Spring Marathons in the United States

When the weather starts to warm up and the days lengthen, many runners begin to look forward to the annual tradition of spring marathons. These races offer a perfect opportunity to train throughout the winter and showcase your hard work and dedication to the sport. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, picking the right spring marathon can make all the difference in your racing experience. In this article, we'll explore some of the best spring marathon options in the United States, taking into consideration factors such as location, course difficulty, and pace options.

The 9 Best Spring Marathons In The US

1. Boston Marathon, Boston, MA

• The Boston Marathon is renowned for its rich history and iconic status as the oldest annual marathon in the world.
• Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the race offers a challenging course that attracts a high number of qualifiers for the Boston Marathon.
• The field is diverse, with experienced runners and first-time参与者 alike.

2. The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, Ojai, CA

• This race celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2024.
• It takes place on a scenic course along bike paths in Ojai, California, offering a net downhill profile that encourages a fast time.
• Over 20% of finishers typically qualify for the Boston Marathon, making it a desirable race for Boston qualifiers.

3. Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR

• The Eugene Marathon has been named one of the best spring marathons in the US multiple times.
• Its course is known for being extremely flat and fast, which is perfect for achieving a personal best.
• Eugene is also known as "Track Town USA," with a strong history of distance running and hosting running legends like Steve Prefontaine.

4. Myrtle Beach Marathon, Myrtle Beach, SC

• If you're looking for one of the best early spring marathons in the US, the Myrtle Beach Marathon is an excellent choice.
• The ocean views and relatively flat course make it a great option for runners looking to avoid the heat of later spring marathons.
• The race offers a unique escape for residents of the Northeastern US.

5. Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City, MI

• This late spring marathon is extremely popular, with runners returning year after year.
• The flat course along the scenic shores of Grand Traverse Bay offers fantastic views of Lake Michigan.
• The race includes both an out-and-back and loop format, providing a sense of accomplishment as you run the same route twice.

6. Carmel Marathon, Carmel, IN

• Although it's not frequently listed as one of the most popular spring marathons, there are certainly good reasons to consider it.
• The race is very well organized, with supportive crowd and volunteer support.
• The course offers a scenic view of central Indiana, and the net downhill profile is great for achieving a fast time.

7. Colorado Marathon, Ft. Collins, Colorado

• The Colorado Marathon made our best springmarathon list due to its net downhill course with a gradual decline that is perfect for fast times while still allowing for a Boston Qualifying race.
• The course also takes runners through the Poudre River Canyon, offering breathtaking views.
• Runners who are new to altitude training will certainly face a challenge, but it's a great way to test themselves against higher elevations.

8. The Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, MN

• The Grandma's Marathon is one of the most popular spring marathons in the US.
• This race offers a large field of approximately 9,000 runners, which creates a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
• The course is fast with no significant hills, making it a good option for runners looking to avoid the heat of later spring marathons.

9. San Francisco Marathon, San Francisco, CA

• Although it's more of a summer marathon than a spring marathon, the San Francisco Marathon is worth mentioning due to its wonderful experience.
• The course meanders past many of the famous landmarks in San Francisco, including the Wharves, Cobb Hill, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
• The race has a variety of distances within the weekend festival, including half marathons, 10k, 5k, and even an ultramarathon.

Choosing the best spring marathon ultimately comes down to personal preference and goal. Each marathon offers unique benefits, whether it's the history and tradition of the Boston Marathon, the stunning views of the Bay Shore Marathon, or the fast and challenging course of the Colorado Marathon. Whether you're training for your first marathon or aiming to compete at a high level, a spring marathon is an exciting way to tackle the final few miles of your training journey and celebrate your hard work throughout the season.