Whereas many individuals spend the summer time tackling lengthy mileage on scorching days in preparation for one of many widespread fall marathons, there’s one thing to be stated about utilizing the cool of winter to rock certainly one of these Spring marathons within the US.
Choosing a spring marathon can preserve you motivated via the darkish and chilly days of November via March. It’s additionally an opportunity to actually give it your all in pace exercises in temperatures our our bodies can tolerate higher.
And most of the marathons on the record under provide stunning surroundings and reasonable temperatures, which means runners have loads of alternatives to run private bests.
Past the coveted Boston Marathon, there are tons of spring marathons on the calendar everywhere in the nation. Large, small, city, rural, native, or vacation spot, there are alternatives for everybody. Take a look at our high picks under. From east coast to west coast and flat lands to rolling hills, there’s sure to be an ideal possibility for you.
12 Finest Spring Marathons for 2025
If you happen to’ve determined to run a spring marathon, there’s a couple of issues to recollect so you’ll be able to be sure you’re nicely ready.
First, you should plan to coach for 16-24 weeks relying in your expertise and coaching plan. Be sure you plan forward and decide a race far sufficient out to permit for construct.
Subsequent, it’s okay in case you miss a pair runs or if you need to prepare on the treadmill. Unhealthy climate occurs and treadmill miles are nonetheless good miles. Keep in mind although that consistency is essential so attempt to preserve to your coaching plan as greatest you’ll be able to.
Lastly, don’t neglect in regards to the significance of hydration and vitamin. We could sweat much less in colder temperatures and we could not really feel as thirsty as we do throughout summer time coaching, however make no mistake you continue to have to hydrate. Vitamin can be vital, each earlier than and after a run but in addition throughout. We’re nonetheless burning energy and dealing arduous and we have to gas our our bodies appropriately to carry out.
With all that stated, let’s dig into our high picks for spring marathons in 2025!
#1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Date: Could 4, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Profile: Hilly (round 1200 toes achieve)
Sort: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
If you happen to’re in search of a race with nice crowd help, a variety of character, a big subject of runners, and an city setting, the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon is for you.
The course covers a various array of neighborhoods of Cincinnati with its loop course and even takes you throughout state strains into Kentucky. What number of races are you aware that allow you to run in 2 totally different states?
It is a HILLY RACE. You completely want to coach for hills.
The race has a beneficiant tempo requirement of 16:00 minutes per mile, which permits for quick walkers to take part. Checkout our full record of walker pleasant marathons >>
There are additionally quite a few support, enjoyable, and leisure stations alongside the course to maintain issues fascinating.
One other plus with this race is that it’s a full weekend of enjoyable. There’s the massive expo on Friday and Saturday, a 1-mile race on Friday night, a 5k and 10k on Saturday together with a 1.3 mile race for people and their canines, adopted by the half marathon and marathon on Sunday.
There’s additionally a relay possibility, two problem choices the place you full a number of races over the weekend, and a post-race victory celebration.
All marathoners obtain a shirt, premium present, poster, a digital goodie bag, and a medal.
Runners have stated:
- Staying at a number lodge makes it simple to stroll to the beginning
- The expo is wonderful
- The entire metropolis feels in on it and there are folks carrying the flying pig gear in all places
#2 Dick’s Sporting Items Pittsburgh Marathon
Date: Could 4, 2025
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Profile: Rolling hills (933 toes achieve)
Sort: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Operating the identical weekend as Flying Pig is the Dick’s Sporting Items Pittsburgh Marathon. That is one other giant, city race with good crowd help, leisure all through the course, and a route that takes you thru the various distinctive neighborhoods of town.
The course is a loop course and shares the primary nearly 11 miles with the half marathon earlier than the routes cut up. Pittsburgh, because the Metropolis of Bridges, and three rivers has you crossing every river a minimum of as soon as providing some nice views of the skyline and surrounding hills.
That is one other weekend occasion with an enormous expo and a 5k race on Saturday earlier than the half and full on Sunday. You may also get the entire household concerned as there’s a Youngsters Marathon, Toddler Trot, and Pet Stroll. And don’t miss out on the End Line Competition in Level State Park.
Runners have stated:
- Course is hillier than anticipated, so prepare for it!
- Loads of porta potties
- Actually nice crowd help with of us creating their very own mini support stations (hiya jello photographs)
- In 2024 the shirts ran small, however the expo was massive and enjoyable
#3 Carmel Marathon
Date: April 19, 2025
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Profile: Flat to rolling (682 toes achieve)
Sort: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Heading into its fifteenth 12 months, the Carmel Marathon has cemented itself as an ideal race to make use of to realize a BQ. The course is flat and quick and consists of two distinctive loops with runners passing the beginning and end line space earlier than beginning the second half of the race.
The race presents pacers for anybody aiming for anyplace from a 3-hour end to a 6:30 end.
Along with the marathon, there may be additionally a 5k and 10k that begin at 8 a.m. whereas the half marathon begins with the total and relay members at 8:10 a.m.
With the run in mid-April, the occasion usually boasts glorious situations for runners with cooler temps. It is a main win for a lot of of you that can be ready from operating via winter and never but prepared for a heat race.
In line with the web site, greater than 21% of finishers ran a BQ time so if that’s a objective of yours this can be occasion to coach for.
I additionally really feel it’s vital to level out that the finisher’s space features a post-race pancake village. This feels like a good way to refuel after a marathon!
One further plus is that the race is on a Saturday. That is good as a result of it offers you Sunday to chill out and get better earlier than you need to head again to work on Monday.
Runners have stated:
- Whereas there have been some complaints about crowded roads in 2024, most have solely good issues to say
- Crowd help is extra minimal than among the different races, but it surely’s a pleasant space to run via
- Course is flat and quick, climate could possibly be chilly
#4 Bayshore Marathon
Date: Could 25, 2025
Location: Traverse Metropolis, Michigan
Profile: Flat (329 toes of achieve)
Sort: Out-and-back
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
If you happen to’re in search of flat, quick, and scenic, look no additional than the Bayshore Marathon. It is a nice race for each skilled and newbie marathoners.
The out-and-back course is usually alongside the waterfront of Grand Traverse Bay, which offers stunning surroundings. The route can be shaded a majority of the time, which is nice because the race is Memorial Day weekend and also you simply by no means know if it’s going to be scorching or cool. The temps vary from 45-69 on common.
There are some good spectator spots they usually do present shuttles to assist ease site visitors across the space. Runners may depend on tempo teams in the event that they’re trying to safe a particular ending time.
The Saturday race does have a strict 6-hour time restrict in order that’s one thing to bear in mind. It’s additionally one of many high races for these chasing a BQ. There’s additionally a 10k and half marathon at Bayshore and all occasions do promote out so be sure that to register early.
Large, massive fan of this city for a runcation and the course. I noticed a variety of cheering and it’s on the simpler aspect of programs for spring races. Nonetheless, hotter temps are positively potential. We had a reasonably toasty day.
Learn all our suggestions for the Bayshore Marathon >>
#5 Eugene Marathon
Date: April 27, 2025
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Profile: Flat (although formally it says 760 toes of achieve, that’s 3X Chicago)
Sort: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
If you happen to’ve ever needed to run in one of the well-known operating cities within the U.S., then you should run the Eugene Marathon. Run the identical streets as Steve Prefontaine and different operating legends and let it encourage your efficiency!
The Eugene Marathon is the biggest race within the Pacific Northwest.
The marathon route begins within the shadow of the well-known Hayward Subject and excursions neighborhoods across the college and a number of other stunning parks. The end line on the observe inside Hayward Subject is icing on the cake for members.
The race presents a half marathon, 5k, and a Duck Sprint for youths too. There are tempo teams primarily based on BQ instances and the course has a strict, however beneficiant 7-hour cutoff time. The half and full promote out normally a minimum of one month earlier than the occasion in late April so don’t wait to register.
It is a race usually chosen by these looking for out quick marathon instances.
Runners have stated:
- Beginning is crowded for a couple of miles
- Half alongside a river, half residential, so not probably the most scenic or greatest crowd help
- The dimensions of the medal acquired a variety of consideration and the Nike swag
#6 Los Angeles Marathon
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Los Angeles, California
Profile: Rolling (round 950 toes of achieve)
Sort: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
2025 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon! The course is named Stadium to the Stars and begins on the Dodgers Stadium after which takes you alongside a route lined with spectators via distinctive neighborhoods and previous a few of LA’s most notable landmarks. The end line is on the world well-known Avenue of the Stars.
Among the landmarks and neighborhoods you’ll expertise on the point-to-point course embrace LA Metropolis Corridor, the Chinatown Dragon Gate, the Hollywood Stroll of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese language Theater, Rodeo Drive and Historic Route 66.
The race has some rolling hills, but in addition some good downhills and is a USATF-certified course. There’s a 6:30 cutoff from when the final individual crosses the beginning line. The occasion additionally presents a 5k on Saturday and a half marathon along side the marathon.
Ideas for operating the LA Marathon >>
#7 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Virginia Seashore, Virginia
Profile: Flat (270 toes achieve)
Sort: Out-and-back
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
On the identical day because the LA Marathon, however on the other coast, is the favored Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Seashore. This race is a St. Patrick’s Day custom!
This has been thought-about a to not miss celebration for a lot of, a few years!
The Shamrock Marathon weekend boasts an 8k, half marathon, and marathon. The course is flat, quick, and scenic. The primary part heads north right into a state park and the Ft. Story, which is the place Jamestown colonists first landed in America in 1607. So that you get a bit little bit of historical past.
You then head south into extra resort areas and Camp Pendleton after which flip round to complete on the well-known Virginia Seashore Boardwalk completed simply previous the King Neptune statue with the Atlantic Ocean within the background.
The race weekend features a two-day expo, a end line celebration, Yuengling beer, a race shirt, and a medal.
You may also get further bling by operating the 8k on Saturday in what’s often called the Whale Problem. The course has a beneficiant 7:30 time restrict (17:09/mile) and is a superb possibility for first time marathoners, these chasing a PR or a BQ.
Runners have stated:
- Get your costume prepared, it’s far more enjoyable to get within the spirit
- Very nicely organized for a big race, depart loads of time to park at first
- Good put up race with bands and meals, loads of water heading in the right direction too
#8 Little Rock Marathon
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Profile: Rolling hills (round 1000 toes achieve)
Sort: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Often called the “race for each tempo,” Little Rock Marathon is a superb occasion for newbies to elite athletes alike. The race presents a beneficiant 8-hour time restrict making it a welcoming place for runners and walkers of various paces.
The USATF-certified course is a loop and takes runners by well-known locations in Little Rock, together with the state capitol constructing, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the Robinson Middle, and the Little Rock Central Excessive College Nationwide Historic Website.
Along with nice crowd help, the marathon is thought for its loopy marathon medals.
They weigh in at a whopping three kilos and correspond to a central theme with the race. Along with the marathon, there may be additionally a half, 10k, 5k, and a children race.
Runners have stated:
- Course goes by all the important thing native websites
- Crowd help is incredible (once more extra of us handing out libations)
- Help stations each couple of miles
- Undoubtedly keep within the host lodge it makes life really easy
#9 Grandma’s Marathon
Date: June 2025
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Profile: Rolling hills (470 toes), internet downhill (-578 toes)
Sort: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
With greater than 20,000 members, the Grandma’s Marathon of right now is a good distance from the tiny race it began as in 1977 with solely 150 runners. Immediately it’s a spotlight of the yearly calendar and makes an immense financial affect on the Duluth area.
The course is scenic and runs alongside the shores of Lake Superior earlier than heading into downtown Duluth. Whereas it has rolling hills, it’s a internet downhill course with a complete elevation change of -130 toes.
Along with a two-day expo, Grandma’s presents a 5k and half marathon, a children race, a pre-race spaghetti dinner, and a two-day music competition.
As a coach, I’ve heard about this race yearly as a result of folks return many times, although it sells out!
Runners have stated:
- “Duluth reveals up” with nice crowd help in second half, first a part of the race is quiet alongside the lake
- Sells out for purpose
- Flat and quick for getting these PR’s and BQ’s
#10 Myrtle Seashore Marathon
Date: March 1, 2025
Location: Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina
Profile: Flat (280 toes achieve)
Sort: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
In search of a southern race? Look no additional than the Myrtle Seashore Marathon.
The race, with its flat and quick course, consists of 9 miles alongside the seaside. Whereas it may be humid, it’s the south in any case, the climate is normally temperate and sunny permitting for excellent performances by members.
Along with the marathon, there may be additionally a half, 5k and household enjoyable run to get the entire household concerned. There’s additionally a well-liked End Line Festiva with reside music and loads of meals. Members earn a medal, shirt, and a finisher premium too.
As Myrtle Seashore is a summer time vacation spot and the race is in March, you’ll have your decide of lodging choices and loads of top-notch eating places, and tons of buying and leisure choices. You possibly can positively make this a run-cation!
Runners have stated:
- Stunning ocean views
- No expo, however an extended sleeve shirt
- Funds pleasant when it comes to motels, flights, and so forth
#11 Colorado Marathon
Date: Could 4, 2025
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Profile: Downhill (243 toes achieve, 1300 toes descent)
Sort: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
When you do need to deal with altitude, the Colorado Marathon is certainly one of Colorado’s quickest downhill races. The race yearly qualifies 16-18% of all Boston qualifier entrants annually. That’s spectacular!
The race is held in stunning Poudre Canyon with runners having fun with unimaginable surroundings from canyon partitions to the Cache La Poudre River. The purpose-to-point course boasts a quick downhill part that rewards runners with a possibility to set a PR or get a BQ. The race finishes in downtown Fort Collins.
As a result of the race begins at over 6,000 toes above sea stage, it’s really helpful you do arrive in Colorado a couple of days early that will help you modify in case you’re not used to operating at greater altitudes. It’s additionally vital to deal with hydration.
Along with the total, there’s additionally a half, 10k, and 5k.
Runners have stated:
- A number of of our coaches can vouch for the great thing about this race!
- Buses to the beginning means you should be ready with throw away gear, canyons are darkish and chilly
- Get these legs prepared for the downhill, it’s not like a Revel, however nonetheless wants acceptable coaching
#12 Missoula Marathon
Date: June 29, 2025
Location:Missoula, Montana
Profile: Flat (362 toes achieve)
Sort: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Final, however most actually not least, is the Missoula Marathon. An ideal possibility for these looking for smaller races finished nicely.
One other flat and quick point-to-point course, this one does have a reasonably vital hill on the midway mark. Nonetheless, as they are saying, what goes up should come down!
It is a nice possibility for folk in search of each a scenic and concrete course. It begins within the countryside and finishes in historic downtown Missoula. The race has 1,500 members within the marathon, whereas they’ve 3,000 slots within the half and 1,500 for the 5k.
Regardless of being a late June race, the world is normally fairly cool with low humidity making it a super race in case you’re striving for efficiency. The race has a beneficiant 7:30 time restrict too making it one other walker pleasant course.
Whether or not you’re trying to go to a brand new state, run a BQ, or deal with your first marathon, Missoula is a superb possibility.
Runners have stated:
- 3 Mile beer run on Friday evening for some added enjoyable
- Not probably the most scenic, however total nonetheless fairly and for a small race good crowds
- Shuttles are tremendous simple and downtown end space is basically walk-able
All proper I’m optimistic somebody will say our record of greatest spring marathons within the US is lacking one thing as a result of there are such a lot of! So in case you’ve acquired an ideal one, be happy to drop it under!
These lists are regularly up to date primarily based on suggestions from our hundreds of athletes and also you!
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