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Early Season Marathons in the Midwest
Written by
Erica Schuckies
Is a marathon on your 2016 list of to-dos? With race options ranging from high-energy, football-themed courses to quaint, small-town runs, we found an option for everyone.
Carmel Marathon
April 16, 2016, Carmel, Ind.
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Featuring live bands, DJs and cheer zones along the course, the Carmel Marathon will leave no runner feeling unsupported. With less than 200 feet of elevation change, this race provides an opportunity to qualify for Boston or for a new 26.2 PR. The looped course means runners finish across the same line they started on, giving family and friends an easy athlete-tracking day.
2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame
April 24, 2016, Canton, Ohio
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Calling all football fans! Taking place in the home city of Pro Football's Hall of Fame, this marathon is a must-do for true sports fans. Not only do runners finish the race on the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, all participants also receive entry to the Hall of Fame during the Race Expo (which also takes place at the Hall). Stay warm in the spring chill with a commemorative fleece given to all finishers.
Oshkosh Marathon
April 24, 2016, Oshkosh, Wisc.
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The 12th running of the Oshkosh Marathon will leave you feeling extra catered-to, with themed water stations sponsored by local businesses and massage therapists available for post-race aches. The course starts in downtown Oshkosh, amidst historic buildings, then takes runners on the Wiowash Trail, along the Fox River and finally, into the Leach Amphitheatre. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local nonprofit organizations, giving you the feel-goods about participating.
Illinois Marathon
April 30, 2016, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
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Need a little motivation during your race? The Illinois Marathon is known for hundreds of extremely supportive volunteers and spectators on the course, described by past runners as "the happiest people on earth." With a flat course running through the University of Illinois and the picturesque neighborhoods of Urbana and Champaign, and finishing on the field of Memorial Stadium, this race is perfect for first-timers.
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
April 30, 2016, Louisville, Kent.
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Ran in conjunction with one of the most famous horse races in the world, the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon allows you to channel your best racehorse as you complete part of the run on the track of Churchill Downs. Lucky enough to score a PR at this race? Ring the PR gong to celebrate your new best time. Photo credit: Gregg Cobb.
Run for the Lakes
April 30, 2016, Brainerd, Minn.
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Now in its ninth year, this Boston Qualifier draws more than 1,500 runners winding their way through the woods of Minnesota. Run entirely by volunteers, the Run for the Lakes features a looped course past 10 lakes (hence the name) and a number of cheer zones before finishing at the Nisswa Community Center for a post-race celebration sponsored by Michelob Ultra.
Lincoln Marathon
May 1, 2016, Lincoln, Neb.
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This 36-year-old race organized by the Lincoln Track Club is a local favorite, with neighborhoods on the course joining the efforts in staffing aid stations and providing much-needed motivation. Finishing at the 50-yard line in Memorial Stadium, Husker football fans won't want to miss this race. In the 2015 edition, runners and spectators were able to download the Lincoln Marathon mobile app for the first time ever to get race updates, track runners and connect with the race on social media. Image Credit: Steve Kuhn.
Joplin Memorial Marathon
May 20, 2016, Joplin, Mo.
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Race organizers created the Joplin Memorial Marathon as a way to honor the memory of the 161 people who lost their lives as a result of the EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin in May 2011. Previously known as The Boomtown Run until 2011, the course of this Boston Qualifier follows the path of the historic May 22nd tornado, allowing runners to pay their respects mile by mile.