Whereas many individuals spend the summer season 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 considered one of these Spring marathons within the US.
Choosing a spring marathon can hold you motivated by means of the darkish and chilly days of November by means of March. It’s additionally an opportunity to essentially give it your all in velocity exercises in temperatures our our bodies can tolerate higher.
And lots of the marathons on the checklist under provide lovely surroundings and average 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. Try our prime picks under. From east coast to west coast and flat lands to rolling hills, there’s certain to be a terrific choice for you.
12 Finest Spring Marathons for 2025
For those who’ve determined to run a spring marathon, there’s just a few issues to recollect so you may be sure to’re nicely ready.
First, you have to plan to coach for 16-24 weeks relying in your expertise and coaching plan. Ensure you plan forward and choose a race far sufficient out to permit for construct.
Subsequent, it’s okay if you happen to miss a pair runs or if it’s important to prepare on the treadmill. Unhealthy climate occurs and treadmill miles are nonetheless good miles. Bear in mind although that consistency is vital so attempt to hold to your coaching plan as finest you may.
Lastly, don’t neglect in regards to the significance of hydration and diet. We might sweat much less in colder temperatures and we might not really feel as thirsty as we do throughout summer season coaching, however make no mistake you continue to must hydrate. Diet can be necessary, each earlier than and after a run but additionally throughout. We’re nonetheless burning energy and dealing onerous and we have to gasoline our our bodies appropriately to carry out.
With all that stated, let’s dig into our prime picks for spring marathons in 2025!
#1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Date: Could 4, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Profile: Hilly (round 1200 toes acquire)
Kind: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
For those who’re searching for a race with nice crowd help, a number of character, a big discipline 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 traces into Kentucky. What number of races have you learnt that allow you to run in 2 completely 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 checklist of walker pleasant marathons >>
There are additionally quite a few assist, 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 canine, adopted by the half marathon and marathon on Sunday.
There’s additionally a relay choice, two problem choices the place you full a number of races over the weekend, and a post-race victory occasion.
All marathoners obtain a shirt, premium reward, poster, a digital goodie bag, and a medal.
Runners have stated:
- Staying at a number resort makes it straightforward to stroll to the beginning
- The expo is superb
- 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 acquire)
Kind: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Working the identical weekend as Flying Pig is the Dick’s Sporting Items Pittsburgh Marathon. That is one other massive, 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 no less than 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 assist stations (hiya jello pictures)
- 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 acquire)
Kind: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Heading into its fifteenth 12 months, the Carmel Marathon has cemented itself as a terrific 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 provides pacers for anybody aiming for wherever from a 3-hour end to a 6:30 end.
Along with the marathon, there’s additionally a 5k and 10k that begin at 8 a.m. whereas the half marathon begins with the total and relay individuals at 8:10 a.m.
With the run in mid-April, the occasion usually boasts wonderful circumstances for runners with cooler temps. It is a main win for a lot of of you that can be ready from working by means of winter and never but prepared for a heat race.
In accordance with the web site, greater than 21% of finishers ran a BQ time so if that’s a purpose of yours this can be occasion to coach for.
I additionally really feel it’s necessary to level out that the finisher’s space features a post-race pancake village. This appears like an effective 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 calm down and get well earlier than it’s important 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 a few of the different races, but it surely’s a pleasant space to run by means of
- Course is flat and quick, climate might be chilly
#4 Bayshore Marathon
Date: Could 25, 2025
Location: Traverse Metropolis, Michigan
Profile: Flat (329 toes of acquire)
Kind: Out-and-back
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
For those who’re searching for 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 generally alongside the waterfront of Grand Traverse Bay, which supplies lovely surroundings. The route can be shaded a majority of the time, which is nice for the reason that 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 and so they do present shuttles to assist ease visitors across the space. Runners can even rely on tempo teams in the event that they’re seeking to safe a selected ending time.
The Saturday race does have a strict 6-hour time restrict in order that’s one thing to remember. It’s additionally one of many prime races for these chasing a BQ. There may be additionally a 10k and half marathon at Bayshore and all occasions do promote out so be sure to register early.
Large, massive fan of this city for a runcation and the course. I noticed a number of cheering and it’s on the simpler aspect of programs for spring races. Nevertheless, hotter temps are undoubtedly potential. We had a fairly toasty day.
Learn all our ideas for the Bayshore Marathon >>
#5 Eugene Marathon
Date: April 27, 2025
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Profile: Flat (although formally it says 760 toes of acquire, that’s 3X Chicago)
Kind: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
For those who’ve ever needed to run in one of the well-known working cities within the U.S., then you have to run the Eugene Marathon. Run the identical streets as Steve Prefontaine and different working legends and let it encourage your efficiency!
The Eugene Marathon is the most important race within the Pacific Northwest.
The marathon route begins within the shadow of the well-known Hayward Discipline and excursions neighborhoods across the college and a number of other lovely parks. The end line on the monitor inside Hayward Discipline is icing on the cake for individuals.
The race provides a half marathon, 5k, and a Duck Sprint for youths too. There are tempo teams based mostly on BQ occasions and the course has a strict, however beneficiant 7-hour cutoff time. The half and full promote out often no less than one month earlier than the occasion in late April so don’t wait to register.
It is a race usually chosen by these searching for out quick marathon occasions.
Runners have stated:
- Beginning is crowded for just a few miles
- Half alongside a river, half residential, so not essentially the most scenic or greatest crowd help
- The dimensions of the medal obtained a number of consideration and the Nike swag
#6 Los Angeles Marathon
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Los Angeles, California
Profile: Rolling (round 950 toes of acquire)
Kind: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
2025 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon! The course known as Stadium to the Stars and begins on the Dodgers Stadium after which takes you alongside a route lined with spectators by means of 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 additionally some good downhills and is a USATF-certified course. There’s a 6:30 cutoff from when the final particular person crosses the beginning line. The occasion additionally provides a 5k on Saturday and a half marathon together with the marathon.
Suggestions for working the LA Marathon >>
#7 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Virginia Seaside, Virginia
Profile: Flat (270 toes acquire)
Kind: 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 Seaside. This race is a St. Patrick’s Day custom!
This has been thought-about a to not miss occasion 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 slightly little bit of historical past.
Then you definately head south into extra resort areas and Camp Pendleton after which flip round to complete on the well-known Virginia Seaside 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 occasion, Yuengling beer, a race shirt, and a medal.
You may also get further bling by working the 8k on Saturday in what’s often known as the Whale Problem. The course has a beneficiant 7:30 time restrict (17:09/mile) and is a good choice 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, go away loads of time to park at the beginning
- Good put up race with bands and meals, loads of water on track too
#8 Little Rock Marathon
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Profile: Rolling hills (round 1000 toes acquire)
Kind: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Often known as the “race for each tempo,” Little Rock Marathon is a good occasion for newbies to elite athletes alike. The race provides 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 Web site.
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’s additionally a half, 10k, 5k, and a children race.
Runners have stated:
- Course goes by all the important thing native websites
- Crowd help is unbelievable (once more extra of us handing out libations)
- Support stations each couple of miles
- Undoubtedly keep within the host resort it makes life really easy
#9 Grandma’s Marathon
Date: June 2025
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Profile: Rolling hills (470 toes), web downhill (-578 toes)
Kind: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
With greater than 20,000 individuals, the Grandma’s Marathon of at the moment is a good distance from the tiny race it began as in 1977 with solely 150 runners. Right now it’s a spotlight of the yearly calendar and makes an immense financial impression 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 web downhill course with a complete elevation change of -130 toes.
Along with a two-day expo, Grandma’s provides a 5k and half marathon, a children race, a pre-race spaghetti dinner, and a two-day music pageant.
As a coach, I’ve heard about this race yearly as a result of folks return repeatedly, although it sells out!
Runners have stated:
- “Duluth exhibits up” with nice crowd help in second half, first a part of the race is quiet alongside the lake
- Sells out for motive
- Flat and quick for getting these PR’s and BQ’s
#10 Myrtle Seaside Marathon
Date: March 1, 2025
Location: Myrtle Seaside, South Carolina
Profile: Flat (280 toes acquire)
Kind: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
In search of a southern race? Look no additional than the Myrtle Seaside Marathon.
The race, with its flat and quick course, contains 9 miles alongside the seaside. Whereas it may be humid, it’s the south in spite of everything, the climate is often temperate and sunny permitting for excellent performances by individuals.
Along with the marathon, there’s additionally a half, 5k and household enjoyable run to get the entire household concerned. There may be additionally a preferred End Line Festiva with reside music and loads of meals. Individuals earn a medal, shirt, and a finisher premium too.
As Myrtle Seaside is a summer season vacation spot and the race is in March, you’ll have your choose of lodging choices and loads of top-notch eating places, and tons of purchasing and leisure choices. You’ll be able to undoubtedly make this a run-cation!
Runners have stated:
- Lovely ocean views
- No expo, however a protracted sleeve shirt
- Price range pleasant by way of resorts, flights, and so on
#11 Colorado Marathon
Date: Could 4, 2025
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Profile: Downhill (243 toes acquire, 1300 toes descent)
Kind: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Whilst you do should take care of altitude, the Colorado Marathon is considered one of Colorado’s quickest downhill races. The race yearly qualifies 16-18% of all Boston qualifier entrants every year. That’s spectacular!
The race is held in lovely Poudre Canyon with runners having fun with unbelievable 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 useful you do arrive in Colorado just a few days early that will help you modify if you happen to’re not used to working at increased altitudes. It’s additionally necessary to concentrate on 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 fantastic thing about this race!
- Buses to the beginning means you have to 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 acquire)
Kind: Level-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Sure
Final, however most definitely not least, is the Missoula Marathon. An awesome choice for these searching for smaller races completed nicely.
One other flat and quick point-to-point course, this one does have a fairly vital hill on the midway mark. Nevertheless, as they are saying, what goes up should come down!
It is a nice choice for folk searching for each a scenic and concrete course. It begins within the countryside and finishes in historic downtown Missoula. The race has 1,500 individuals 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 realm is often fairly cool with low humidity making it a really perfect race if you happen to’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 seeking to go to a brand new state, run a BQ, or deal with your first marathon, Missoula is a good choice.
Runners have stated:
- 3 Mile beer run on Friday evening for some added enjoyable
- Not essentially the most scenic, however general nonetheless fairly and for a small race good crowds
- Shuttles are tremendous straightforward and downtown end space is admittedly walk-able
All proper I’m constructive somebody will say our checklist of finest spring marathons within the US is lacking one thing as a result of there are such a lot of! So if you happen to’ve obtained a terrific one, be happy to drop it under!
These lists are frequently up to date based mostly on suggestions from our 1000’s of athletes and also you!
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