{"id":36466,"date":"2015-01-27T07:15:04","date_gmt":"2015-01-27T12:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=36466"},"modified":"2022-01-20T08:48:32","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T13:48:32","slug":"best-marathons-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/best-marathons-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Fun and Fast Marathons for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"15<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve decided this is the year you\u2019ll run your first marathon<\/a>, but are overwhelmed at the thought of choosing the perfect race, we understand. With more than 1,100<\/a> marathon races in the U.S., each with very different courses and vibes, there are a whole lot of options for beginners! And shouldn\u2019t you look for something that\u2019s a little, well, easier<\/em> for your first time?<\/p>\n

While we don\u2019t believe running 26.2 miles anywhere<\/em><\/a> can really be called \u201ceasy,\u201d these 15 U.S. marathons are especially good for those ready to take that first step. From big city races to small rural routes, there\u2019s something for everyone here to ensure a positive and memorable first marathon experience.<\/p>\n

To compile this list of 15 beginner-friendly marathons (listed by date, starting in February), we selected races that will help newbies be confident, happy and stress-free on their first go-round. That means you\u2019ll find picks known for their flat and fast courses, scenic destinations, top-notch organization and logistics, ideal weather and high-energy fanfare. Believe it or not, there are even a few race weekends that may just feel like a vacation.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The 50 Best Marathons in the Entire World<\/a><\/p>\n

15 Beginner-Friendly Marathons<\/h3>\n
\"Austin
Photo: Mario Cantu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.\u00a0Austin Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Austin, TX
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, February 15, 2015
\nFirst-timers and veterans alike don\u2019t have to worry about unpredictable winter weather at this marathon. With average race temps between 44-65 degrees, the city that keeps it weird welcomes 5,000 runners (with plenty of enthusiastic cheering) to explore its hilly, urban course. Rock on with 30 local bands as you pass Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue and more, before crossing the finish at the State Capitol, where Austin\u2019s best food trucks await. Registration fee: $140-$145<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Napa
Photo: Arturo Ramos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0Kaiser Permanente Health Care Napa Valley Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Calistoga, CA
\nDate:<\/strong> Sunday, March 1, 2015
\nIf you\u2019re a wine lover, it\u2019s tempting to go off-course at this popular destination marathon through California\u2019s beautiful wine country. But there\u2019s plenty of time post-race to raise a glass and celebrate the journey to Napa. This point-to-point race features rolling hills and is unfortunately not very spectator-friendly. But you and 3,000 other runners will be too busy drinking in the sweeping views and twists and turns of the Silverado Trail to notice. Registration: $250; sold out<\/em><\/p>\n

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

3.\u00a0ASICS LA Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location:<\/strong> Los Angeles, CA
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, March 15, 2015
\nDon\u2019t be intimidated by flashy, big city races! This 30th annual marathon puts 25,000 runners in the spotlight, but more than half of them are first-timers who deserve the star treatment. After a pitch-perfect start at Dodger Stadium<\/a>, the net downhill course leads you through the sights and sounds of LA neighborhoods including Hollywood and Beverly Hills. You\u2019ll know you\u2019re near the finish line when you can spot the iconic Santa Monica Pier<\/a>. Registration fee: $180-$205<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 13 Awesome Podcasts to Get You Through a Long Run<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Flying
Photo: Michael E. Anderson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4.\u00a0Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location:<\/strong> Cincinnati, OH
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, May 3, 2015
\nThe people of Cincinnati believe anything is possible. Yes, pigs can fly and even you<\/em> can run (or walk) a marathon. This 17th annual family-friendly weekend of racing reaches new heights year after year as nearly 5,000 marathoners fly through the city\u2019s neighborhoods and along the Ohio River, while more than 100,000 fans or \u201cStreet Squealers\u201d cheer them on. Think that sounds awesome? Just wait until you see the highly-coveted 3-D medal. Registration fee: $90-$115<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Eugene
Photo: Eugene Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5.\u00a0Eugene Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Eugene, OR
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, May 10, 2015
\nThere\u2019s no better place than TrackTown, USA<\/a>, home of American distance running and the old stomping grounds of legends like Steve Prefontaine, to go the distance and earn a fast time. The mostly flat course (save for the hill at mile 8!) takes marathoners on a scenic tour of the Willamette River trails. But it\u2019s the final 200 meters on the historic track of Hayward Field<\/a> where you can really turn up the speed and find your inner Pre! Registration fee: $95-$115<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Vermont
Photo: Karen Pike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.\u00a0People\u2019s United Bank Vermont City Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Burlington, VT
\nDate:<\/strong> Sunday, May 24, 2015
\nFirst-time marathoners won\u2019t ever feel alone on this charming course through the Burlington streets, along Lake Champlain and among the Adirondack Mountains. Not only do 3,600 other runners make great company, the clover-shaped course is spectator-friendly, so your biggest fans (and lots of friendly strangers) can spot you at several mile markers. Then, celebrate together with a sweet treat at the finish \u2014 Ben & Jerry\u2019s ice cream! Registration fee: $90-$125<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The 50 Best Half-Marathons in the U.S.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Grandmas
Photo: Jeff Frey\/Associates Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.\u00a0Grandma\u2019s Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Duluth, MN
\nDate:<\/strong> Saturday, June 20, 2015
\nOver 32 rivers, creeks and streams and through the woods, to Grandma\u2019s Marathon we go! This small-town race has been a popular choice for beginners since 1977. The point-to-point course is very flat with a few gentle hills (and a big one at mile 22). It\u2019s fast with a cool northeast tailwind for speedy times. It\u2019s stunning with views of Lake Superior along Old Highway 61. And it\u2019s supportive, with loud crowds right when you need \u2018em most. Registration fee: $105-$115<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Missoula
Photo: Missoula Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8.\u00a0Missoula Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Missoula, MT
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, July 12, 2015
\nExperience majestic Missoula bright and early! The beloved point-to-point race kicks off at 6 a.m. with fireworks as 1,750 runners travel through the valleys and among the mountains of Big Sky Country. The countryside roads are pretty flat, except for a hard climb before mile 14. When you cruise into the downtown finish, don\u2019t be surprised if it feels like the whole town is there to congratulate you as you earn the unique horseshoe-shaped medal. Registration fee: $80-$125<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>12 Secrets from the Pros to Achieve a Personal Best<\/a><\/p>\n

\"VIA
Photo: John R. Hofmann<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9.\u00a0Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Allentown, PA
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, September 13, 2015
\nIf you want your first marathon experience to be as fast as possible, take on this super flat race through the bucolic Lehigh Valley. Designed by Bart Yasso of <\/a>Runner\u2019s World<\/em><\/a>, it\u2019s the second fastest race in the country, behind the much more grueling Boston Marathon<\/a>, and boasts an average finish time of 3:49:56. The shady course, capped at 2,500 runners, follows the Lehigh Valley River along a mix of roads and cinder trails. Registration fee: $110-$155<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Twin
Photo: Wayne Kryduba courtesy of Twin Cities In Motion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10.\u00a0Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Minneapolis, MN
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, October 4, 2015
\nIt\u2019s no surprise first-time marathoners make up 30 percent of the field at this popular race that claims to be the \u201cmost beautiful urban marathon in America.\u201d They\u2019ve surely heard about the four sparkling lakes, tree-lined streets, stretches on both sides of the Mississippi River and 300,000 screaming spectators throughout the hilly course from Minneapolis to St. Paul. But what\u2019s new this year for the 12,200 runners? Beer at the finish line! Registration fee: $105-$130<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The 20 Most Inspiring Runners in the U.S.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Chicago
Photo: Bank of America Chicago Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11.\u00a0Bank of America Chicago Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Chicago, IL
\nDate:<\/strong> Sunday, October 11, 2015
\nIt\u2019s one of the largest, most famous<\/a> marathons in the world, but the Windy City (and its 1.7 million spectators) will blow you away with its efforts to make all 45,000 runners feel special. Beginners and elite athletes alike take on the flat, fast and magnificent <\/em>miles through 29 diverse neighborhoods, from packed streets of fans in Lincoln Park to vibrant celebrations in Chinatown. Here\u2019s another world-class idea: post-race deep dish pizza<\/a>. Registration fee: $185-$210<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Marine
Photo: Marine Corps Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12.\u00a0Marine Corps Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Washington, D.C.
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, October 25, 2015
\nThis extremely popular marathon is by no means easy (and sells out fast!), but it\u2019s appealing to beginners who make up one-third of the 30,000 total runners. Often called \u201cThe People\u2019s Marathon\u201d because it doesn\u2019t offer prize money to winners, this race is a tour to D.C.\u2019s major monuments, along the Potomac River and through Georgetown, so there\u2019s a lot of distraction \u2014 not to mention support from the inspiring Marines along the course. Registration fee: $125<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 5 Running Tweaks That Took an\u00a0Hour Off My Marathon Time<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Las
Photo: RNR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13.\u00a0Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Las Vegas Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location:<\/strong> Las Vegas, NV
\nDate:<\/strong> Sunday, November 15, 2015
\nEveryone knows the glitz and glam of Sin City really comes alive after hours, so it\u2019s only fitting this race has a 4:30 p.m. start time! Join other runners, walkers and Elvis impersonators for a 26.2-mile night out on the Las Vegas Strip, as you high-roll past the famous casinos to the tunes of live rock bands. This marathon isn\u2019t all fun and games though \u2014 it also gives a major payout to its charity partner, the Crohn\u2019s and Colitis Foundation of America<\/a>. Reg<\/em>istration: $125<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Honolulu
Photo: Honolulu Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14.\u00a0Honolulu Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Honolulu, HI
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, December 13, 2015
\nDo we really need to explain why 30,000-plus runners flock to Hawaii every winter? This huge marathon welcomes racers of all abilities and has no cap on participants or cut-off time. So soak up the sun (and the Aloha spirit) on this flat course in downtown Honolulu, past Waikiki Beach and even around a few volcanoes, with tropical views abound. We give you permission to pamper yourself in paradise post-race, too. Registration fee: $55 early entry, valid through February 4<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Disney
Photo: Disney World Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15.\u00a0Walt Disney World\u00ae Marathon
\n<\/a><\/strong>Location: <\/strong>Orlando, FL
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, January 10, 2016
\nJoin Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang to make your marathon dreams come true at this fairytale race in \u201cThe Happiest Place on Earth.\u201d Disney runs are all about the fun, so channel your childhood memories by competing in costume, like so many other participants. Remember to keep an eye out for your favorite Disney characters along the course through all four theme parks for one-of-a-kind race day photo ops! Registration fee: $175-$205<\/em><\/p>\n

Any other first-timer-friendly\u00a0marathons we missed? Share them\u00a0in the comments!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There may be no such thing as an \u201ceasy\u201d marathon, but these 15 fun and fast 26.2-mile races around the country pave the way for first-timers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":36557,"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":[288,103,110,108,341,362],"class_list":["post-36466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-cardio","tag-motivation","tag-race","tag-running","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2walking"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36466","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=36466"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36466\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}