USA Marathon Calendar 2026–2027: Races by State & Month

ByKelly Hanna

USA Marathon Calendar • 2026–2027

Find a U.S. marathon by state, season, course and goal

Find marathons across the USA in 2026 and 2027. Filter upcoming races by state, month, season, course features and Boston-qualifying potential.

Find racesFilter the U.S. calendar.

BQ guideCheck qualifying details.

How to chooseCompare course, travel and timing.

Interactive race calendar

USA Marathon Finder

Search usa marathons by race or city. Use the optional filters when the date, course or race goal matters.

Filter races Optional
Showing the next 12 of 95 upcoming marathons
Emerald Isle Marathon
BQ / PR, Scenic
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationEmerald Isle, North Carolina
Date24 October 2026
CourseFlat road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Marine Corps Marathon
Big race, First marathon, Destination
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationArlington & Washington, Virginia
Date25 October 2026
CourseRolling road

A large, memorable race through Washington area landmarks. Good for runners who want a major event feel without prize money focus.

Last verified 15 Sep 2026

Official race site
Ocean State Rhode Races Marathon
Scenic, First marathon
42.2 km BQ status: verify
LocationNarragansett, Rhode Island
Date25 October 2026
CourseRolling road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Santa Cruz Marathon
Scenic, Destination
42.2 km Not a BQ race
LocationSanta Cruz, California
Date25 October 2026
CourseFlat road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
New York City Marathon
World Major, Big race, Destination
42.2 km World Major Boston qualifier Drawing / qualifier / charity
LocationNew York
Date1 November 2026
CourseRolling road

A huge five borough marathon and one of the hardest races to enter. Pick it for the experience, crowds and energy.

Last verified 15 Sep 2026

Official race site
City of Oaks Marathon
City race, First marathon
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationRaleigh, North Carolina
Date1 November 2026
CourseHilly road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Two Cities Marathon
BQ / PR, First marathon
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationFresno, California
Date1 November 2026
CourseRolling road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
BQ / PR, Fast fall, First marathon
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationIndianapolis
Date7 November 2026
CourseFlat road

One of the stronger U.S. fall options for runners chasing fast times without trying to get into Chicago or New York.

Last verified 15 Sep 2026

Official race site
REVEL Big Bear Marathon
BQ / PR, Downhill
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationRedlands, California
Date7 November 2026
CourseDownhill road

A very fast point-to-point California course with more than 3,000 feet of net drop. It is a Boston qualifier, but the B.A.A. says downhill indexing for Boston 2028 is still subject to change.

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Fort Worth Marathon
City race, First marathon
42.2 km BQ status: verify
LocationFort Worth, Texas
Date8 November 2026
CourseRolling road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Manchester City Marathon
BQ / PR, Small race
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationManchester, New Hampshire
Date8 November 2026
CourseHilly road

Last verified 17 Aug 2026

Official race site
Richmond Marathon
BQ / PR, Fast fall, First marathon
42.2 km Boston qualifier
LocationRichmond, Virginia
Date14 November 2026
CourseRolling road

A runner-friendly fall marathon with a strong PR and BQ reputation. The course is rolling rather than truly flat, so train for gentle elevation changes.

Last verified 15 Sep 2026

Official race site
Full published calendar View the full USA marathon calendar Open every listed race edition with dates, locations and official links. 95 upcoming

The filters above narrow this table too. On phones, each row becomes a compact stacked race card.

DateRaceLocationCourseBQLast verifiedOfficial site
Walt Disney World MarathonOrlando, FLFlat roadYes—Race site
Houston MarathonHouston, TXFlat roadYes—Race site
Miami MarathonMiami, FLFlat roadYes—Race site
Charleston MarathonCharleston, SCFlat roadYes—Race site
Surf City MarathonHuntington Beach, CAFlat roadYes—Race site
Mesa MarathonMesa, AZDownhill roadYes—Race site
Austin MarathonAustin, TXRolling roadYes—Race site
Phoenix MarathonPhoenix, AZFlat roadYes—Race site
Atlanta MarathonAtlanta, GARolling roadYes—Race site
Napa Valley MarathonNapa, CARolling roadYes—Race site
Los Angeles MarathonLos Angeles, CARolling roadYes—Race site
Tobacco Road MarathonCary, NCFlat roadYes—Race site
Revel Mt. Charleston MarathonLas Vegas, NVDownhill roadYes—Race site
Charlottesville MarathonCharlottesville, VAHilly roadYes—Race site
Boston MarathonBoston, MARolling roadNo—Race site
Big Sur International MarathonCarmel, CAHilly roadNo—Race site
Eugene MarathonEugene, ORFlat roadYes—Race site
Oklahoma City Memorial MarathonOklahoma City, OKFlat roadYes—Race site
Pittsburgh MarathonPittsburgh, PARolling roadYes—Race site
Cleveland MarathonCleveland, OHFlat roadYes—Race site
Fargo MarathonFargo, NDFlat roadYes—Race site
Utah Valley MarathonProvo, UTDownhill roadYes—Race site
Grandma's MarathonDuluth, MNRolling roadYes—Race site
Missoula MarathonMissoula, MTRolling roadYes—Race site
San Francisco MarathonSan Francisco, CAHilly roadYes—Race site
Staunton Rocks! MarathonTrail, ScenicPine, ColoradoTrailNo17 Aug 2026Race site
I'm Bound for Boston Marathon – MilwaukeeBQ / PR, Fast course, Small raceMenomonee Falls, WisconsinFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Leading Ladies / Dakota Spirit MarathonScenic, Small raceSpearfish, South DakotaDownhill roadVerify17 Aug 2026Race site
New England Green River MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, Small raceGreenfield, MassachusettsDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Santa Rosa MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, DestinationSanta Rosa, CaliforniaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Wausau MarathonBQ / PR, Small raceWausau, WisconsinFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
East Canyon MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, Small raceMorgan, UtahDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Pocatello MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicPocatello, IdahoFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Beantown MarathonBQ / PR, Small raceHingham, MassachusettsRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Kauai MarathonScenic, Destination, Warm weatherKoloa, HawaiiHilly roadNo17 Aug 2026Race site
Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon (Geneva)Geneva, IllinoisFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Big Cottonwood MarathonSalt Lake City, UTDownhill roadYes—Race site
REVEL Big Cottonwood MarathonBQ / PR, Downhill, ScenicSalt Lake City, UtahDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Cascade Express MarathonNorth Bend, WashingtonDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Erie Marathon at Presque IsleBQ / PR, Fast fallErie, PennsylvaniaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Holland Haven MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicHolland, MichiganRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon (Grand Rapids)Grand Rapids, MichiganLoopYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Tunnel Light MarathonNorth Bend, WashingtonDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Air Force MarathonBig race, First marathonDayton, OhioRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Top of Utah MarathonBQ / PR, Fast fallLogan, UtahFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Fox Valley MarathonBQ / PR, First marathonSt. Charles, IllinoisFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Pikes Peak MarathonTrail, Scenic, ChallengeManitou Springs, ColoradoTrailNo17 Aug 2026Race site
Sioux Falls MarathonBQ / PR, First marathonSioux Falls, South DakotaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Jackson Hole MarathonScenic, DestinationJackson, WyomingHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Boulderthon: Boulder MarathonScenic, Big raceBoulder, ColoradoRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Clarence DeMar MarathonBQ / PR, Small raceKeene, New HampshireRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Omaha MarathonFirst marathon, City raceOmaha, NebraskaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
St. George MarathonBQ / PR, Downhill, ScenicSt. George, UtahDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Milwaukee Lakefront MarathonScenic, Big raceMilwaukee, WisconsinRolling roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site
Portland MarathonCity race, First marathonPortland, OregonRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Twin Cities MarathonBig race, ScenicMinneapolis & St. Paul, MinnesotaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Maine MarathonScenic, First marathonPortland, MaineRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Wineglass MarathonBQ / PR, Fast fallCorning, New YorkRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Hartford MarathonBQ / PR, Big raceHartford, ConnecticutRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Whistlestop MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicAshland, WisconsinMixedYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Chicago MarathonWorld Major, BQ / PR, Big raceChicago, IllinoisFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Amica Newport MarathonScenic, DestinationNewport, Rhode IslandRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Bizz Johnson MarathonBQ / PR, Trail, ScenicSusanville, CaliforniaTrailYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Long Beach MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, First marathonLong Beach, CaliforniaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Mohawk Hudson River MarathonBQ / PR, Fast fallAlbany, New YorkRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Steamtown MarathonBQ / PR, DownhillScranton, PennsylvaniaDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Baltimore MarathonBig race, City raceBaltimore, MarylandRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Kansas City MarathonBig race, City raceKansas City, MissouriHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Columbus MarathonBQ / PR, First marathon, Fast fallColumbus, OhioRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Detroit Free Press MarathonBig race, DestinationDetroit, MichiganRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Atlantic City MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicAtlantic City, New JerseyFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Baystate MarathonBQ / PR, Fast fallLowell, MassachusettsRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Des Moines MarathonFirst marathon, City raceDes Moines, IowaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Duke City MarathonBQ / PR, City raceAlbuquerque, New MexicoFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Grand Rapids MarathonBQ / PR, First marathonGrand Rapids, MichiganFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Mount Desert Island MarathonScenic, DestinationBar Harbor, MaineHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Emerald Isle MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicEmerald Isle, North CarolinaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Marine Corps MarathonBig race, First marathon, DestinationArlington & Washington, VirginiaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Ocean State Rhode Races MarathonScenic, First marathonNarragansett, Rhode IslandRolling roadVerify17 Aug 2026Race site
Santa Cruz MarathonScenic, DestinationSanta Cruz, CaliforniaFlat roadNo17 Aug 2026Race site
New York City MarathonWorld Major, Big race, DestinationNew YorkRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
City of Oaks MarathonCity race, First marathonRaleigh, North CarolinaHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Two Cities MarathonBQ / PR, First marathonFresno, CaliforniaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Indianapolis Monumental MarathonBQ / PR, Fast fall, First marathonIndianapolisFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
REVEL Big Bear MarathonBQ / PR, DownhillRedlands, CaliforniaDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Fort Worth MarathonCity race, First marathonFort Worth, TexasRolling roadVerify17 Aug 2026Race site
Manchester City MarathonBQ / PR, Small raceManchester, New HampshireHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Richmond MarathonBQ / PR, Fast fall, First marathonRichmond, VirginiaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Charlotte MarathonCity race, First marathonCharlotte, North CarolinaHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Chickamauga Battlefield MarathonScenic, Small raceFort Oglethorpe, GeorgiaRolling roadVerify17 Aug 2026Race site
New Orleans MarathonBQ / PR, DestinationNew Orleans, LouisianaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Madison MarathonCity race, ScenicMadison, WisconsinRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Philadelphia MarathonBQ / PR, Big race, Fast fallPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Route 66 MarathonBig race, First marathonTulsa, OklahomaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Space Coast MarathonBQ / PR, Warm weather, First marathonCocoa, FloridaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Seattle MarathonCity race, ScenicSeattle, WashingtonHilly roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Panama City Beach MarathonWarm weather, First marathonPanama City Beach, FloridaFlat roadVerify17 Aug 2026Race site
St. Jude Memphis MarathonBig race, CharityMemphis, TennesseeRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
California International MarathonBQ / PR, Fast course, Big raceSacramento, CaliforniaDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
San Antonio MarathonBig race, Warm weatherSan Antonio, TexasRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Kiawah Island MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicKiawah Island, South CarolinaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Dallas MarathonBig race, First marathonDallas, TexasRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Honolulu MarathonDestination, Warm weather, First marathonHonolulu, HawaiiRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Mississippi Gulf Coast MarathonBQ / PR, Warm weatherBiloxi, MississippiFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Rocket City MarathonBQ / PR, First marathonHuntsville, AlabamaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Tucson MarathonBQ / PR, Warm weatherTucson, ArizonaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
State 47 Las Cruces MarathonBQ / PR, Warm weatherLas Cruces, New MexicoFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Walt Disney World MarathonFirst marathon, Destination, Big raceOrlando, FloridaFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Chevron Houston MarathonBQ / PR, Fast course, Big raceHouston, TexasFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Carlsbad MarathonScenic, Warm weatherCarlsbad, CaliforniaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Louisiana MarathonFirst marathon, DestinationBaton Rouge, LouisianaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Miami MarathonDestination, Warm weather, Big raceMiami, FloridaFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Surf City MarathonScenic, Warm weather, First marathonHuntington Beach, CaliforniaRolling roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site
St. Petersburg Distance Classic MarathonSt. Petersburg, FloridaFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Mesa MarathonBQ / PR, Fast course, Warm weatherMesa, ArizonaDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Austin MarathonBig race, DestinationAustin, TexasHilly roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Cowtown MarathonFirst marathon, Big raceFort Worth, TexasRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Myrtle Beach MarathonBQ / PR, Warm weatherMyrtle Beach, South CarolinaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
ASICS Los Angeles MarathonBig race, Destination, City raceLos Angeles, CaliforniaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Napa Valley MarathonScenic, Destination, BQ / PRNapa, CaliforniaFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Atlanta MarathonBig race, City raceAtlanta, GeorgiaHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Little Rock MarathonFirst marathon, Big raceLittle Rock, ArkansasRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Newport News One City MarathonBQ / PR, Fast courseNewport News, VirginiaFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Tobacco Road MarathonBQ / PR, Fast courseCary, North CarolinaFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Classic City MarathonSmall race, City raceAthens, GeorgiaHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Shamrock MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, Big raceVirginia BeachFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Charlottesville MarathonCharlottesville, VirginiaHilly roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site
REVEL Mt Charleston MarathonBQ / PR, Fast courseLas Vegas, NevadaDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Greater St. Louis MarathonCity race, Big raceSt. Louis, MissouriRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Coastal Delaware MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicRehoboth Beach, DelawareFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon (Geneva)Geneva, IllinoisFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Jersey City MarathonBQ / PR, City raceJersey City, New JerseyFlat roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Mountains 2 Beach MarathonBQ / PR, Fast course, ScenicOjai, CaliforniaDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Boston MarathonQualification required, World Major, DestinationBoston, MassachusettsRolling roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site
Garmin Olathe MarathonBQ / PR, First marathonOlathe, KansasRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Kentucky Derby Festival MarathonBig race, City raceLouisville, KentuckyRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville MarathonBig race, DestinationNashville, TennesseeHilly roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Salt Lake City MarathonScenic, City raceSalt Lake City, UtahRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Christie Clinic Illinois MarathonChampaign-Urbana, IllinoisFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Big Sur International MarathonScenic, DestinationBig Sur, CaliforniaHilly roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Eugene MarathonBQ / PR, Fast courseEugene, OregonRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Oklahoma City Memorial MarathonFirst marathon, Big raceOklahoma CityRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Glass City MarathonBQ / PR, Fast courseToledo, OhioRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Avenue of the Giants MarathonScenic, Small raceWeott, CaliforniaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Colorado MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, Fast courseFort Collins, ColoradoDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Eau Claire MarathonScenic, First marathonEau Claire, WisconsinRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Flying Pig MarathonFirst marathon, Big raceCincinnati, OhioRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Lincoln MarathonFirst marathon, City raceLincoln, NebraskaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
OC MarathonScenic, Big raceNewport Beach / Costa Mesa, CaliforniaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Pittsburgh MarathonBig race, City racePittsburgh, PennsylvaniaRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Ogden MarathonBQ / PR, ScenicOgden, UtahDownhill roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Cleveland MarathonBQ / PR, Big raceCleveland, OhioRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Denver Colfax MarathonBig race, City raceDenver, ColoradoRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Sugarloaf MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, Small raceCarrabassett Valley, MaineRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Fargo MarathonBQ / PR, Fast courseFargo, North DakotaFlat roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Bayshore MarathonScenic, BQ / PRTraverse City, MichiganRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Buffalo MarathonBQ / PR, City raceBuffalo, New YorkRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Vermont City MarathonScenic, City raceBurlington, VermontRolling roadYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Utah Valley MarathonProvo, UtahDownhill roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Deadwood-Mickelson Trail MarathonScenic, TrailDeadwood, South DakotaTrailYes17 Aug 2026Race site
Grandma's MarathonBQ / PR, Scenic, Big raceDuluth, MinnesotaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Missoula MarathonScenic, First marathon, DestinationMissoula, MontanaRolling roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Foot Traffic Flat MarathonBQ attempt, Flat course, First marathonSauvie Island, OregonFlat roadYes6 Oct 2026Race site
Mad MarathonRural scenery, Challenge race, DestinationWaitsfield, VermontHilly roadVerify6 Oct 2026Race site
Mesa Falls MarathonScenic race, Smaller race, DestinationAshton, IdahoRolling roadNo6 Oct 2026Race site
Deseret News MarathonBQ attempt, Downhill course, Historic raceSalt Lake City, UtahDownhill roadYes6 Oct 2026Race site
San Francisco MarathonSan Francisco, CaliforniaHilly roadYes15 Sep 2026Race site
Kauai MarathonIsland scenery, Challenge race, DestinationKoloa, HawaiiHilly roadVerify6 Oct 2026Race site
St. George MarathonSt. George, UtahDownhill roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site
Chicago MarathonBQ / PR, Fast course, World MajorChicago, IllinoisFlat roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site
New York City MarathonWorld Major, Destination, Big raceNew YorkRolling roadVerify15 Sep 2026Race site

Dates, courses and qualifying status can change. Confirm the current details on the organizer’s official site before registering or booking travel.

Updated September 15, 2026: future editions are added after an organizer publishes a date. Race dates, courses, entry paths and BQ eligibility can still change, so open the official race site before paying for entry, flights or hotels.

Which U.S. marathon fits your goal?

There is no single “best” U.S. marathon. A race that works for a fast qualifier can be a poor fit for a first marathon or a relaxed destination weekend.

For a PB or BQ attemptStart with BQ confirmed and a course profile that suits you. Then compare weather, elevation loss, turns, field depth and how much travel the race requires.

For a first marathonUse the First marathon goal filter, then favour straightforward travel, clear race-morning logistics, good support and a course you can train for confidently.

For a destination weekendUse the scenic or destination filters, but check entry rules before booking. A great trip is not much help if the race uses a lottery you missed months earlier.

Chasing a Boston qualifier in the U.S.?

For the 2027 Boston Marathon, qualifier registration is September 14–18, 2026. The 2028 qualifying window opens September 19, 2026. Starting with 2027 registration, the B.A.A. also applies time adjustments to qualifying performances from courses with a net drop of 1,500 feet or more.

That makes the course profile more important than a simple “BQ eligible” label. See our Boston Qualifier Marathons guide for the current rules and more race options.

Course statusConfirm the current marathon course and qualifying status on the organizer’s site.

Net downhillVery fast-looking downhill races may be affected by the B.A.A.’s current time-adjustment rules.

Race conditionsCool weather helps, but wind, heat, altitude and crowding can matter as much as a flat profile.

Your bufferRunning the published standard does not guarantee Boston entry, so plan around the current B.A.A. process rather than the standard alone.

How to choose the right U.S. marathon

  1. Start with the training season. A January race can mean fall and early-winter long runs. An October race puts your biggest weeks into summer. Pick the build you can actually manage.
  2. Use state and region to control travel. The U.S. is big enough that “domestic” can still mean a long flight, time-zone change and expensive race weekend.
  3. Match the course to the goal. Flat, rolling, hilly and downhill races feel very different. Trail and mixed-surface races should be compared by terrain and time on feet rather than road pace alone.
  4. Check how entry works. World Majors and other popular races can use lotteries, qualifying paths, charity entries or early sellouts. Secure the entry before building a non-refundable trip around it.
  5. Open the official race site before paying. Confirm the date, course, start location, time limit, transfer rules and current registration status.

Planning a U.S. destination marathon?

Once the race needs a flight or several hotel nights, travel becomes part of the marathon plan. Sort out the basics early so race week stays simple.

Stay near the useful placeThe finish, start and expo may be in different areas. Check the actual race map before choosing a hotel.

Allow for travel fatigueFlights, altitude and time-zone changes can all affect how you feel before the gun goes off.

Plan race-morning transportBig-city road closures, shuttles and security can make a short distance take much longer than expected.

Protect the return tripIf you can, avoid a tight airport connection a few hours after finishing 42.2 km.

Explore other marathon calendars

If the U.S. is not quite the right fit, compare races in Canada or Europe, or use the main Marathon Finder to search more broadly.

Marathon Finder

Search races across multiple countries and race goals.

Canada

Browse Canadian marathons by province, month and goal.

Europe

Compare marathon dates and destinations across Europe.

Fast Europe

Focus on PB and BQ-friendly European marathon options.

BQ Races

Compare Boston-qualifying race options and current rules.

After you choose your marathon

Once the race date is fixed, work backward from it. These tools cover the parts that are easier to solve before race week.

Build your training plan

Work backward from race day and your current weekly schedule.

Set your goal pace

See the pace needed for your target marathon finish time.

Plan your fueling

Estimate carbohydrate and fluid needs while you still have time to practise.

Choose marathon shoes

Compare race-day shoes and long-run options for your goal.

Choose a marathon watch

Look for battery life, pacing and training features that matter for the build.

Plan your splits

Break your finish goal into checkpoints that are easier to follow on race day.

USA Marathon Calendar FAQ

Are all U.S. marathons listed here?

No. The U.S. has hundreds of marathon-distance events. This calendar focuses on established road marathons, useful BQ and PB options, destination races and selected trail events that are helpful when choosing where to race next.

Are all 2027 marathon dates confirmed?

A 2027 edition is added after an organizer publishes a date. Some future dates are still subject to change, so confirm the current organizer page before booking non-refundable travel.

Does “BQ confirmed” guarantee entry into Boston?

No. It means the race is currently treated as an eligible qualifying option in this calendar. Meeting your Boston standard gives you the opportunity to apply; it does not guarantee acceptance.

How do the Boston downhill-course rules affect U.S. races?

Starting with registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. applies time adjustments to verified qualifying results from courses with a net drop of at least 1,500 feet. Courses with extremely large net drops may not be accepted. Check the current B.A.A. rule and the race’s course information before choosing a downhill qualifier.

What are the best months for U.S. marathons?

October and November have a deep selection of large city races and faster fall marathons. January through March offer more warm-weather options, while April and May have many spring races. The best month still depends on the climate where you will train and race.

Can I still enter a race after it sells out?

Sometimes. Depending on the organizer, there may be an official charity program, tour operator, waitlist or approved transfer. Other races ban transfers completely. Use the official race website rather than buying an unofficial bib.

A runner and an active mom, Kelly is the Editor · Research · Website Designer behind runninggearlab.com

When you don't find Kelly training you'll find her reading reviews and testing the latest running watch.

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