All right, to all you out there who are interested in seeking the adventure of running and are interested in running a marathon one day- I have prepared a guide of some of our nations best races you can run. Picking a race is not an easy thing to do since there are so many out there to choose from. Some are more challenging than others, some are more prestigious, and some have more energy. Some of you may have a preference when it comes to choosing a race and some of you may just want to run regardless of the location. With all that being said, here are some tips of how to choose a race along with a list of our nations best and local races.
First, when it comes to choosing a race, you have to make it special. If you can afford it, I highly recommend you travel to run your race. Marathons are just like any other major sporting event. They are special to the community that host them and have special themes. Remember when you played youth sports like AAU and got to travel to cool destinations for big tournaments like Florida, or when high school basketball teams get to go somewhere special like the Bahamas or Hawaii for Tournaments, and not to even mention College Football Bowl Games are always held at special destinations and really involve the community that host the game? Well, marathon running is the same way. Pick a race that is in a special location because chances are the atmosphere will be unforgettable and make your experience a hundred times more enjoyable and memorable.
Now here is a list of the biggest races in the United States that you can look into running.
The Big Ones
*The Boston Marathon: This is the most prestigious footrace in the world. The race is in a very historic city and is historic within itself. The race is always held on a Monday in April called Patriots Day. All kinds of festivities take place around the race. The only thing you have to remember is you have to qualify to run this race. This race is more for your die-hard runners who are professionals. To anyone interested in pursuing it you can find all the information at the website on how to qualify.
The New York City Marathon: The biggest race you can run that does not require qualifying. It has the most participants of any marathon. This race along with the Boston Marathon is the only two that are covered on national television. You get to go through all five boroughs of our nations largest city. Starting in Staten Island and going over the bridge to Brooklyn and the Queens, then its over the East River to the Bronx and over into Manhattan to the finish in Central Park. This race is very difficult to get into because of its popularity. Runners are chosen by lottery. If you run for one of their charities you are guaranteed entry. Also if you are denied your first two years of trying to register, you are guaranteed entry on your third year. Race is held in early November.
Chicago Marathon: This race is also open to the public but it feels up really fast. So if you are interested in this one, make sure you know when registration is. The race is most known for being the best race to set a personal record. With the flat course and energy that Chicago brings makes this race fast. The race is a loop that goes all around the city. Race is held in early October.
The Marine Corps Marathon: I can imagine nothing more exiting than running a race through our nations capital. The race starts in Northern Virginia and goes through D.C. before coming back to Virginia. You get to run and see numerous neat sites like the Monuments, the Capital Building, The Pentagon, and Arlington Cemetery. The last mile you are cheered on by all kinds of Marines. You run for a really good cause and get to experience the beauty and history of our nations capital. The race is held in late October and fills up really fast. *I will attempt to run this race in the future.
Walt Disney World Marathon: To all you Disney World lovers out there, this race is 26.2 miles of magic. You get to run through all four Disney parks (The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and The Animal Kingdom). Race is held in early January. This race is best known for the Goofy Challenge. The Goofy is an opportunity to run the Half Marathon on Saturday and the full on Sunday. The race is also known for its electric atmosphere. *I have run this race and can tell you for marathoners it’s a must.
Some other big Marathons in the United States are: The San Diego Marathon, San Francisco Marathon, The Napa Valley Marathon, Detroit Marathon, The Twin Cities Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, New Orleans Marathon, Dallas Marathon, and the Miami Marathon. Honolulu and Maui also have Marathons.
Local Marathons
The Music City Marathon: Tennessee’s biggest and most popular Marathon in Tennessee and is held in Nashville every April. The race is part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series and is a Boston Marathon Qualifying Race. After the race you get to enjoy some live country music.
The Knoxville Marathon: This race is held in early April. The races best feature is you get to finish at the fifty-yard line in Neyland Stadium.
Memphis Marathon: Held in every December on a flat courts in Memphis Tennessee. The race benefits St. Jude and has great food for the runners after the race. Make sure to eat some Memphis Ribs while your there.
Thunder Road Marathon (Charlotte): This race is held in November and goes through the beautiful city of Charlotte North Carolina. Not to mention, its only 3 hours away.
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon: This one is held in May and is always cool because it goes through two states (Kentucky and Ohio). Runners say course is challenging but the atmosphere is great.
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