December is a fantastic month for runners looking to participate in some of the world's most iconic marathons. With destinations spread across five continents, there's a race for every runner's ambition and taste. Whether you're a beginner aiming for a personal best or a seasoned pro chasing a PR, December offers a unique running experience like no other.
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
The National Capital Marathon is held in the nation's capital on December 1st. This race offers a challenging course with rolling hills that lead up to the heart of the city. With a finish line overlooking the Capitol Building, this event is not only a fantastic way to train for the Marine Corps Marathon but also a great opportunity to experience the culture and history of the United States.
Busselton, Australia
The next day, on December 2nd, the Busselton Marathon takes place in Western Australia. This marathon is known for its breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the stunning countryside. The course is mostly flat, making it an excellent choice for runners looking to improve their speed on a scenic course.
San Jose, Costa Rica
On December 2nd, the San Jose Marathon also takes place in Central America. This race is notable for being one of the most scenic marathons in the world, with lush rainforests and stunning mountains serving as the backdrop to the finish line. The course is challenging, with an uphill finish that pushes runners to their limits.
Shepherdsville, Kentucky
The Shepherdsville Marathon takes place on December 3rd in the rural countryside of Kentucky. This event offers a unique mix of terrain, including hills, dirt paths, and country roads. The race starts in the town of Shepherdsville and finishes in historic Bardstown. This event is a great choice for those looking to explore the local area and experience a bit of history along the way.
Death Valley, California
For runners looking to test themselves on a more challenging course, the Death Valley Marathon is held on December 7th. This race showcases the challenging and breathtaking landscape of Death Valley, which includes sand dunes, salt flats, and mountain ranges. Given the arid climate of the area, this race is not for the faint of heart but offers an incredible atmosphere that's hard to match.
Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo Marathon is held on December 25th, making it the world's largest annually-held marathon. With a crowd of over 30,000 runners, this event is a fantastic display of harmony and sportsmanship. The course takes runners through the heart of Tokyo, including Shibuya, Harajuku, and Akihabara, offering a unique perspective of the city and a festive atmosphere.
Charleston, South Carolina
On December 31st, the Charleston Marathon concludes its winter series with a festive and challenging event in historic Charleston. This race offers runners a choice of the popular half marathon distance, a full marathon distance, or the popular "Trotters" 5K, which celebrates its 30th running in 2023.
Honolualuau, Hawaii
To wrap up the month, the Honolulu马拉松 is held on December 8th. Known as the "Queen of the Pacific," this event offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the stunning mountains that line the coast. This race is part of the World Marathon Majors series, which also includes the New York City Marathon,London Marathon and Boston Marathon.
Summary
December's marathons offer a diverse range of challenges and experiences. From the rolling hills of the nation's capital to the beautiful landscapes of Sydney and Hong Kong, these events cater to every type of runner. Whether you're training for a specific marathon or just looking to have a fun and healthy holiday, December is a fantastic month to lace up your running shoes and take on a new challenge.
