While many people spend the summer tackling long mileage on hot days in preparation for one of the popular fall marathons, there’s something to be said about using the cool of winter to rock one of these Spring marathons in the US.
Picking a spring marathon can keep you motivated through the dark and cold days of November through March. It’s also a chance to really give it your all in speed workouts in temperatures our bodies can tolerate better.
And many of the marathons on the list below offer beautiful scenery and moderate temperatures, meaning runners have plenty of opportunities to run personal bests.
Beyond the coveted Boston Marathon, there are tons of spring marathons on the calendar all over the country. Big, small, urban, rural, local, or destination, there are options for everyone. Check out our top picks below. From east coast to west coast and flat lands to rolling hills, there’s bound to be a great option for you.
12 Best Spring Marathons for 2025
If you’ve decided to run a spring marathon, there’s a few things to remember so you can make sure you’re well prepared.
First, you need to plan to train for 16-24 weeks depending on your experience and training plan. Make sure you plan ahead and pick a race far enough out to allow for a good build.
Next, it’s ok if you miss a couple runs or if you have to train on the treadmill. Bad weather happens and treadmill miles are still good miles. Remember though that consistency is key so try to keep to your training plan as best you can.
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of hydration and nutrition. We may sweat less in colder temperatures and we may not feel as thirsty as we do during summer training, but make no mistake you still need to hydrate. Nutrition is also important, both before and after a run but also during. We’re still burning calories and working hard and we need to fuel our bodies appropriately to perform.
With all that said, let’s dig into our top picks for spring marathons in 2025!
#1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Date: May 4, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Profile: Hilly (around 1200 feet gain)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
If you’re looking for a race with great crowd support, a lot of character, a large field of runners, and an urban setting, the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon is for you.
The course covers a diverse array of neighborhoods of Cincinnati with its loop course and even takes you across state lines into Kentucky. How many races do you know that let you run in 2 different states?
This is a HILLY RACE. You absolutely need to train for hills.
The race has a generous pace requirement of 16:00 minutes per mile, which allows for fast walkers to participate. Checkout our complete list of walker friendly marathons >>
There are also numerous aid, fun, and entertainment stations along the course to keep things interesting.
Another plus with this race is that it’s a full weekend of fun. There’s the large expo on Friday and Saturday, a 1-mile race on Friday evening, a 5k and 10k on Saturday along with a 1.3 mile race for humans and their dogs, followed by the half marathon and marathon on Sunday.
There’s also a relay option, two challenge options where you complete multiple races over the weekend, and a post-race victory party.
All marathoners receive a shirt, premium gift, poster, a virtual goodie bag, and a medal.
Runners have said:
- Staying at a host hotel makes it easy to walk to the start
- The expo is amazing
- The whole city feels in on it and there are people wearing the flying pig gear everywhere
#2 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Date: May 4, 2025
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Profile: Rolling hills (933 feet gain)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
Running the same weekend as Flying Pig is the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. This is another large, urban race with good crowd support, entertainment throughout the course, and a route that takes you through the many unique neighborhoods of the city.
The course is a loop course and shares the first almost 11 miles with the half marathon before the routes split. Pittsburgh, as the City of Bridges, and three rivers has you crossing each river at least once offering some great views of the skyline and surrounding hills.
This is another weekend event with a big expo and a 5k race on Saturday before the half and full on Sunday. You can also get the whole family involved as there’s a Kids Marathon, Toddler Trot, and Pet Walk. And don’t miss out on the Finish Line Festival in Point State Park.
Runners have said:
- Course is hillier than expected, so train for it!
- Plenty of porta potties
- Really great crowd support with folks creating their own mini aid stations (hello jello shots)
- In 2024 the shirts ran small, but the expo was big and fun
#3 Carmel Marathon
Date: April 19, 2025
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Profile: Flat to rolling (682 feet gain)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
Heading into its 15th year, the Carmel Marathon has cemented itself as a great race to use to achieve a BQ. The course is flat and fast and consists of two unique loops with runners passing the start and finish line area before starting the second half of the race.
The race offers pacers for anyone aiming for anywhere from a 3-hour finish to a 6:30 finish.
In addition to the marathon, there is also a 5k and 10k that start at 8 a.m. while the half marathon starts with the full and relay participants at 8:10 a.m.
With the run in mid-April, the event often boasts excellent conditions for runners with cooler temps. This is a major win for many of you that will be prepared from running through winter and not yet ready for a warm race.
According to the website, more than 21% of finishers ran a BQ time so if that’s a goal of yours this may be a good event to train for.
I also feel it’s important to point out that the finisher’s area includes a post-race pancake village. This sounds like a great way to refuel after a marathon!
One additional plus is that the race is on a Saturday. This is nice because it gives you Sunday to relax and recover before you have to head back to work on Monday.
Runners have said:
- While there were some complaints about crowded roads in 2024, most have only good things to say
- Crowd support is more minimal than some of the other races, but it’s a nice area to run through
- Course is flat and fast, weather could be cold
#4 Bayshore Marathon
Date: May 25, 2025
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Profile: Flat (329 feet of gain)
Type: Out-and-back
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
If you’re looking for flat, fast, and scenic, look no further than the Bayshore Marathon. This is a great race for both experienced and beginner marathoners.
The out-and-back course is mostly along the waterfront of Grand Traverse Bay, which provides beautiful scenery. The route is also shaded a majority of the time, which is great since the race is Memorial Day weekend and you just never know if it’s going to be hot or cool. The temps range from 45-69 on average.
There are some good spectator spots and they do provide shuttles to help ease traffic around the area. Runners can also count on pace groups if they’re looking to secure a specific finishing time.
The Saturday race does have a strict 6-hour time limit so that’s something to keep in mind. It’s also one of the top races for those chasing a BQ. There is also a 10k and half marathon at Bayshore and all events do sell out so make sure to register early.
Big, big fan of this town for a runcation and the course. I saw a lot of cheering and it’s on the easier side of courses for spring races. However, warmer temps are definitely possible. We had a pretty toasty day.
Read all our tips for the Bayshore Marathon >>
#5 Eugene Marathon
Date: April 27, 2025
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Profile: Flat (though officially it says 760 feet of gain, that’s 3X Chicago)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
If you’ve ever wanted to run in one of the most famous running towns in the U.S., then you need to run the Eugene Marathon. Run the same streets as Steve Prefontaine and other running legends and let it inspire your performance!
The Eugene Marathon is the largest race in the Pacific Northwest.
The marathon route starts in the shadow of the famous Hayward Field and tours neighborhoods around the university and several beautiful parks. The finish line on the track inside Hayward Field is icing on the cake for participants.
The race offers a half marathon, 5k, and a Duck Dash for kids too. There are pace groups based on BQ times and the course has a strict, but generous 7-hour cutoff time. The half and full sell out usually at least one month before the event in late April so don’t wait to register.
This is a race often selected by those seeking out fast marathon times.
Runners have said:
- Starting is crowded for a few miles
- Part along a river, part residential, so not the most scenic or biggest crowd support
- The size of the medal got a lot of attention and the Nike swag
#6 Los Angeles Marathon
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Los Angeles, California
Profile: Rolling (around 950 feet of gain)
Type: Point-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon! The course is called Stadium to the Stars and starts at the Dodgers Stadium and then takes you along a route lined with spectators through unique neighborhoods and past some of LA’s most notable landmarks. The finish line is on the world famous Avenue of the Stars.
Some of the landmarks and neighborhoods you’ll experience on the point-to-point course include LA City Hall, the Chinatown Dragon Gate, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Rodeo Drive and Historic Route 66.
The race has some rolling hills, but also some nice downhills and is a USATF-certified course. There is a 6:30 cutoff from when the last person crosses the start line. The event also offers a 5k on Saturday and a half marathon in conjunction with the marathon.
Tips for running the LA Marathon >>
#7 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Profile: Flat (270 feet gain)
Type: Out-and-back
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
On the same day as the LA Marathon, but on the opposite coast, is the popular Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. This race is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition!
This has been considered a not to miss party for many, many years!
The Shamrock Marathon weekend boasts an 8k, half marathon, and marathon. The course is flat, fast, and scenic. The first section heads north into a state park and the Ft. Story, which is where Jamestown colonists first landed in America in 1607. So you get a little bit of history.
Then you head south into more resort areas and Camp Pendleton and then turn around to finish on the well known Virginia Beach Boardwalk finished just past the King Neptune statue with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
The race weekend includes a two-day expo, a finish line party, Yuengling beer, a race shirt, and a medal.
You can also get additional bling by running the 8k on Saturday in what’s known as the Whale Challenge. The course has a generous 7:30 time limit (17:09/mile) and is a great option for first time marathoners, those chasing a PR or a BQ.
Runners have said:
- Get your costume ready, it’s way more fun to get in the spirit
- Very well organized for a large race, leave plenty of time to park at the start
- Good post race with bands and food, plenty of water on course too
#8 Little Rock Marathon
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Profile: Rolling hills (around 1000 feet gain)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
Known as the “race for every pace,” Little Rock Marathon is a great event for newbies to elite athletes alike. The race offers a generous 8-hour time limit making it a welcoming place for runners and walkers of varying paces.
The USATF-certified course is a loop and takes runners by famous places in Little Rock, including the state capitol building, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the Robinson Center, and the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
In addition to great crowd support, the marathon is known for its crazy marathon medals.
They weigh in at a whopping three pounds and correspond to a central theme with the race. In addition to the marathon, there is also a half, 10k, 5k, and a kids race.
Runners have said:
- Course goes by all the key local sites
- Crowd support is fantastic (again more folks handing out libations)
- Aid stations every couple of miles
- Definitely stay in the host hotel it makes life so easy
#9 Grandma’s Marathon
Date: June 2025
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Profile: Rolling hills (470 feet), net downhill (-578 feet)
Type: Point-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
With more than 20,000 participants, the Grandma’s Marathon of today is a long way from the tiny race it started as in 1977 with only 150 runners. Today it’s a highlight of the yearly calendar and makes an immense economic impact on the Duluth region.
The course is scenic and runs along the shores of Lake Superior before heading into downtown Duluth. While it has rolling hills, it is a net downhill course with a total elevation change of -130 feet.
In addition to a two-day expo, Grandma’s offers a 5k and half marathon, a kids race, a pre-race spaghetti dinner, and a two-day music festival.
As a coach, I’ve heard about this race yearly because people go back again and again, though it sells out!
Runners have said:
- “Duluth shows up” with great crowd support in second half, first part of the race is quiet along the lake
- Sells out for a good reason
- Flat and fast for getting those PR’s and BQ’s
#10 Myrtle Beach Marathon
Date: March 1, 2025
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Profile: Flat (280 feet gain)
Type: Loop
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
Looking for a southern race? Look no further than the Myrtle Beach Marathon.
The race, with its flat and fast course, includes 9 miles along the beach. While it can be humid, it is the south after all, the weather is usually temperate and sunny allowing for great performances by participants.
In addition to the marathon, there is also a half, 5k and family fun run to get the whole family involved. There is also a popular Finish Line Festiva with live music and plenty of food. Participants earn a medal, shirt, and a finisher premium too.
As Myrtle Beach is a summer destination and the race is in March, you’ll have your pick of lodging options and plenty of top-notch restaurants, and tons of shopping and entertainment options. You can definitely make this a run-cation!
Runners have said:
- Beautiful ocean views
- No expo, but a long sleeve shirt
- Budget friendly in terms of hotels, flights, etc
#11 Colorado Marathon
Date: May 4, 2025
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Profile: Downhill (243 feet gain, 1300 feet descent)
Type: Point-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
While you do have to contend with altitude, the Colorado Marathon is one of Colorado’s fastest downhill races. The race annually qualifies 16-18% of all Boston qualifier entrants each year. That’s impressive!
The race is held in beautiful Poudre Canyon with runners enjoying incredible scenery from canyon walls to the Cache La Poudre River. The point-to-point course boasts a fast downhill section that rewards runners with an opportunity to set a PR or get a BQ. The race finishes in downtown Fort Collins.
Because the race starts at over 6,000 feet above sea level, it’s recommended you do arrive in Colorado a few days early to help you adjust if you’re not used to running at higher altitudes. It’s also important to focus on hydration.
In addition to the full, there’s also a half, 10k, and 5k.
Runners have said:
- A few of our coaches can vouch for the beauty of this race!
- Buses to the start means you need to be prepared with throw away gear, canyons are dark and cold
- Get those legs ready for the downhill, it’s not like a Revel, but still needs appropriate training
#12 Missoula Marathon
Date: June 29, 2025
Location:Missoula, Montana
Profile: Flat (362 feet gain)
Type: Point-to-point
Boston Qualifier?: Yes
Last, but most certainly not least, is the Missoula Marathon. A great option for those seeking smaller races done well.
Another flat and fast point-to-point course, this one does have a pretty significant hill at the halfway mark. However, as they say, what goes up must come down!
This is a great option for folks looking for both a scenic and urban course. It starts in the countryside and finishes in historic downtown Missoula. The race has 1,500 participants in the marathon, while they have 3,000 slots in the half and 1,500 for the 5k.
Despite being a late June race, the area is usually pretty cool with low humidity making it an ideal race if you’re striving for a good performance. The race has a generous 7:30 time limit too making it another walker friendly course.
Whether you’re looking to visit a new state, run a BQ, or tackle your first marathon, Missoula is a great option.
Runners have said:
- 3 Mile beer run on Friday night for some added fun
- Not the most scenic, but overall still pretty and for a small race good crowds
- Shuttles are super easy and downtown finish area is really walk-able
All right I’m positive someone will say our list of best spring marathons in the US is missing something because there are so many! So if you’ve got a great one, feel free to drop it below!
These lists are continually updated based on feedback from our thousands of athletes and you!
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