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Top 15 US Marathons To Run In 2027: Unforgettable Races Across America
Updated: 17 hours ago
The United States offers an extraordinary choice of marathons, from the crowded streets of New York and Chicago to California’s Pacific coastline and the shores of Lake Superior. Sporting history, local traditions and distinctive destinations give these races an appeal that extends well beyond the finish line.
For runners planning a marathon in 2027, the possibilities include qualifying for Boston, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and finishing beside Waikiki in Honolulu. There are also established events in destinations such as Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Minnesota’s Twin Cities, each offering a different experience over 26.2 miles.
The marathons in this guide are presented in calendar order rather than ranked. They have been selected for their course, atmosphere, history, scenery or potential for fast running, with a balance of major international events and races with a distinctive local identity. Confirmed 2027 dates are shown where available, with the usual race month given where an exact date has not yet been announced.
Walt Disney World Marathon: 10 January 2027
The Walt Disney World Marathon brings a different kind of atmosphere to the US marathon calendar. Held at the Florida resort near Orlando, it combines distance running with Disney characters, entertainment and the opportunity to make race weekend part of a longer holiday.
The marathon’s established route visits all four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Roads between the parks account for a substantial part of the distance, while character appearances and the park sections give the event its distinctive appeal.
The marathon concludes a weekend that also includes a 5K, 10K and half marathon. Runners completing the Dopey Challenge tackle all four distances on consecutive days, giving the event an additional appeal for runners who enjoy completing several races during one trip.
Miami Marathon: 31 January 2027
Miami offers a January marathon with a distinctly tropical setting. Palm trees, waterfront neighbourhoods and the city’s strong Latin American influences make this an appealing option for runners hoping to combine their race with a winter escape.
The course links downtown Miami with Miami Beach, using the MacArthur and Venetian causeways to cross Biscayne Bay. South Beach and Ocean Drive feature in the opening half before marathon runners continue through areas including Brickell and Coconut Grove towards the Bayfront Park finish.
Much of the route is relatively flat, although the causeway bridges add changes in elevation. Warmth and humidity can matter more than the hills, so Miami’s appeal lies as much in the destination and waterfront course as in its potential for a fast time.
Los Angeles Marathon: 7 March 2027
Los Angeles gives runners a tour through several of Southern California’s best known neighbourhoods. Its appeal comes from the changing character of the city, with historic streets, entertainment landmarks and residential areas appearing along the same route.
The course starts at Dodger Stadium and travels through downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The later miles continue towards Brentwood before returning to a finish in Century City.
Changes in elevation add to the challenge, particularly during the earlier miles. The race also has a strong charity connection through its organiser, The McCourt Foundation, and its official charity programme.
Boston Marathon: 19 April 2027
Boston occupies a special place in marathon running, with a history stretching back to its first race in 1897. For many runners, earning a qualifying time and reaching its start line becomes a goal pursued over several years
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The course begins in Hopkinton and passes through communities including Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley and Newton before reaching Boston. The Newton hills, including Heartbreak Hill, are defining features of the later miles, followed by the famous turns onto Hereford Street and Boylston Street.
Patriots’ Day gives the race a setting rooted in Massachusetts tradition, with enthusiastic support extending far beyond central Boston. Qualification remains its best known entry route, but meeting the standard does not guarantee acceptance, and official charity programmes provide another way to take part.
Big Sur International Marathon: 25 April 2027
Big Sur offers one of the most spectacular settings in road running. Held on California’s central coast, the marathon follows Highway 1 through a landscape of coastal mountains, redwoods and open Pacific Ocean views.
The point to point route runs from Big Sur towards Carmel, with the climb to Hurricane Point among its most demanding sections. Bixby Bridge provides the best known landmark, accompanied by the unusual sight of a pianist performing beside the course.
Substantial climbing and coastal exposure make this a serious marathon challenge. The scenery is the main attraction, and long stretches without large crowds give runners an experience shaped by the landscape rather than the constant noise of a major city race.
Flying Pig Marathon: 2 May 2027
The Flying Pig Marathon gives Cincinnati a running weekend with a particularly strong local identity. Its unique name reflects the city’s historic association with the pork industry, and the pig theme carries through the event’s branding and celebrations.
The course crosses the Ohio River into northern Kentucky before returning to Cincinnati and climbing towards Eden Park. Later sections travel through city neighbourhoods before the race finishes back near the riverfront, with the changing elevation adding to the challenge.
Community support and charity involvement are important parts of the event. With shorter races, a half marathon and a marathon relay also included in the weekend, Flying Pig works well for groups whose runners want different distances within the same festival.
Grandma’s Marathon: 19 June 2027
Grandma’s Marathon brings runners to northeastern Minnesota for a race closely associated with Lake Superior. Based around Duluth, it has developed an international following while retaining a strong connection with the surrounding communities.
The point to point course begins near Two Harbors and follows Scenic Highway 61 towards Duluth. Lake views, rolling roads and an overall drop in elevation shape the journey before runners pass through downtown and finish in Canal Park.
Its favourable profile attracts runners pursuing personal bests and qualifying times, although the rolling roads still require consideration. The lakeside setting and lively finish make Grandma’s an attractive summer alternative to the larger spring and autumn city marathons.
San Francisco Marathon: 25 July 2027
San Francisco offers a summer marathon through a city where the scenery changes repeatedly over 26.2 miles. The waterfront, Golden Gate Bridge, parkland and distinctive neighbourhoods give the event a broad appeal beyond runners simply looking for a time goal.
Starting on the Embarcadero, the route follows the northern waterfront towards the Golden Gate Bridge and crosses into Marin County before returning to San Francisco. Golden Gate Park and neighbourhood streets feature later, followed by a return towards the eastern waterfront and the finish on the Embarcadero.
The bridge approaches and other climbs make elevation a significant part of the experience. Race weekend also includes two different half marathons, allowing friends or family to enjoy sections of the city without all committing to the full distance.
Chicago Marathon: 10 October 2027
Chicago combines the scale of a World Marathon Major with a largely flat course suited to fast running. It attracts both runners chasing ambitious times and those who want the atmosphere of a huge city marathon.
The route starts and finishes in Grant Park, travelling through a wide range of Chicago neighbourhoods along the way. Areas including Lincoln Park, Pilsen and Chinatown give different sections their own character. The course reveals how much there is to Chicago beyond its famous downtown skyline.
Extensive spectator support helps maintain the atmosphere as runners move between neighbourhoods. Chicago also offers a relatively convenient arrangement for visitors, with the start, finish and many accommodation options concentrated around the central city.
Twin Cities Marathon: 17 October 2027
The Twin Cities Marathon connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul in a race where urban scenery includes lakes, tree lined roads and the Mississippi River. It offers a greener setting than many runners expect from a marathon linking two substantial cities.
The route begins in Minneapolis and passes several of the city’s lakes before crossing the Mississippi into Saint Paul. Summit Avenue features prominently in the later miles, with the approach to the Minnesota State Capitol providing a memorable conclusion.
From 2027, the event moves from its traditional early October position to the middle of the month. This change is intended to improve the likelihood of favourable running conditions, although autumn weather still varies from year to year.
Marine Corps Marathon: October 2027
The Marine Corps Marathon combines Washington, DC landmarks with a start and finish in Arlington, Virginia. Known as the People’s Marathon, it welcomes civilian runners as well as members of the armed forces.
The course travels between Arlington and Washington, taking in stretches beside the Potomac River and landmarks around the National Mall. The closing section returns to Virginia, with the finish near the Marine Corps War Memorial giving the race a particularly distinctive ending.
Military personnel, remembrance and personal stories contribute to an atmosphere that differs from other major US marathons. It is a compelling choice for runners interested in the nation’s capital and an event with a strong sense of purpose, although its exact 2027 date has not yet been confirmed.
New York City Marathon: 7 November 2027
New York delivers one of the most recognisable marathon experiences anywhere in the world. The journey through all five boroughs combines enormous crowd support with neighbourhoods whose character changes throughout the race.
The course begins on Staten Island and crosses the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn before continuing through Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. Runners then return to Manhattan for the final approach to Central Park, where the finish brings the long journey across the city to a close.
Bridges and the rolling final miles make this more demanding than a flat city marathon. Its attraction is the scale of the occasion, with charity runners, international visitors and local communities all contributing to an event that reaches far beyond the start and finish areas.
Philadelphia Marathon: November 2027
Philadelphia offers a late autumn marathon in a city closely connected with American history. Its combination of central streets, neighbourhoods and riverside running gives the course a different character from the US calendar’s larger Marathon Majors.
The route starts and finishes on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It explores the city before continuing along the Schuylkill River towards Manayunk, where local supporters help make the turning section one of the race’s best known features.
Attractions such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell make it easy to extend your visit beyond race day. Philadelphia is particularly appealing if you want to combine a substantial city marathon with an introduction to American history, although the exact 2027 date is still to be announced.
California International Marathon: December 2027
The California International Marathon, widely known as CIM, has a strong reputation among runners targeting personal bests and Boston qualifying times. Its route towards Sacramento provides a different Californian experience from the coastal settings of Big Sur and San Francisco.
The course begins near Folsom Dam and travels through communities including Fair Oaks and Carmichael before finishing at the California State Capitol. It loses elevation overall, but rolling roads in the earlier miles mean it should not be mistaken for an uninterrupted downhill run.
The concentration of runners pursuing time goals helps give CIM a purposeful atmosphere. Its usual December position also offers a late season target, although the organiser has not yet confirmed the exact date for the 2027 race.
Honolulu Marathon: December 2027
Honolulu provides a marathon experience shaped by Hawaii’s climate and Pacific setting. Fireworks mark the start before dawn, with runners completing the opening miles through the illuminated city streets.
The route travels through downtown Honolulu and Waikiki before passing around Diamond Head and heading east towards Hawaii Kai. Runners then return towards a finish in Kapiolani Park, with coastal views and the changing light adding to the sense of a destination event.
Honolulu has no qualifying time, no entry lottery and no official finishing time limit. That makes it unusually welcoming to runners and walkers, although heat and humidity remain significant challenges and the exact 2027 date has not yet been announced.
Choosing Your US Marathon 2027
Start with the experience you want from your US marathon in 2027, then consider the practical details that could determine whether it suits you. Course elevation, likely weather, finishing limits and the journey to the start can matter just as much as a famous name or an attractive destination.
For a time goal, Chicago, CIM and Grandma’s deserve a closer look at their course profiles and entry arrangements. If the trip itself is central to your plans, consider whether you would rather explore a city, spend time on the coast or extend the race into a theme park holiday.
Entry routes deserve attention before you commit to flights and accommodation. Drawings, qualifying standards, charity entries and general registration operate differently across these events, so use the individual guides to narrow your choice and secure a place in the race that best matches your plans.
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