Welcome to our guide to the best fall marathons in the United States. When the weather begins to cool and the leaves begin to change color, many runners start looking for ways to challenge themselves and enjoy the fall scenery. The fall season offers perfect running conditions, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage that makes for some breathtaking scenery along many of the race routes.
In this article, we will share some of the top fall marathons across the country, ranging from iconic city races to scenic courses in the countryside. Whether you're a beginner looking to build up to a bigger marathon or an experienced runner aiming for a personal best, there's sure to be a fall marathon that fits your needs.
TCS New York City Marathon
The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most prestigious and iconic marathons in the world. With over 50,000 participants in 2023, it is the largest marathon in the country. The race takes runners through the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx. The course is known for its lively atmosphere, with spectators lining the sides of the streets to cheer on the runners. New York's fall weather is usually comfortable, making it an ideal spot to showcase the city's iconic landmarks and enjoy the breathtaking views of the autumn foliage.
Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon, also known as "The People's Marathon," is another popular event with over 23,000 runners in 2023. The marathon is known for its diverse field sizes, ranging from small fields suitable for beginners to large fields suitable for experienced runners looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon. A lottery system is used to determine who will be allowed to participate in the race. In addition to the marathon, the marathon weekend also includes a half marathon and a 5K, making it a great destination for runners from all over the country, including international runners from over 148 countries.
Portland Marathon
The Portland Marathon is a fan favorite, attracting runners from all over the country. The race offers a tour of the city's iconic neighborhoods and landmarks, including the famous Oregon Museum of Science & Industry and the USS Blueblack submarine. The marathon course is point-to-point, with the starting and finishing lines located close to each other. The event is known for its small town feel, with a field size of about 8,000 marathon runners, making it a great option for those looking for a more intimate and friendly race atmosphere.
California International Marathon
The California International Marathon, also known as the CIM, is a favorite among fall marathons, particularly in California. It's known for its net drop in elevation, which can help runners set a new personal record (PR) or qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course features rolling hills and a straight-forward finish, making it a great choice for those looking to compete in a larger marathon but would rather not be subject to the risk of a lottery.
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is known for its fl at, fast course, which is ideal for running a personal record. The race takes runners through the heart of Indianapolis, passing iconic landmarks such as the State Capitol and the Lucas Oil stadium. The event does not require runners to participate in any kind of lottery, making it an especially attractive option for those who are interested in running a larger race but do not want to deal with the uncertainty of an online lottery.
Wineglass Marathon
The Wineglass Marathon is a beautiful point-to-point race that offers a scenic view of the fall foliage. The course is relatively flat and fast, and the net elevation loss is about 200 feet, making it a great choice for runners looking to qualify for the Boston or Olympic Trials. After the race, runners can enjoy wine tastings, local breweries, and other attractions in the surrounding area.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and one of the most popular fall marathons in the United States. The race has a flat, fast course and offers a chance for runners to achieve personal records while exploring the city's iconic landmarks. The marathon also serves as a platform for charitable endeavors, enhancing its impact. With a history dating back to 1977, the Chicago Marathon is a beloved tradition, symbolizing the vibrant running culture of the city.
Philadelphia Marathon
The Philadelphia Marathon has a beautiful and scenic course that takes runners through historic landmarks and picturesque waterfronts. The race course offers spectacular views of the city's historic district and the riverfront, making it a festive atmosphere as the race approaches the finish line. Philadelphia's fall weather is usually comfortable, making it an ideal spot to showcase the city's iconic landmarks and enjoy the breathtaking views of the autumn foliage.
Twin Cities Marathon
The Twin Cities Marathon, also known as the "Mall of America Marathon," is one of the most popular fall marathons in the United States. The course winds through the picturesque streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, with a course profile described as mostly flat with a few rolling hills scattered throughout. The event is known for its large field size, with more than 300,000 spectators cheering from the sidelines, making it a festive atmosphere throughout the race.
Baltimore Marathon
The Baltimore Marathon offers a challenging combination of hilly terrain and rolling segments. The race course takes runners through a diverse range of neighborhoods, including the iconic waterfront area of Inner Harbor, the historic Federal Hill neighborhood, and Fells Point. The race has a moderate difficulty that will test the resilience of even the most experienced runners, making it a great choice for those looking for a scenic and challenging marathon experience.
California International Marathon
The California International Marathon, also known as the CIM, is a favorite among fall marathons, particularly in California. It's known for its net drop in elevation, which can help runners set a new personal record (PR) or qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course features rolling hills and a straight-forward finish, making it a great choice for those looking to compete in a larger marathon but would rather not be subject to the risk of a lottery.
Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon, also known as "The People's Marathon," is another popular event with over 23,000 runners in 2023. The marathon is known for its diverse field sizes, ranging from small fields suitable for beginners to large fields suitable for experienced runners looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon. A lottery system is used to determine who will be allowed to participate in the race. In addition to the marathon, the marathon weekend also includes a half marathon and a 5K, making it a great destination for runners from all over the country, including international runners from over 148 countries.
