We take you to warm, sunny locales (like Kauai) for half marathons and marathons in fall and winter, the desert for a century ride in January and a long-distance triathlon in California wine country. Don't see a race in your area? Find a a different race that is.
January: Casa Grande Century
Chandler, Arizona - January 13, 2013 1 of 13
Kick off the year with a century ride through the sunny Sonoran desert. If 100 miles isn't your thing, try the 33- or 62-mile routes.
February: Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - February 17, 2013 2 of 13
The fast, flat course takes runners along coastal road A1A to the finish line at South Beach Park. Endurance athletes looking for a shorter race can opt for the half marathon.
March: Columbia SC Marathon
Columbia, South Carolina - March 9, 2013 3 of 13
This famously hot locale, is a perfectly cool springtime destination. Participants run through historic neighborhoods, near Lake Katherine, past the South Carolina State House in the downtown center and through the University of South Carolina campus before the final downhill descent to the finish line.
April: 2013 Gulf Coast Interstate Relay
New Orleans, Louisiana to Pensacola Beach, Florida - April 4 to April 6, 2013 4 of 13
Run or ride 263 miles past beaches, over 22 bridges and across four Gulf Coast states in this inaugural event dubbed the largest relay in the South. Teams of cyclists and runners will complete the same course, which begins in New Orleans and ends with a big party at Pensacola Beach, Florida.
May: Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - May 4 to May 5, 2013 5 of 13
Tens of thousands of runners line up at the starting line each May amid music and cheering spectators to participate in this Boston Marathon qualifier. Runners who prefer shorter distances never fear! This race weekend features a half marathon, marathon relay, 5K and a one-mile fun run just for kids.
June: Vancouver USA Marathon 2013
Vancouver, Washington - June 14 to June 16, 2013 6 of 13
This three-day event features more than a marathon. Participants can visit the sports and fitness expo, chill out to some music or listen to guest speaker Bart Yasso. There's also a half-marathon, "Freedom" 5K and kid's races.
July: 2013 Full Vineman
Guerneville/Windsor, California - July 27, 2013 7 of 13
Photo by Jeff Kapic
This classic long-distance triathlon kicks off with a swim down the Russian River and then follows with a tour of Sonoma County's vineyards and wineries as participants bike through the Russian River Dry Creek, Alexander Valley and Chalk Hill grape growing regions. The race ends with a three-loop run along scenic, spectator-filled roads.
August: Santa Rosa Full & Half Marathon
Santa Rosa, California - August 25, 2013 8 of 13
The flat, fast Boston Marathon-qualifier event makes a double loop through the scenic Prince Memorial Greenway, where vineyards and views abound.
September: The Kauai Marathon 2013
Kauai, Hawaii - September 1, 2013 9 of 13
Run along the scenic coastline of Kauai with views of beaches, rugged volcanic peaks and tropical rainforests. The course climbs to the top of Kalaheo, offering stunning views of the ocean, before making a gradual descent to Poipu Beach. Runners looking for something more relaxing can opt for the half marathon course.
October: DiabloMan Triathlon 2013
Walnut Creek, California - October 12 to October 13, 2013 10 of 13
Jaeger Shots
Bike and run to the top of Mount Diablo in this challenging triathlon. The weekend event also hosts a kid's triathlon featuring a 100-yard swim, 1.16-mile bike and 0.49-mile run.
November: XTERRA Little Mulberry Park 5k/10k Trail Run
Dacula, Georgia - November 16, 2013 11 of 13
H&H Multimedia
This is fall off-road running at its best. The terrain offers a little bit of everything from rolling and steep short hills to single and double track trails.
December: Holualoa Tucson Marathon
Tucson, Arizona - December 2013 12 of 13
The morning might start out chilly, but by the time you've descended the 2,200 feet in elevation to the finish line, the temps should reach a toasty 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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