k finishers on a scenic coastal road in Honolulu, United States. The course starts before dawn on Ala Moana Boulevard in Waikiki and finishes in Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head. Hilly in the second half, with the biggest climbs between miles 18 and 23.

Next race: Sunday, 13 December 2026

HoustonTexasUnited States

Houston Marathon

The Houston Marathon draws approximately 8,500 finishers on an urban road in Houston, United States. The course starts and finishes at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The route passes Hermann Park, Rice University, and the Galleria area. Very flat — one of the fastest winter marathons in the US.

Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027

Las VegasNevadaUnited States

Las Vegas Marathon

The Las Vegas Marathon draws approximately 4,800 finishers on an urban road in Las Vegas, United States. The course starts on the Strip and finishes at the Festival Grounds. The route runs the length of Las Vegas Boulevard past the major casinos. Mostly flat along the desert floor.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

Los AngelesCaliforniaUnited States

Los Angeles Marathon

The Los Angeles Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 23k finishers on an urban road in Los Angeles, United States. The course starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. Net downhill overall, though with rolling sections through Hollywood.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Washington, D.C.District of ColumbiaUnited States

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 16k finishers on a point-to-point road in Washington, D.C., United States. The course runs from the Pentagon in Arlington to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The route crosses the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C., passing the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall monuments, and Hains Point before finishing in Arlington. Rolling terrain with climbs on Memorial Bridge and at Hains Point.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

World Marathon Major

New YorkNew YorkUnited States

New York City Marathon

The TCS New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, taking runners through all five boroughs — Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The course crosses five bridges and finishes in Central Park, delivering an unmatched big-city marathon experience.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUnited States

Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Philadelphia, United States. The course starts and finishes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art — the 'Rocky Steps'. The route passes Independence Hall, the Schuylkill River trail, and Boathouse Row. Mostly flat along the river with gentle undulations.

Next race: Saturday, 21 November 2026

PittsburghPennsylvaniaUnited States

Pittsburgh Marathon

The Pittsburgh Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Pittsburgh, United States. The course starts and finishes at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The route crosses the city's three rivers via multiple bridges, passing PNC Park and Mount Washington. Hilly with repeated bridge climbs throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Washington, D.C.District of ColumbiaUnited States

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll Washington DC Marathon draws approximately 5,476 finishers each March through the US capital's monument-lined streets. The course passes the US Capitol, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Georgetown waterfront with live music stages along the route. March cherry-blossom season makes it one of America's most scenic capital-city marathons.

Next race: Saturday, 20 March 2027

San DiegoCaliforniaUnited States

San Diego Marathon

The San Diego Marathon draws approximately 4,800 finishers on a scenic coastal road in San Diego, United States. The course starts and finishes in Balboa Park. Mostly flat with gentle rises inland from the coast.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

San FranciscoCaliforniaUnited States

San Francisco Marathon

The San Francisco Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in San Francisco, United States. The course starts and finishes along the Embarcadero. The route crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, passes the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and the Haight. Hilly throughout, with the steepest climbs in the Presidio and through Golden Gate Park.

Next race: Saturday, 31 July 2027

St. GeorgeUtahUnited States

St. George Marathon

The St. George Marathon is one of America's fastest marathons, drawing about 5,000 finishers each October on a net-downhill point-to-point from Pine Valley to St. George, Utah. The course drops through striking red-rock desert scenery in southwestern Utah with cool October desert mornings. It is a premier Boston qualifier and destination race for speed-focused runners.

Next race: Saturday, 2 October 2027

Lake Buena VistaFloridaUnited States

Walt Disney World Marathon

The Walt Disney World Marathon is runDisney's flagship event, sending roughly 18,000 runners through all four Walt Disney World theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Participants start in the pre-dawn dark outside EPCOT and run through Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios with character meet-and-greets, park audio, and themed aid stations along the way. The January race weekend is a destination event for runners who want a marathon wrapped in Disney spectacle.

Next race: Sunday, 10 January 2027