Best races in every state. 25 Iconic American Road Races

Looking for:

Best races in every state
Click here to ENTER

Nothing beats the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling of lining up with hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of other runners at an early-morning start, hearing the gun go off, and racing through a picturesque city, trail, or coastline with spirited spectators cheering you on along the way.

Mark your calendar , pin your race bib, and meet us at the starting line! Where: New Orleans, Louisiana Register: runsignup. Why Run It: Billed as the oldest running race in the southeast, this year-old event takes runners on a 9K 5. The postrace bash at Natchez Dock overlooks both the Mississippi River and the city and features unlimited draft beer plus unique local eats, such as jambalaya, king cakes, and baked cheese curls.

Where: Orlando, Florida Register: rundisney. Years later, Walt Disney has that experience dialed. Before 20, runners pass through all four Walt Disney World parks, entertainers of all kinds—costumed characters, live bands, acrobats, comedians—post up at each half-mile.

Luckily, the course has a seven-hour time limit. Each runner must maintain a mile pace throughout the race. Runners must be in their corrals a half hour before the a. Where: Tampa, Florida Register: rungasparilla. At the halfway turnaround point, runners are greeted by the Tampa Rough Riders, a crew of costumed cavalrymen in a decked out train trolley who dole out beads and a limited supply of donuts. After pivoting, runners will receive another treat: a view of the downtown Tampa skyline that lasts all the way to the finish line.

Where: New York City Register: nyrr. Where: Carlsbad, California Register: carlsbad A staggered age-based start system puts elite runners last, which allows the everyday athlete a chance to watch history happen while basking in the Pacific Ocean breeze and sipping suds at the finish line beer garden. World record breakers are honored with a new brew specially crafted and named for them. Where: Washington, D. Register: cherryblossom.

An out-and-back course means that back-of-the-pack runners can observe the elites, who in the past have included Olympic medalists like Meb Keflezighi and Joan Benoit Samuelson. Where: Austin, Texas Register: cap10K. The Finish Line Festival features more live tunes, local food trucks, a beer and Bloody Mary garden, a dronie station selfies, but taken with a drone , a massage tent, and photo booths. Where: New Orleans Register: ccc10k.

The fast, point-to-point course starts in front of the Superdome, home of the Saints. Between miles 1 and 2, runners pass the historical Jackson Square then make their way through the French Quarter and up Esplanade Avenue to the stunning City Park.

Where: Monterey, California Register: bsim. When you think bucket list races, Big Sur should be near the top of the list.

This point-to-point course closes down Highway 1 in California. You will start among the giant Redwoods in Big Sur and work your way onto one of the most scenic marathon routes in the country. At the halfway point, you go over the iconic Bixby Bridge, where a piano player serenades you at the top of the giant uphill. Where: Indianapolis, Indiana Register: indymini.

Why Run It: More than 80 entertainment groups and spirit squads line the course of this fairly flat half marathon that ranks within the top 20 largest road races in the U. The route includes a full 2. It starts as runners cross the White River at mile 12 and begin to spot the telltale black-and-white checkered flags and hear the roar of the crowds. Festivities continue at the postrace party in Military Park, which is open to runners and spectators and includes live tunes, a live video feed of the race, and food from local restaurants.

Where: Spokane, Washington Register: bloomsdayrun. Why Run It: This historic 12K was born during the running boom in when local runner and Olympian Don Kardong suggested the city should have a downtown run of its own; 1, runners finished in the inaugural event. The hilly course features two tough inclines. While some consider Cemetery Hill between mile 2 and 3 the most challenging part of the course, most give that honor to Doomsday Hill, located between miles 4 and 5.

To get you through those tough spots, there are over 25 bands playing tunes from almost every genre of music along the way. Where: Philadelphia Register: broadstreetrun.

Runners will also breeze by sports stadiums for the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and the Sixers before finishing on the Marine Parade Grounds in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where ships and cheering crowds await.

Support is provided along the route as well in the form of music groups, high school bands, cheerleading squads, church choirs, and drill teams. Where: San Francisco, California Register: baytobreakers. The hilly course beware of Hayes Street Hill, a 0. Approximately , spectators cheer on the field and take in the uber-creative, downright weird, and larger-than-life costumes that runners are known to wear. Where: Chicago Register: soldierfield Postrace tailgating on the nearby Stadium Green features food, beer, two hours of live music, and clear views of Lake Michigan.

Where: Boulder, Colorado Register: bolderboulder. Runners can enjoy even more fresh-air Boulder festivities at the annual Creek Festival, a three-day extravaganza of local food, drink, vendors, carnival rides, and live music hosted that weekend. Where: Seward, Alaska Register: mmr. Because these conditions are not for the average 5Ker, first-timers must complete the entire course prior to race day. But the treacherous trail is countered by stunning scenery along the route and at the peak.

Think: vibrant green and snow-capped mountains, glacial cirques, and sparkling blue waters in the Gulf of Alaska. Where: Atlanta, Georgia Register: atlantatrackclub. Why Run It: Upwards of , spectators plus four radio broadcasts along the course rally runners as they wind their way through Buckhead into midtown Atlanta in this year-old Independence Day race, the largest 10K in the world.

Philip around mile two. The support is especially needed about half a mile later as runners tackle Cardiac Hill, which rises more than feet in approximately 0. While conquering Cardiac, participants are cheered by patients at the Shepherd Center, which specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation.

Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Register: libertymile. Why Run It: The fastest race in Pittsburgh kicks off at 7 p. With a variety of one-mile races for participants to choose from, such as the Youth One for Fun Mile and the Youth Pup Trot Mile, there is something for the entire family.

The certified, looped course starts on Penn Avenue in the heart of the Cultural District. Racers then make a turn onto 11th Street, and another quick turn onto Liberty Street for the final stretch.

The start and finish lines are only a block apart, so spectators can catch both the beginning and the end—if they move quickly.

After the masses finish, runners and spectators can watch the pro athletes battle it out for a hefty purse. Where: Davenport, Iowa Register: bix7. Why Run It: This out-and-back race through downtown Davenport is rife with seriously steep hills. Another doozy, McClellan Boulevard hill, arrives at the turnaround point.

The event celebrates its 46th year in , and owes much of its success—and popularity with elites—to distance runner Bill Rodgers who joined the race in in lieu of the boycotted Moscow Olympics. Since then, the race regularly draws top talent from around the globe, including Joan Benoit Samuelson and Meb Keflezighi , who compete yearly alongside Rodgers.

Where: Cape Elizabeth, Maine Register: beach2beacon. The winding route takes runners along tree-lined roads with panoramic Atlantic Ocean vistas. Samuelson herself greets runners at the finish line. Where: Falmouth, Massachusetts Register: falmouthroadrace. Why Run It: This 7-mile course is nearly completely seaside, beginning in Woods Hole with the first three miles on narrow, hilly, winding and tree-shaded roads.

From there, the race is all downhill to the finish along Falmouth Heights Beach. Bridge, the longest cable-stay bridge in North America. Young runners can get in the fun too with the kids run and festival held the day before at Hampton Park, the largest park in the Charleston peninsula.

Where: St. Paul, Minnesota Register: tcmevents. The race starts in downtown Minneapolis, then crosses the Mississippi River into St. The course bills itself as the most beautiful urban marathon in the country, and it might just live up to the hype—the route loops around four lakes and parallels the river, giving runners a nature fix in the middle of two big cities.

Where: Utica, New York Register: boilermaker. Why Run It: This hilly course is billed as a big city event held in a small town. The 15K is the premier event of the weekend, attracting national-caliber elites.

Along with panoramic views signature to upstate New York, the Boilermaker is known for its spectator support and challenging inclines. Where: Washington D. Register: armytenmiler. Why Run It: This miler is staffed by more than active-duty soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment. Runners cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which features spectacular views of the Potomac River, then pass a handful of national monuments including the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Roughly 35, military personnel, runners, and spectators mingle out front of the Pentagon at the postrace party. Where: Chicago, Illinois Register: chicagomarathon. Where: Boston, Massachusetts Register: baa. You will either need to clock a qualifying time or nab a highly coveted charity bib. Where: Arlington, Virginia Register: marinemarathon. Where: Mill Valley, California Register: dipsea. Why Run It: This treacherous 7.

11 of Our Favorite Races to Run in – Outside Online.

 
The biggest challenge in the race is the notoriously grueling Hayes Hillwhich begins at mile two. The diversity of the city and how the route runs right through the Maryland Zoo are just two of the aspects that make this course unique.

– Best races in every state

May 30, Boulder, Colo. A Memorial Day tradition since , this 10K winds through one of the top endurance-sports towns in the world.

It provides mile-by-mile splits for each runner. It has a great elite field leading the way. June 4, Albany, N. Close to 5, women participate annually, including regulars such as running icon Joan Benoit Samuelson.

July 4, Atlanta This 10K race has been a tradition in Atlanta since The sheer size of the field leads to enormous crowds cheering you on. July 9, Kingsport, Tenn. July 10, Utica, N. One of the top 15Ks in the country has been going for 38 years and counting.

The race will be the 44th in its prestigious history, with 12, runners on hand to take on the 7-mile course. The race is so popular that a lottery is held in May to determine entries. It also attracts an excellent elite field annually. For age-groupers, the race is a charming run through downtown Providence, passing the Rhode Island State House among other landmarks. The year-old race gives out a finisher coin to all participants.

All finishers get a race medal and Under Armour performance shirt. The course takes runners through downtown Chicago with the finish line in Grant Park, where a post-race party with lots of hot chocolate awaits. The longest-running road race in the United States, the edition will be the st consecutive Thanksgiving Day run.

The courses are flat and fast; the marathon runs along a scenic lake for the first several miles, and both races offer gorgeous views while crossing the river. Both races start and end at the same point, but the longer course travels down along the scenic Lake Taneycomo and climbs feet to the highest point on the course. The singletrack trail has some incredible sights, with sweeping vistas and soaring rock formations everywhere you look.

Nebraska Marathon , Omaha. October will mark the debut of the full Nebraska Marathon; its half-marathon and 5K companion races were both held for the first time in Both the half and the full course take runners along the Missouri River through Lewis and Clark Landing and Heartland of America Park, then cross over into Iowa before turning back to the waterfront finish-line festival. For most race courses, running them at night would mean missing out on the best scenery.

But on the famous Las Vegas Strip, after dark is the best time to take in the sights. This November road-race-slash-dance-party with marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K options begins just as the sun is setting, and treats runners to dazzling lights and upbeat music from start to finish.

Reach the Beach Relay , Bretton Woods. Oh, and it takes place in September—peak season for New England fall foliage. Belmar Five , Belmar. This small-town Jersey Shore road race attracts several thousand runners every year, thanks to its fast, flat, and scenic course around two lakes and along the Atlantic Ocean.

The sea breeze helps keeps runners cool, even in the heat of July, and the finish-line festival at Silver Lake Park is not to be missed. Few races provide a mix of urban and rural scenery the way this one does: It starts in downtown Santa Fe but quickly climbs into the hills outside of town.

Catskill Mountain Road Relay , Phoenicia. This K mile road race is run every August—traditionally in teams of five to 10, but in recent years some solo ultra-runners have taken on the challenge and succeeded , as well.

These races, held every May, take place in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This September race follows the Missouri River and crosses over it twice on a fast and flat out-and-back, made up mostly of paved streets and bike trails. Towpath Marathon , Peninsula.

Williams Route 66 Marathon , Tulsa. This November race series—featuring a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and 5K—takes runner through downtown Tulsa and along the Arkansas River. The full and half marathon both cross over the iconic American highway for which the race is named, and the full course runs along it for just a few blocks. Gorge Waterfalls 50K , Cascade Locks. They do a K out-and-back, too!

Pine Creek Challenge, Wellsboro. This September ultramarathon offers mile and kilometer options, with just over participants total. After it splits from the half, the marathon course continues to the southeast point of the island, passing through the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge and running along Sakonnet River. Cooper River Bridge Run , Mt. Run Crazy Horse , Crazy Horse.

Mickelson Trail. This The course is known for its cascading streams, blooming rhododendrons, and views of the Tennessee River. Moab Trail Marathon , Moab. Home to the USA Trail Marathon Championships, this course has a little bit of everything: narrow canyons, impressive red-rock arches, Colorado River views, constantly changing terrain, and two major climbs with about 3, feet of total elevation gain and loss.

Covered Bridge Half Marathon , Pomfret. Vermont is home to many scenic trail runs and arduous mountain climbs with rewarding views, but no race is quite as unique as this small-town charity event held every June. Capped at 2, entries which sell out in minutes , the race winds along country roads and passes by or under four historic covered bridges along the way. Runners climb and descend three different mountains, all with magnificent views of the Roanoke Valley below, on this annual April race along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The companion Bellingham Bay Marathon , Bellingham. Runners pass through rural farmland and along waterfront greenways before finishing in downtown Bellingham—the northernmost city in the contiguous United States.

For a shorter tour around this Pacific Northwest wonderland, choose the half marathon, 10K, or 5K option, all held the same day in September. Ice Age Trail 50 , La Grange. Held each May in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, this is one of the oldest trail races in the country. The course follows the wide, scenic Nordic Trail—terrain created by glaciers that flowed 10, years ago—through pine forests and open meadows, over rolling hills, and past the remains of old pioneer settlements. Choose from a miler, 50K, or half marathon.

Choose between , , , and mile options, all on rugged mountain trails and four-wheel drive roads. The race, held during wildflower season every June, is extremely challenging—with elevations of up to 10, feet—but is designed to highlight the scenery of the wild and primitive Bighorn Mountains.

– 25 Iconic American Road Races – PodiumRunner

 
 
Oct 03,  · U.S. Senate Florida — Demings vs. Rubio. Val Demings, Marco Rubio. In the swing state of Florida, which has tilted Republican Georgia — Warnock vs. Walker. Raphael . May 24,  · Next thing you know, you’ll be signing up for Runner’s World magazine’s annual “hat trick” race in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where participants complete a 5K run, a 10K run . Oct 04,  · Race/Topic (Click to Sort) Poll Results Spread; Pennsylvania: Trump vs. Biden: The Hill/Emerson: Trump 46, Biden Trump +1: Missouri: Trump vs. Biden: The .