Named after the mythic sprint from Marathon to Athens in ancient Greece after the Battle of Marathon by a Greek messenger with news of the victory of the battle, the modern day marathon is a less frantic, though no less seriously regarded, long-distance foot race with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres or 26 miles 385 yards.
The top marathon events in the USA offer different attractions, from spectacular settings in Honolulu, New York, California, Alaska and more, to different challenges from mountains to speed on flat courses.
ALASKA
Mount Marathon
July
Seward
Each year on the Fourth of July, the population of Seward swells from around 2,500 to around 40,000. The annual Mount Marathon footrace draws runners from around the world and is a favorite hometown event that has drawn Alaskans to Seward for the Fourth of July since 1915.
The route climbs 1.5 miles up the face of mountain — complete with steep cliffs, waterfalls and a spectacular view — and back down. The Independence Day festivities include a fireworks display, street vendors, contests, street parade and other special events.
For more information visit: www.sewardak.org
CALIFORNIA
ING Bay to Breakers 12K
3rd Sunday in May
San Franciscp, California
Heading for its 100th birthday in 2011, the ING Bay to Breakers 12K is one of the world’s largest and oldest footraces with 65,000 + participants and 100,000 + spectators annually.
The name reflects the traditional course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of the downtown area near The Embarcadero (the “Bay” side of the city) to the west end of the city and the “breakers” of Ocean Beach.
For more information visit: www.ingbaytobreakers.com/main.html
DC
Marine Corps Marathon
October
A tradition for over 33 years, the 26 mile, 385 yard, USATF certified course, also known as “The People’s Marathon” is relatively flat, winding through Arlington, Georgetown and the District of Columbia.
The "Marathon of the Monuments” course passes many of the area's attractions including the Capitol, Union Station, the Jefferson, Lincoln and FDR Memorials, the Pentagon, the Smithsonian museums and the Kennedy Center.
For more information visit: www.marinemarathon.com
HAWAII
Honolulu Marathon
December
Oahu, Hawaii
One of the world’s largest and most festive road races, the Honolulu Marathon 26.2-mile, scenic course includes spectacular views along world famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
Since the race began in 1973 it has grown to include more than 30,000 athletes, a good number of which travel from as far as Japan to take part.
For more information visit: http://HonoluluMarathon.org
ILLINOIS
Chicago Marathon
October
Chicago, Illinois
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Runners from 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream.
Known for its fast, flat course, the Chicago Marathn also offers a scenic tour of Chicago as it weaves through 29 diverse neighborhoods and dozens of local and historic landmarks.
For more information visit: www.chicagomarathon.com
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Marathon
April
Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events. A Boston tradition for more than 112 years, the 26 mile, 385 yard Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race.
To qualify to run the Boston Marathon, entrants must run a qualifying time at a certified marathon. In 2007 more than 20000 runners completed the race.
For more information visit: www.bostonmarathon.org
NEW YORK
New York Marathon
November
New York, New York
One the USA’s major annual marathons, the New York Marathon is popular in part for the excitement of the crowds lining the route.
When it first took place in 1970, the New York City Marathon took place with less than 130 runners competing along several laps around Central Park’s Park Drive. Today. drawing more than 100,000 applicants and attracting many world-class professional athletes, the New York City Marathon covers all 5 boroughs of the city and is broadcast live on NBC to more than 300 million viewers worldwide.
For more information visit: www.nycmarathon.org/home/index.php
