The Nation’s Best Spring Marathons

Fitness, News and Advice, Outdoor Activity
on February 27, 2015
Charlottesville Marathon
Miller Lite Charlottesville Marathon
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The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, the temperatures are rising… what time of the year could possibly be better for testing your determination, lacing up, and finally running that famous 26.2 miles? For many of us, spring means slowly easing back into physical activity, but others tackle it head-on by participating in a marathon.

Here, we take you through some of the best marathons happening across the country this spring. And while a few of the most popular picks have already reached their quota of racers this year, it’s never too early to mark your calendar and start training for that perfect springtime marathon in 2016!

 

Napa Valley Marathon

Napa Valley Marathon | Spryliving.com

Napa Valley Marathon

Where: Napa, CA
When: March 1, 2015

Napa Valley is known for its grapes, for sure, but the wine country also serves as a fabulous host for marathon hopefuls each spring. Registration is limited to a fairly small number of runners (about 3,000) so as not to impact the beautiful landscape surrounding the course. Take on the 26.2 miles of rolling scenery—no worries, it’s mostly downhill— and then celebrate with a delicious glass of pinot at a world-famous winery; you’ll have definitely earned it!

 

The ASICS LA Marathon

ASICS LA Marathon | Spryliving.com

ASICS LA Marathon

Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: March 15, 2015

And they’re off! Back for it’s 30th year, the ASICS LA Marathon takes runners from Dodger Stadium to a scenic finish near the Santa Monica Pier. Participants from all 50 states and 55 countries will set out for the finish line on March 15th in hopes of achieving a top prize, but everyone involved is sure to have a great time. This year, the course will feature more than 25 bands and four entertainment stations, with upbeat music and enthusiastic supporters lining every turn.

 

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon | Spryliving.com

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

Where: Virginia Beach, VA
When: March 22, 2015

Most people associate St. Paddy’s Day weekend with drinking and excess, but for runners, there’s no such thing as a spring break! Virginia Beach has welcomed a clan of about 4,000 marathoners to its scenic, flat shoreline every Saint Patrick’s Day since 1973, and more than 20,000 other runners participate annually in the weekend’s other activities (including a half marathon, 8K, and appropriately named “Leprechaun Dash”). In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, the festivities conclude with a party that includes live entertainment, authentic Irish stew, and—most importantly—ice-cold pints of Yuengling.

 

Miller Lite Charlottesville Marathon

Charlottesville Marathon | Spryliving.com

Miller Lite Charlottesville Marathon

Where: Charlottesville,VA
When: April 4, 2015

Charlottesville is the home of the University of Virginia, one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. As such, the Charlottesville Marathon has long been touted as one of the most scenic marathons in the country. The race features a looped route that incorporates a mixture of flat land and rolling hills, all set against a beautiful, rural backdrop. Notable sights along the course include the campus’s famed Jefferson’s Rotunda and Piedmont horse farms←a wonderful change of pace from more typical urban marathon settings.

 

GO! St. Louis

Go! St. Louis | Spryliving.com

Go! St. Louis

Where: St. Louis, MO
When: April 12, 2015

The GO! St. Louis Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend features a competitive marathon as well as other races for all ages and fitness levels, including a half marathon, 5K run/walk, children’s fun run, and a mature mile. The weekend is designed to promote community wellness and attracts more than 25,000 participants annually. Still not convinced? The event also includes Saint Louis-themed race food, including Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Pasta House Toasted Ravioli, and Crown Candy Chocolate…. yum!

 

Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon | Spryliving.com

Boston Marathon

Where: Boston, MA
When: April 20, 2015

The oldest marathon in the United States, the Boston Marathon is reputed as the pinnacle springtime event for marathoners. Even in the aftermath of the horrific Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, Bostonians came back together last year with amped-up security and incredible strength and completed the course in the name of those lost and wounded in the tragedy. Now back for its 119th year, those fast and disciplined enough to qualify for the race will truly enter the big leagues, continuing a tradition that has defined the best of the best runners for generations.

 

St. Jude Country Music Marathon

St. Jude Country Music Marathon | Spryliving.com

St. Jude Country Music Marathon

Where: Nashville, TN
When: April 25, 2015

For runners who love country music, St. Jude’s Country Music Marathon in Nashville is definitely your best bet. The marathon always draws a huge crowd for a rockin’ good time that includes live musical performances throughout the course as well as a huge post-race concert. The performers for this year’s bash are still TBA, but last year the show was headlined by Charles Esten and Clare Bowen from ABC’s hit show Nashville. 

 

Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur International Marathon | Spryliving.com

Big Sur International Marathon

Where: Big Sur, CA
When: April 26, 2015

When it comes to scenic marathons, you can’t do much better than Big Sur, which is set against Highway One’s sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and passes through grand Redwood forests. Runners come from all parts of the world to participate in this destination event, drawn both by the stunning course and the opportunity to face off with international competitors.

 

Flying Pig Marathon

Flying Pig Marathon | Spryliving.com

Flying Pig Marathon

Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: May 3, 2015

The Flying Pig’s silly name alludes to its humble beginnings, which arose from a late-night drinking session among a group of runners and a potential route scribbled on a bar napkin. Now in its 17th year, the Flying Pig Marathon has become one of the largest marathons in the country. More than 30,000 runners participate in the race, which winds through the streets of Cincinnati and is lined with over 100,000 cheering spectators each year.