The marathon ranks among the most noteworthy and harrowing feats in aerobic fitness, pushing the human body to its physical limit and challenging the mind to override exhaustion in pursuit of the much-coveted finish line. Still, despite its difficulty, the historic event attracts hundreds of thousands of particpants annually, with popularity spiking in recent decades.
Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a brand-new runner striving for a formidable challenge, the marathon is an opportunity to add a significant accomplishment to your running resume. That said, if you plan on taking the 26.2-mile journey in 2025, here are a few leading US race options to add to your calendar:
Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon has become a household name in distance running, drawing thousands runners to the windy city each year. Taking place in early fall, the race offers a flat, scenic course and a high likelihood of ideal running weather – all of which increase the chances of achieving a new personal best or impressive debut time. Chicago remains a great choice for first-time participants and competitive athletes alike.
Marine Corps Marathon
A shining example of the marathon community’s larger societal impact, Arlington, Virginia’s Marine Corps Marathon is one of several connected events and initiatives focused on empowering and uniting communities, championing and honoring US veterans, and ultimately creating new role models for tomorrow’s youth. The popular race is the fourth-largest marathon in the US – a reputation stemming from its ever-changing course, gorgeous and historic sights, and undeniable communal spirit.
Walt Disney World Marathon
Perhaps one of the US’s most emblematic and sought-after long-distance races, the Walt Disney World Marathon gives participants a rare chance to race across areas within and around Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Featuring a course packed with unforgettable park sights and iconic, beloved characters, the event is a must for any runner enveloped in Disney’s longstanding history as an entertainment cornerstone.
Boston Marathon
For many marathon runners, the Boston Marathon is the ultimate race goal, as it requires participants to run a qualifying time in a separate Boston-certified event. This format, paired with the event’s storied history, has elevated Boston to a revered, almost mythic status within the marathon community; it features a legendary course and nearly unparalleled spectator energy, with the event’s final stretch standing among the most memorable race experiences in the US.
The US marathon scene hardly begins and ends with the above races, but these events represent the community’s growing depth, course diversity, and vast array of race experiences for runners both new and established. Regardless of location, the marathon is a major accomplishment sure to yield countless memories and benefits transcending finish times alone.
