Running a marathon is an achievement that tests the limits of human endurance and willpower. But imagine crossing the finish line with a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes, historical landmarks, or panoramic vistas. The United States, with its diverse geography and landmarks, hosts some of the most scenic marathons in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-timer looking for a memorable race, here’s a list of the top 20 scenic and beautiful marathons to run in the USA.

• New York City Marathon, New York The iconic New York City Marathon takes runners through all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. It’s a tour of the city like no other, with skyscrapers, bridges, and enthusiastic crowds lining the route.

• Boston Marathon, Massachusetts The oldest annual marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon is famous not just for its challenging course but also for its historic landmarks and enthusiastic spectator support, particularly at Heartbreak Hill.

• Big Sur International Marathon, California This marathon offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the rugged cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains on the other. It’s often described as a “run in the clouds.”

• Chicago Marathon, Illinois A flat and fast course that winds through 29 diverse neighborhoods, the Chicago Marathon offers a scenic tour of the Windy City, showcasing its magnificent architecture and vibrant culture.

• Marine Corps Marathon, Washington D.C. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” this race offers a picturesque journey through some of the nation’s most significant landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Pentagon.

• Honolulu Marathon, Hawaii Enjoy the aloha spirit and stunning ocean views as you run alongside world-famous Waikiki Beach and around Diamond Head in the Honolulu Marathon. The tropical scenery is unmatched.

• Grandma’s Marathon, Minnesota Named after a Duluth-based restaurant, this marathon runs along the scenic shores of Lake Superior, offering cool temperatures and beautiful landscapes, making it a favorite for many runners. Fun fact: the Duluth Pack flagship retail store is at the finish line of Grandma’s Marathon. We may be extra bias, but we highly recommend signing up for this incredible marathon. You can learn more about the history of Grandma’s Marathon here.  
• Napa Valley Marathon, California Perfect for wine lovers, the Napa Valley Marathon features a course that winds through stunning vineyards and wineries, with mild weather and picturesque hillsides.

• Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon, Alaska For a cooler climate and the chance to run in the daylight at midnight, the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon offers unique landscapes, wildlife sightings, and views of the majestic Chugach Mountains.

• Mount Desert Island Marathon, Maine Experience the rugged beauty of coastal Maine with views of Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Ocean. This marathon boasts a challenging course with rewarding vistas.

• St. George Marathon, Utah Known for its fast course, the St. George Marathon offers stunning views of the Pine Valley Mountains and runs through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Utah.

• Madison Marathon, Montana Run in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this marathon is one of the highest road marathons in the US, offering breathtaking views of mountain passes and alpine forests.

• Kauai Marathon, Hawaii This tropical marathon combines beach views with the lush landscapes of Kauai, including the Tunnel of Trees, making it a visually stunning race.

• California International Marathon, California Starting in Folsom and finishing at the State Capitol, this marathon showcases the beauty of the Sacramento Valley, with a net downhill that makes for fast times.
• Philadelphia Marathon, Pennsylvania Run past historic landmarks like Independence Hall and along the scenic Schuylkill River in one of America’s most historic cities.

• Carlsbad Marathon, California With its oceanfront course, the Carlsbad Marathon offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a favorite for those who love to run by the water.

• Walt Disney World Marathon, Florida A magical marathon that takes you through all four Disney theme parks, plus ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney’s BoardWalk, complete with Disney entertainment along the way.

• Twin Cities Marathon, Minnesota Known as “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” this race offers a stunning tour of the Twin Cities, passing lakes, rivers, and tree-lined streets.

• Missoula Marathon, Montana Rated as one of the best marathons in the U.S., the Missoula Marathon features a scenic course through the Montana countryside, with a backdrop of mountain ranges.

• Flying Pig Marathon, Ohio Named for Cincinnati’s “flying pig” history, this marathon offers a scenic tour of the city, with views of the Ohio River, historic neighborhoods, and lush parks.

Each of these marathons offers more than just a race; they provide an unforgettable journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes and iconic cities in the United States. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply want to enjoy the scenery, there’s a marathon on this list for every type of runner.

We highly recommend checking out the free Duluth Pack Spotify Marathon Running Training Playlists here. 

Happy adventuring, friends!