Best marathons in the United States

193 rated races, ranked by an overall score built from racer reviews and race reports. How we rate

Marathon

193 races

1. Missoula Marathon
Missoula, United States
Next race 27 Jun 2027
Overall score 4.9
Excellent
Strong evidence · 6 sources + 577 runner ratings
1. Missoula Marathon
Overall score 4.9ExcellentStrong evidence · 6 sources + 577 runner ratingsTop 1%
Missoula, United States · Next race 27 Jun 2027
Racers loveFinish across the Higgins Avenue Bridge, packed with spectators.
Watch outOne climb around miles 13 to 15 (21 to 24 km).
“They get an A plus for bathrooms at the start line” RaceRaves Missoula Marathon reviews
Air
8–16 °C (46–61 °F)
Field
about 1,250
Best
Race 4.6
Weakest
Stay and travel 3.6
2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago, United States
Next race 10 Oct 2027
Overall score 4.8
Excellent
#3 of 297
Strong evidence · 10 sources + 199 runner ratings
2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Overall score 4.8ExcellentStrong evidence · 10 sources + 199 runner ratingsTop 2%#3 of 297 overall
Chicago, United States · Next race 10 Oct 2027
Racers loveAbout 1.7 million spectators line the 42.2 km (26.2 mi) loop through 29 neighbourhoods
Watch outLottery odds are low: about 55,000 places for over 200,000 applicants in 2026
“Crowd support at Chicago is like no other!” Many runners, RaceRaves (199 reviews)
Air
8–22 °C (46–72 °F)
Field
about 54,500
Best
Race 4.8
Weakest
Entry 1.4
3. Allianz Richmond Marathon
Richmond, United States
Next race 14 Nov 2026
Overall score 4.7
Excellent
#4 of 297
Strong evidence · 10 sources
Climbing 90 m (295 ft)
3. Allianz Richmond Marathon
Overall score 4.7ExcellentStrong evidence · 10 sourcesTop 2%#4 of 297 overall
Richmond, United States · Next race 14 Nov 2026
Racers loveDownhill final mile, about 19 m (61 ft), into the riverfront party at Brown's Island.
Watch outSold out for 2026 with a waitlist; registration opens in March.
“Reviewers call it America's Friendliest” 368 ratings, 20 recent reviews, RaceRaves (2026 page)
Air
3–16 °C (37–61 °F)
Climbing
90 m (295 ft)
Field
about 5,000
Best
Support 4.7
Weakest
Entry 3.1
4. Flying Pig Marathon
Cincinnati, United States
Last race 3 May 2026
Overall score 4.6
Excellent
#5 of 297
Strong evidence · 8 sources + 624 runner ratings
Climbing 376 m (1,230 ft)
4. Flying Pig Marathon
Overall score 4.6ExcellentStrong evidence · 8 sources + 624 runner ratingsTop 2%#5 of 297 overall
Cincinnati, United States · Last race 3 May 2026
Racers loveCrowd support is the standout, with neighbourhood parties and costumes.
Watch outHilly: about 376 m (1,234 ft) of gain, with the main climb to Eden Park.
“Pain is temporary, online race results are forever” Trevor Spencer, Marathon Training Academy recap
Air
12–22 °C (54–72 °F)
Climbing
376 m (1,230 ft)
Field
about 5,000
Best
Support 4.9
Weakest
Conditions 3.1
5. Williams Route 66 Marathon
Tulsa, United States
Next race 22 Nov 2026
Overall score 4.5
Excellent
#6 of 297
Strong evidence · 6 sources + 263 runner ratings
Climbing 244 m (800 ft)
5. Williams Route 66 Marathon
Overall score 4.5ExcellentStrong evidence · 6 sources + 263 runner ratingsTop 3%#6 of 297 overall
Tulsa, United States · Next race 22 Nov 2026
Racers loveBlock parties and neighbours' aid stations along most of the route.
Watch outAbout 245 m (800 ft) of climbing, most in miles 6 to 12 (10 to 19 km).
“This race is all about fan support from the locals” RaceRaves Williams Route 66 Marathon reviews
Air
0–12 °C (32–54 °F)
Climbing
244 m (800 ft)
Field
about 818
Best
Support 4.8
Weakest
Course 3.5
6. Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Minneapolis to St. Paul, United States
Last race 4 Oct 2026
Overall score 4.5
Excellent
#8 of 297
Strong evidence · 10 sources
Climbing 175 m (575 ft)
6. Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Overall score 4.5ExcellentStrong evidence · 10 sourcesTop 3%#8 of 297 overall
Minneapolis to St. Paul, United States · Last race 4 Oct 2026
Racers loveCourse runs past four lakes and the Mississippi, then up Summit Avenue to the Minnesota State Capitol.
Watch outHeat risk: 2023 was cancelled and 2025 hit 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F). 2027 moves to mid-October.
“Let's cruise to the finish and have a good time.” Brian Rock, Running with Rock (2025 race report)
Air
7–18 °C (45–64 °F)
Climbing
175 m (575 ft)
Field
about 7,000
Best
Course 4.9
Weakest
Entry 2.8
7. Guthrie Wineglass Marathon
Corning, United States
Last race 4 Oct 2026
Overall score 4.5
Excellent
#9 of 297
Strong evidence · 8 sources + 113 runner ratings
Climbing 119 m (390 ft)
7. Guthrie Wineglass Marathon
Overall score 4.5ExcellentStrong evidence · 8 sources + 113 runner ratingsTop 4%#9 of 297 overall
Corning, United States · Last race 4 Oct 2026
Racers loveFinish on Market Street in Corning, with crowds lining the pedestrian bridge.
Watch outLodging is scarce at USD 250 to 350 a night. Book by May; expect two or three night minimums.
“Every part of this race was amazing” RaceRaves (64 ratings, 26 marathon)
Air
6–17 °C (43–63 °F)
Climbing
119 m (390 ft)
Field
about 2,309
Best
Race 4.8
Weakest
Stay and travel 2.3
8. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Oklahoma City, United States
Next race 25 Apr 2027
Overall score 4.5
Excellent
#10 of 297
Strong evidence · 6 sources + 168 runner ratings
8. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Overall score 4.5ExcellentStrong evidence · 6 sources + 168 runner ratingsTop 4%#10 of 297 overall
Oklahoma City, United States · Next race 25 Apr 2027
Racers loveA moment of silence at the start and 168 names read at the finish.
Watch outThe finish funnels into Scissortail Park and can bottleneck.
“still goes off like clockwork” RaceRaves Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon…
Air
10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Field
about 2,527
Best
Support 4.7
Weakest
Conditions 2.7
9. TCS New York City Marathon
New York, United States
Next race 1 Nov 2026
Overall score 4.4
Very good
#11 of 297
Strong evidence · 9 sources + 157 runner ratings
Climbing 250 m (820 ft)
9. TCS New York City Marathon
Overall score 4.4Very goodStrong evidence · 9 sources + 157 runner ratingsTop 4%#11 of 297 overall
New York, United States · Next race 1 Nov 2026
Racers loveAbout 1 million spectators line the 42.2 km (26.2 mi) route, loudest on First Avenue.
Watch outStart day runs 5 to 7 hours: buses from about 5:00 am, then 1 to 3 hours waiting outdoors.
“Unbelievable crowds that cheer you up during the entire race.” RaceRaves
Air
7–13 °C (45–55 °F)
Climbing
250 m (820 ft)
Field
about 59,200
Best
Support 4.5
Weakest
Entry 1.0
10. Eau Claire Marathon
Eau Claire, United States
Next race 2 May 2027
Overall score 4.4
Very good
#12 of 297
Strong evidence · 6 sources + 185 runner ratings
Climbing 186 m (610 ft)
10. Eau Claire Marathon
Overall score 4.4Very goodStrong evidence · 6 sources + 185 runner ratingsTop 5%#12 of 297 overall
Eau Claire, United States · Next race 2 May 2027
Racers loveBlugold Mile through the UW-Eau Claire campus is the crowd peak, around mile 11 (18 km).
Watch outHills near miles 5, 12 and 15 (8, 19 and 24 km); 186 m (611 ft) of gain.
“the best community support of any of the races I have run!” 148 runners (2022 to 2026), RaceRaves (148 ratings, 4.7)
Air
7–19 °C (45–66 °F)
Climbing
186 m (610 ft)
Field
about 866
Best
Support 4.4
Weakest
Stay and travel 3.2
11. Town of Celebration Marathon
Celebration, United States
Next race 31 Jan 2027
Overall score 4.3
Very good
#14 of 297
Moderate evidence · 5 sources + 336 runner ratings
Climbing 66 m (215 ft)
11. Town of Celebration Marathon
Overall score 4.3Very goodModerate evidence · 5 sources + 336 runner ratingsTop 5%#14 of 297 overall
Celebration, United States · Next race 31 Jan 2027
Racers loveVery flat: 66 m (217 ft) of gain, near sea level, USATF-certified Boston qualifier.
Watch outHeat: 31 °C (87 °F) in 2026; January 31 highs range 16 to 28 °C (60 to 83 °F).
“the best swag of any race I've done so far” RaceRaves
Air
10–22 °C (50–72 °F)
Climbing
66 m (215 ft)
Field
about 400
Best
Race 4.6
Weakest
Course 3.2
12. Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
Milwaukee, United States
Last race 4 Oct 2026
Overall score 4.3
Very good
#15 of 297
Moderate evidence · 5 sources + 28 runner ratings
12. Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
Overall score 4.3Very goodModerate evidence · 5 sources + 28 runner ratingsTop 6%#15 of 297 overall
Milwaukee, United States · Last race 4 Oct 2026
Racers loveCrosses the Hoan Bridge near miles 7.5 and 23.5 (12 and 38 km), with city and lake views.
Watch outThe second Hoan Bridge climb near mile 23.5 (38 km) has no shade.
“This will go down as one of my favorite non-major marathons!” 27 runners, RaceRaves (Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon)
Air
7–20 °C (45–68 °F)
Field
about 1,900
Best
Race 4.5
Weakest
Conditions 3.5
13. Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon
Champaign, United States
Next race 24 Apr 2027
Overall score 4.3
Very good
#17 of 297
Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 81 runner ratings
Climbing 139 m (455 ft)
13. Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon
Overall score 4.3Very goodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 81 runner ratingsTop 6%#17 of 297 overall
Champaign, United States · Next race 24 Apr 2027
Racers loveFlat loop: 139 m (456 ft) of gain by one count, and 13.4% of 2026 finishers ran a Boston time.
Watch outMostly residential streets and farmland; reviewers call it dull after halfway.
“the race director is very good at her job” George Brown and Michael Zielinski, MarathonGuide reviews
Air
7–19 °C (45–66 °F)
Climbing
139 m (455 ft)
Field
about 1,099
Best
Race 4.7
Weakest
Course 3.3
14. Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Virginia Beach, United States
Next race 21 Mar 2027
Overall score 4.3
Very good
#19 of 297
Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 23 runner ratings
Climbing 82 m (270 ft)
14. Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Overall score 4.3Very goodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 23 runner ratingsTop 7%#19 of 297 overall
Virginia Beach, United States · Next race 21 Mar 2027
Racers loveOne of the flattest US marathons, about 82 m (270 ft) of gain, Boston-eligible.
Watch outOcean wind is common; expect a headwind on the return.
“Shamrock had by far the best post race celebration I've experienced at a race.” 95 ratings, RaceRaves
Air
7–13 °C (45–55 °F)
Climbing
82 m (270 ft)
Field
about 2,500
Best
Race 4.6
Weakest
Entry 3.4
15. Chevron Houston Marathon
Houston, United States
Next race 17 Jan 2027
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#22 of 297
Strong evidence · 8 sources + 85 runner ratings
Climbing 68 m (225 ft)
15. Chevron Houston Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodStrong evidence · 8 sources + 85 runner ratingsTop 8%#22 of 297 overall
Houston, United States · Next race 17 Jan 2027
Racers loveWarm up, drop bags and use hundreds of toilets indoors at the convention center before the 06:55 start.
Watch outCorral waits of 40 to 60 minutes outdoors in cold years; 2 °C (35 °F) starts have happened.
“Overall a very well organized race, where runners are considered.” RaceRaves
Air
3–15 °C (37–59 °F)
Climbing
68 m (225 ft)
Field
about 20,000
Best
Stay and travel 4.7
Weakest
Entry 3.1
16. Little Rock Marathon
Little Rock, United States
Next race 6 Mar 2027
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#23 of 297
Strong evidence · 6 sources + 253 runner ratings
16. Little Rock Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodStrong evidence · 6 sources + 253 runner ratingsTop 8%#23 of 297 overall
Little Rock, United States · Next race 6 Mar 2027
Racers loveProduction rated 4.7 of 5 on RaceRaves from 238 ratings.
Watch outSteep hills between 23 and 31 km (14 and 19 mi) and another near 39 km (24 mi).
“The medal is insane.” 238 runner ratings, RaceRaves Little Rock Marathon page
Air
4–20 °C (39–68 °F)
Field
about 1,200
Best
Support 4.6
Weakest
Conditions 2.7
17. Boston Marathon
Boston, United States
Next race 19 Apr 2027
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#24 of 297
Moderate evidence · 9 sources
Climbing 247 m (810 ft)
17. Boston Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodModerate evidence · 9 sourcesTop 8%#24 of 297 overall
Boston, United States · Next race 19 Apr 2027
Racers loveCrowds line almost the whole 42.2 km (26.2 mi), loudest at the Wellesley Scream Tunnel and Boston College.
Watch outEntry needs a qualifying time, charity bib or tour package. Standards start at 2:55 for men 18 to 34.
“Spectators line the entire route.” RaceRaves Boston Marathon reviews
Air
10–18 °C (50–64 °F)
Climbing
247 m (810 ft)
Field
about 30,000
Best
Race 4.5
Weakest
Entry 1.0
18. Des Moines Marathon
Des Moines, United States
Last race 18 Oct 2026
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#25 of 297
Strong evidence · 6 sources + 521 runner ratings
18. Des Moines Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodStrong evidence · 6 sources + 521 runner ratingsTop 9%#25 of 297 overall
Des Moines, United States · Last race 18 Oct 2026
Racers love400 m (quarter mile) lap on Drake Stadium's track around mile 12 (19 km).
Watch outThe finish chute backs up and post-race food is poorly signed.
“a top notch experience” RaceRaves Des Moines Marathon reviews
Air
5–15 °C (41–59 °F)
Field
about 1,889
Best
Stay and travel 4.3
Weakest
Course 3.6
19. Carlsbad Marathon
Carlsbad, United States
Next race 17 Jan 2027
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#26 of 297
Moderate evidence · 7 sources + 75 runner ratings
Climbing 238 m (780 ft)
19. Carlsbad Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodModerate evidence · 7 sources + 75 runner ratingsTop 9%#26 of 297 overall
Carlsbad, United States · Next race 17 Jan 2027
Racers loveOcean beside you for about 29 km (18 mi) of the course.
Watch outRolling hills add 238 m (782 ft) of climbing, harder on the second loop.
“Hills tough but manageable, with ocean views most of the way” RaceRaves (59 ratings, 15 marathon)
Air
9–15 °C (48–59 °F)
Climbing
238 m (780 ft)
Field
about 1,186
Best
Conditions 4.9
Weakest
Stay and travel 3.6
20. Rocket City Marathon
Huntsville, United States
Next race 13 Dec 2026
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#27 of 297
Strong evidence · 7 sources + 134 runner ratings
Climbing 213 m (700 ft)
20. Rocket City Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodStrong evidence · 7 sources + 134 runner ratingsTop 9%#27 of 297 overall
Huntsville, United States · Next race 13 Dec 2026
Racers loveStart and finish inside the Von Braun Center, with warm indoor space and toilets.
Watch outCold risk: the 2025 start was -6 °C (22 °F) with wind chill to -13 °C (9 °F).
“It's a nice small town marathon with easy, rolling hills.” Yasir Salem blog, #50in50 marathon 6
Air
-3–17 °C (27–63 °F)
Climbing
213 m (700 ft)
Field
about 1,180
Best
Race 4.4
Weakest
Conditions 3.2
21. UPMC Pittsburgh Marathon
Pittsburgh, United States
Usually May
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#28 of 297
Strong evidence · 11 sources + 88 runner ratings
Climbing 135 m (445 ft)
21. UPMC Pittsburgh Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodStrong evidence · 11 sources + 88 runner ratingsTop 10%#28 of 297 overall
Pittsburgh, United States · Usually May
Racers loveNeighborhood bands and crowds from the Strip District to Highland Park.
Watch outThe climb at mile 12 (19 km) adds 53 m (173 ft) around Birmingham Bridge and Forbes Avenue.
“The entire city comes out in full force.” 67 runners, RaceRaves Pittsburgh Marathon
Air
7–22 °C (45–72 °F)
Climbing
135 m (445 ft)
Field
about 8,000
Best
Support 4.5
Weakest
Race 3.8
22. CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Indianapolis, United States
Next race 7 Nov 2026
Overall score 4.2
Very good
#29 of 297
Strong evidence · 9 sources + 51 runner ratings
Climbing 92 m (300 ft)
22. CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Overall score 4.2Very goodStrong evidence · 9 sources + 51 runner ratingsTop 10%#29 of 297 overall
Indianapolis, United States · Next race 7 Nov 2026
Racers loveFast loop with about 92 m (302 ft) of gain; 18 to 19 percent of finishers qualify for Boston.
Watch outSold out in August 2026; entry is now by waitlist.
“Big race feel with small race simplicity!” Team RunRun (Natalie Lutz, 2023)
Air
2–11 °C (36–52 °F)
Climbing
92 m (300 ft)
Field
about 6,600
Best
Race 4.4
Weakest
Entry 2.1
23. Newport News One City Marathon
Newport News, United States
Next race 7 Mar 2027
Overall score 4.1
Very good
#30 of 297
Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 82 runner ratings
23. Newport News One City Marathon
Overall score 4.1Very goodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 82 runner ratingsTop 11%#30 of 297 overall
Newport News, United States · Next race 7 Mar 2027
Racers lovePoint-to-point run the length of the city, finishing at the Victory Arch downtown.
Watch outNo shuttle back from the finish; plan two cars or a ride.
“Well run from start to finish.” RaceRaves
Air
4–15 °C (39–59 °F)
Field
about 508
Best
Entry 4.4
Weakest
Stay and travel 3.1
24. Ogden Marathon
Ogden, United States
Next race 15 May 2027
Overall score 4.1
Very good
#31 of 297
Strong evidence · 7 sources + 113 runner ratings
Climbing 114 m (375 ft)
24. Ogden Marathon
Overall score 4.1Very goodStrong evidence · 7 sources + 113 runner ratingsTop 11%#31 of 297 overall
Ogden, United States · Next race 15 May 2027
Racers loveNet drop about 333 m (1,091 ft) from 1,646 m (5,400 ft) to downtown Ogden.
Watch outEveryone rides a bus loading 4:45 to 5:15 for a 7:00 start.
“It doesn't eat your quads like other marathons here.” Multiple reviewers (107 ratings, 4.7 average), RaceRaves
Air
7–19 °C (45–66 °F)
Climbing
114 m (375 ft)
Field
about 1,350
Best
Course 4.5
Weakest
Entry 2.7

About these ratings

Races are ranked by an overall score out of 5, built from racer reviews and race reports, on the race itself, course, support, conditions, travel and entry. 5 is always the better end. How we rate

Marathon course: 42.2 km (26.2 mi).

52 of 196 scores are thin evidence: fewer than 5 sources each (dashed score, marked provisional). Show only races with 5+ sources.

3 races are paused or discontinued and hidden until you turn off “Active races only” in All filters.

1,087 racer reviews and race reports.

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