20 Greatest USA Marathons To Run in 2023

Usually talking, marathon season lasts from mid-August to December—however that is not a tough and quick rule. (For instance, the Boston Marathon is held yearly in April.) Throughout this stretch of time, you’ll be able to join a race in no matter backdrop most encourage you: the concrete jungle, the verdant Pacific Northwest, the shores of Lake Michigan—your selection.

To make your analysis a breeze, beneath, we curated a USA marathon bucket listing that is organized by elevation. Whether or not you are trying to find a predominately downhill race or able to tackle some gnarly elevation, we have got you.

(Largely) flat marathons

Financial institution of America Chicago Marathon

The Chicago marathon is famously, gorgeously flat—making it a really perfect race for anybody hoping to BQ (Boston qualify). Beginning and ending in Grant Park, this magical race will aid you see town as you’ve got by no means seen it earlier than.

Date and site: October 28, 2023; Chicago, Illinois

Elevation: internet acquire of 243 ft

Value of entry: $230

Associated Tales

The place to remain: Go to the official housing web site of the marathon.

Eating places to strive: Giordano’s, Sapori Trattoria, Alexander’s

Philadelphia Marathon

This largely flat race will take you by a few of Philly’s most iconic monuments, from Independence Corridor to the Liberty Bell Middle. Whereas the marathon itself is implausible, the Philly meals scene is a cause to run right here in and of itself. You may gasoline up with a number of the greatest eats town has to supply earlier than you lace up.

Date and site: November 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Elevation: internet zero elevation

Value of entry: $155

The place to remain: Ebook your resort at a reduced charge right here.

Eating places to strive: Friday Saturday Sunday, Blazin’ J’s, Buena Onda Rittenhouse

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is without doubt one of the largest on the planet—and famously covers all of the monuments in Washington D.C. Should you’re on the lookout for a metropolis race that additionally affords its fair proportion of pure magnificence, that is the race for you. And you probably have pals or household who’ve served, all the higher.

Date and site: October 2023; Arlington, Virginia

Elevation: elevation acquire: 630 ft; elevation Loss: 593 ft

Value of entry: $220

The place to remain: Renaissance Arlington Capital View Resort, Crystal Gateway Marathon, The Westin Arlington Gateway

Eating places to strive: Ruthie’s All-Day, Preservation Biscuit, Thompson Italian

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

Should you love nothing greater than working on a stupendous lakefront course, you are in luck. This marathon skates alongside Lake Michigan, and many of the elevation happens initially of the race. These views are the easiest the midwest has to supply.

Date and site: October 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Elevation: elevation acquire of 626 ft

Value of entry: $115

The place to remain: Schuster Mansion Mattress & Breakfast, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Milwaukee Downtown

Eating places to strive: Kopp’s Frozen Custard, Lakefront Brewery, Velocity Queen Bar-B-Q

Missoula Marathon

One other Boston qualifying flat course, the Missoula Marathon affords breathtaking views of farmland, mountains, metropolis, and extra.

Date and site: Frenchtown, Montana; June 25, 2023

Elevation: max Elevation: 3256 ft; min elevation: 3041 ft

Value of entry: $95

The place to remain: Double Tree by Hilton Missoula-Edgewater

Eating places to strive: Rattlesnake Gardens Market & Cafe, Tagliare Delicatessen, The Catalyst Cafe

Boston

No marathon listing is full with out the one and solely Boston Marathon. This iconic race is the world’s oldest annual marathon and attracts a number of the quickest runners on the market. Whereas Boston is a internet downhill race, the notoriously gnarly Heartbreak Hill (which occurs at mile 20) satisfied us that this race deserved to be on the “elevation” part of this information. Notice: You’ll have to qualify for this race, so be sure to try the hoops you must soar via to earn your spot at this end line.

Date and site: April 17, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts

Elevation: 891 elevation acquire

Value of entry: $225

The place to remain: Examine right here for an inventory of locations to remain.

Eating places to strive: Giulia, Santarpio’s Pizza, Seabiscuit

Kiawah Island Marathon

You are in for a stupendous tour of the South Carolina Lowcountry with the Kiawah Island Marathon. From timber heavy with moss to miles and miles of marshland, there’s a lot to see all through this lovely run. Plus, you will solely acquire about 129 ft in elevation, so it is an ideal course for chasing a private file.

Date and site: December 2023, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Elevation: elevation acquire: 129 ft; elevation loss: 129 ft

Value of entry: $130

The place to remain: The Sanctuary, Consolation Inn Downtown Charleston, Embassy Suites by Hilton

Eating places to strive: The Nest Market, Bertha’s Restaurant, Lewis Barbecue

Honolulu Marathon

Cruise alongside Honolulu’s oceanfront on this (semi) out-and-back race with just a few gentle hills. This course will serve you loads of beautiful ocean views earlier than steering you inland so you’ll be able to see town. Plus, climate does not get a lot better than Hawaii in December.

Date and site: December 2023; Honolulu, Hawaii

Elevation: elevation acquire: 457 ft; elevation loss: 455 ft

Value of entry: $185

The place to remain: Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, Outrigger Waikiki Seaside Resort (use code “MARATHON” at checkout for a reduction)

Eating places to strive: Over Straightforward, Kyung’s Seafood, Waiola Shave Ice

Walt Disney World Marathon

Get working via essentially the most magical place on earth. This race weekend is a blast for individuals who run all distances—so in case you’re touring with somebody who’d reasonably run a 5K or a 10K, they are going to be all set, too. In all honesty, it is onerous to get a spot on this marathon. So if it is in your bucket listing, make sure that to set a timer in order that you do not miss registration.

Date and site: January 8, 2023; Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Elevation: elevation acquire: 351 ft; elevation loss: 354 ft

Value of entry: $229

The place to remain: Should you’re working the Disney World Marathon, likelihood is it would be best to keep at a Disney Resort.

Eating places to strive: Topolino’s Terrace, Satu’li Canteen, Cinderella’s Royal Desk

Area Coast Marathon

Florida’s oldest marathon is a zany mission via area—and it deserves a spot in your bucket listing. The occasion kicks off in Cocoa Village and finishes on the River in Lee Wenner Park and Cocoa Riverfront Park. The entire course is impressed by the galaxy, so prepare for an out-of-this-world expertise.

Date and site: November 2023; Cocoa, Florida

Elevation: elevation acquire: 262 ft; elevation loss: 259 ft

Value of entry: $130

The place to remain: Ebook your resort right here.

Eating places to strive: This marathon affords a pre-race pasta dinner, however you might also wish to try Brano’s Italian Grill and Merely Scrumptious Café and Bakery.

Marathons with elevation

Massive Sur Worldwide Marathon

It does not get a lot better than working 26.2 miles of California’s jaw-droppingly beautiful Freeway 1. This Boston qualifying race rolls via redwood timber, coastal mountains, and miles upon miles of ocean. You may at all times have one thing to have a look at—and since it is a point-to-point race, you will have absolutely the satisfaction of driving the lengthy course you simply ran on the finish of the day when it is time to head again to your resort.

Date and site: April 30, 2023; point-to-point race from Massive Sur to Carmel

Elevation: +2,182 ft, -2,528-feet

Value of entry: $265 for home members

The place to remain: Fly into the Monterey Airport and keep within the Monterey Marriott, Hilton Backyard Inn Monterey, or an Airbnb.

Eating places to strive: Dine oceanfront in a few of Monterey’s greatest eating places, together with Nepenthe and Tides Waterfront Kitchen.

Vermont Metropolis Marathon

Should you’re on the lookout for a marathon with that small-town appeal, think about your search over. Whereas this course is taken into account “flat” by New England requirements, it can nonetheless appear fairly hilly for many runners. Be certain your legs and thoughts are ready for the elevation so you’ll be able to merely benefit from the fallcore that is this 26.2 course.

Date and site: Could 28, 2023; Burlington, Vermont

Elevation: elevation acquire: 855 ft; elevation loss: 856 ft

Value of entry: TBD

The place to remain: Resort Vermont, Consolation Inn and Suites

Eating places to strive: A Single Pebble, Penny Clusé Café, Zero Gravity Taproom

Montana Governor’s Cup Marathon

This point-to-point race is a Boston qualifier with a difficult patch of hills between miles 16 and 20. You may run via the mining Ghost City of Wickes and rural views for a novel marathon setting you’ll be able to’t discover wherever else.

Date and site: November 2023; Wickes, Montana

Elevation: cumulative elevation acquire of 638 ft all through the race

Value of entry: TBD

The place to remain: Elkhorn Mountain Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown

Eating places to strive: The Roadhouse Diner, Firehouse BBQ Co, Biga Pizza

Amica Seattle Marathon

That is Seattle’s hometown marathon—and it is completely superb. The course’s rolling hills will take you on a tour of town’s bridges, waterways, and sweeping vistas. Simply be sure to’re able to tackle the elevation.

Date and site: November 2023; Seattle Washington

Elevation: elevation acquire: 931 ft; elevation Loss: 929 ft

Value of entry: $147

The place to remain: The Westin Seattle

Eating places to strive: Seattle Sizzling Canine, The Pink Door, Bar Del Corso 

TCS New York Metropolis Marathon

Take it from somebody who lived on the NYC marathon race course for a number of years: marathon day is the most particular power town has to supply. From the continuous cheering to the Empire State websites, there’s an indescribable aliveness to this race. Whereas it’s kind of tough to get your fingers on a bib, the work will likely be nicely value it. You may keep in mind working via Central Park for the remainder of your life—promise.

Date and site: November 5, 2023; New York Metropolis, New York

Elevation: elevation acquire: 810 ft; elevation loss: 824 ft

Value of entry: $295

The place to remain: Ebook your resort right here.

Eating places to strive: Levain Bakery, Atlas Kitchen, Jacob’s Pickles

Gorham Financial savings Financial institution Maine Marathon

Hosted by the Maine Monitor Membership, this race leads you thru rolling hills and beautiful ocean vistas. Because the race takes place in early October, it is a nice foliage marathon—if you understand what I imply. You’ll be able to anticipate cool climate

Date and site: October 1, 2023; Portland, Maine

Elevation: elevation acquire: 821 ft; elevation loss: 821 ft

Value of entry: $115

The place to remain: Vacation Inn Portland by the Bay, Hilton Backyard Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Eating places to strive: Try the race administrators’ full listing of suggestions

Newport Marathon

The Newport Marathon begins at Easton’s Seaside and has lengthy been thought-about the most effective marathon in New Hampshire. You may take pleasure in lovely fall climate and lots of, many hills—so be sure to practice elevation, okay?

Date and site: October 2023; Middletown, Rhode Island

Elevation: elevation acquire: 847 ft

Value of entry: $118

The place to remain: Newport Seaside Resort & Suites, Newport Harbor Resort & Marina, Residence Inn by Marriott

Eating places to strive: Le Bec Sucré, Becky’s BBQ, Port Pizza Middletown

Predominately downhill marathons

Los Angeles Marathon 

Tour Los Angeles on foot with this pretty marathon. You may begin at Dodger’s Stadium and finishes at Avenue of the Stars in Century Metropolis. Whereas the course is a bit hilly initially, you will end on a pleasant downhill grade. So put within the work firstly, and put together to be rewarded.

Date and site: Los Angeles, California; March 19, 2023

Elevation: internet elevation drop of 430 ft

Value of entry: $179

The place to remain: Be taught concerning the LA marathon associate motels right here.

Eating places to strive: Market Venice, Quarter Sheet Pizza Membership, Sidecar Donuts

Salt Lake Metropolis Marathon

This high-altitude race is generally flat and downhill. You may begin on the Olympic Legacy Bridge, run via the Wasatch Mountains and completely different elements of town, and cross the end line in the midst of downtown.

Date and site: April 32, 2023; Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah

Elevation: +918 ft, -1501 ft

Value of entry: $70 to $110

The place to remain: Marriott Metropolis Middle (strolling distance from the end line)

Eating places to strive: Seize a chew at Chunga’s in case you’re within the temper for Mexican meals or Banbury Cross Donuts for a pre-race donut.

Napa Valley Marathon

If working via wine nation sounds dreamy to you, that is the 26.2 race for you. This scenic route takes you thru miles of vineyards and mountains for a stupendous course that may really feel like one lengthy day of sightseeing. Have fun on the end line with a beneficiant pour of California pink.

Date and site: March 23, 2023. point-to-point race from Calistoga to Napa

Elevation: The race begins at practically 400 ft above sea stage and ends about 60 ft above sea stage.

Value of entry: $175

The place to remain: Hampton Inn & Suites Napa, Napa Valley Marriott Resort & Spa, Vacation Inn Specific

Eating places to strive: The Mannequin Bakery, Pizzeria Tra Vigne, Gott’s Roadside