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10 best marathons in the United States for 2023
Best Marathon (2023)
The United States hosts around 1,000 marathons every year, the largest of which see tens of thousands of endurance runners crossing the finish line and conquering the grueling 26.2-mile distance. To find the top races, 10Best editors and a panel of experts made their nominations, then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best marathons across the nation for 2023.
Photo courtesy of Boston Athletic Association/FayFoto
No. 10: Boston Marathon - Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious marathon races in the world, first run in 1897. Taking place annually on Patriots' Day in April, the race begins in the town of Hopkinton and finishes near Copley Square. The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course and enthusiastic crowds, attracting elite runners from around the world as well as thousands of amateur runners of all ages and abilities.
Photo courtesy of caronwatson // Getty Images
No. 9: New York City Marathon - New York City, New York
Known for its enthusiastic crowd support, the famous New York City Marathon embodies the spirit and energy of the city where it takes place. A celebration of diversity and inclusivity, runners from all over the world come together to participate in this iconic event. The course takes runners through all five boroughs of the city, starting in Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. Along the way, runners pass by many of the city's famous landmarks, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Empire State Building and Times Square.
Photo courtesy of Pavel1964 // Getty Images
No. 8: Walt Disney World Marathon - Walt Disney World Resort - Orlando, Florida
Attracting around 20,000 participants, the Walt Disney World Marathon is one of the most popular annual marathons in the country. Runners experience the magical atmosphere of Disney World as the course winds through all four of its theme parks. Participants also encounter a variety of Disney characters and entertainment acts throughout the race.
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Photo courtesy of skynesher // Getty Images
No. 7: Hatfield McCoy Marathon - Williamson, West Virginia
The longest-running marathon in the states of Kentucky and West Virginia is the popular Hatfield McCoy Marathon, which traverses both states on its journey. Named after the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud, the challenging course takes runners through the rugged and beautiful Appalachian Mountains and includes both road and trail sections.
Photo courtesy of Steve Zalan
No. 6: Big Sur International Marathon - Big Sur, California
Famed for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline and picturesque scenery, the Big Sur International Marathon is a favorite among runners and nature lovers alike. In addition to breathtaking vistas, this challenging course features significant elevation changes on its route from Big Sur, north along Highway 1, to the finish line in Carmel. The USATF-certified course has been called “one of the jewels of American running.”
Photo courtesy of skynesher // Getty Images
No. 5: Humpy's Marathon - Anchorage, Alaska
Humpy's Marathon in Anchorage is part of the city's annual Runfest events. Expert Amy Bushatz says, "This road race in Alaska's largest city is known for its enthusiastic course support and free grilled cheese sandwiches at the finish line." Named after a popular local bar and restaurant, the challenging course takes runners through the scenic streets of downtown Anchorage, with views of the Chugach Mountains.
Photo courtesy of Bank of America Chicago Marathon
No. 4: Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Chicago, Illinois
One of the six World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is typically held on the second Sunday in October. The flat, fast course takes runners past iconic Chicago landmarks on its journey through 29 neighborhoods, starting and finishing in Grant Park. This popular race attracts more than a million spectators and to participate, runners must apply through the race's lottery system or run for a charity team.
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Photo courtesy of Shiprock Marathon
No. 3: Shiprock Marathon - Shiprock, New Mexico
Held the first weekend of May, the Shiprock Marathon takes runners through the rugged desert landscapes of the Navajo Nation. Along the way, participants enjoy a variety of live music to motivate runners, adding to this unique and memorable running experience.
Photo courtesy of Marine Corps Marathon Organization
No. 2: Marine Corps Marathon - Washington, D.C.
Known as "The People's Marathon," the Marine Corps Marathon honors the dedication and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. The race is known for its rich history and is one of the largest marathons in the world. With a course that winds through the streets of Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C., the route passes many of the area's famous landmarks and monuments, including the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol.
Photo courtesy of Mick Evans Creative
No. 1: Pikes Peak Marathon - Manitou Springs, Colorado
The Pikes Peak Marathon is considered one of the most challenging marathons in the world, with runners ascending and descending the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. In addition to the grade, the altitude can prove difficult for many runners. Despite the challenges, runners are rewarded with breathtaking views (literally) of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding wilderness.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Amy Bushatz
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans... Read More
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans Outside podcast.A news reporter and editor based in Palmer, Alaska, Amy spends her time ultra running and recreating in the Alaskan wilderness, volunteering in her small town and experiencing everything Alaska has to offer. Her work on outdoors, travel and fitness has appeared in the Washington Post, Runner's World and Market Watch. She is the executive editor of Military.com. Find her at Humans Outside on Instagram.
Amy Bushatz
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans Outside podcast.A news reporter and editor based in Palmer, Alaska, Amy spends her time ultra running and recreating in the Alaskan wilderness, volunteering in her small town and experiencing everything Alaska has to offer. Her work on outdoors, travel and fitness has appeared in the Washington Post, Runner's World and Market Watch. She is the executive editor of Military.com. Find her at Humans Outside on Instagram.
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen... Read More
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Liana Lozada
Liana Lozada is a Miami-based multidisciplinary... Read More
Liana Lozada is a Miami-based multidisciplinary storyteller, writer, host, and digital strategist specializing in profiles, essays, lifestyle, travel, and wellness. Learn more about her at lianalozada.com.
Liana Lozada
Liana Lozada is a Miami-based multidisciplinary storyteller, writer, host, and digital strategist specializing in profiles, essays, lifestyle, travel, and wellness. Learn more about her at lianalozada.com.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do... Read More
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.