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Best north american marathons - best north american marathonsBest north american marathons - best north american marathons.Running Wild: The 7 Best Marathons in America
There are many factors that contribute to a good marathon, from size and prestige to course and staffing quality, which can make picking the best a tough decision. Marathons can range from under 50 participants to tens of thousands and take place in every type of climate and course conditions imaginable, causing many participants to split their marathons up into seasons like winter, fall, and spring marathons.
Runners train months and months in advance for their races, so it's hard not to be selective when choosing the best one for you. The selection process can be made easier in bigger marathons where you have to qualify to enter, but even smaller marathons that simply require an entrance fee can give a runner a lot to think about. Here's a look at the best marathons in the America and what makes them so great.
The New York City Marathon is arguably one of the most famous marathons in the world and is also one of the largest, with 45, finishers in alone. The course runs through all five boroughs of New York City and concludes in the city's famous Central Park. The marathon also attracts one of the largest viewing audiences in all of sports, with crowds numbering around two million, and gaining clout as one of only two marathons that is televised on national television.
Because the race is so well-known and prestigious, just gaining entry can prove to be quite the task. A lottery is done to choose participants because so many people desire entry, but if you're not one of the lucky ones, there are still other ways to gain admittance. You can gain automatic entrance for either running for charity or not being chosen for three consecutive years. However, if you are lucky enough to gain entry, you get to participate in a race steeped in history and tales of triumph, having started in and producing some of the most talented marathoners in history, like current women's world record holder Paula Radcliffe.
The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the world and also one of the most prestigious. Began in after the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the summer Olympics, the Boston Marathon is one of the five World Marathon Majors and features a hill-filled scenic course through Boston. The course begins in the Boston suburb of Hopkinton, runs through several towns, and finishes in Boston's Back Bay. It is considered to be one of the more difficult marathon courses because of the Newton hills, which culminate in Heartbreak Hill near Boston College.
Because of the prestige of the marathon, it is not surprising that it is one of the most difficult to gain entrance. Participation is capped at 25, entrants and inexperienced runners will have a hard time qualifying, which is unfortunate but also allows for the best competition possible.
In order to qualify, a runner must meet certain time requirements in a previous marathon depending on their age. The event is also widely watched and attracts , spectators each year, making it the largest watched sporting event in New England. The Chicago Marathon is emerging as one of the most popular marathons in both the U. Even beginners can participate in the marathon, as there is no qualifying time to participate. The race has a rich history and has been run every year since the inaugural September 25, running under the original name of the Mayor Daley Marathon.
The course is a loop course, starting and ending at Grant Park, and winds through 29 of the city's neighborhoods, ensuring a scenic route. The loop can generally be divided into three sections: North, West and South that take runners by three of the city's main stadiums. For the less seasoned and experienced runners alike, it features 30 aid stations with medical staff at each stop. The Baltimore Marathon is gaining in popularity as the flagship race of several races held in the city that are collectively known as the Baltimore Running Festival.
It is one of the fastest growing marathons in the U. The race begins at the Camden Yards sports complex and travels through many diverse neighborhoods of Baltimore, including the scenic Inner Harbor waterfront area, historic Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Canton, Baltimore. The point? Yes, you're a badass if you run it, but know what you're getting into before you decide to conquer Pikes Peak.
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Join Active or Sign In. All rights reserved. Go Premium. Need Help? Learn More Customer Login. Share this article. Are you sure you want to delete this family member? Find activities close to home. Activities near you will have this indicator. Within 2 Miles. Activities near you will have this indicator Within 2 Miles. To save your home and search preferences Join Active or Sign In. To save your home and search preferences. The Chicago Marathon provides a versatile experience for runners by combining city streets with lakefront views.
This course is exceptionally flat with powerful crowd support throughout The Dallas Marathon takes runners on a unique tour of the city. The course winds its way through diverse neighborhoods and various entertainment districts to keep things interesting. The Detroit Free Press Marathon provides a one-of-a-kind experience, taking runners on a course that travels to and from Canada. Runners first travel over a bridge and then return by an underwater tunnel. The Flying Pig Marathon truly embodies its name.
This race provides plenty of entertainment and excitement as spectators and race organizers share plenty of pig-themed swag, pig-themed starting corrals and mid-race chili contests. The beautiful countryside along with tons of crowd support and cheering fans make all the hills worth it. Escape the dreary winter season and experience the laid-back vibe of Hawaii in December. This race has no time limit, making it perfect for walkers or those looking for a recreational challenge.
The Los Angeles Marathon takes runners on a beautiful tour of the city. The race begins at Dodger Stadium for a one-of-a-kind experience, and continues throughout some of the most iconic city streets. This race plays tribute to those who have served and are serving the country with its patriotic theme. This race will keep you inspired throughout the course. The New York City Marathon is the biggest marathon in the world — and for good reason.
The course takes you along the five boroughs in New York. The crowd support throughout this race is unlike any other, affectionately providing a This gorgeous course is completely flat and packed with beautiful scenery.
The Philadelphia Marathon takes runners on a fantastic tour of American history. The course begins by passing some of the most well-known monuments and continues by following along the Schuylkill River before finishing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The cheering fans, interesting scenery and gentle course make this race perfect for beginners or those looking to PR.
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