With spin classes, lap pools and gyms closed for over a year, many people turned back to (or started getting into) running to stay in shape and keep their body moving. In fact, a survey taken back in March of 2021 showed that physical activity is up 88% within the past year since the lockdown and social distancing began. The world is starting to shift back to our new “normal” post pandemic which is allowing for safe activities such as half marathons and marathons to commence this month. There’s still plenty of time to hop on a training plan to run a half marathon or marathon by the end of this summer!
August
8th: Camarillo Marathon – Camarillo, CA
This race offers both a half marathon and marathon option in southern California. Known for it’s flat lands just outside of the hills in Los Angeles, this is a great route for beginners or more advanced runners to potentially hit a PR. Jobs Nearby
14th: Crater Lake Marathon – Crater Lake, OR
This race offers a quarter marathon and half marathon option around beautiful lakes with steep inclines in Oregon. Jobs Nearby
22nd: Humpy’s Marathon – Anchorage, AK
This is a race day for all in downtown Anchorage. From the 49K Ultra marathon all the way down to the kids’ 2K run, the whole family can win a medal with beautiful views of lagoons and state parks. Jobs Nearby
22nd: Pikes Peak Marathon – Manitou Springs, CO
Being the 3rd oldest US marathon, the Pikes Peak Marathon is happy to make a comeback this year. This race is not for the weak at heart running on gravel roads for majority of the race and ascending almost 6,000 feet within the first half of the marathon. Jobs Nearby
28th: Mesa Falls Marathon – Ashton, ID
This race offers both a half marathon and marathon option that is entirely flat. In fact, it drops almost 1,000 feet from start to finish requiring zero hill training for this race across Idaho’s infamous potato fields. Jobs Nearby
September
12th: Lake Placid Marathon – Lake Placid, NY
Running alongside the Adirondack Mountains, this marathon course has a few steep hills but isn’t recommended for beginners without a bit of training. This course runs along Lake Placid. Jobs Nearby
19th: Omaha Marathon – Omaha, NE
This race includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon option to come visit LRS at our headquarters! With minimal hills circling through our downtown area, you’ll be sure to have some great LRS cheering sections if you choose to sign up! Jobs Nearby
25th: Fargo Marathon – Fargo, ND
This urban and very flat loop is one of the best marathon races to choose if you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon! Once completing the marathon at the Fargo Theatre, spectators will see your name displayed bright on the Jumbotron above. Jobs Nearby
October
3rd: Oklahoma City Marathon – Oklahoma City, OK
This course allows for a ton of sight-seeing without the major hills most marathoners dread. Run through historic neighborhoods as well as near the all the museums and Capitol building downtown. Jobs Nearby
10th: Chicago Marathon – Chicago, IL
Starting in Grant Park, this is one of the best ways to see all of downtown Chicago in a day. With plenty of bands in the numerous neighborhoods within Chicago, you’ll be dancing your way to the finish line! Jobs Nearby
16th: Mississippi Blues Marathon – Jackson, MS
This race offers both a half marathon and marathon option while enjoying significant landmarks throughout Jackson. Plenty of blues bands play along the route to really enjoy a taste of Mississippi. Jobs Nearby
24th: Rock n’ Roll San Diego Marathon – San Diego, CA
One of the largest marathons we have on the list is the beautiful San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon. Although there are a few hills, you can enjoy a 6-mile flat land end to the race before you cross the finish line in front of Petco Park. Jobs Nearby
31st: Flying Pig Marathon – Cincinnati, OH
Other than a 3 mile stretch from miles 6-9, this course is flat and shows off what Ohio has to offer in downtown Cincinnati. Jobs Nearby
November
6th: Garmin Olathe Marathon – Olathe, KS
This race is mostly downhill until the last 1.2 miles. Enjoy running on paved roads as well as through the beautiful trails that Olathe has to offer. Jobs Nearby
13th: Hilton Head Island Marathon – Hilton Head, SC
This extremely scenic route takes runners through two major parks and around creeks in the neighboring areas. With temperatures typically in the 60s during the month of November, this is perfect weather to finish your first marathon! Jobs Nearby
21st: Philadelphia Marathon – Philadelphia, PA
The final race on our list to run in 2021 includes flat terrain running through historic neighborhoods. Enjoy the halfway mark at the Liberty Bell and finishing on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Jobs Nearby
Whether you’re training for your first marathon or ready to take on your tenth, this year is the perfect year to train as we adjust to being outside while having the option to use a treadmill indoors if the weather gets too hot. Either way, we have plenty of travel assignments that coincide with these fantastic races across the country. Where will you run to next?
