The 10 Best Marathons in the United States for Runners (2027)

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1. Bank of America Chicago Marathon 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon in October is the flattest of the US World Marathon Majors, a loop course through Chicago's neighborhoods that finishes in Grant Park. Kelvin Kiptum set the men's world record of 2:00:35 here in 2023.

Lottery entry is about $255 for US residents, and the field is roughly 50,000. Dependable cool autumn weather and a record-eligible course make it the top US race for a fast time. It ranks #1 because it pairs a true Major with the best PR conditions in the country.

This is for the runner who wants a flat Major and a shot at a personal best.

2. TCS New York City Marathon

TCS New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is the world's largest, with over 55,000 finishers crossing all five boroughs on the first Sunday of November, starting on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and finishing in Central Park.

Lottery entry is about $295, with guaranteed entry available via the 9+1 program. The course is hilly with bridges but the crowd support is the loudest in the country.

Choose NYC for unmatched scale and energy.

3. Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon, run on Patriots' Day in April since 1897, is the oldest annual marathon and the only US Major requiring a qualifying time for most entrants, on a point-to-point course featuring Heartbreak Hill.

Entry is about $250, with strict standards (for example, sub-3:00 for men 18–34). The prestige of earning a bib is the entire appeal.

Pick Boston for the validation of a hard-won qualifier.

4. Marine Corps Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., every October is "The People's Marathon," a non-qualifying race past the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, and the monuments, finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Entry runs about $185–$205, allocated by lottery. Active-duty Marines staffing the course and the patriotic backdrop define the day.

Choose the Marine Corps Marathon for a meaningful, monument-lined race in the capital.

5. Grandma's Marathon 💎 BEST VALUE

Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota, every June runs point-to-point along the north shore of Lake Superior, a fast, gently downhill course popular for Boston qualifiers.

Entry runs about $135–$155, well below the Majors, and the small-city charm and lakeside scenery add to the value. It earns Best Value because few fast, scenic US marathons cost this little.

Choose Grandma's for an affordable, scenic Boston-qualifying course.

6. Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur International Marathon

The Big Sur International Marathon in California every April runs along Highway 1 with the Pacific on one side and the Santa Lucia mountains on the other, including the climb to Hurricane Point and a pianist at Bixby Bridge.

Entry is about $200, and the field is capped near 4,500. It is widely rated the most scenic marathon in the country.

Pick Big Sur for unmatched coastal beauty over speed.

7. Honolulu Marathon

Honolulu Marathon

The Honolulu Marathon in December has no entry cap and no time limit, sending tens of thousands of runners past Waikiki and Diamond Head with a pre-dawn fireworks start.

Entry runs about $150–$275 depending on registration timing. The warm weather, ocean views, and relaxed format make it a popular destination and first marathon.

Choose Honolulu for a no-pressure tropical marathon.

8. California International Marathon (CIM)

California International Marathon (CIM)

The California International Marathon from Folsom to Sacramento every December is a net-downhill, point-to-point course famous as one of the fastest Boston qualifiers and US Olympic Trials host courses.

Entry runs about $150–$185. Cool December weather and the gentle descent make it a PR machine.

Pick CIM if a fast Boston qualifier is your single goal.

9. Twin Cities Marathon

Twin Cities Marathon

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis-St. Paul every October runs past lakes and the Mississippi River, often called "the most beautiful urban marathon in America."

Entry runs about $150–$175. The fall foliage and lakeside route make it a scenic, well-organized regional classic.

Choose Twin Cities for a beautiful autumn urban course.

10. Disney World Marathon

Disney World Marathon

The Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando every January runs through all four Disney parks with characters, fireworks, and on-course entertainment, part of a multi-race weekend.

Entry runs about $215–$235. The family-friendly spectacle and warm January timing make it a unique bucket-list experience rather than a PR race.

Pick the Disney Marathon for the most entertaining, family-oriented race day.

How to Choose

• Chasing a PR or Boston qualifier? Pick a flat or downhill course: Chicago, CIM, and Grandma's are the fastest US options.
• Want a World Marathon Major? Chicago, New York, and Boston are the three US Majors; Boston needs a qualifying time.
• Prioritizing scenery? Big Sur, Honolulu, and Twin Cities offer the most beautiful courses.
• On a budget? Grandma's, CIM, and Twin Cities run $135–$185, well under the $255–$295 Majors.
• First marathon? No-cutoff races like Honolulu and the entertaining Disney Marathon are forgiving debuts.
• Need a guaranteed entry? NYC's 9+1 program and Boston's qualifier are guaranteed paths; others use lotteries.

How to Choose the Right Marathon for Your Goal

Not every marathon suits every runner. If your primary goal is a personal best or Boston Qualifier, prioritize flat, fast courses like Chicago, Grandma’s, or CIM (California International Marathon, ~$180 entry). For scenic experience over speed, consider Big Sur (undulating, $250–$275) or the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. (~$190, historic landmarks). If crowd energy matters most, New York City Marathon ($295, 50,000 runners) delivers unmatched spectator support. Match your training cycle to the race: fall marathons (Chicago, NYC, Marine Corps) require summer mileage; spring races (Grandma’s, Boston) need winter training. Check cutoff times—some races enforce 6-hour limits—and lottery vs. guaranteed entry systems.

Registration Tips and Timing

Most major US marathons use lotteries or first-come, first-served registration that fills within hours. The New York City Marathon lottery opens in February; Chicago typically opens in November for the following October race. Boston requires a qualifying time (age-group specific) from the prior year. For guaranteed entry without a lottery, consider charity slots (raise $1,000–$5,000) or travel packages. Grandma’s Marathon and CIM are less competitive to enter, often open until a few months before race day. Set calendar reminders—popular races sell out within days. Entry fees range from $135 (Grandma’s) to $295 (NYC), with late registration adding $20–$50.

FAQ

What is the best marathon in the US for a first-timer? The Chicago Marathon is a top choice for first-timers due to its flat, fast course and huge crowd support. It’s well-organized with plenty of aid stations, but you’ll need to enter the lottery or run for a charity. Grandma’s Marathon is also beginner-friendly with a scenic, downhill course and a more relaxed sign-up process.

How much does it cost to run a major US marathon? Entry fees typically range from about $135 for regional races like Grandma’s Marathon to around $295 for the New York City Marathon. Chicago and Boston fall in the $200–$260 range, while smaller or less popular events can be under $100. Prices often increase closer to race day.

Which US marathon is the fastest for a personal best? Chicago and Grandma’s Marathon are consistently among the fastest, with Chicago’s flat loop producing the men’s world record in 2023. Grandma’s offers a slight downhill net and cool lakeside temps. Boston is also fast but requires a qualifying time, making it less accessible for first-time PR attempts.

How hard is it to get into the Boston Marathon? Boston requires a qualifying time that varies by age and gender, and even then, the cutoff can be several minutes faster than the standard due to high demand. For 2027, expect the qualifying window to open in late 2026, with registration fees around $250. It’s one of the most competitive lotteries in running.

What is the most scenic marathon in the US? The Big Sur International Marathon along California’s coast is often called the most scenic, with dramatic ocean views and the iconic Bixby Bridge. Grandma’s Marathon along Lake Superior and the New York City Marathon through all five boroughs are also top contenders. Scenery is subjective, but these three consistently rank highest.

Are there any marathons with guaranteed entry without a lottery? Yes, many smaller and regional marathons offer guaranteed entry, such as Grandma’s Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon (though it has a lottery for some spots), and the Los Angeles Marathon. Larger events like Chicago and New York require a lottery or charity entry, but you can often secure a spot by running for a cause.

Bottom Line

For the best US marathon, the Chicago Marathon wins on speed, prestige, and atmosphere, while Grandma's Marathon is the Best Value, delivering a fast, scenic Boston-qualifying course at a fraction of the Major price. Match the course profile to your goal and register early for the lotteries.

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Sources

• Bank of America Chicago Marathon (chicagomarathon.com)
• TCS New York City Marathon / NYRR (nyrr.org)
• Boston Athletic Association (baa.org)
• Marine Corps Marathon (marinemarathon.com)
• Grandma's Marathon official site (grandmasmarathon.com)
• Big Sur International Marathon (bigsurmarathon.org)
• California International Marathon (runsra.org)
• Honolulu Marathon official site (honolulumarathon.org)

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