10 Most Scenic Marathons in the USA to Add to Your Bucket List
Nothing is more exciting than passing gorgeous, scenic views while running a marathon (except perhaps a PR at the end)!
Let’s be honest – 26.2 miles is a long way – but give us runners some delightfully distracting scenic views and the miles fly by, am I right?
That’s why we researched the BEST marathons across the USA and found the 10 most scenic marathons for you to choose from for your next “bucket list” race.
From trails to high mountains, and cities to grasslands, these well-organized races offer satisfying courses with views to make the miles go faster.
Ready to see the top 10 most scenic marathons and find your perfect race? Let’s go!.
1.) Kauai Half Marathon – Kauai Hawaii
Date: September 1, 2019
Registration Fee: $220
Website:https://www.thekauaimarathon.com/
Description:
The Kauai Half Marathon starts at Poipu, which is a first-class resort district at the luminous southern tip of Hawaii’s fourth biggest island.
The course runs along the coastline, presenting breathtaking scenes of the island’s magnificent beaches, wilderness, rocky volcanic points, and green rain forests.
To start, watch the sunrise 30 minutes before the race!
During the race, runners encounter blossoming and leafy panoramas near the ancient Tunnel of Trees. Run through foggy Omao before crossing the Kukui’ula Resort, which had stunning ocean landscapes for the last few miles.
2.) Niagara Falls International Marathon – Buffalo, NY
Date: October 20, 2019
Registration Fee: $85-$120 (depending on when you register)
Website:https://niagarafallsmarathon.com/marathon/
Description:
This may be the only marathon that requires a passport in order to return from your 26.2-mile journey!
The VERY flat course begins in Buffalo, New York, then crosses the ancient Peace Bridge into Ontario then finishes at the rock face of Niagara Falls.
Talk about scenic marathons – ending at the most iconic waterfall in the US!
3.) Walt Disney World Marathon – Orlando, FL
Date: January 12, 2020
Registration Fee: $190
Website: https://www.rundisney.com
Description:
Who doesn’t want to run through the happiest place on earth?
Plus, there’s fun for everyone – many runners make this into a family trip too!
The course rolls through the four Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot, and even through ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Meet characters along the course, see great entertainment, and maybe partake in some fun running costume fun too.
4.) Space Coast Marathon – Cocoa Beach, FL
Date: December 1, 2019
Registration Fee: $105-$125 (depending on when you sign up)
Website:www.spacecoastmarathon.com
Imagine running around at Cocoa Beach, Florida in November. How perfect is that for a scenic marathon, right?
Their website says it’s “The only space themed marathon ON THE PLANET” so if you’re a space history buff, this is the PERFECT marathon for you.
This marathon is a legend since it’s been around for more than 45 years. Participants begin the marathon to the sound of a Space Shuttle launch!
Of the scenic course, the website says:
Experience one of the most beautiful waterfront courses on the east coast. Unique “space” themed aid stations along a partially shaded mostly flat course. A USATF certified course and a great Boston qualifier.
5.) Napa Valley Marathon – Calistoga, CA
Date: March 1, 2020
Registration Fee:: $145-$155 (depending on when you sign up)
Website: http://napavalleymarathon.org/
Description:
Are you fond of wine and vineyards? Then you’ll want to be part of the 3,000 participants at the Napa Valley Marathon!
This scenic marathon follows the Calistoga Wine Trail through miles of gorgeous vineyard scenery – it begins in Calistoga, California and runs through St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville plus the Yountville.
napavalleymarathon.org
Known as the “biggest little marathon in the West,” the marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course.
Treat yourself at one of the many local spas after completing your marathon, or visit local wineries.
Fun-Spoiler Alert: Runners are advised to wait until the marathon is over before sampling the wine. 😉
6.) Big Sur Marathon – Big Sur, CA
Date: April 28, 2019 and then April 26, 2020
Registration Fee: $160-$200
Website: http://www.bigsurmarathon.org
Description:
Big Sure Marathon has to be at the top of the list of most scenic marathons in the USA,
Runners race along the California coastline with constant picturesque views of the Pacific ocean, rocky cliffs, redwoods, and more.
http://www.bigsurmarathon.org/marathon-course-info/
Point to point, moderately difficult, with rolling hills, Big Sur is the largest rural marathon in the world. The course winds through redwoods, alongside ranches, and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is USATF certified and a Boston qualifier.
But be forewarned – the race is hilly, so train properly and be ready to crush some serious rolling hills along this challenging (but oh-so-pretty) course!
7.) 7 Bridges Marathon – Chattanooga, TN
Date: October 20, 2019
Registration Fee: $75+ (price increases as race fills up)
Description:
Soak in the beauty of the Tennessee as you run across the Tennessee river 6 separate times!
http://sevenbridgesmarathon.com/7-bridges-marathon
You will run by the Tennessee Aquarium, AT&T field, Creative Discovery Museum, Cross the Dam and enjoy a stroll along the River walk, then run through the Art district, Hunter Museum and Historic Walnut street bridge to finish in front of the Chattanooga Theatre in Coolidge Park.
Enjoy the scenery of of the great Tennessee outdoors as the miles fly by (our favorite kind of scenic marathon!).
8.) St. George Marathon – St. George, Utah
Date: October 5, 2019
Registration Fee: Closed for 2019 but plan for it the first weekend in 2020!
Website: https://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/
Description:
This is such a scenic marathon that Runner’s World rated it among the Top 10 Most Scenic And Fastest Marathons!
Plus, there is a massive elevation loss: the Starting Line is at 5,240 ft elevation and the Finish Line is at 2,680…we’re talking a fast AND scenic marathon course here!
Run through breath-taking canyons and valleys in the heart of southwestern Utah’s great outdoors.
John Muir
The mountains are calling, and I must go.
9.)Humpy’s Marathon – Anchorage, AK
Date: August 18, 2019
Registration Fee: $80
Website: http://www.anchoragerunfest.org/pages/races/marathon.html
Description:
Run a scenic marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, where you’ll experience abundant natural beauty all around.
From mountains, to ocean, to wildlife and lagoons – Anchorage has it all (and you’ll run by most of it, including a vibrant city too)!
10.) Boston Marathon – Boston, MA
Date: April 15, 2019 and April 13, 2020
Registration Fee: $200-$250
Website: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon
Description:
The Boston Marathon is soaked in history and scenery.
From the starting line in Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in the heart of historic Back Bay in Boston (which is filled with scenic city views), you’d be hard-pressed to find a more famous marathon in the US.
The highlight of this marathon are the energetic spectators throughout the entire route (but especially the last few miles) – they’re electric and the scenery is too.
Remember though – you must qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Want to Qualify? Need a Boston Qualifying Marathon to run?
Many of the most scenic marathon in the USA (listed above) are also Boston Qualifying Marathons!
But if want other options, check out 15 Boston Qualifying Marathons and pick the one that’s right for you!
Need a Marathon Training Plan?
Try this Marathon Training Plan for Beginners.
Or would this be your first marathon?
Read 15 First Marathon Tips for Marathon Domination.
