December 2025 Marathons

The Four Corners Quad Keyah Marathon offers a unique four-day adventure, challenging runners with diverse terrains across Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, each leg showcasing stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks like the Four Corners Monument. Beyond its physical demands, the race fosters a vibrant atmosphere with cultural performances, community support, and ample course amenities, making it a memorable experience for endurance enthusiasts.

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon weaves through the heart of Memphis, offering runners a scenic tour of cultural landmarks like Beale Street and the Mississippi River, with the emotional highlight of passing through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus. This December race combines the thrill of a Boston-qualifying course with the mission-driven spirit of raising millions for childhood cancer research, creating an unforgettable experience for participants of all levels.

The Death Valley Trail Marathon challenges runners with its demanding course, featuring rugged gravel roads, significant elevation changes, and a thrilling 14-mile descent through the breathtaking Titus Canyon. Held in the stark beauty of Death Valley National Park, this race offers an unforgettable journey through one of America's most iconic landscapes, complete with ancient petroglyphs and ghost towns.

The Millinocket Marathon takes runners on a challenging 13.1-mile loop twice, featuring a demanding climb and rugged gravel stretches, with breathtaking views of Mount Katahdin. Held in December, this unique event combines the thrill of a USATF-certified Boston, NYC, and Chicago Marathon qualifier with a heartfelt community spirit, as participants support local causes in lieu of an entry fee.

The Panama City Beach Marathon takes runners on a flat, fast out-and-back course with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it ideal for those pursuing personal bests or a Boston Marathon qualifier. Held every December, this race combines scenic beauty with a vibrant post-race celebration at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, featuring complimentary gumbo and Land Shark beer, ensuring a memorable experience for participants.

The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through Delaware's coastal beauty, featuring a mostly flat course that winds through roads, boardwalks, and trails with stunning ocean views. Known for its vibrant post-race celebration and supportive community, this Boston qualifier offers a unique blend of urban charm and natural serenity, making it an appealing choice for both novices and seasoned marathoners.

The Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon in Little Rock, Arkansas, challenges runners with its scenic route that crosses the Big Dam Bridge, Clinton Presidential Bridge, and Two Rivers Bridge, all set against the backdrop of the Arkansas River Trail. This marathon not only offers a Boston-qualifying course but also fosters a close-knit community atmosphere with fewer than 400 participants, honoring the legacy of Jacob Wells.

The California International Marathon features a rapid, net downhill course from Folsom Dam to the California State Capitol, offering a perfect blend of speed and scenic beauty through vibrant fall landscapes and historic sites. Celebrated for its strong community support and ideal December weather, this marathon is a top choice for runners aiming to set personal records or qualify for the Boston Marathon.

The Topo Trail Marathon in Thurman, Ohio, features a 6.55-mile singletrack loop within East Fork State Park's mountain bike trails, challenging runners with its scenic, undulating paths and 417 feet of elevation gain per loop. With aid stations thoughtfully placed and a choice of Quarter, Half, or Full Marathon distances, this race offers a rewarding test of endurance amid the serene beauty of Ohio's lush forests.

The San Antonio Marathon challenges runners with a diverse course designed by U.S. Olympian Meb Keflezighi, featuring both flat stretches and rolling hills that wind through the vibrant streets of San Antonio, Texas. This Boston Marathon qualifier not only tests endurance but also immerses participants in the city's rich cultural heritage, with themed miles and scenic routes past landmarks like the River Walk and the Alamo.

The Palm Beaches Marathon offers a flat, scenic course that winds through West Palm Beach's historic neighborhoods and along palm-lined Flagler Drive, providing runners with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. As a Boston Qualifier and the second fastest course in Florida, it combines competitive appeal with vibrant community support, featuring amenities like a post-race buffet and live music, all while embracing a spirit of generosity by supporting Special Olympics Florida.

The Kiawah Island Marathon features a flat, 26.2-mile loop that takes runners through enchanting maritime forests and along the stunning Atlantic coastline of South Carolina, making it ideal for those aiming for personal bests. With its mild winter climate and a course certified by the USA Track & Field Organization, this race not only serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier but also promises a memorable experience with its scenic beauty and supportive community.

The Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama, takes runners on a scenic journey past iconic landmarks like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the lush Huntsville Botanical Gardens, with a course that combines urban charm and natural beauty. Celebrated for its community spirit and Southern hospitality, this Boston-qualifying race offers a perfect blend of challenge and festivity, making it ideal for runners seeking both personal bests and an unforgettable experience.

The Brownsville Chief of Police Marathon features a flat course through the vibrant streets of Brownsville, Texas, making it perfect for both novices and seasoned runners. Celebrating community spirit, the race offers a memorable experience with its diverse formats and awards ceremony, while supporting local charitable causes.

The BMW Dallas Marathon takes runners on a scenic tour of Dallas, with a mostly flat course that navigates iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, including a picturesque stretch along White Rock Lake. Known for its energetic atmosphere and extensive community support, this Boston Marathon qualifier blends competitive spirit with Texan hospitality, making it a memorable event for runners of all levels.

The BMW Dallas Marathon guides runners through a scenic 26.2-mile course highlighting Dallas's vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, including the picturesque White Rock Lake and historic Swiss Avenue. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, this race combines competitive allure with a lively atmosphere, enriched by enthusiastic crowd support and cultural highlights like live music and festive cheers.

The La Guadalupe Ponce Marathon challenges runners with its certified course featuring hilly terrain from mile 8 to 11, weaving through the vibrant streets of Ponce and culminating near the iconic Parque de Bombas. As Puerto Rico's only Olympic marathon, it offers a unique blend of athletic competition and cultural celebration, coinciding with the lively Fiestas Patronales de Ponce, and boasts the island’s largest marathon cash prize, attracting a diverse and competitive field.

The BCS Marathon in College Station, Texas, features a predominantly flat and fast course with gentle rolling hills between miles 11 and 13, offering runners a scenic tour through shady neighborhoods, picturesque golf courses, and the vibrant Texas A&M University campus. Known for its exceptional organization and community support, this Boston Marathon qualifier ensures a memorable race day with ample aid stations, enthusiastic crowds, and a lively post-race celebration.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon features a breathtaking point-to-point course from Pass Christian to Biloxi, offering runners stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and charming coastal towns, with a flat route ideal for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualification. Concluding at MGM Park, the marathon is renowned for its vibrant Finish Festival, efficient organization, and warm community support, providing an unforgettable experience for participants.

The Tucson Marathon features a thrilling downhill course that begins at the iconic Biosphere 2 and winds through the stunning Sonoran Desert, offering a total elevation loss of 1,797 feet. This fast-paced race is an ideal choice for runners aiming to set personal records or qualify for the Boston Marathon, all while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The Honolulu Marathon's course takes runners through a vibrant mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, featuring the challenging ascent to Diamond Head with stunning views of Oahu's coastline. Known for its warm tropical climate and inclusive atmosphere without a time limit, this race offers a unique blend of festive community spirit and logistical ease, making it a memorable experience for runners of all levels.

The Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon offers a breathtaking point-to-point course from Volcano to Hilo, featuring a dramatic 3,792-foot descent with stunning views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, and the chance to hear the dawn chorus of Hawaii's endemic birds. This December race is a Boston Qualifier with a high success rate, supported by dedicated volunteers and contributing to the Hawaii Forest Institute's conservation efforts.

The Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona, features a flat and fast 4.26-mile loop designed for speed, attracting both elite and amateur runners eager to achieve personal bests. This December event creates a festive atmosphere with pace-driven groups, professional pacers, and a preceding 5km race, all set against the backdrop of Arizona's scenic winter landscapes.