For some runners out there, simply completing a marathon is one of the top items on their bucket list. After all, reaching a marathon finish line is an incredible accomplishment. Whether it’s a small local race or a famous, highly-esteemed marathon, many runners see this 26.2-mile race as an ultimate goal and showcase of their hard work and training.
But many people have gone a step further with the marathons on their bucket list. Some runners try to complete 50 marathons in all 50 states, while others travel across the globe – from Boston to Tokyo – to tackle all of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Whether you have a unique bucket list goal or are just looking for a fun and unique marathon to complete, bucket list marathons are a fantastic way to achieve your goal. That’s why we’ve put together the 11 best marathons in the US to add to your bucket list.
What is a Bucket List Marathon?
When researching the top US marathons, you’ve likely come across the term “bucket list marathon”. So what does that mean exactly?
Over 1,000 marathons take place in the United States each year. Once you decide you want to sign up for a marathon, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you with so many options out there. The decision often comes down to location, size, terrain, and schedule.
But if you want a truly unique running experience, you should look into some of the top US bucket list races. Bucket list marathons offer a race experience that goes beyond the typical marathon environment. Whether it’s huge bustling crowds and unmatched spectators, incredible scenery, or one-of-a-kind courses, running a bucket list marathon is an experience you’ll never forget.
We’ve put together a guide to some of the best marathons in the US that are worth adding to your bucket list. Looking at factors such as unique courses, scenic views, historical significance, and overall running experience, these marathons are some of the top races that any endurance runner won’t want to miss out on.
The Best Marathons in the US to Put on Your Running Bucket List
Considering adding a unique marathon to your bucket list? Here are 11 of the best options you can find in the United States.
The Boston Marathon
No list of the best US marathons would be complete without a Boston Marathon mention. Dating back to 1897, this huge, storied marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world. Boston is one of the six Abbott World Majors, meaning it’s been applauded as one of the largest and most acclaimed marathons you can run.
Every year on Patriot’s Day, thousands of runners line up in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to take on this prestigious and historical 26.2-mile course. The difficult, hilly course takes runners through eight Massachusetts towns, up the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” in Newton, and finally the last left turn on Boylston in Boston where huge crowds of people are waiting to celebrate at the finish line.
Along with the historical significance of the Boston Marathon, this race is best known for its unforgettable atmosphere and spectators. Boston and the surrounding areas truly show up for the runners each year, lining the entire course and providing cheers, support, and encouragement throughout the entire journey.
Boston brings together elite athletes, first-time marathoners, and charity runners and walkers. But it’s not easy to earn a spot in this distinguished race. The B.A.A has strict qualifying times as well as steep fundraising goals for charity runners. If you are able to earn a spot, however, the Boston Marathon guarantees a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience throughout every step of the journey.
The Chicago Marathon
Another one of the Abbott World Majors, the Chicago Marathon is a fantastic bucket list race for anyone looking for a competitive environment, plenty of spectators, and a fast, flat course.
This esteemed midwest race takes runners on a loop course throughout the streets of Chicago. Taking place every October, the race hosts thousands of participants every year, including elite, record-breaking runners and more casual marathoners alike.
If you’re looking to get a PR in your next marathon, you might want to consider signing up for the Chicago Marathon. The course is flat, fast, and perfect for PRs. The race even boasts several world-record times.
One of the best and most noteworthy aspects of the Chicago Marathon is the sheer amount of support from the community. Over a million spectators line the streets every year to cheer on runners as they maneuver through Chicago neighborhoods toward the finish line.
While it’s still a large and prestigious race, Chicago is also easier to get a bib for than comparable US marathons. There are guaranteed entry options, such as qualifying times and charity programs, but runners can also sign up for a non-guaranteed entry for a chance at a lottery spot.
New York City Marathon
The last of the Abbott World Majors in the United States, the New York City Marathon is a historic and exceptional experience for both runners and spectators. Every November, over 50,000 runners flock to the Big Apple to take part in the largest marathon in the world.
Countless professional runners, amateur athletes, and charity runners dream of taking part in this bucket list marathon. Along with the huge crowd of runners and competitive atmosphere, the race brings out two million spectators to support the runners and carry them through the 26.2 miles.
The course is another New York City Marathon feature that earns it a spot on this list. There’s no better way to take in all the sights of New York than this unique, hilly, and challenging course. Starting in Staten Island, runners will make their way through all five boroughs before ending in Manhattan’s Central Park.
With so many people wanting to take part in this crowded, historic marathon, getting a spot in the race can be difficult. You can get guaranteed entry through a qualifying time, charity, or 9+1 program for local runners, or enter your name in the lottery drawing for non-guaranteed entry.
Flying Pig Marathon
Coined “the biggest weekend party in town”, the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon offers one of the most fun and unique marathon experiences you can find in the United States. While the early May marathon may not be as popular as the world majors on this list, this exciting Ohio race earned its “bucket list marathon” title with its incredible course views and lively weekend experience.
The entire event is well-planned and offers both runners and supporters a fun way to explore the city. The course weaves through Cincinnati and surrounding areas. While the rolling hills make this a tough course, the city views and large number of spectators will help you get to the “finish swine”.
The course features plenty of cheering stations and water stops, along with several more unique stations designed to keep you smiling throughout the 26.2 miles. Live music, “party zones”, and even a bacon station line the roads of Cincinnati along the way to the finish.
Once you make it to the end, the real party begins. The victory party offers food, drinks, and live music throughout the day to help you relax and celebrate your achievement. This eccentric race has a small community feel with all the support and well-run logistics of a larger established race, making it a great addition to any bucket list.
Big Sur International Marathon
Big Sur, California is known for its rugged cliffs, towering redwood forests, and remarkable waterfront views. And what better way to take in this incredible scenery than with a point-to-point 26.2-mile run?
The Big Sur International Marathon takes place every April along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, leading from Big Sur to Carmel, California. If you want to sign up for a destination marathon, Big Sur International is one of the best options out there. The central coast California region has countless attractions and sights to explore, from the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium to scenic state parks.
The marathon course itself takes runners through the most beautiful sights and scenery in the country. The rural and hilly course can be challenging at times, but the striking Pacific Ocean views make up for any difficulty and will leave you in awe throughout the entire run. The most exciting part of the course is around the halfway point, when runners cross the scenic Bixby Bridge.
Along with the views, the Big Sur Marathon provides plenty of entertainment and support throughout the course. From the numerous aid stations to live drummers and belly dancers, there’s so much to take in throughout this 26.2-mile journey. And when you’re done, you can reunite with family and friends and celebrate at the marathon finish festival.
Catalina Island Marathon
Another scenic California marathon, the Catalina Island Marathon is perfect for anyone looking to take their marathon running off-road. One of the more challenging courses on this list, the Catalina Island Marathon takes participants up 4,300 feet of elevation on rugged trails and dirt roads.
Catalina Island Marathon is California’s oldest trail marathon. Started nearly 50 years ago, thousands of runners every March make the trek from the Two Harbors start line through gorgeous conservation land to the finish line in Avalon. Runners who choose to tackle this difficult trail race will be rewarded with incredible ocean views, sprawling vistas, and other incredible natural scenery.
Nature lovers won’t want to skip out on this picturesque marathon. And be sure to keep an eye out for American Bison, which are often spotted along the course!
Marine Corps Marathon
Few marathons in the US have earned as many awards and as much praise as the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Dubbed “The People’s Marathon”, this large, renowned race is one of the largest marathons without any prize money for top finishers, making it a fun and rewarding race for runners of all experience and skill levels.
The Marine Corps Marathon was originally started in 1976 to showcase the US Marine Corps and build a sense of community and support. Today, the race attracts over 20,000 runners each year. At the end of October, crowds of runners head to DC for this distinguished and well-organized race.
The marathon starts and ends in Arlington, VA, with the middle miles weaving through iconic landmarks in the US capital. The course will take you past the Pentagon, around Arlington National Cemetery, and through the National Mall before circling back to the Marine Corps War Memorial.
This iconic course is the perfect choice for history lovers and any runner who wants to explore all the classic DC landmarks. There are so many spectators and local community members out on the course, including plenty of veterans and Marine Corps members lining the roads. And once you complete the course, head to the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial for live music, food, and giveaways at the Finish Festival.
Philadelphia Marathon
The Philadelphia Marathon is another bucket list favorite among history enthusiasts. Held every year towards the end of November, this scenic city marathon consistently earns a spot as one of the best marathons in the United States.
Dating back to 1954, this fast and flat marathon now attracts over 30,000 runners each year. The environment is electric, with countless runners, spectators, and volunteers spread out across the 26.2 miles. There’s also no qualifying time and registration is open to all experience levels, making this a great event for elite athletes and more casual runners.
But the biggest draw of this bucket list marathon is the scenic and historical course. The loop course takes you through some of Philly’s most iconic and recognizable landmarks, so you can see all the city has to offer as you make your way through different neighborhoods.
The race starts by the Philadelphia Art Museum before making its way past landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross House. And even more scenic views await the runners as the course takes them along the Schuylkill River and through Fairmount Park.
With spirited cheering sections, a flat course, and iconic landmarks throughout the entire journey, this is a great bucket list marathon for any beginner runners looking for their first marathon.
Pikes Peak Marathon
Pikes Peak Marathon, located in mountainous Manitou Springs, Colorado, is not a race for the faint-hearted. This trail endurance competition takes runners up an over 7,800-foot climb to the 14,000+-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Once participants reach the summit, they begin the physically demanding descent down narrow, winding trails.
This unique marathon is both physically and mentally tough, so it’s important to train properly and prepare for the high elevation and grueling vertical climb and descent. The competitive marathon draws a few hundred trail runners per year. There’s also a shorter Ascent challenge, where runners race the 13.3 miles up to the summit. The Ascent draws even more competitors and spectators to this exciting event.
The demanding trail course takes a lot longer than most marathons, so you shouldn’t sign up for Pikes Peak expecting a personal best time. But if you want scenic views, a challenging mountain course, and an unforgettable sense of accomplishment at the finish line, Pikes Peak may be the bucket list marathon for you.
Walt Disney World Marathon
Imagine approaching a marathon finish line and spotting Disney characters, live entertainment, and a sea of cheering spectators. That’s what you can expect when you sign up for a marathon in “The Happiest Place on Earth”.
The Walt Disney World Marathon truly offers a one-of-a-kind distance running experience. The course weaves through all four Disney parks so you can take in the magic and see all the iconic sights that draw so many people down to this Florida destination.
This race isn’t known for its elite runners or competitive atmosphere like so many other bucket list races. Instead, the Walt Disney World Marathon brings every runner a unique experience full of fun and entertainment.
It’s impossible not to smile as you participate alongside costumed runners, enjoy the mid-race entertainment, and look for characters along the course. And after the run, you have even more to look forward to as you celebrate your finish and get to explore the parks.
Grandma’s Marathon
Starting with just 150 runners in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota has grown to become one of the best and most exciting marathons in the United States. Every year in June, this charming city welcomes thousands of runners and supporters for this major community event.
The fun and festive Grandma’s Marathon boasts a full weekend of exciting events. The race weekend kicks off with bib pickup and one of the largest marathon expos in the country. Between exhibitions, key speakers, and over 100 vendors, there’s plenty to do and explore in the days leading up to the race.
The course itself is known for its scenic, picture-perfect waterfront views. The point-to-point course takes runners directly along the shoreline of Lake Superior before taking them through the historic Canal Park to the finish line. While there are some rolling hills, the net downhill makes this a fast course, perfect for a PR or Boston Qualifying race.
Grandma’s Marathon is a great option if you’re looking for a marathon that offers an entire weekend experience. Once you finish the race, the “Rock the Bayfront” festival provides entertainment for runners and supporters of all ages. Between the live entertainment, food and drinks, and the lively community atmosphere, Grandma’s Marathon offers an exciting weekend-long experience that you won’t want to miss.
Adding the Best US Marathons to Your Bucket List
Whether you’re an experienced marathoner looking for a new challenge or a beginner who wants a fun, spectator-friendly experience, there’s a bucket list marathon out there that can suit your needs and preferences.
Completing any marathon is a huge feat. But when you add roaring crowds, picturesque views, and unique entertainment, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable marathon experience that you can’t wait to cross off your bucket list.
Ready to get started with your marathon training? Stop by Marathon Sports today to learn more about local races or ensure you have all the gear and tools you need for your next bucket list marathon.
