Best U.S. Marathons That Aren’t Boston, Chicago Or New York? [Updated For 2026]

With three of the Abbott World Marathon Majors taking place in the U.S., the races in Boston, Chicago and New York City get global attention from runners.

But it can be difficult to get into the Majors and there are so many more road and city marathons in the U.S. to consider. Here are some of the best marathons in the U.S. that aren’t Boston, Chicago or New York?

HOUSTON MARATHON

When: 11 January 2026

There’s one overpass at halfway, and a few rolling hills in the final couple of miles, but otherwise the Houston Marathon is flat and fast, it’s well organised (including lots of toilets and the gear check is all inside the convention centre, which is excellent), great crowd support, and the weather is usually reliable and cool. It’s ideal for those who want to train through the end of the year and race early. The half marathon takes place on the same day. A lot of runners go to Houston with aims of fast times. 

WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON 

When: 11 January 2026

Maybe not a race for everyone, but it’s certainly one of the most uniquely American marathons. The run begins and ends at Epcot, passes through Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, though is mostly run on the roads between the parks. A lot of people run in costume and there are character sightings all around the course.

Almost 40,000 runners take part over the long weekend, with 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon races, each on a different day. You can also sign up for the Dopey Challenge which involves running the 5km on Thursday, 10km on Friday, half marathon on Saturday and marathon on Sunday. Just note that the marathon starts at 4.30am, all races sell out quickly, and all races are expensive ($120 for the 5k, with the Dopey Challenge costing more than $700).

LOS ANGELES MARATHON

When: 8 March 2026

One of the biggest west coast city marathons with over 25,000 finishers, the race starts at Dodger Stadium, goes through Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Chinatown, Beverly Hills, and finishes on Santa Monica Boulevard in Century City. The course isn’t flat, and has a challenging uphill finish, but it’s still a fun waltz through the diverse sights of LA. You can also sign up for the Double Play and run the 5km on Saturday and marathon on the Sunday and get an extra medal.

EUGENE MARATHON

When: 26 April 2026

Eugene is a running town, and its marathon is one of the most popular in the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for being well organised with great crowds and a great course (undulating, but not too hilly) that runs alongside the Willamette River and has an unforgettable finish on the famous Hayward Field track, home to many legendary running performances. There’s a 5km on the Saturday and also a half marathon on the Sunday. 

BIG SUR INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

When: 26 April 2026

You run Big Sur for the scenery and the experience, not for a fast time (it’s described as ‘brutiful’ for its hills!). A stunning route along Highway 1 from Big Sur Station to Carmel, you run alongside the California coast, with views over the Pacific the whole time, crossing the spectacular Bixby Bridge around halfway. It’s a bucket list race for many. 

FLYING PIG MARATHON 

When: 3 May 2026

With a start and finish in downtown Cincinnati, the Flying Pig Marathon is highly regarded as a fun and beginner-friendly big city marathon which sees the city come out in support of runners. The first half of the course has some rolling hills, while the second half is mostly flat. The return to Cincinnati takes you right alongside the Ohio River to a loud ‘finish swine’.

With races including a one mile on the Friday, 5k and 10k on the Saturday, and half marathon and marathon on the Sunday, the race weekend sees around 30,000 participants. Some runners take on the Flying Pig “3-Way Challenge with Extra Cheese” which is the mile, 5k, 10k and either the half or marathon, all over three days!

GRANDMA’S MARATHON

When: 20 June 2026

This point to point rolling course runs parallel to Lake Superior for much of the race, ending in Duluth, MN, and has become one of the most popular smaller city marathons in the US – 2026’s race sold out in just 75 minutes!

The race weekend features a 5km and half marathon, but you’ll need to sign up quickly to get your bib. It also has a famous all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner the night before the marathon.

SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON 

When: 26 July 2026

The San Francisco Marathon has some iconic views and is a big city tour which begins and ends on the Embarcadero, does an out and back over the Golden Gate Bridge, passes through Golden Gate Park, then cuts through Haight and the Mission, around the Giants’ baseball stadium, and on to the finish. The middle 11 miles are hilly, but the rest is pretty flat.

One cool thing about the San Francisco Marathon is that you can also choose to run either the first half (over the bridge) or the second half (through the city) as separate races. 

TWIN CITIES MARATHON

When: 4 October 2026

Running from Minneapolis to Saint Paul, this race is celebrated for its crowd support and scenery, including numerous lakes and then running alongside and over the Mississippi, all during the fall as the leaves are changing colour. From mile 20 to 23 is a steady hill leading into Saint Paul, but the final three miles are thankfully all downhill. There are 5km, 10km, 10 mile and half marathon races over the same weekend. It’s a good alternative to the Chicago Marathon.

MARINE CORPS MARATHON

When: 26 October 2025 / 25 October 2026

Arranged by the Marines, this race is consistently celebrated as one of best organised US marathons, and one of the best runs for first timers and experienced runners alike. The route is a grand tour of Washington DC and Arlington landmarks: The Lincoln Memorial, The Mall, Jefferson Memorial, and it finishes outside the Pentagon. There’s a 10km and 50km race on the same day.  

The marathon has some hills in the beginning, then is a rolling course.

INDIANAPOLIS MONUMENTAL MARATHON

When: 8 November 2025 / 7 October 2026

The Indy Marathon attracts many runners looking for an end of year race in the Midwest where there’s high PR potential on the flat course which takes you from near Indiana State House, and then on a big lap of the city before returning downtown to a lively finish line. There’s also a half marathon and 5km over the race weekend.

It’s a great option for those training alongside friends running the New York Marathon, as an alternative to the Chicago Marathon, or for looking for a Boston Marathon qualifying time.

PHILADELPHIA MARATHON

When: 23 November 2025 / 22 November 2026

With an 8km, half marathon and marathon over the race weekend, 30,000 runners head to Philly for this popular fall marathon which is really well organised and has very enthusiastic crowd support around the course.

The marathon has some rolling hilly miles in the middle, but it’s certainly possible to run a great time at the Philadelphia Marathon. A good alternative to the NYC Marathon.

CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

When: 7 December 2025 / 6 December 2026

CIM is a very popular race for people looking for one last shot at running a fast time in the year. It’s a rolling net-downhill course starting in Folsom Dam and with a fast finish into Sacramento, and it’s responsible for a lot of people getting their BQ, though it’s still a tough course with plenty of uphills (that that makes it ideal practice for anyone hoping to get to Boston). 

It’s a race which has one of the highest percentages of sub-three hour finishers.

HONOLULU MARATHON 

When: 14 December 2025 / 13 December 2025

One of the largest marathons in the US, Honolulu is a destination race with a vibrant atmosphere, a lot of runners in fancy dress, fireworks at the start (even though it begins at 5am!), views of the mountains and the ocean, no cut off time, and a decent course profile (apart from hills at miles seven and 24) for those looking to run fast. 

FAQ on The Best US Marathons

What are the fastest marathons in the US?

The fastest marathons in the US include the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon, Houston Marathon, Grandma’s Marathon, Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and California International Marathon.

Best US marathon for beginners?

Beginners should look at the Flying Pig Marathon, Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon and Honolulu Marathon.

What is the oldest marathon in the US?

The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the US – and the oldest marathon in the world.

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