The top 6 marathons are Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon. From marketing exposure to actionable data Boston Marathon was held for the first time in 1897. Boston Marathon Date: April 17, 2023 67.9% of male runners have completed at least one marathon. About 1.1 million runners complete a marathon each year, which is roughly 0.01 percent of the world's population, according to a 2019 report from the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM). Runners above the age of 70 are the slowest marathon runners. Had New York been run, it and Boston would have been the only races to appear in the top 10 in each of our lists from 1972 to 2012. But once youve trained long enough, you finally get to run the race of your dreams. The Honolulu Marathon was the only marathon other than NYC with more than 10,000 runners. #1 The Boston Marathon The Boston marathon is world renowned and first commenced in 1897, making it the oldest annual marathon in the world. Wondering about the popularity of the marathon around the world? Runners cross the river five times. When: TBD for 2022. This is a very beautiful area with lots of lovely scenery and amazing views. Entry to the Honolulu Marathon is open to anyone who can pay the registration fee, typically around $185, with large discounts offered early in the year. The countries with the highest percentage of runners who complete marathons, per the IIRM, are: Each year about 45,000 runners complete the. If available, the number of "registered" participants or finishers may be specified. I said to the person running next to me, 'So where are these so-called Heartbreak Hills?'" Officially known as The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, runners started participating in this marathon since 1905. Scenic highlight: Runners can draw inspiration from the statue of race legend Johnny Kelley at the base of Heartbreak Hill. Quotable: "There is a very emotionally moving 'Blue Mile' segment at Haines Point, which has photos of fallen military men and women, many with spouses and children and most in the prime of their lives," said Jerry Lopez of Whidbey Island, Washington, a retired U.S. Army officer who has run 201 marathons and ultramarathons. Running is not just tough physically, but one of toughest mental sports. However, if youre a non-US or non-Canadian citizen, youll need to have both a US visa and a Canadian visa aside from your passport. When: First/Second Sunday in October (before Columbus Day) Its course tours runners through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, ending in Central Park. There are over 100 live bands performing at various point to support and entertain the runners as they run through different neighbourhoods, passing Staten Island to Brooklyn and many more before eventually arriving at Tavern. To beat the hot Jamaican sun, this race starts early, at 4.30am, taking runners up through sleepy suburbs of Kingston to the city's botanical gardens and back. The application process isnt the same for every marathon, so make sure you pay attention to the guidelines laid out in the application. Key feature: How flat is the course? Thinking about running in a marathon? the Houston Marathon is the city's largest sporting event by far. Then, you cross the Peace Bridge, giving you an amazing view of the Niagara River. Why Run It: Scenic view of the Niagara Falls, end up in Canada. When: Patriots Day (third Monday of April) Its incredible city sights are famous as it runs past many notable landmarks and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. That's right, the second-largest marathon in the entire country back in '72 was in Fairbanks, Alaska. These qualifying tests are done well before the race itself. More than 1.5 million spectators turn out each year. Bay Bridge is a bridge spanning San Francisco Bay between Oakland and Alameda. Runners start in Staten Island before making their way through Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and finish in Central Park. I love to climb hills, so that's a really strong race for me.". In 2001, Catherine Ndereba of Kenya set the women's mark of 2:18:47, which was broken the next year by Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain, at 2:17:18. The Anchorage Mayors Marathon has been a summer solstice traditionfor the past 40 or so years attracting around 4,000 racers every year from all over the US. Its the largest marathon in the United States and attracts thousands of participants each year. It then goes all the way up through the 16 Golden Stairs up to the Pikes Peak summit, and then back down to where it started in Manitou Springs. Here well go through the top ten largest marathons in the US, along with some information about them: Held in November, the NYC Marathon is the largest annual marathon in the world. Los Angeles is a city located in California, USA. World Marathon Majors | World's Marathons Running a marathon touted as Americas Ultimate Challenge should definitely be on a runners bucket list. Those years also saw the continued rise of running, and of marathons. AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLAIMERAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Start: Cincinnati, Ohio Top 12 Marathons Worth The Trip To Europe - Forbes New York City is home to one of the biggest cities in the world. Plus, it's a challenging course for as many as 50,000 finishers each year. This list is a nice mix of spectacular scenery, lively spectators, and unique destinations. Around 1.2 million of them line Chicagos streets to cheer for the runners. This means that its cold, dark, and freezing! Support & Feedback If you are looking to train for marathons of a lifetime, here are the top 10 marathons worldwide that should make your "must-run" list. 50,386 Finishers 1 of 11 The TCS New York City Marathon courses through all five NYC boroughs and draws an estimated 2 million spectators each year. ", Journal of the American College of Cardiology: "Training for a First-Time Marathon Reverses Age-Related Aortic Stiffening", Journal of Psychiatric Research: "Marathon Running Omproves Mood and Negative Affect", BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine: "Can Marathon Running Improve Knee Damage of Middle-Aged Adults? Cookie Settings. Craig, Alaska. Subscribe to our newsletter and learn something new every day. The Chicago marathon was formed in 1977, known by runners as being a quick and consistent course. Youll share the roads with actual parkgoers, which means the roads are flat and not all that difficult to run, but crowds may impede your progress. Correction: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect names for some of the 2022 Winners of the Abbott World Majors., We appreciate readers who bring errors like these to our attention! We asked a panel of experts -- from elite athletes such as Meb Keflezighi to ardent amateurs -- to pick the world's best marathons. To get in as a runner, the registration is rigorous and restricted. The course expanded to the former East Berlin upon unification in 1990. To start things off, let's look at the U.S. marathon boom on a series of maps. On top of the full marathon, there is also a half-marathon, 8k, and even a kids marathon! Starting in Downtown Honolulu and ending in . Not only that, but the Chicago Marathon is also ranked as the fourth-largest in the world by number of finishers! The amateurs often just seek new experiences. The course is primarily flat except for the hill in Diamond Head. The Philadelphia Marathon takes place on the third Sunday of November each year, and has been doing so since it started in 1954. The race is known as "The People's Marathon," since it is open to all runners ages 14 and above and is the largest marathon to not offer prize money. Men's average marathon pace is about 10 minutes, 20 seconds per mile. An old Kelley and a young Kelley are depicted running side by side holding hands. Its held in Fairbanks, Alaska, and is part of the USA Road Racing Championships. Considered one of the best marathons to run in the US, the Honolulu Marathon takes place at an expected time of year--December--and is attended by over 25,000 keen sportspeople. The runners partake in different activities such as wearing fancy dresses or costumes to raise money for charity adding to the jovial atmosphere. There are more than a thousand races held every year across the United States, including some of the largest and best-known marathons in the country. We love showing off our country and this race is a chance to show off some of the best parts of America. So read on, and take a look at some of these incredible events and how you can be a part of them! The course is moderately difficult; there are some streets that go uphill, but the terrain is generally manageable. Key feature: Heartbreak Hill gets all the attention, but it's just the last of the four rises of the Newton Hills between the 16th and 21st miles that can test tiring runners. So, anything faster than that average is generally considered a good pace for a marathon. Known as one of the most difficult major marathon races, the Athens Classic Marathon was first held in 1972. The MCM is the fourth most-popular marathon in the US, as well as the 9th-largest in the world! Runners from these states have the fastest finish times: Runners from the following states have the slowest finish times: These states have the highest percentage of marathoners: These states have the lowest percentage of marathoners: Prizes for the men's and women's open divisions, according to the. It has been held since 1973. If you do get to register for this marathon, youre treated to amazing views of Pike National Forest as well as the view from the summit. The women's race was added in 1984, with Benoit Samuelson winning. However, it is human nature to also want something that we can show other people to help prolong the feelings of accomplishment and self-esteem. Special honorable mention to my home marathon, The Pittsburgh Marathon. But in light of the coronavirus pandemic, marathons have shifted: Many runners are completing races virtually while some marathons are still delayed or canceled completely. Run across the third-largest island in the United States as elk, deer and bears cross your path. Key feature: In 2004, the race was again run in Athens, with Americans Keflezighi taking silver and Kastor bronze. 2023 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. Most marathons typically categorize runners into female or male groups, which is why we use the terms "women" and "men" below. Read More Best Virtual Runs And Are They Worth It? The record holders for this marathon are Markos Geneti who ran it in 126 minutes and 35 seconds in . Race participation is also growing faster among women than men, according to RunRepeat. The Biggest Marathons and Running Events in the World - RunSociety Spartathlon, Greece. The Virgin Money London Marathon is not only a great opportunity for elite runners to set records -- world records have fallen four times -- but it's also great for people-watching. Many marathon applications will require a physical exam and a qualifying race beforehand. What are the Best Tips for Marathon Running. If you put in the work and get yourself ready to run your marathon, youre guaranteed to have an unmatched and unforgettable experience! When: First Sunday of May "I think they are the best organization. Scenic highlight: It's a travelogue, with the course winding past the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and cathedral of Notre Dame. Look for this banner for recommended activities. Correct Your Running Form for Better Results. Theres no shortage of spectators here, as well. If you spot something in one of our articles, please reach out: editorial@livestrong.com., LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Key feature: With elite fields and a flat course, London races often come down to the wire, so the finish line, with Buckingham Palace in the background, is great for spectators. Getting a spot isnt easy though, to be considered, all requirements have to be met a year in advance and the prerequisite running standards are relatively high. It's a relatively new race, begun in 2007, and one that's flat (just 129 feet of elevation change between the lowest and highest points) and attractive to elite runners. End: Carmel, California 1. There is also a half-marathon, 10k, and 5k race, which are spread over a whole weekend. The route first meanders through quaint neighborhoods and youre treated to the sight of beautiful mansions. For the upcoming marathon, the qualifying standard for a male aged 18 to 34 is 3hrs 00min 00sec and below. Uniformed Marines still provide course support. Copyright Policy Volunteers are even assigned to take pictures of you with your own camera at the top of the hardest hill, while spectators have designated Party Zones scattered throughout the course with amenities and refreshments to keep their energies up to cheer the runners on. Its a moderately difficult course, with 5 hills at the start of the course and 13 hills near the end. Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, The Alps. Frontiers | Increased Participation and Decreased Performance in Boasting a crowd of over 20,000 runners, this marathon is one of the fastest and biggest in Europe! Its not just a race; its an adventure. Best Ultra Marathons Around The World In 2023 - Outd They do a wonderful job. This internationally recognized event in Berlin, was established in 1974. There's only about a 30-foot difference between the highest and lowest points. Some of the marathon health benefits may even convince first-timers to give this distance a try. This is a really popular marathon and there are many reasons why. The Top 10 Marathons for Your Running Bucket List | ActionHub This is one of the top 10 largest marathons in the United States. And if you are not yet ready to run these marathons but want to get the experience, here is a list of the best walkable marathons. Deciding which marathon in the US to sign up for is tricky; there are literally thousands to choose from. More than 37,000 runners started in 2016. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The current Olympic marathon records, according to, After 6 months of training, first-time marathon runners had, Compared to sedentary people, marathon runners showed fewer symptoms of depression in a November 2020 study in the, Running may not be as bad for your knees as some might think: After completing a four-month training program and race, MRIs of the knees of a group of, Some people worry that long-term endurance training, like marathon running, can damage the heart, but there isn't enough research to confirm how much running is actually too much, according to a June 2012 study in. The New York City Marathon boasts the highest number of finishers in past years and takes place in November each year. Worldwide, the average marathon time is about 4 hours, 21 minutes, according to. Runners love the Flying Pig Marathon because it is highly organized, and volunteers and spectators are probably the most enthusiastic, supportive crowds in any US marathon. Records showcase. The London Marathon is also well known as one of the biggest single fundraising events in the world. Here we'll go through the top ten largest marathons in the US, along with some information about them: 1) New York City Marathon. Its not very difficult, but theres a bit of a climb when you get to Diamond Head. Make sure you train well before you attempt this race. St. George is a town located in Utah, USA. How Much Did Spartan Pay for Tough Mudder? Think of this as the lighter side of running data. San Francisco Marathon takes place annually in July. Sitemap Privacy Policy Its a combination of dirt, gravel, and grass roadways. Participants enjoy a wide range of support and encouragement from spectators who engage in drumming, singing, and much more for the whole duration, whatever the weather. Yes, it will also look at data, but not at the lofty level of those columns. History: After dueling over the final miles in the 1981 debut race, American Dick Beardsley and Norway's Inge Simonsen -- who had never met before -- decided to cross the finish line hand-in-hand to tie for the victory. Hobbies Fact Checked What are the Biggest Marathons Worldwide? As a result, signing up and competing can often seem like a daunting task. With so many marathons run every year across the U.S., there are plenty of events to choose from. Proportion of Average Marathon Finish Times, Take a look at the 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon times chart below to help you estimate your race pace.. This race is one of the oldest worldwide marathons, begun in 1896 with 191 participants. 33 Best Marathons in the U.S. for 2023 - Endurancely Welcome to the first edition of Run the Numbers. As you wait for the world of racing to return to something closer to normal, brush up on these interesting marathon stats and facts, like the demographics of runners in the U.S. and historic marathon winners. While youre running through the course, youll encounter entertainers of all types, like people dressed up as Disney characters, comedians, live bands, etc. The largest half-marathon ever recorded was the The Great North Run in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2014, with 41,615 participants 16. and/or its affiliates and licensors. to lift your tiring spirit" along the route, Lopez said. Dont join this marathon to beat your personal record; join the Disney marathon for the Disney experience. Privacy Settings 10 Best Marathons in the US to Run in 2023 - Scenic States Run With Sore Legs: Should I Run If My Legs Are Sore. To get an idea of how your marathon stacks up against the global average, use the chart below to see the proportion of people finishing at different times. ", Expert panel: These are the world's 10 best marathons, Tour de France 2021 Preview: Pogacar, Roglic are favourites but Ineos-Grenadiers hold key, 'Running to the edge': How Bob Larsen became one of America's greatest running coaches, Team Sky's Froome set to race at Giro d'Italia, Tokyo Marathon restricts entry over coronavirus, Marian, CU-Boulder capture USA Cycling titles, 'MasterChef' contestant dies in London marathon, Kipchoge wins London Marathon, Farah third, Linden, Kawauchi win rainy Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon champ: 'This is gonna be miserable', Ford: Finally, an open road for Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis. Although there are more than 1,000 marathons in the U.S. each year, only a small fraction of people in the country actually complete the race. Aside from being the oldest, it is also one of the toughest to qualify for. Unlike other marathons, there are no qualifying standards to meet, so it's a popular choice for first-timers. As a result of its history, along with its reputation as one of the most challenging, it is on many runners bucket lists, making it the most sought after race in the world. The first marathon distance ever run was 26 miles from Marathon to Athens, Greece, completed by a Greek soldier named Philippedes (also sometimes called Pheidippides), according to World Athletics. 10K fun run/walk is held in conjunction with the marathon. We asked 14 runners -- nine elite athletes such as Keflezighi and five ardent amateurs who have each run more than 100 marathons across the globe -- for their opinions. The course will be part of the Olympics in 2020. "[I] asked my manager, Gerard van de Veen, after finishing if I really ran the world record," Kimetto said. Participants pass through various parts of Houston's urban areas, including both Uptown and Downtown, as well as parks like Memorial Park. There's an average of one heart attacked-related death for every 100,000 marathon runners. 86 Marathon Statistics You Should Know | livestrong It begins on the Champs-Elysees and ends near the Arc de Triomphe. A marathon is one of the toughest challenges a runner can tackle. "It's truly an experience to race a marathon there and take in the unique atmosphere in each of the boroughs and the way the entire city comes out to celebrate with the runners," said Great Britain's Paula Radcliffe, who has won three times. Despite the limited registration, it is the only one of the Big Five female participants outnumber the men. Ultra X 125, Scotland. Not only does it top this list, but it's also currently the largest marathon in the world. There are over 2,800 half-marathons in the USA each year, with over 1.9 million competitors taking part. End: Chicago, Illinois It is also run alongside a half-marathon, although a strict 6-hour time limit is in place for both events. A traditional marathon is a 26.2 mile (42.2 kilometer) foot race, but many of these events have been expanded to include other types of athletic events. The prize for winning the wheelchair division of the London Marathon is $35,000. Top 5 Marathons In The World - 30 South Eyewear There's no ideal age to run a marathon and your finish time will depend on a variety of factors (not just how old you are). This October will mark the 40th anniversary of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which, like Berlin and London, is flat and fast. On top of that, there are typically entrance fees that you need to pay, along with several other factors that decide whether youre able to participate. Elite marathon runners complete the race in well under 3 hours. Running tourism is gaining popularity: the top 10 marathons to combine "You're with other people that have the sheer passion you have and that connection.". What Do You Get For Finishing A Tough Mudder? During the events, a festival is usually held, inviting people from neighbouring countries to view the events as well. Currently, the race includes over 30,000 participants and is unique in its use of colored balloons, viewed easily by the runners, to calculate target times. This little known plugin reveals the answer. You can see the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz from other directions than from the San Francisco Marathon. In 1924, the course conformed to the Olympic distance of 26 miles, 385 yards. This race is held on the third Sunday of November each year. The thing is, it only took 585 participants to be the second biggest at that time. In 2013, 51,999 started and 51,394 finished the marathon. The Largest Marathons In The U.S. - Run In The Sun A runner who wants to run in the Boston Marathon has to complete a standard marathon course that is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) within 18 months before the marathon. The recent 2018 marathon included close to 6,000 participants from 23 countries The Ladakh Marathon is held at a height of 11,500 to 17,600 ft. Acclimatization is the foremost issue at this height. "And he looked at me like I was half-crazed. If youre a runner looking to take your passion to the next level, then signing up to take part in a marathon is just what you need! End: Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii Not every marathon will have such strict guidelines surrounding entry. The Honolulu Marathon requires runners to complete the 26.2-mile course within 8 hours to participate. Miles 2125 are a steady uphill climbconsidered among the most challenging finishes in American marathons. Sanibel Island Shells Guide: Finding the Best Seashells, 5 Stunning Lakes in Missouri to Visit This Summer, Visiting Rockland Maine: Attractions, Food and Hotel Guide, 8 Top Indoor & Outdoor Water Parks in Dallas, 20 Grand Rapids Breweries for Your Beer City Itinerary, Copyright 2023 Scenic States | Privacy Policy, Stop Exploring Footers, Start Exploring States. "I did this twice. It is considered one of the best marathons in the US and a favorite of runners everywhere because of its course: right along the Northern California coastline on the Pacific Coast Highway, hugging a cliffside and overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway to the west. Jason Suarez. End: Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada Bonus: theres a chance of encountering wildlife, like moose and bears. We hope these 10 marathons will help inspire you to start training for your next big challenge! Youll have seven hours to finish the race, so you need to maintain at most a 16-minute-per-mile pace. Best Marathons in the US | Running Races in America 2021 - Runner's World The Chicago Marathon is held annually in October and is one of the biggest road races in the world. or It takes months of training, lots of dedication, and tons of willpower. The 10 Best Ultra Marathons Around the World. The course takes its participants through downtown San Diego and along some of the citys beautiful coastal spots. The Chicago Marathon is known for its fast and flat course, making it a popular race each year for those looking to set a new PR. Quotable: "Beating the world record in 2013 [at Berlin] is something you dream of your entire life," Wilson Kipsang of Kenya said. So youre thinking of competing in the spartan race? For instance, the Honolulu Marathon is open to anyone who pays the application fee; meanwhile, the NYC and Boston Marathons are notoriously hard to qualify for due to how many applicants there are. And I love to climb. Start: Big Sur, California Therefore, Japan Air Lines became a sponsor of the Honolulu Marathon, and for a long time the majority of the entrants in Honolulu were Japanese. Start: Chicago, Illinois In 2016, more than 41,000 completed the race. Scenic highlight: Watching the lead runner enter the Olympic stadium for the final push toward gold. APAC: marathon participation growth 2018 | Statista After nearly a year of few races, some of the largest U.S. marathons, like the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon, returned in 2021, offering both in-person and virtual entry. Men tend to be faster marathon runners than women but, as a whole, women are becoming speedier each year, while the average men's finish time has slowed down, per the IIRM. The Honolulu Marathon takes place every second Sunday in December. This marathon showcases Alaska's lush beauty at the peak of salmon season. Wilderness, greenery, and water views will certainly inspire you to keep running. Must-Run Big City Marathons in the U.S. - Verywell Fit Youll need to prepare for this race by packing warm clothes and layers. If youre looking for somewhere to go running, this is the place to be if you just can get there. When: October A half-marathon is a running event over a distance of 13.1 miles or 21.1km. About 750,000 spectators cheer them on annually. 10 Biggest Marathons in the U.S. | ACTIVE This race is unique because its held during the winter months. It was established in 1970 and is now regarded as the world's largest marathon with the largest number of entrants and finishers. Why Run It: Scenic ocean views. Those years also saw the continued rise of running, and of marathons. Tokyo Marathon Held in Japan's bustling capital city, the Tokyo Marathon attracts more than 35,000 participants each year. Kingston City Marathon, Jamaica. The race's route takes runners past many iconic landmarks, including the Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace. The two groups tend to look for different things. The 5 World's Largest Marathons (2022 Guide) - Runner's Lab It is usually held in early November every year. Running a marathon is a fun and exciting experience, and one that every avid runner should try at some point in their lives. powmarathon.org. The Boston Marathon requires a pre-qualifying marathon time to enter its lottery system where runners compete for 38,000 spots.