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Early Season Marathons in the Northeast
Written by
Erica Schuckies
Lace up your shoes (or snowshoes, perhaps) for these early season marathons in New England.
NYCRUNS Central Park Marathon
Feb. 28, 2016, New York
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A run in Central Park should be on every runner's bucket list, and this race will allow you to check it off. The marathon course takes you on five loops of the iconic Big Apple park and finishes at a post-race food spread with famous New York bagels, hot chocolate and more. Finish this race and two other NYCRUNS-produced 26.2-milers to complete the NYCRUNS Marathon Challenge.
Runners Marathon of Reston 2016
April 10, 2016, Reston, Va.
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This Boston qualifier in the D.C. area takes runners over gently rolling hills and along the city's paved path systems. Join race organizers at a pre-race dinner to meet fellow runners and get your fill of carbs. Proceeds benefit the Reston Runners Community Fund, a nonprofit organization providing scholarships to area high school students.
2016 Kiwanis Kingston Classic, presented by HITS Endurance
April 24, 2016, Kingston, N.Y.
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This event is truly a chance for the whole family to get up and running. While you run 26.2, invite your family and friends to race the half marathon, 10K, 5K or one-mile race. Featuring a few steep hills along the course, the marathon option may not be beginner-friendly, but you're sure to enjoy the near-perfect running weather, outstanding organization and friendly volunteers at this event.
13th Annual Potomac River Run Marathon
May 1, 2016, Washington, D.C.
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With a shaded, tree-lined course along the Potomac River, this marathon is true to its namesake. Following the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, this race is entirely riverside, with no shortage of amazing views. Plus, this Boston qualifier celebrates World Laughter Day, so it's basically impossible not to enjoy yourself.
Shipyard Maine Coast Marathon
May 14, 2016, Biddeford, Maine
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What better way to tour the Maine coast than by getting your exercise in at the same time? Experience the beauty of springtime in New England as you run through three coastal cities: Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Biddeford. This event is a real race for the people, as race directors have taken feedback from participants to improve their experience. Gone are the T-shirts that just get stuck in the back of your closet, and here come free race photos, a mobile app to live-track runners, free post-race beer and more.
Run for the Red Pocono Marathon
May 15, 2016, Pocono Summit, Pa.
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Benefitting the American Red Cross Pocono Mountains Chapter, the Run for the Red is a Boston qualifier that offers mild temperatures and views of the Pocono Mountains. Compete for your share of $8,000 in prize money—or just enjoy the picturesque and peaceful course in eastern Pennsylvania.
Shires of Vermont Marathon
May 15, 2016, Bennington, Vt.
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This point-to-point race offers some of the best views in the Northeast, taking runners through five beautiful villages on country dirt roads in southern Vermont. The course features New England mountains and meadows, while passing under canopies of sugar maple, beech and birch trees. Upon crossing the finish, participants will receive a handmade finisher's medal, wicking race T-shirt and access to shower facilities.
Granite State Marathon
May 17, 2016, Nashua, N.H.
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Run along the beautiful Nashua River, this race is a break from what race organizers call "super marathons," allowing only 300 runners on race day. Regardless of the low-key atmosphere, the Granite State Marathon is a certified qualifier for the Boston Marathon and treats every runner like an elite athlete. It is also the second in the five-day New England Challenge, which includes five marathons in five days in five states.
Vermont City Marathon
May 29, 2016, Burlington, Vt.
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Starting at Battery Park and overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, this course winds through the residential section of Burlington, then onto the Northern Connector highway and along the lake. Musicians and thousands of spectators will encourage you home with a slight downhill grade to the finish. Registration fees include a gender-specific technical shirt, personalized bib, finisher's medal, post-race massage and access to a food tent and showers at the finish line.