Choosing to train for a spring marathon can be very appealing for a variety of reasons.
Spring marathons have a great chance of gracing their runners with ideal running conditions, such as moderate temperatures and blooming scenery. Cooler temperatures are known for improving performance and making the run more enjoyable.
For those who live in an area that endures cold winter months, a spring marathon can help you stay active and motivated to train, shaking off those winter blues.
Plus, with spring marathons, you don’t have to do long runs in the heat and humidity of the summer as you do with fall marathons, which can be tough and physically and mentally draining.
So, if you’re contemplating signing up for a spring marathon, consider our editor’s top picks. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the journey, and relish the rewards of crossing that finish line.
What Are the Best Spring Marathons In the US?
Running a marathon requires considerable training time, and most runners only run one or maybe two marathons per year.
Therefore, you should choose one of the best spring marathons to ensure that your training culminates in a great race day experience.
It’s important to establish that there isn’t a single definitive list of the “best spring marathons“ in the United States. Every marathon runner will have somewhat different criteria about what makes the “best“ marathon run in the spring.
Various factors play into what you may prioritize in a spring marathon race.
Examples of factors to consider when trying to choose the best marathon to run for you include:
- The location and proximity to your home: Do you want to travel for your marathon and make it into a family vacation, or just zoom there and back on race day?
- The field size: Are you looking for a small or big-city marathon?
- The marathon course: Do you want a rather flat and fast course or a super challenging course? Maybe you are even looking for a trail marathon. What about the course type? Do you prefer a loop, point-to-point, or out-and-back?
- Pace groups and competitiveness of the field: Are you looking to hit a PR and need a pace group to follow throughout the race?
- Race date: When are you available to run?
- Entry fees: What does the price point look like?
For example, some runners prefer later spring marathons to ones at the spring season’s beginning in March.
This is because if you live in the northern latitudes in the United States, Europe, or other countries in the northern hemisphere, the winter weather can be extremely unpredictable. You will likely have to contend with very limited daylight hours, snow, ice, and windy conditions.
But if you choose a later spring marathon, your longer runs at the peak of your training will occur in the early spring after the worst of the winter is over.
On the other hand, if you don’t like running in the heat and want to run a spring marathon in the southern US, it might be better to do an early spring marathon.
Thus, choosing the best spring marathon for you is a matter of considering your priorities and preferences. What may work well for one runner may be very unappealing to another.
That said, we have compiled a list of some of the best spring marathons in the US by trying to select marathons that are well organized, very highly rated by finishers, and have different attributes to appeal to marathon runners with different goals and race preferences.
The 9 Best Spring Marathons In The US
Here are some of our top picks for the best spring marathons in the US:
#1: Boston Marathon, Boston, MA
Almost no list of the best spring marathons in the US would fail to include the Boston Marathon. Although this marathon requires very little “selling,“ here are some of the top reasons to run the Boston Marathon:
- The history is unparalleled, as it’s the oldest annual marathon in the world.
- There is incredible crowd support along the course.
- The course is very challenging, with Heartbreak Hill beginning at mile 17.
- It is an honor to run because qualifying for this race is difficult with its severe qualifying times and additional cutoffs at registration.
- It is a bucket list marathon for many runners and hosts runners from all over the world.
- Boston is a great city to visit, with activities for the whole family if you decide to make it a vacation from your marathon race.
#2: The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, Ojai, CA
The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is a spring race in California with consistently positive reviews from marathon participants.
Here are some of the perks of choosing this spring marathon:
- The scenic course runs along bike paths and boasts both ocean and mountain views.
- The net downhill of this course profile is great for running a fast time, setting a marathon PR, or qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
- Usually, nearly 20% of finishers qualify for the Boston Marathon.
- It is known for its post-run beachside activities, which include food, drinks, music, and more. It is a great way to relax and celebrate your marathon finish with fellow runners, family, and friends.
- It is a great destination for a quick getaway with hiking trails (to loosen up after your race!), shops, beaches, and dining.
(Another great California spring marathon to look into is the Big Sur!)
#3: Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR
The Eugene Marathon in Oregon consistently earns a spot on a list of the best spring marathons in the US.
Here are some of the top reasons why:
- It has an extremely flat and fast course, which is excellent for smashing your PR or if you are a beginner running your first marathon and don’t want to climb hills.
- The gorgeous route takes you through beautiful parks and tree-lined paths, with the finish line in stunning Riverfront Park.
- Eugene is known as “Track Town USA“ with tons of history for distance running (you can follow in the footsteps of running legends like Steve Prefontaine!)
- Over 25% of finishers typically run a Boston qualifying time.
- The net downhill course makes it one of the fastest marathons in the USA.
#4: Myrtle Beach Marathon, Myrtle Beach, SC
If you are looking for one of the best early spring marathons in the US, you may love the Myrtle Beach Marathon.
Here are a few of the top reasons to choose this spring marathon:
- You’ll relish coastal views as you run along a relatively flat course, which is great for beginners or someone trying to PR.
- It is ideal for an early spring marathon for runners who want to avoid the risk of unseasonably hot temperatures with later spring marathons.
- This beach marathon is a great vacation spot full of activities, including golf, amusement parks, shopping, and live entertainment for the whole family if you are looking to get away.
- It has several distance options in addition to the marathon, including a half marathon and a 5K, allowing shorter-distance runners a chance to participate.
#5: Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City, MI
This late spring marathon is extremely popular. Runners consistently return to the race year after year even though there are many marathons to choose from, which proves that this is one of the best spring marathon choices.
Here are some of the top reasons to run the Bayshore Marathon:
- The Memorial Day marathon is a great way to kick off the summer.
- There is great crowd support, with bands playing music along the race, which is extremely motivating and fun.
- The flat course travels along the scenic shores of the Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan.
- There are lovely vistas of the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan.
- The out-and-back course helps you know what to expect on the way back because you’ve already run it in the first half.
- The flowering cherry trees are gorgeous in this springtime marathon.
- There is ice cream and homemade cookies at the post-race party, yum!
#6: Carmel Marathon, Carmel, IN
This Carmel Marathon is not often on the list of one of the most popular spring marathons in the US, but there are plenty of compelling reasons as to why this is a great choice:
- This race is known for its excellent organization. From packet pickup to race day logistics, the event is smoothly run, ensuring a stress-free experience for participants.
- There is always a supportive crowd, volunteers, and local businesses cheering you on.
- It has a family-friendly atmosphere as it includes multiple race distance options in addition to the marathon, such as a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a marathon relay. This allows others who are not quite ready for a full marathon to participate.
- The scenic course is mostly flat, with a few rolling hills, making it a great race for a PR or BQ. About 30% of runners hit a BQ time.
#7: Colorado Marathon, Ft. Collins, CO
The Colorado Marathon made our best spring marathons list because of the following reasons:
- It is a net downhill course with a gradual decline for fast times and PRs, yet still a Boston Qualifying race.
- It boasts a stunning, scenic course into the Poudre River Canyon.
- It’s a good opportunity to try running at altitude, but this will certainly pose a challenge for runners without altitude training.
- It is an eco-friendly race committed to sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
- It includes multiple race distance options, including a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, making it more accessible for other family members and friends to participate.
#8: The Grandma’s Marathon, Duluth, MN
The Grandma’s Marathon is one of the most popular spring marathons in the US.
Here are some of the reasons that this top spring marathon is beloved by runners:
- The race has stunning views to enjoy along the north shore of Lake Superior.
- It is very well organized with great crowd support.
- It is a fast course that is mostly flat with some rolling hills. It is also a Boston Qualifier.
- It is a good option for a late spring marathon without hitting super hot summer temperatures.
- It includes additional race distance options, including a half marathon and a 5K, making it more accessible for family members and friends of all fitness levels to participate in the big day.
#9: San Francisco Marathon, San Francisco, CA
Although more of a summer marathon than a spring marathon, the San Francisco Marathon is a large marathon held in California that made our list because it’s so wonderful that we didn’t want to overlook it.
Plus, it’s a great option if you get a late start on spring marathon training.
- Despite being a big marathon, the San Francisco Marathon retains a small-town feel.
- The course is scenic, meandering past many famous, notable landmarks in San Francisco, including the wharves and Cobb Hill.
- Runners get to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.
- There is an array of other distances within the marathon weekend festival, including a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and even an ultramarathon.
Looking outside the US? Some of the most popular spring marathons include London, Paris, Tokyo, Rotterdam, and The Great Wall Marathon to name a few.
Looking for a training plan for one of our best spring marathons? Check out our free training plan database to pick out the best training plan for you:
