Marathons in the United States

Taking on a marathon in the United States offers runners the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most iconic races while exploring incredible destinations. From the bright lights of New York City to the historic streets of Boston, the USA is home to some of the most prestigious and sought-after marathons in the world. 

Whether you are looking to achieve a new personal best (PB), complete an Abbott World Marathon Major or tick off a lifelong bucket-list event, there is a USA marathon to suit every type of runner. With huge crowds, famous landmarks and world-class race organisation, running a marathon in America is about far more than completing 26.2 miles. 

One of the most prestigious events is the New York City Marathon, which takes runners on an unforgettable journey through all five boroughs of New York City. Starting on Staten Island, the route takes runners through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan before finishing in Central Park. The combination of iconic landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods and incredible crowd support makes New York one of the ultimate bucket-list marathons and a standout event for international runners. 

The Boston Marathon is another legendary event and one of the most historic marathons in the world. Starting in the small town of Hopkinton before travelling towards Boston, the point-to-point course takes runners through several Massachusetts communities before finishing on Boylston Street. Runners will experience famous sections of the course including the Newton Hills and the legendary Heartbreak Hill, making Boston a particularly memorable challenge for experienced marathon runners. 

The Chicago Marathon offers a very different experience, with a famously flat and fast course that takes runners through 29 vibrant neighbourhoods before finishing in Grant Park. Known for its huge spectator support and impressive history of fast times, Chicago is an excellent choice for runners chasing a new PB while experiencing one of America’s most exciting cities. 

For something completely different, the Walt Disney World Marathon in Florida combines the challenge of a marathon with the magic of Disney. Taking place at Walt Disney World Resort, runners can experience entertainment, characters and the famous Disney parks throughout their race weekend. It is an ideal choice for runners looking to combine their marathon with a memorable holiday and experience unlike any traditional city marathon. 

The USA offers a huge variety of marathon experiences, from challenging historic courses to flat and fast city routes and magical theme park events. Whatever type of marathon you are looking for, runners can expect passionate crowds, excellent race-day organisation and an unforgettable atmosphere. 

When booking a marathon travel package with Sports Tours International, we take the stress out of your international race experience so you can focus on your training. We handle the important logistics, including your guaranteed race entry, accommodation, race information and on-site support. Our packages also give runners the opportunity to explore their destination and make the most of their time in the USA. 

Explore all our available USA marathon packages below and secure your place on the start line.

USA Marathons FAQs 

What landmarks do runners pass during marathons in the USA? 

USA marathons offer runners the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most famous landmarks. The New York City Marathon takes runners through all five boroughs and offers incredible views of the city throughout the route. Boston provides historic landmarks and the famous finish on Boylston Street, while Chicago takes runners through 29 neighbourhoods across the city. The Walt Disney World Marathon offers the unique experience of running through the Disney parks and resort. 

What is the terrain like for USA marathons? 

The terrain varies considerably depending on the event. The Chicago Marathon is particularly well known for its flat and fast course, making it a popular choice for runners chasing a PB. New York offers a more varied city course, while Boston features the famous Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill. Walt Disney World provides a different experience again, with runners navigating roads and paths around the Disney resort. 

What weather should runners expect? 

Weather conditions vary significantly across the USA. The New York City Marathon takes place in autumn, while Boston and Chicago are also held during the spring and autumn months, offering generally comfortable conditions for long-distance running. The Walt Disney World Marathon takes place in Florida during January, when temperatures are typically cooler than the hot summer months. Runners should always prepare for changing weather conditions depending on their chosen race. 

How good is the crowd support? 

Crowd support is one of the biggest highlights of running a marathon in the USA. Major events attract huge numbers of spectators who line the streets to cheer runners towards the finish. New York is particularly famous for its incredible atmosphere across all five boroughs, while Boston’s passionate spectators help runners through some of the toughest sections of the course. Chicago is also renowned for its huge crowds, with approximately 1.7 million spectators supporting runners around the course. 

Is the USA easy to travel to for a marathon? 

The USA is a popular destination for international marathon runners, with major cities offering excellent international flight connections. However, travelling to America requires some advance planning, including checking entry requirements, arranging flights and booking suitable accommodation. Booking your marathon package with Sports Tours International makes the experience much easier, with your race entry and accommodation taken care of so you can concentrate on your training and enjoy your race weekend.