USA Marathon Calendar 2026: Find U.S. Marathons by Month and State

ByKelly
USA marathon calendar

Find a U.S. marathon that fits your goal

This USA Marathon Calendar is the U.S. spin-off from the main Marathon Finder. Use it when you already know you want an American race and need to narrow the list by state, region, month, course style, weather or race goal.

Quick note: race dates, courses, entry rules and Boston qualifier status can change. Use this page to build your shortlist, then check the official race site before booking flights, hotels or a full training plan.
Group of runners training together

USA Marathon Finder

Pick one or two filters first. For example, choose October plus fast fall marathon if you want a cooler race with a better shot at a strong time. Choose warm winter marathon if you want to race while much of Canada and the northern U.S. are still frozen.

Select a filter to start.

How to use this finder

Choose a month, state, region or race goal. If you want a BQ friendly race, start with that filter, then compare course type, weather, travel and race size. A flat or downhill course helps, but crowds, heat and pacing matter too.

Useful U.S. marathon shortcuts

There are too many American marathons to make one plain list helpful. These shortcuts are the better way to use this page.

Fast fall marathonStart with Chicago, CIM, Indianapolis Monumental, Erie, Baystate, Columbus and Richmond. Warm winter marathonLook at Houston, Miami, Disney, Mesa, Surf City, Phoenix and Honolulu. First marathonDisney, Flying Pig, Marine Corps, Columbus and Honolulu are friendly picks if the travel works for you. Destination raceBig Sur, New York City, Disney, San Francisco, Honolulu, Missoula and St. George are more than just a finish time. BQ attemptFilter for BQ friendly, then compare course type, month, field size and weather risk. Back to all marathonsUse the main Marathon Finder if you want Canada and international destination races too.

How to choose a U.S. marathon

The best marathon is not always the biggest one. I would start with your goal, then work backward. A runner chasing a Boston qualifier needs a different race than someone who wants a fun first finish or a warm winter trip.

If you want a BQLook for a certified road course, cooler weather, a flatter profile and enough runners near your pace.
If it is your first marathonChoose simple travel, clear race logistics, good support and a cutoff that does not make you panic.
If you want a warm winter raceSouthern and coastal races can be great, but check heat, humidity and start time before you commit.
If you want a destination racePlan the trip around recovery too. Walking a city the day after a marathon is not always as fun as it sounds.
My practical take: for most everyday runners, October and November are the easiest months to plan around. You get summer training, cooler fall race weather in many states and lots of race options. Winter races can be great too, but heat, humidity and travel costs can change the whole feel of the race.

U.S. marathon regions to compare

A state filter is useful when you know exactly where you want to race. A region filter is better when you are still deciding where to travel.

NortheastOften strong for fall racing, older city races and cooler weather, but travel and hotels can be expensive.
SouthGood for winter and early spring options, with more heat and humidity risk as the year moves on.
MidwestGood for flatter road courses, fall marathons and easier travel if you live in central Canada or the northern U.S.
Mountain WestGreat for scenic and downhill races, but altitude and steep downhill running can beat up your legs.
West CoastStrong for scenic races and destination trips, with more hills on some courses than the photos make obvious.
Hawaii and AlaskaBetter for experience than convenience. Build in more travel time and check weather carefully.

USA marathons in this calendar

This table is here for readers and search engines. The finder above is easier to use, but the table lets you scan the whole list by state and month.

RaceStateRegionDateCourseBQBest fit

USA marathon finder FAQ

How do I find my perfect marathon?

Start with the reason you want to run one. If you want a fast time, filter for BQ friendly or fast courses. If it is your first marathon, look for easy travel, clear race logistics, good crowd support and a course that is not too hilly.

How do I find a specific type of marathon?

Use the race goal, region and course filters together. For example, choose scenic course for a destination race, trail race for an off road option, fast fall marathon for a cooler race window, or BQ friendly for a faster road marathon.

How do I find a BQ friendly marathon in the U.S.?

Use the BQ friendly filter, then compare course type, weather and race size. Flat and downhill courses can help, but you should still confirm that the current course is certified and accepted for Boston qualifying before you register.

What is a good fast fall marathon in the U.S.?

Look at cooler September, October, November and early December road races with flatter courses. Chicago, CIM, Indianapolis Monumental, Erie, Baystate, Columbus and Richmond are good places to start, then confirm the current course and entry rules.

What is Marathon Scout?

Some runners use the phrase Marathon Scout when they are looking for a race finder or marathon calendar. This page works like a simple marathon scouting tool because it helps you narrow races by state, month, course style and goal.

Are all U.S. marathons listed here?

No. The U.S. has hundreds of marathon distance races, including small trail races, multi day events and local races that change often. This page focuses on useful 2026 options for runners comparing road marathons, BQ friendly races, scenic races and well known destination races.

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