With so many marathons in the U.S., choosing your first marathon can be a tough decision. You’ll want to consider factors such as the season, location, and the type of course and race experience you’re seeking. Most first-time marathoners prefer a flat course with lots of crowd support and excitement along the way.
Check out this list of best marathons in the U.S. that are ideal for beginners and first-time marathons. Whether you’re looking for a big city race, an extremely flat course, or a fun and exciting marathon experience, there’s something here for everyone.
Walt Disney World Marathon
When: Second Sunday in January
Where: Orlando, Florida
Why do it: If you’re a Disney fan or you’re just looking for a very unique marathon experience, the Walt Disney World Marathon is an ideal choice. The marathon kicks off with a pre-dawn fireworks display and then takes you through all four Walt Disney World theme parks starting at Epcot, continuing on to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, and then back to Epcot for an exhilarating finish. The flat course is very beginner-friendly and the Mickey Mouse shaped medal makes running 26.2 miles well worth the effort.
Mesa Marathon
Where: Mesa, Ariz.
When: Early February
Why do it: The Mesa Marathon is a fast net downhill, point-to-point course which drops nearly 1000 feet from start to finish. The last 10K of the race is almost completely downhill. The course and favorable running weather make this a favorite race for first-time marathoners. Marathon runners get to experience diverse scenery from cactus desert to spectacular views of the Phoenix Valley.
AIA Marathon
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
When: Mid-February
Why do it: If you want a fast course but don’t like downhill running, the flat and scenic A1A Marathon might be the one for you. You’ll feel the ocean breezes and see the palm trees as you run along one of the most famous roads in America. The race features plenty of on-course entertainment, a beach-themed finisher medal, and a post-race beach party with food, beverages, beer, and live music.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: Late February
Why do it: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon promises all the fun and excitement of Vegas, without the risk. The race course features live bands, cheerleaders and themed water stations to entertain participants in true Las Vegas style. The race starts at night, so marathoners run under the neon lights on the strip.
Los Angeles Marathon
Where: Los Angeles, California
When: Early March
Why do it: With more than 25,000 runners, the Los Angeles marathon is a big city marathon, but still manages to maintain a small town, community feel with tons of support along the way. The popular “Stadium to the Sea” course, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing near the Santa Monica Pier, is one of the most scenic in the world, taking runners on a tour of Los Angeles past every major landmark.
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
When: Third Sunday in March
Why do it: Designed to coincide with and commemorate the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the Virginia resort town, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon offers a flat, fast course that includes a stretch along its famous beach boardwalk and past historic landmarks such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country. The finish line celebration offers plenty of good music, Irish stew, and of course, Yuengling Beer.
Flying Pig Marathon
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
When: First Sunday in May
Why do it: If you’ve ever said you’d run a marathon “when pigs fly,” this is the challenge for you. One of the biggest races in the country, the Flying Pig Marathon always gets high marks from participants as a fun and well-organized race. The course offers a diverse tour of some the best neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area as it “flies” through the city as well as nearby towns like Fairfax and Newport. Along the way, runners will find more than 25 support stations doling out cookies, cheese, and gels, plus more than 80 live music acts to keep you going.
Grandma’s Marathon
Where: Duluth, Minn.
When: Third Saturday in June
Why do it: Grandma’s Marathon is ideal for first time participants as the terrain is relatively flat with some gently rolling hills and a larger incline just before mile 22. The race is in June, but because it’s in Minnesota, the weather is usually cool.
Wineglass Marathon
Where: Corning, N.Y.
When: First Sunday in October
Why do it: Held every October in beautiful upstate New York, the Wineglass Marathon yields one of the highest percentages of runners qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The course is flat, except for a few small hills and provides you with gorgeous views of the fall foliage, as well as New York’s countryside. The race starts at about 1050 feet above sea level, finishing 26.2 miles later at an elevation of roughly 940 feet.
Portland Marathon
Where: Portland, Oregon
When: First Sunday in October
Why do it: The Portland Marathon course stays open for 8 hours, so it’s perfect for slower runners and walkers. Race organizers are very proud of the race’s motto: “All finishers are treated as winners!” Runner’s World has called the Portland Marathon “the best people’s marathon in the West” and for the past ten years has ranked it as one of the top marathons in the country. It also gets high marks for its thousands of volunteers, course entertainment, fantastic race swag, and beautiful course.
Chicago Marathon
Where: Chicago, Ill.
When: Second Sunday in October
Why do it: The Chicago Marathon‘s pancake-flat course is one reason why many first-time marathoners like this race. In addition to its speed, the course offers a scenic tour of Chicago as it weaves through numerous diverse neighborhoods and dozens of local and historic landmarks. The 45,000 participants also ensure that you’ll never have a lonely stretch of running by yourself. And the throngs of spectators cheering for you don’t hurt.
Steamtown Marathon
Why: Where: Scranton, Penn.
When: Second Sunday in October
Why do it: Featuring a 955′ net elevation drop, Runner’s World has called the Steamtown Marathon “One of the nation’s 10 fastest marathons.” You’ll really blow off some steam on this course — this marathon is said to be one of the best places to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The race is held every October when temperatures are relatively cool and the beautiful fall foliage is beginning to peak.
Detroit Free Press Marathon
Where: Detroit, Michigan
When: Third Sunday in October
Why do it: As a runner in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, you’ll cross the U.S./Canadian border twice (you actually need to show a passport or documentation at race packet pick-up!). The fast, spectator-friendly course takes you through historic neighborhoods and the only underwater international mile in the world.
Marine Corps Marathon
Where: Washington, D.C.
When: Last Sunday in October
Why do it: Known as the “People’s Marathon”, the Marine Corps Marathon was popular among first-time marathoners even before Oprah ran it in 1994. The miles pass quickly as you do a running tour of the nation’s capital, viewing famous monuments and other landmarks along the way. And, as you might expect with a race put on by the U.S. Marines, the marathon is well-organized and full of inspiration.
Richmond Marathon
Where: Richmond, Virginia
When: Mid-November
Why do it: Dubbed “America’s Friendliest Marathon” by Runner’s World magazine, the Richmond Marathon offers many of the benefits of a big city marathon while maintaining a small-town feel. Runners return year after year because of the friendly and courteous volunteers and superb course amenities, such as food stops, wet washcloths, and finish line pizza and beer.
Philadelphia Marathon
Where: Philadelphia, Penn.
When: Fourth Sunday in November
Why do it: If you’re looking for a fast big city marathon experience, but don’t want to deal with the crowds, the Philadelphia Marathon may be a good option for you. The mostly flat course and almost guaranteed late November cool temperatures make a good combination for fast race times.
Space Coast Marathon
Where: Cocoa, Florida
When: Late November
Why do it: Held in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center, the Space Coast Marathon starts in the historic and quaint Cocoa Village and finishes with a lap around the Riverfront Park amphitheater, where family and friends can cheer and watch you cross the finish line.
The course is mostly flat and fast, and the typically cool temperatures (race starts at 6:00 a.m.) are also favorable for runners. Race perks include a space-themed medal, a finisher’s towel (perfect for going to the beach post-race), and a “Back Into Orbit” finishers’ party complete with pancakes and eggs or pizza and beer.
Marathon Training and Racing Advice:
- Beginner Marathon Training Schedule
- Mental Tips for Marathon Running
- How to Have a Strong Marathon Finish
- 5 Rookie Marathon Mistakes to Avoid
- Marathon Training Essentials
