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14 Marathons to Do in 2014
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Marathons vary as widely as the runners who complete them—luckily, distance runners can be selective about the 26.2-mile events they choose. There are events with singletrack trails, a descent into a canyon and picture-perfect views of mountain peaks for the nature-loving athlete. For fast folks chasing Boston qualifiers, there are flat, quick courses across the country with plenty of competition. And for those who want to enjoy the journey, there are races with beachfront finishes and post-race parties, a course that celebrates the Kentucky Derby and a football-football-football event that takes place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Albany Marathon & Half Marathon
March 1, 2014 - Albany, Georgia
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Ranked among the top Boston qualifiers in the country, nearly 20 percent of the race's finishers qualify for the prestigious Patriot's Day race. Featuring a marathon, half marathon, wheel chair and hand crank races, competitive runners are encouraged to chase prize money totaling more than $12,000. Runners can kick back after the race at the music festival, an all-day event featuring bands, kids' activities, vendors, crafts and the Flint RiverQuarium's annual Turtle Race, which gives participants a chance to win $1 million.?
Citrus Trail Marathon, 50K, 10M & 4M
March 16, 2014 - Inverness, Florida
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If you've never raced on singletrack trails before then you'll be in for a treat at the Citrus Trail Marathon. You can see your competitors ahead of you, which will give you incentive to push harder, and there will be times when you'll need to move aside for faster runners—again, giving you incentive to push harder. Embrace the challenge of rolling hills and the awesome beauty of pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and grassy meadows. The race takes place one hour north of Tampa in the woods of Withlacoochee State Forest. Photo credit: Dennis Navarrette
Yakima River Canyon Marathon
April 5, 2014 - Ellensburg, Washington
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The Yakima River Canyon Marathon's point-to-point course offers spectacular views of the Yakima River Canyon. It starts on Canyon Road and, after two loops, proceeds directly south to the canyon. There are two major hills and many curves as the course follows the Yakima River downstream on the asphalt-surfaced highway. The long downhill just before the finish in rural Selah, Washington, near the canyon's mouth contributes to the net elevation loss of a few hundred feet as it brings the runners to the Yakima Valley orchard and ranch country.
Attend the pre-race pasta dinner and listen to running legend Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon as a registered participant, and her husband, New Zealand former Olympian Roger Robinson, speak.
Attend the pre-race pasta dinner and listen to running legend Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon as a registered participant, and her husband, New Zealand former Olympian Roger Robinson, speak.
Kentucky Derby Marathon and Half Marathon
April 19, 2014 - Louisville, Kentucky
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Don't miss the largest road race in the state of Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby Marathon and Half Marathon starts and finishes in downtown Louisville, and runners will be treated to a flat course with minimal elevations that tours downtown, Churchill Downs, Louisville Slugger, the University of Louisville, past Museum Row and through the nation's largest Victorian neighborhood. Participants will be treated to a post-race party on the waterfront featuring live music as well as technical shirts (available in female and male cuts), unique Kentucky finisher medals and an admission voucher to Churchill Downs (not redeemable until after the Derby). Remove the stress of a commute by staying at The Galt House, located four blocks from the start and finish lines.
San Luis Obispo Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
April 26, 2014 - San Luis Obispo, California
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If you're looking for an old-school race experience in a lovely coastal locale, the San Luis Obispo Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, whose motto is "small town, big race," may be your match. "This race is how it was back in the day, grassroots, friendly people, great organization, sunny weather and a beautiful course," says one race participant who has completed more than 400 endurance events. This Boston Qualifier features open farmland, animals and barns, vineyards and wineries and the iconic Madonna Inn at the finish. Runners are treated to BBQ, wine and craft beer.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon
April 27, 2014 - Canton, Ohio
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NFL fans, geek out at this marathon and half marathon that features a pro football theme throughout the race course, a race expo at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, start of the race at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and finish at the 50-yeard line inside Fawcett Stadium, home of the NFL Hall of Fame game. The event treats runners to fleece finisher blankets, a unique, multi-texture finisher medal and their names splashed across their race bibs. The average high temperature reaches 64, and the average low is 45—perfect for chasing a Boston qualifier.
Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
May 3, 2014 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Earn the title, Runner of Steel, at the sixth annual DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events. Tour the "City of Bridges," with course entertainment featuring music by the mile, multiple neighborhood festivals and plenty of cheerathoner groups. Average temperatures in early May hover around 66 for a high and 46 for a low. Photo Credit: Wick Photography
Weekend Warrior Marathon
May 10, 2014 - Armada Township, Michigan
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This inaugural event will feature a marathon, 25K, half marathon, 10 Mile, 12K and 5K, with a family and kid-friendly "Warrior Mile" fun run/walk. The six USATF-sanctioned events will share one common starting line and one common finish line.?Runners will be grouped according to their pace, not their event. The five longest events all share the same return route using the Macomb Orchard Trail. Recover at the finish line festival with live music, high-flying stunts performed by the Monster Energy BMX Team, and a marketplace that will feature 60 product and food vendors as well as motorcycles, off-road vehicles and watersports displays. The official post-race party will be held at Blake's Winery and Cider House, which features a 10,000-square foot room for wine tasting.
Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
May 10, 2014 - St. Joseph, Minnesota
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Recognized by marathonguide.com as a "top 30" race to qualify for Boston, the Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon boasts a flat, fast, picturesque course. Organized by the St. Cloud River Runners, the mission of the race is to be an event "by runners for runners." This principle is expressed through the free professional photos, awards, food and awesome swag the race provides combined with the friendliness, value, personal attention and hassle-free experience of a small race. Photo Credit: Tony Peroutky
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
May 17, 2014 - Cleveland, Ohio
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The family-oriented 37th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is one of the 50 oldest marathons in the U.S. The race features a flat and fast course and a view of downtown Cleveland including a scenic view of Lake Erie and other famous landmarks. Participants receive a T-shirt, virtual goody bag and a one-of-a kind spinning guitar medal plus free access to the Health and Fitness Expo and 26.3 Mile Rock Party.?Runners are also awarded with discounts to other events in Cleveland while visiting, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sporting events and local restaurants. Photo credit: David Turben
Vancouver USA Marathon
June 15, 2014 - Vancouver, Washington
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The marathon, half marathon and 5K courses are true Pacific Northwest gems, highlighting historic sites and the mighty Columbia River. The event includes a three-day outdoor Active Expo, along with the Vancouver Saturday Market, The Summer Brewfest, and all VUM ceremonies and festivities in Ester Short Park.?
Ventura Marathon
September 7, 2014 - Ventura, California
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It's all about the beach at the Ventura Marathon—reward your race effort by planting your bare toes in the sand, dipping in the cool Pacific ocean for a post-race "ice bath," and drinking a beer at the post-race beach party. Enjoy temperate conditions and a flat, fast course at this Boston qualifier.
Bellingham Bay Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
September 28, 2014 - Bellingham, Washington
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Come experience the natural beauty of Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands; behold mountain views and a touch of trails in Bellingham, Washington. Enjoy what many runners have called "the most beautiful marathon in the Pacific Northwest" at the Bellingham Bay Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K. The event offers registration discounts to senior citizens and active duty military and their dependents. Photo Credit: Adrenaline Event Photography
Queenstown International Marathon
November 22, 2014 - Otago, New Zealand
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If you've longed to run through the lush, verdant, New Zealand countryside surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, the Queenstown International Marathon is your chance. Featuring a marathon, 21K, 10K and 3K kids fun run, the course includes a combination of road and hard-packed trails. Touted as New Zealand's most scenic marathon, runners will soak up views of the pristine lakes and peaks of the Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges.