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

1. Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Chicago ranks first because it is the flattest of the three US World Marathon Majors and the fastest record-eligible course in the country. Kelvin Kiptum ran the men's world record of 2:00:35 here in 2023. The October loop passes through 29 Chicago neighborhoods and finishes in Grant Park. Entry costs roughly $255 for US residents, and the field runs near 50,000 runners.

This race suits the runner who wants Major prestige and a genuine shot at a personal best on the same day. The trade is access: entry runs through a lottery, so a bib is not guaranteed without a charity slot. Against New York at $295, Chicago costs about $40 less and swaps bridges and hills for dependable cool autumn weather on a flat loop.

2. TCS New York City Marathon

New York ranks second on sheer scale and crowd energy, not speed. It is the world's largest marathon, with over 55,000 finishers crossing all five boroughs on the first Sunday of November. The race starts on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and finishes in Central Park. Lottery entry runs about $295, the highest price on this list, with guaranteed entry available through the NYRR 9+1 program.

This is for the runner who wants the loudest spectator support in American running and an iconic five-borough tour. The trade is time: bridges and rolling terrain make it slower than a flat loop. Compared with Chicago directly above, New York costs about $40 more and gives up PR conditions in exchange for atmosphere and a guaranteed-entry pathway.

3. Boston Marathon

Boston ranks third because prestige, not accessibility, is the entire product. Run on Patriots' Day each April since 1897, it is the oldest annual marathon and the only US Major requiring a qualifying time from most entrants. The point-to-point course from Hopkinton includes Heartbreak Hill late in the race. Entry costs about $250, with standards such as sub-3:00 for men aged 18 to 34.

This race is for runners who have already run a qualifying time and want that validation at the finish line. The trade is brutal: cutoffs often land several minutes faster than the published standard, so a qualifier alone may not secure a bib. Unlike New York above, there is no lottery path for most runners — you earn it or buy a charity slot.

4. Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon ranks fourth as the best non-qualifying big-city race in the country. Held every October in Washington, D.C., it is nicknamed "The People's Marathon" because no qualifying time is required. The course passes the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol before finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Entry runs about $185 to $205 and is allocated by lottery.

This suits runners who want monument-lined scenery and a meaningful, well-staffed race without chasing a standard. Active-duty Marines work the course and hand out finisher medals. The trade is speed: the course is not a PR machine. Against Boston above, it costs roughly $50 less and removes the qualifying barrier entirely, substituting a lottery for a stopwatch.

5. Grandma's Marathon

Grandma's ranks fifth and takes Best Value because few fast, scenic US marathons cost this little. Entry runs about $135 to $155, well under the $250 to $295 Majors. The June race runs point-to-point along the north shore of Lake Superior into Duluth, Minnesota, on a gently downhill profile that is popular for Boston qualifiers. Cool lakeside temperatures help times.

This is for the runner who wants a qualifying-caliber course without Major pricing or a lottery gamble. Sign-up is far more relaxed than Chicago or New York. The trade is scale: small-city charm means no 50,000-runner spectacle and thinner crowd support. Against Marine Corps above, it costs roughly $50 less and delivers a genuinely faster course profile.

6. Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur ranks sixth because it wins on scenery outright and gives up almost everything on speed. The April course runs along California's Highway 1 with the Pacific on one side and the Santa Lucia mountains on the other. The climb to Hurricane Point is the defining stretch, and a pianist plays at Bixby Bridge. Entry costs about $200, with the field capped near 4,500 runners.

This is for the runner treating a marathon as a destination rather than a time trial. The trade is obvious: sustained climbing and coastal wind make a personal best unrealistic. Against Grandma's above, it costs roughly $50 more and swaps a fast downhill qualifier for what is widely rated the most beautiful course in the country.

7. Honolulu Marathon

Honolulu ranks seventh as the most forgiving marathon in the United States. It has no entry cap and no time limit, so anyone can register and anyone can finish. The December race starts before dawn with fireworks and sends tens of thousands of runners past Waikiki and Diamond Head. Entry runs about $150 to $275, depending on how early you sign up.

This is for first-timers, walkers, and anyone building a marathon around a trip to Hawaii. The trade is heat and humidity, which slow finish times considerably against a cool-weather race. Against Big Sur above, Honolulu removes every barrier to entry — no lottery, no cap, no cutoff — but replaces dramatic coastal terrain with a tropical, tourist-heavy route.

8. California International Marathon

CIM ranks eighth as the purest Boston-qualifying tool on this list. The December race runs net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to Sacramento and has hosted the US Olympic Trials marathon. Cool December weather plus the gentle sustained descent make it one of the most reliable PR courses in the country. Entry runs about $150 to $185, well below Major pricing.

This is for the runner with one goal: a qualifying time, with everything else secondary. Entry stays open far later than the Majors, often until a few months before race day. The trade is atmosphere — Sacramento crowds do not approach New York or Chicago. Against Honolulu above, it costs less and is dramatically faster, but offers nothing as a vacation.

9. Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Twin Cities ranks ninth as the strongest regional classic outside the Majors. The October race runs from Minneapolis to St. Paul past a chain of lakes and along the Mississippi River, and is frequently called the most beautiful urban marathon in America. Peak fall foliage lines much of the route. Entry runs about $150 to $175, roughly $100 under a Major bib.

This suits runners who want a well-organized, scenic big-race experience without lottery odds or Major pricing. The trade is prestige and field size — it carries no Major status and draws a fraction of Chicago's crowd. Against CIM above, it costs slightly more and runs slower, but delivers far better scenery and spectator support along the route.

10. Walt Disney World Marathon

The Disney World Marathon ranks tenth because it is entertainment first and a race second. The January course runs through all four Walt Disney World parks in Orlando, with costumed characters, fireworks, and on-course entertainment throughout, as part of a multi-race weekend. Entry runs about $215 to $235, Major-adjacent pricing for a non-Major event. Warm January weather keeps conditions mild.

This is for families, costume runners, and anyone treating race day as a bucket-list experience. The trades are real: a pre-dawn start, heavy congestion, frequent photo stops, and no realistic PR. Against Twin Cities above, it costs roughly $70 more and abandons any competitive pretense in exchange for the most purely fun race day in the country.

How we ranked these

Ten currently-run US marathons were scored on four weighted factors: course quality (profile, record eligibility, net elevation), race-day atmosphere and crowd support, organizational track record (aid stations, corrals, logistics), and total entry value against the fee. Verified data anchored each score — Chicago's 2:00:35 world record, NYC's 55,000-plus finishers, Big Sur's 4,500-runner cap, and published entry fees from roughly $135 to $295.

Deliberately ignored: swag quality, medal design, expo size, and finisher-photo packages, because none change how the 26.2 miles actually run. Also excluded were marathons that no longer operate, virtual-only events, and races under 1,000 finishers where organizational consistency cannot be judged year over year. Social-media buzz and influencer rankings were treated as noise, not signal — popularity tracks marketing budgets more than course merit.

What to look for

Course profile decides more than anything else on the list. A flat loop like Chicago or a net-downhill point-to-point like CIM can be worth several minutes over a rolling course at identical fitness. Weather is the second lever: October Chicago, December CIM, and June Duluth mornings all target cool temperatures. Then check entry mechanics — lottery odds, qualifying standards, or the 9+1 path — because the best course you cannot enter is worthless.

The common mistake is buying prestige instead of fit. Runners chase a Major bib, then attempt a personal best on NYC's bridges in November wind, or book Big Sur expecting a fast time from a course that climbs Hurricane Point. Match the race to the goal: PR, qualifier, or experience. Also budget the trip, not the entry — flights and lodging usually outrun the $135 to $295 fee.

Related questions

Which US marathon has the flattest course?

Chicago is the flattest of the American World Marathon Majors, a loop through 29 neighborhoods finishing in Grant Park with almost no meaningful climb. That profile is why Kelvin Kiptum ran 2:00:35 there in 2023. CIM is faster on paper thanks to a net-downhill drop from Folsom to Sacramento, but it rolls, so Chicago stays the steadier flat option.

How does the NYC 9+1 program work?

New York Road Runners guarantees a NYC Marathon entry to members who complete nine qualifying NYRR races and volunteer at one event during the prior calendar year. It bypasses the lottery entirely, which matters when the field exceeds 55,000 finishers. You still pay the entry fee, roughly $295, and you must hold NYRR membership at the time you complete the requirement.

What qualifying time does Boston actually require?

Standards vary by age and gender — men 18 to 34 need sub-3:00, with progressively easier marks in older brackets. Meeting the standard is not the same as getting in. Demand routinely pushes the accepted cutoff several minutes faster than the published number, so runners targeting Boston typically aim well under their bracket time rather than at it.

Is Big Sur a realistic race for a personal best?

No. The Highway 1 course climbs to Hurricane Point and rolls throughout, and the 4,500-runner cap means thinner packs to work with. It is widely rated the most scenic marathon in the country, with a pianist playing at Bixby Bridge, but the payoff is the view. Runners chasing time should look at Chicago, CIM, or Grandma's instead.

Which marathon is best for a first-timer?

Honolulu removes the most pressure: no entry cap, no time limit, and a pre-dawn fireworks start past Waikiki and Diamond Head. The Disney World Marathon works similarly, running through four parks in January with on-course entertainment. Chicago is also common for debuts thanks to crowd support and aid stations, but you must clear the lottery or run for a charity.

How far ahead should I register?

Further than most runners expect. The NYC lottery opens in February; Chicago typically opens the November before its October race. Boston requires a qualifying time from the prior year and a separate registration window. Grandma's and CIM stay open longer, sometimes until a few months out. Set calendar reminders — popular races close within days, and late registration adds $20 to $50.

What does a charity entry cost in practice?

Charity slots bypass lotteries at both Chicago and New York, but the commitment is a fundraising minimum, typically $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the organization and race. That is on top of the entry fee. It is a guaranteed path if you can raise the money or backstop it yourself, and many runners underestimate how much active soliciting the minimum requires.

Do cutoff times eliminate slower runners?

Some races enforce roughly a six-hour limit, sweeping runners behind pace onto sidewalks or buses. Honolulu is the clear exception with no time limit at all, which is why it draws walkers and first-timers. Check the specific cutoff before entering — a course with a strict sweep can turn a planned finish into a DNF for anyone training toward six hours plus.

FAQ

What is the best marathon in the United States?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon. It combines World Marathon Major status with the flattest, fastest big-city course in the country, running 29 neighborhoods each October and finishing in Grant Park. Entry runs about $255 for US residents through the lottery, and the field is near 50,000. Dependable cool autumn weather makes it the top domestic choice for a personal best.

Which US marathon is the best value?

Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota, at roughly $135 to $155. The June course runs point-to-point along the north shore of Lake Superior, gently downhill and popular for Boston qualifiers. Nothing else fast and scenic in the US costs this little — the Majors run $250 to $295 — and the small-city sign-up is far friendlier than a big-race lottery.

How much does a major US marathon cost to enter?

Roughly $135 at the low end to about $295 at the high end. Grandma's is cheapest at $135 to $155; NYC tops the list near $295. Chicago is about $255, Boston about $250, Marine Corps $185 to $205, Big Sur about $200, CIM $150 to $185. Late registration commonly adds another $20 to $50.

Which US marathons are World Marathon Majors?

Three: Chicago, New York City, and Boston. Chicago runs in October, New York on the first Sunday in November, and Boston on Patriots' Day in April. Chicago and New York fill mainly by lottery, with charity and 9+1 alternatives. Boston is the only one requiring a qualifying time from most entrants, which is precisely why its bib carries the prestige it does.

Which US course is fastest for a Boston qualifier?

CIM is the specialist's pick — net downhill from Folsom to Sacramento in December, cool weather, and a track record as a US Olympic Trials host course. Chicago and Grandma's are the other two reliable qualifiers, flat and gently downhill respectively. All three sit well under the difficulty of point-to-point courses like Boston's own Heartbreak Hill stretch.

What is the most scenic marathon in the US?

Big Sur, running Highway 1 with the Pacific on one side and the Santa Lucia mountains on the other. Grandma's along Lake Superior and Twin Cities past Minneapolis lakes and the Mississippi are the strongest alternatives — Twin Cities is often called the most beautiful urban marathon in America. Honolulu's Waikiki and Diamond Head stretch rounds out the group.

Are there US marathons with guaranteed entry?

Yes. Grandma's, CIM, and Twin Cities generally accept runners without a lottery, and Honolulu has no entry cap at all. Among the big races, NYC's 9+1 program and a Boston qualifying time are the two structured guaranteed paths. For Chicago and NYC otherwise, a charity slot with a fundraising minimum is the reliable way around the lottery.

Which marathon is the best family or bucket-list experience?

The Walt Disney World Marathon in January, running all four Orlando parks with characters, fireworks, and on-course entertainment as part of a multi-race weekend. Entry runs $215 to $235. Marine Corps is the other experiential standout — a non-qualifying October race past the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol, staffed by active-duty Marines, at $185 to $205.

Should I train differently for a spring versus fall marathon?

Yes, mainly because of when the mileage lands. Fall races — Chicago, NYC, Marine Corps, Twin Cities — put your long runs in summer heat and humidity. Spring races like Boston and early-summer Grandma's push peak volume into winter, which means treadmills, ice, and darkness. Pick the block you will actually complete rather than the race date you like best.

How big are the fields at these races?

NYC is the world's largest with over 55,000 finishers across five boroughs. Chicago runs near 50,000. Honolulu has no cap and draws tens of thousands. At the other end, Big Sur caps at roughly 4,500 runners, which is part of why it feels nothing like a Major. Field size drives corral waits, aid-station congestion, and crowd noise.

Sources

• https://www.chicagomarathon.com/
• https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon
• https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon
• https://www.marinemarathon.com/
• https://grandmasmarathon.com/
• https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/
• https://runsra.org/california-international-marathon/
• https://www.honolulumarathon.org/
• https://www.worldathletics.org/records/by-category/world-records
• https://www.twincitiesmarathon.com/

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