February 2025 Marathons

The Mississippi River Marathon stands out for its unique course that spans two states, offering runners a predominantly flat route ideal for personal bests, with the breathtaking highlight of crossing the Greenville Bridge over the Mississippi River. This race not only provides stunning views of the Mississippi Delta and Lake Chicot but also fosters a strong sense of community, as it supports local charities and culminates in a lively celebration in downtown Greenville.

The Death Valley Marathon takes runners on an extraordinary journey through the flat, below-sea-level terrain of Death Valley National Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. With its mild winter temperatures and unique desert flora and fauna, this race provides an unforgettable challenge and adventure in one of the world's most remarkable landscapes.

The Golden Gate Trail (Winter) Marathon challenges runners with its diverse terrain, comprising 52% single track, 44% dirt road, and a touch of asphalt, as they ascend a total of 5,100 feet through breathtaking landscapes, including views of the Pacific Coast and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This intimate race, capped at 100 participants, offers a well-supported journey through some of California's most scenic vistas, providing a rewarding test of endurance and navigation.

The Miami Marathon's flat, USTAF-certified single-loop course provides runners with a fast, Boston-qualifying route that winds through stunning cityscapes and ocean views, crossing iconic bridges like the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways. Beyond the scenic course, the marathon captures the vibrant spirit of Miami with its rich cultural tapestry and a lively atmosphere, making it a unique and exhilarating experience for runners from around the world.

The Warm Up Columbus Marathon features a flat, 1-mile loop course in Dublin, Ohio, making it an excellent venue for runners aiming to set personal records or qualify for the Boston Marathon. With 26 fluid stations, a supportive spectator-friendly layout, and a variety of race options, this marathon offers a compelling experience for both competitive and casual runners.

The DONNA Marathon features a flat, fast course through the scenic beach communities of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, making it a prime choice for runners aiming for personal bests and Boston qualification. With strong local support, abundant aid stations, and a mission to support breast cancer research, this race offers a rewarding experience beyond the finish line.

The Surf City Marathon takes runners on a picturesque 26.2-mile route along the Pacific Coast Highway, featuring stunning ocean views and a mostly flat terrain with a single notable incline. Known for its vibrant community support and festive atmosphere, this Boston-qualifying race offers an ideal experience for runners aiming for personal bests while enjoying the coastal charm of Huntington Beach, California.

The Tallahassee Marathon's most distinctive feature is its dynamic course, which combines urban vibrancy with natural beauty, including the rolling hills of Glenview Drive and the serene St. Marks Trail, offering runners both challenge and rhythm. As a Boston Marathon qualifier with a rich history dating back to 1975, it attracts participants worldwide, providing a community-driven experience that highlights Tallahassee's scenic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.

The USA Fit Marathon's fast, flat course, starting and finishing at the University of Houston's Sugar Land campus, is ideal for runners aiming for a Boston Marathon qualification or a personal best. Its generous time limits and inclusive atmosphere, complete with enthusiastic volunteers and vibrant finish line celebrations, make it a welcoming event for athletes of all paces.

The Groundhog Day Marathon in Walker, Michigan, stands out with its unique 12-loop course, echoing the repetitive charm of its namesake film and offering a certified Boston qualifier amidst potential snow and ice. This winter race is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, well-stocked aid stations, and the rewarding sense of camaraderie, making it a memorable challenge for runners of all levels.

The Valentine's Heartbreaker Marathon & Relay stands out with its challenging 16-lap course in Greensboro's Country Park, featuring diverse elevations and a scenic loop around a tranquil lake. This event combines the thrill of a dynamic race with a vibrant community atmosphere, complete with a festive tent village and the rewarding opportunity to support a local charity.

The Mesa Marathon is renowned for its predominantly downhill course, offering nearly 1,000 feet of net elevation loss, making it an ideal choice for runners seeking personal bests or Boston Marathon qualification. With stunning views of the Superstition Mountains and a vibrant community atmosphere, this race provides a memorable experience for runners of all levels.

The Mesa Marathon's most distinctive feature is its nearly 1,000-foot net downhill course, providing a fast, exhilarating run perfect for those aiming to set personal records or qualify for the Boston Marathon. With stunning desert scenery, ideal morning temperatures, and excellent race organization, runners enjoy a smooth, memorable experience enhanced by multiple aid stations and post-race festivities.

The Railway Marathon in Fultondale, Alabama, features a fast, flat course along the scenic Five Mile Creek Greenway, making it an ideal setting for runners aiming for personal bests or Boston qualifying times. Beyond the race itself, participants contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting Unless U, an organization dedicated to education and job training for adults with special needs, all while enjoying exceptional race-day organization and support.

The Harlingen Marathon's notably flat terrain and minimal elevation changes make it an ideal course for runners aiming for a personal best, though its multiple loops present a mental challenge. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, the race not only offers a chance to compete for a spot in Boston but also features robust community support, enhancing the experience with music, cheering spectators, and frequent water stops.

The Galveston Marathon's flat, all-paved course along the iconic Seawall Boulevard offers runners the chance to achieve personal bests while enjoying breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. As part of the Texas Marathon Triple, it provides a rewarding challenge with additional perks like a running hat and custom shirt for series participants, making it a memorable event for all levels of runners.

The Publix Florida Marathon captivates runners with its scenic route featuring stunning waterfront vistas and multiple bridge crossings, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and mild challenges. Recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Bucket List Waterfront Races, it provides a vibrant atmosphere with live music, a lively post-race concert, and eco-friendly practices, making it an appealing choice for runners of all abilities.

The Run Oak Island Marathon in North Carolina features a flat and fast course with scenic highlights like a lighthouse turnaround and 12 miles of breathtaking ocean views, all punctuated by gentle challenges at two intercoastal bridges. Held over Presidents Day weekend, this race offers diverse distances from a 1 Mile to an Ultra Marathon, delivering a memorable experience for both competitive runners and leisurely walkers amid stunning coastal landscapes.

The Austin Marathon captivates runners with its challenging, rolling course that weaves through iconic landmarks and lively neighborhoods, set against the backdrop of the Texas State Capitol. Runners are treated to the city's vibrant cultural atmosphere, complete with live music along the route and a festive Finish Line Festival, making it a truly memorable experience.

The Lost Dutchman Marathon captivates runners with its breathtaking journey from Gold Canyon to Apache Junction, starting at the base of the Superstition Mountain and featuring a mix of desert dirt roads and scenic residential streets. This race is special not only for its stunning sunrise views and challenging terrain but also for its commitment to local charities, having donated over $900,000 to support youth organizations.

The Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon's flat and fast course, set against miles of uninterrupted ocean views along the iconic A1A highway, makes it an ideal choice for those pursuing a personal best or a Boston qualifying time. Runners can also enjoy the added benefits of a sunrise start, a beach-themed finisher medal, and the warm February weather, which offers a welcome respite from colder climates.

The Hilton Head Island Marathon offers runners a scenic course with mostly flat terrain, ideal for setting personal records or qualifying for the Boston Marathon, while the Broad Creek Bridge adds a subtle challenge with its elevation and potential wind gusts. This February race not only provides perfect running conditions but also concludes with a festive after-party featuring complimentary beer, delicious food, and lively community support, making it a memorable experience for participants.

The Wilmington Marathon's standout feature is its mostly flat course, offering runners breathtaking views from Wrightsville Beach to downtown Wilmington, with only a slight elevation gain, making it perfect for personal records and Boston Marathon qualification. Runners also appreciate the race's impeccable organization, including frequent aid stations, enthusiastic crowd support, and a lively finish along the Cape Fear River.

The Cummins Falls Marathon captivates runners with its scenic course through the rural back roads of Jackson County, Tennessee, featuring both paved and unpaved surfaces, steep hills, and the dramatic Bump Track descent. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience with ample support, including aid stations and a charitable aspect benefiting Cummins Falls State Park conservation efforts.

The Surfside Beach Marathon is uniquely appealing as it takes place entirely on the sand, offering runners a flat yet challenging course with breathtaking ocean views along the shores of Surfside Beach, Texas. This marathon is not only a scenic and low-impact race but also supports beach restoration efforts, making it a meaningful choice for environmentally-conscious runners.

The We Run This Beach Marathon in Gulf Shores, Alabama, features a flat, fast course through Gulf State Park, offering runners stunning views of Lake Shelby and the park's diverse landscapes, making it ideal for personal records and a Boston Marathon qualifier. After the race, participants can enjoy a vibrant post-race celebration on the white sandy beaches, complete with food, music, and drinks, creating a memorable experience by the sea.

The Mississippi Blues Marathon challenges runners with its double-loop course through downtown Jackson, featuring relentless rolling hills and scenic views of Jackson State University and charming neighborhoods. This race stands out for its cultural atmosphere, with live blues music enhancing the experience and post-race festivities offering local delights like jambalaya and beer.

The Pilot Mountain Marathon offers a thrilling course through Pilot Mountain State Park, featuring challenging trails, rocky cliffs, and significant elevation changes, with iconic sights like Big Pinnacle and the Ledge Spring Trail. Held in the scenic setting of Pinnacle, North Carolina, this race invites runners to embrace the rugged beauty and tranquility of trail running, providing a unique and rewarding experience for athletes.

The Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas, captivates runners with its dynamic loop course that combines rolling hills and flat stretches, culminating in a challenging climb at mile 25. Beyond the race, participants are drawn to its vibrant community support and the chance to contribute to local charities, making it a rewarding experience both on and off the course.

The Ventura Marathon's point-to-point course, starting in Ojai and ending by the Ventura coastline, offers a predominantly downhill route that's ideal for setting personal records or qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Runners enjoy a mix of scenic vineyards, bike paths, and urban landscapes, supported by frequent aid stations and a welcoming local community, all enhanced by ideal February running temperatures.

The Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon offers runners a thrilling nighttime race along the iconic neon-lit Strip, complete with live music and entertainment, making it a unique urban running experience. With its combination of a mostly flat course and vibrant atmosphere, this event is perfect for runners of all levels seeking both a personal challenge and a lively celebration.

The El Paso Marathon takes runners on a picturesque 26.2-mile journey from San Elizario High School to the El Paso County Coliseum, weaving through historic sites like the El Paso Mission Trail and the lush Ascarate Park. Known for its mostly flat terrain and sunny race-day conditions, this Boston Marathon qualifier is ideal for those aiming to achieve a personal best while enjoying a vibrant blend of culture and community support.