There is certainly no shortage of road races in the U.S. to pick from when looking for your next running challenge.
But if you prefer well-established, large-scale events packed with thousands of people, these 10 races saw the largest numbers of people crossing their finish line, including 10Ks, marathons and even the rare 8K distance.
Here are the 10 biggest road races, according to Running USA's most recent report.
1. AJC Peachtree Road Race
Atlanta,Ga. 1 of 11
This 10K run on the Fourth of July each year has quickly become a summer tradition for 57,000 runners, making it America's largest road race. Ending in Atlanta's famous Piedmont Park, the course tours two of the city's major neighborhoods, Buckhead and Midtown. Test your fitness on the infamous "Cardiac Hill," which passes in front of Piedmont Hospital—pun intended, we're sure.
Photo Credit: Paul Kim.
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race near you2. TCS New York City Marathon
New York City, N.Y. 2 of 11
Often referred to as the world's largest moving block party, this 46-year-old race ranks as the largest marathon on both the U.S. and global scale. The 26.2-mile trek through the city's five major boroughs is a popular bucket list item for runners across the world, and the exclusive entry process makes running this race extra special.
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race near you3. BolderBOULDER
Boulder, Colo. 3 of 11
This Memorial Day 10K roams the beautiful streets of Boulder, Colorado, before finishing on the field at the University of Colorado football stadium. Post-race, runners hang out in the stands, cheering on their fellow runners with an adult beverage and recovery food. Out-of-towners should be aware that this race takes place at an altitude of 5,430 feet, so taking time to adjust is a must.
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race near you4. Lilac Bloomsday Run
Spokane, Wash. 4 of 11
Calling all literature buffs! Taking place on the first Sunday of May each year, this event references "Ulysses," a novel written by James Joyce about the experiences of Irishman Leopold Bloom. While less dramatic than the famous novel, the course features nearly 30 live bands, so you're sure to enjoy every mile of this 12K race.
Photo Credit: Jeff Ferguson.
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race near you5. Chicago Marathon
Chicago, Ill. 5 of 11
Another common bucket list race, the Chicago Marathon has been completed by people from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The fast and flat course has produced four world records, a number of national records and countless PRs, and 1.7 million spectators show up each year to cheer on the runners.
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race near you6. Blue Cross Broad Street Run
Philadelphia, Pa. 6 of 11
Named one of the fastest 10-mile courses in the country, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run is a point-to-point that finishes inside the famed Philadelphia Navy Yard. Entertainment along the course includes live bands, cheerleading teams and church choirs to support and encourage runners all the way to the finish.
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race near you7. Boston Marathon
Boston, Mass. 7 of 11
As the ultimate goal of many runners around the world, the Boston Marathon is held annually on Patriots' Day, commemorating the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Considered one of the more difficult marathon courses, the hilly race takes runners through eight towns in the Boston area. The 2016 race will be the 119th running of the event.
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race near you8. Cooper River Bridge Run
Charleston, S.C. 8 of 11
With dual objectives of increasing interest in exercise and raising funds for exercise education, this 10K race aims to give back to its community. Have artistic chops? Enter their design contest for a chance to have your creative image on the official race t-shirt and poster.
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race near you9. Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
Chicago, Ill. 9 of 11
Kick off the spring racing season with 30,000 of your closest friends by running the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. The unusual 8K distance loops through downtown Chicago, culminating with a St. Patrick's Day celebration and post-race party at the finish line in Grant Park.
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race near you10. Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Run
Richmond, Va. 10 of 11
This fun 10K invites runners to dress up in their craziest costumes for an event loaded with course entertainment, volunteer support and spectator cheers. Want a chance at $2,500? Enter the AT&T Dash for the Cash, and you'll get a head start on the race. If you can cross the finish line before the fastest elite runner, you win the cold hard cash.
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