Marathon running has reached new heights of demand. With many records being broken in the running world thanks largely due to super shoes and fueling changes. People are excited with the sport once again.
The Covid-19 pandemic caused a surge in Half Marathon and Marathon race participation. Resulting in iconic races such as Boston and New York dramatically reducing the time requirement to apply to get into the race. Unlike never before, Marathon racing has become a worldwide phenomena once again.
As we go into 2025, which are the largest marathons in the US? Which are the best? And how should you decide which to sign up for next?
Discover the largest marathons in the US in 2025, including Boston, New York City, and Chicago. Find out which marathons to add to your bucket list and how to sign up.
- Boston Marathon
- TCS New York City Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
- Philly Marathon
- Chevron Houston Marathon
- Marine Corps Marathon
- Honolulu Marathon
- Eugene Marathon
- LA Marathon
- Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon
- Walt Disney World Marathon
- California International Marathon
- Grandmas Marathon
- Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
- Flying Pig Marathon
- Big Sur International Marathon
- Bonus: Avenue of the Giant Marathon
Boston Marathon
25,554 Finishers
Boston, MA
April
The most iconic marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon. First ran in 1897 it goes through a historic city with a legendary crowd. One of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, those chasing the coveted “six stars” have a tough race to get into.
The qualifying times are extremely difficult to get into, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Heartbreak Hill at mile 20 has crushed many runners dreams. Don’t be swayed with it being a point-to-point net downhill course.
However the legacy that follows the Boston Marathon makes it a bucket list choice for many runners.
TCS New York City Marathon
43,660 Finishers
New York City, NY
November
New York City is amazing in and of itself. Having the opportunity to run through the five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan; is an amazing way of experiencing a city.
With 2 million spectators combined in person and on TV, the excitement can not be beat.
With a lottery system, no qualifying times are needed. Which makes it a difficult race to enter, relying on lady luck.
Like the Boston Marathon, NYC Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Chicago Marathon
33,701 Finishers
Chicago, IL
October
The Chicago Marathon is a flat, fast marathon with a great crowd. Held in October each year, Chicago has been home to some amazing fast finishes, like when Kelvin Kiptum broke the World Record in the Marathon with a time of 2:00:35!
Similar to the Boston Marathon and NYC Marathon, Chicago Marathon is the third installment in the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Philly Marathon
35,000+ finishers
Philadelphia, PA
November
A hidden gem in the Marathon world is participation is often in competition with NYC and Chicago marathons.
Through the historic streets of Philly, the course boasts a fantastic crowd to cheer you on.
Entry isn’t based on qualifying times or lottery so it’s much easier to get into.
Chevron Houston Marathon
34,000 runners
Houston, TX
January
Winter is not a popular time for Marathons due to the cold. Fortunately if you are aiming to hit 3 races in a year, a January race is likely in your books. With few options, the Houston Marathon is a great one to consider.
The Chevron Houston Marathon is a fast and flat course making it a popular option to attempt a BQ time.
Marine Corps Marathon
21,405 Finishers
Washington, DC
May
Managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the Nation’s capital, the MCM is known as the best marathon for beginners. “The People’s Marathon”.
Ending at the Marine Corps War Memorial site, the sense of pride and value is unmatched with any other marathon.
Honolulu Marathon
20,323 Finishers
Honolulu, HI
December
Set along the coast of Honolulu, this destination marathon is a scenic course. Starting on Ala Moana Boulevard and passing through Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Hawaii Kai, finishing in Kapiolani Park
Eugene Marathon
15,000 finishers
Eugene, OR
April
A small town course with great crowd energy and a deep history in running. With Running legends such as Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman, Bill Dellinger, and Galen Rupp all coming from Eugene. Eugene is also the birthplace of Nike!
With so much history, great Spring weather, and a relaxed race vibe. Eugene Marathon is a popular choice for a Spring Marathon.
LA Marathon
14,125 Finishers
Los Angeles, CA
March
Starting at Dodger Stadium and passing through Beverly Hills before finishing at Avenue of the Stars in Century City, the LA Marathon takes you through great areas of the city.
The course is full of sneaky hills, make sure to account for that in your training.
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon
13,391 Finishers
San Diego, CA
June
Live bands, cheer teams, entertainment, and festive water stations, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon is a party through 26.2 miles!
Walt Disney World Marathon
12,486 Finishers
Orlando, FL
January
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios? You get to run through them all! One of the most scenic marathons in the US, the Walt Disney World Marathon offers a truly unique experience.
California International Marathon
~10,000 finishers
Sacramento, CA
December
CIM is a top 10 largest marathon in the US. It boasts a fast marathon, net downhill with a point to point course. Held annually in December, makes this a great choice for a late in the year Marathon with consistently good weather. CIM is the fastest course on the West Coast. Making it a top choice for a BQ PR.
Grandmas Marathon
9,000 participants
Duluth, MN
June
Grandma’s Marathon is a point to point marathon with a great view of Lake Superior along the way. The course is a net downhill throughout.
Set in June each year, it allows for the bulk of your training to happen in Spring rather than your marathon build starting in January.
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
8,474 Finishers
Minneapolis, MN
October
The most beautiful urban marathon in America, the Twin Cities Marathon is a point to point, net downhill marathon. With great crowd interaction, a beautiful route passing lakes and along the Mississippi river.
Flying Pig Marathon
5,000 finishers
Cincinnati, OH
May
Pig Works Marathon is known for it’s festive atmosphere. A difficult course, with hills throughout, offers scenic views of the historic Over-the-Rhine district.
The Flying Piglet children’s race offers a particularly fun family event during the race weekend.
Big Sur International Marathon
2,863 finishers
Big Sur, CA
April
Although the smallest participation in this list, with a point-to-point race from Big Sur to Carmel, the scenic route through redwoods and alongside ranches, Big Sur is the largest rural marathon in the world.
Bonus: Avenue of the Giant Marathon
500 finishers
Dumboldt Redwoods State Park, CA
May 4th
Run with us in the majestic redwoods, Runner’s World Magazine called it one of the most beautiful courses in the US.
The course is a double out and back. Surrounded by giant Redwoods as you pass through the course is unforgettable.
Conclusion
Marathon running has increased massively in culture in the past few years. More and more people are wanting to challenge themselves with a bucket list item: Running 26.2 miles. What is the largest marathon in the US? Which one should I sign up for? Boston is the most iconic, but what if I’m on the West Coast? Perhaps CIM or the LA Marathon are better!
There are a lot of unique marathons as well! The Disney Marathon and Marine Corps Marathon offer a fun and unique experience.
If you want to go for history, Boston and NYC are the top choices but the Philly Marathon is a surprising underdog.
Explore the largest marathons in the US in 2025 here!
https://www.marathonguide.com/races/bostonmarathonqualifyingraces.cfm?Year=2022
https://www.active.com/running/articles/10-biggest-marathons-in-the-us
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