{"id":24084,"date":"2018-01-25T11:15:02","date_gmt":"2018-01-25T16:15:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=24084"},"modified":"2021-11-01T16:29:38","modified_gmt":"2021-11-01T20:29:38","slug":"best-spring-marathons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/best-spring-marathons\/","title":{"rendered":"The 15 Great U.S. Spring Marathons"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to spring <\/span>marathons<\/span><\/a>, the iconic <\/span>Boston Marathon<\/span><\/a> is always the pinnacle event of the season. But it\u2019s not the only time runners around the country will lace up to cover 26.2 miles by foot and inspire along the way. These top 15 U.S. spring marathons (listed by date, from mid-March to early June, 2017) are all perfect opportunities for runners to prove there\u2019s no such thing as a spring break.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Winter Running Guide: How to Run Faster by Spring<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

15 Spring Marathons We Love<\/h2>\n
\"Humana
Photo:\u00a0Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Marathon Series<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.\u00a0<\/b>Humana Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll New Orleans Marathon<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: New Orleans, LA
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday March 4, 2018
\n<\/span>Keep the Mardi Gras spirit going at the flat and fast Humana Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll New Orleans Marathon. It\u2019s a big (and somewhat easy) tour through the Big Easy \u2014 with the party vibes of the French Quarter, the history of Treme and the natural beauty of City Park setting the tone. Like the many other Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll events, expect a highly-organized race with <\/span>lots<\/span><\/i> of serious and just-for-fun racers. The only question is \u2014 will you stop for beignets from <\/span>Cafe Du Monde<\/span><\/a> before, <\/span>during\u00a0<\/span><\/i>or after the run? There\u2019s also a half-marathon, 10K and 5K taking place the same weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>The 50 Best Half-Marathons in the U.S.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Los
Photo: Los Angeles Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0<\/b>Skechers Performance L<\/b>os Angeles Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Los Angeles, CA
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday, March 18, 2018
\n<\/span>Join more than 24,000 runners at the <\/span>Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the country. <\/span>The point-to-point, net downhill course starts at Dodger Stadium<\/a> (the oldest ballpark in the MLB) for a tour across La La Land, and finishes steps from the Santa Monica Pier<\/a>. Along the way, keep an eye out for star sightings through the city\u2019s vibrant neighborhoods including Echo Park, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and more. Fans of this marathon say it\u2019s the awesome crowd support \u201cfrom the stadium to the sea\u201d that will make\u00a0<\/span>you<\/span><\/i> feel like the real celebrity.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\"Yuengling
Photo: Yuengling Shamrock Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/b>3. <\/b>Yuengling Shamrock Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Virginia Beach, VA
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday, March 18, 2018
\n<\/span>It might not be ideal beach weather, but the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon has welcomed a wee clan of more than 4,000 marathoners to its fast, flat resort town every St. Patrick\u2019s Day weekend since 1973. The BQ (Boston Qualifying) course will take you past historic hotspots like <\/span>Cape Henry Lighthouse<\/span><\/a> and along the famous beach boardwalk. More than 22,000 other runners and walkers join in the rest of the weekend festivities \u2014 a half-marathon, marathon relay, 8K and \u201cLeprechaun Dash.\u201d Celebrate with a jig and a swig at the post-race party with live music, Irish stew and \u2014 what else? \u2014 ice cold Yuengling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Boston
Photo: Boston Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. <\/b>Boston Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Hopkinton, MA
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Monday, April 16, 2018
\n<\/span>The Boston Marathon is the big leagues. It\u2019s a pilgrimage for runners and often a lifelong <\/span>quest to even qualify<\/span><\/a> \u2014 because you\u2019ve got to be wicked fast. Even after <\/span>the bombing in 2013<\/span><\/a>, Marathon Monday (which falls on Patriots\u2019 Day each year), continues to feel like a city-wide party. Now celebrating 122 years, it\u2019s the world\u2019s oldest annually contested marathon. The 30,000 runners will once again head out to the starting line in Hopkinton, conquer the challenging Heartbreak Hill and finally, cross the iconic finish line on Boylston Street. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> How to Run the Boston Marathon Like a Pro<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"15
Photo: Kemper Mills Fant Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. <\/b>Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
\n<\/b><\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Roanoke, VA
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Saturday, April 21, 2018
\n<\/span>Like rolling hills? You better if you want to run the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon \u2014 hailed as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Toughest Road Marathon\u201d and featured on many race bucket lists. A group of 750 runners will face 7,430 feet of total elevation change over the course (more than any other road marathon in the country), with three huge climbs and descents. So how do runners endure the killer ups and downs? Because they know the most breathtaking views of the region\u2019s mountains and valleys are (of course) best seen from the top. There\u2019s also a half-marathon or 10K option available the same day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kentucky
Photo: Derby Festival MiniMarathon\/Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.\u00a0<\/b>Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
\n<\/b><\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Louisville, KY
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Saturday, April 28, 2018
\n<\/span>And they\u2019re off \u2014 the 3,000 runners at the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon that is! Once they\u2019re out of the gates, marathoners will take on the BQ course that includes a hilly section through Iroquois Park around mile 12 and a quick trot through the infield of the historic <\/span>Churchill Downs<\/span><\/a>. Spectators, we suggest you grab a mint julep and place your bets before the finishers come down the final stretch into downtown Louisville. The largest day of road racing in Kentucky history, this weekend also includes a half-marathon and team relay marathon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Big
Photo: Big Sur International Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. <\/b>Big Sur International Marathon
\n<\/b><\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Carmel, CA
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday, April 29, 2018
\n<\/span>It\u2019s no surprise to see Big Sur International Marathon, the largest rural marathon in the world, on this list. It\u2019s been popular for more than 30 years, thanks to a stunning point-to-point course that runs along scenic Highway 1. It touches seven state parks, crosses the iconic Bixby Bridge <\/a><\/span>and<\/span><\/i> features 13 significant hills in the back half. Perhaps the 4,500 runners are too distracted by the sweeping Pacific Ocean views and Redwood forests to notice? With additional race distances suited for everyone (from the 3K kids run to a 21-miler) and plenty to do around the <\/span>Monterey Bay<\/span><\/a> area, we\u2019ll add this at the top of our spring getaway list, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>The 30 Best Marathons in the Entire World<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"New
Photo: Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. <\/b>Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Monmouth, NJ
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday, April 29, 2018
\n<\/span>If you\u2019re looking for a fast, flat, beginner-friendly <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> BQ-friendly race, then, \u201cbaby, you were born to run\u201d the Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon. Not without a few sharp turns, this course takes you through a stunning stretch of the<\/span> Jersey Shore. The race starts at <\/span>Monmouth Park Racetrack<\/span><\/a> and meanders through some small town neighborhoods before heading south. At the turnaround point, near mile 19 in Asbury Park, you\u2019ll have the Atlantic Ocean views to take your mind off of hitting any walls. The crowds come out to cheer you on in the final stretch \u2014 along the boardwalk in Long Branch. The weekend\u2019s events also include a half-marathon, relay and 5K.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>5 Running Tweaks That Took an Hour Off My Marathon Time<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Cincinnati
Photo: Flying Pig Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9.\u00a0<\/b>Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Cincinnati, OH
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday, May 6, 2018
\n<\/span>It started out as an idea scribbled on a bar napkin by some local runners in 1999. Today the annual Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon has reached new heights as part of one of the largest running events in the country. Nearly 5,000 marathoners will cover the beautiful BQ course which \u201cflies\u201d through the \u201cQueen City\u201d and over the bridges of the Ohio River \u2014 all with 150,000 enthusiastic spectators rooting them on. And what other race can claim a bacon stop at mile 15? The weekend also includes a half, relay, 10K, the Flying Piglet kids fun run and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: The 10 Best Races That Are Fit for Foodies<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"KeyBank
Photo: Vermont City Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10.\u00a0<\/b>KeyBank Vermont City Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Burlington, VT
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Sunday, May 27, 2018
\n<\/span>If you\u2019re going to run 26.2 miles through <\/span>Ben & Jerry\u2019s country<\/span><\/a>, you deserve extra scoops at the end of the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon. And that\u2019s not the only treat for the 3,600 marathons who take on the BQ course. The charming streets of downtown Burlington, sparkling waters of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack and Green Mountains set the scene. Shaped like a clover leaf, the race is very spectator-friendly. And runners, you\u2019ll be thankful for them, especially during the epic climb at mile 15, <\/span>casually referred to the \u201cAssault on Battery.\u201d There\u2019s also a relay option available, if you want to split the distance (and share that ice cream).<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>15 Fun, Fast and Beginner-Friendly Marathons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Newport
Photo: Newport Marathon<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11. <\/b>Newport Marathon
\n<\/b><\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Newport, OR
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Saturday, June 2, 2018
\n<\/span>Whether you want to run your first marathon or earn a BQ, you can do it at the Newport Marathon in the heart of Oregon\u2019s central coast. According to race officials, almost half of all 1,000 participants earn personal records (PRs) at the non-profit race. There\u2019s only one catch: You better like oysters, because you\u2019ll be encouraged to slurp \u2018em down at miles 11 and 19 of the flat. You\u2019ll also trek through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods and fishing villages along the bay, with only a few gentle rolling hills and one short steep hill (mile 4!) along the way. Then it\u2019s flat to the finish, where runners earn the unique recycled glass medal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Deadwood
Photo: Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12.\u00a0<\/b>Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Deadwood, SD
\n<\/span>Date:<\/b> Sunday, June 3, 2018
\n<\/span>The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon has been called the \u201cbest kept secret in marathoning.\u201d Well, we can\u2019t wait to tell you about the invigorating point-to-point BQ course of the largest trail marathon in the country. The first 1.5 road miles start in the old mining town of Rochford and lead 500 marathoners to the start of the Mickelson Trail, through the land of the Lakota Sioux. Here they\u2019ll cover a mix of small climbs and flat ground in the first half and a huge stretch of downhill (especially mile 19 to 20) before coming to the end of the trail. It\u2019s not necessarily a fast course, but if you want <\/span>the thrill of trail running<\/span><\/a> (meadows, forests, babbling brooks and lots of mud) in a marathon setting, this race is for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>14 Trail Running Adventures to Try Before You Die<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\"Steamboat
Photo: Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13.\u00a0<\/b>Steamboat Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Steamboat Springs, CO
\n<\/span>Date:<\/b> Sunday, June 3, 2018
\n<\/span>For more than 35 years, the Steamboat Marathon\u2019s warm hospitality has welcomed 500 marathoners to experience a beautiful BQ course along the Elk River. The net downhill course, with majestic views of the snowcapped Rockies, isn\u2019t for everyone though. With rolling hills, steep descents and a five-hour time limit, it\u2019s a tough one for walkers or those who aren\u2019t used to altitude. But there\u2019s also a half-marathon and 10K available. Everyone can soak up their accomplishments post-race with a dip in one of the area\u2019s historic hot springs.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>15 Races for People Who\u2019d Rather Walk Than Run<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Grandma's
Photo: Grandma’s Marathon – Duluth, Inc.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14. Grandma\u2019s Marathon<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Location<\/b>: Duluth, MN
\n<\/span>Date<\/b>: Saturday, June 16, 2018
\n<\/span>How can you say anything bad about Grandma\u2019s? It\u2019s a small town race, with big-time popularity. Since 1977, this annual race has drawn 9,000 marathons to the North Shore of Minnesota. From super organization, to the vast views of Lake Superior along Old Highway 61 (and\u00a0<\/span>32 rivers, creeks and stream crossings along the way<\/span>), to the enthusiastic crowd support, it\u2019s easy to see why. The point-to-point, waterfront course is pretty flat \u2014 just a few gentle hills and one bigger one at mile 22 \u2014 so it\u2019s a great choice for beginners, PR-seekers or those who crave a quick swim after the finish line. The weekend\u2019s events also include a half-marathon and 5K.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Anchorage
Photo: Anchorage Mayor\u2019s Marathon<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15. Anchorage Mayor\u2019s Marathon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location<\/strong>: Anchorage, AK
\n<\/span>Date<\/strong>: Saturday, June 23, 2018
\n<\/span>With all the extra daylight to spare around the summer solstice, why <\/span>wouldn\u2019t<\/span><\/i> you run a full marathon in Alaska? For many past participants, the Anchorage Mayor\u2019s Marathon is a destination that\u2019s well worth the trip. The certified course is a mix of bike trails, rocky gravel and paved roads that keep you and about 1,000 other runners guessing. Take in the natural beauty (and maybe a moose sighting or two!) as you meet people from all over the world \u2014 all coming together to spend the longest day of the year doing what they love best.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the selection process: We spent a lot of time reading online participant reviews and soliciting input from our own editorial team, as well as running contacts from around the country. When it came down to the tough choices, we went with picks based on positive reviews, reputation, popularity and the unique value they offer to the runner. We create these lists to not only feature some of the always-popular, bucket list races, but to shine a light on some newer, smaller or challenging races that offer the participant something off the beaten path.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Originally published February 2014. Updated January 2018.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Read More
\n<\/strong>The Best Fall Marathons in the U.S.<\/a>
\nWhy I Started Running \u2014 And Never Stopped<\/a>
\n50 Running Resources for Speed, Strength and Nutrition<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

All eyes may be on Boston come April, but don\u2019t forget to set your sights on these other top-rated spring marathons around the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":65194,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6],"tags":[288,289,104,203,111,110,108,341,357,174],"class_list":["post-24084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-cardio","tag-exercise","tag-goals","tag-half-marathon","tag-marathon","tag-race","tag-running","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2running","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}