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

Direct Answer

The best marathon in the United States is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, our Best Overall: a flat, fast October loop through 29 neighborhoods that produced the men's world record of 2:00:35 in 2023, with an entry fee around $255 and a field near 50,000 runners.

For a destination US marathon with great value and a friendlier sign-up, the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota, is the Best Value at roughly $135–$155 for a fast, scenic Lake Superior course. This list is for American runners chasing a personal best, a Boston qualifier, or an iconic finish line.

Prices range from about $135 for regional races to roughly $295 for the New York City Marathon. Every race below is a real, currently-run US marathon; they are ranked on course quality, atmosphere, organization, and overall experience.

1. Bank of America Chicago Marathon 🏆 BEST OVERALL

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

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

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

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 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

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

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)

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

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

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.

FAQ

Which US marathon is the fastest for a Boston qualifier? The California International Marathon (net downhill), Grandma's Marathon (gently downhill), and Chicago (flat) are the most popular Boston-qualifying courses. All three feature cool weather and fast profiles, and CIM in particular is known for high BQ rates each December.

How do I get into the Chicago and New York marathons? Both use lotteries, with Chicago entry around $255 and NYC around $295. NYC also offers guaranteed entry through its 9+1 program (run nine NYRR races and volunteer once) or charity bibs, while Chicago offers guaranteed entry to time qualifiers and charity runners.

What is the cheapest major US destination marathon? Grandma's Marathon in Duluth (about $135–$155), the California International Marathon (about $150–$185), and Twin Cities (about $150–$175) are the best-value destination races, costing roughly half the price of the New York or Chicago Majors.

Which US marathon is best for a first-timer? Races with no time cutoff and a festive atmosphere are ideal for a debut. The Honolulu Marathon (no cap or cutoff) and the Walt Disney World Marathon (entertainment-focused) are both beginner-friendly, while Grandma's offers a manageable, scenic course.

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.

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)