January 2025 Marathons

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Kingwood's greenbelts, the Texas Marathon's four-loop course challenges runners along shaded concrete trails, with the added pressure of completing three loops by 3:00 PM. Held on New Year's Day, this race is perfect for those aiming to set personal records or qualify for the Boston Marathon, offering a fast, flat route amidst serene natural beauty and ideal weather conditions.

The New Year's Double Marathon in Allen, Texas, invites runners to embrace the challenge of a looped, mostly flat course that weaves through scenic parks and vibrant neighborhoods, providing a perfect setting for those aiming for personal bests. This unique event allows participants to "double up" by racing on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, offering a festive atmosphere and extra medals to celebrate the spirit of the new year.

The Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon challenges even the most seasoned trail runners with its rugged 26.2-mile course through the stunning Ouachita Mountains, featuring over 7,000 feet of elevation gain and eight mountain crossings. This January event, known for its grassroots spirit and community focus, offers free entry with a suggested donation, fully stocked aid stations, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates both the natural beauty of Arkansas and the camaraderie of the trail-running community.

The State 47 Las Cruces Marathon features a mostly flat course that guides runners through picturesque pecan orchards with the Organ Mountains as a stunning backdrop. Celebrating New Mexico's 47th statehood, this USATF-certified event provides a Boston Marathon qualifier experience, enhanced by festive pre- and post-race brunches and custom medals.

The Lake Mead Marathon presents a hilly out-and-back course through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offering runners the dual challenge of rolling terrain and stunning views of the largest man-made lake in the U.S. Known for its seamless organization and breathtaking scenery, this race provides a memorable experience with distances ranging from a full marathon to a 5K, all starting at the picturesque Boulder Beach.

The Winter Night Owl Trail Marathon in Waynesville, Ohio, challenges runners with its night-time course through Caesar Creek State Park, featuring single-track paths, rolling hills, and varied terrain illuminated by headlamps. This unique event blends the thrill of night running with a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, rewarding finishers with glow-in-the-dark medals and fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

The Buckeye Marathon's point-to-point course offers a thrilling net downhill experience, starting at Sun City Festival Baseball Field and finishing on the runway of Buckeye Municipal Airport, with a 660-foot elevation drop that encourages personal bests. This USATF-certified race not only provides breathtaking views of the White Tank Mountains but also supports the City of Buckeye Youth Scholarship Fund, making it a rewarding event for both competitive runners and the community.

The Walt Disney World Marathon takes runners on a magical journey through all four Disney theme parks, offering a flat course with iconic landmarks like Cinderella Castle and the adventurous paths of Expedition Everest. This marathon is a celebration of running infused with Disney's signature charm, featuring character photo ops, live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere that creates lasting memories for participants of all levels.

The Mobile Marathon offers a captivating 26.2-mile journey through downtown Mobile, Alabama, with a double-loop course that showcases the historic Old Dauphin Way District and provides a vivid glimpse into the city's rich past. Known for its flat terrain and Southern hospitality, the race is a Boston Marathon qualifier, attracting runners of all levels who relish the enthusiastic community support and post-race Southern comfort food.

Runners will find the Museum of Aviation Marathon appealing for its unique course set on the Robins Air Force Base, featuring a predominantly flat double-loop path with scenic views of military buildings, serene woodlands, and historic aircraft displays. As a Boston Marathon qualifier and part of the Run & See Georgia Grand Prix Series, the race offers a well-organized experience that blends athletic challenge with a dose of historical and natural beauty.

The Huff N Puff Trail Races in Jackson, Georgia, challenge runners with their technical singletrack trails, demanding both skill and endurance while offering a scenic backdrop of woods and varied terrain. This race stands out with its cup-less policy and limited aid stations, emphasizing self-reliance and providing a unique opportunity for marathon winners to secure entry into the Bootlegger 100 race.

The McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run is celebrated for its flat and fast course, making it an ideal choice for runners aiming to achieve personal bests. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, it offers a diverse range of race options and draws a vibrant community atmosphere, attracting participants from the Rio Grande Valley, the U.S., and Mexico.

The Daufuskie Island Marathon offers runners a unique experience with its USATF-certified course that features a flat profile, mixed terrain, and iconic landmarks like the Haig Point Lighthouse and Painted Houses, all enhanced by the island's scenic views. This race stands out with its vibrant post-race atmosphere, complete with a catered picnic, live music, and a commitment to community and conservation through contributions to local charities.

The Carlsbad Marathon features a scenic, two-loop course with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and invigorating rolling hills, making it both a visually stunning and challenging race. Renowned for its vibrant community support and as a Boston qualifier, it offers an uplifting atmosphere with cheering crowds and live music, ensuring an unforgettable experience for runners.

The Jekyll Island Marathon captivates runners with its flat, looped course that weaves through Georgia's scenic barrier island, offering breathtaking views of historic landmarks, live oaks, salt marshes, and beaches. This intimate race, known for its relaxed atmosphere and strong community support, provides an ideal setting for runners aiming for personal bests or simply enjoying a peaceful coastal run.

The Houston Marathon's fast, flat, and single-loop course through the city's vibrant neighborhoods and iconic Museum District makes it ideal for runners targeting personal records or Boston Marathon qualification. With robust community support, frequent aid stations, and a festive post-race atmosphere, it offers a top-notch experience for marathon enthusiasts.

The Redding Marathon stands out for its dramatic point-to-point course, starting at Shasta Dam and ending at the iconic Sundial Bridge, with breathtaking views of the Sacramento River and historic structures along the way. This race appeals to runners seeking a challenging blend of scenic beauty and elevation changes, along with the camaraderie of a small, well-organized event with fewer than 200 participants.

The Louisiana Marathon's most distinctive feature is its mostly flat, 26.2-mile course that winds through Baton Rouge's vibrant downtown, the picturesque LSU campus, and charming historic neighborhoods, offering runners a smooth and fast-paced experience with minimal elevation gain. With ideal January temperatures and seamless organization, this Boston Qualifier marathon is perfect for runners seeking personal bests while enjoying the festive atmosphere and Southern hospitality.

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon offers runners a unique experience with its breathtaking point-to-point course from Wailea to Lahaina, combining road racing with stunning coastal views and the possibility of spotting humpback whales. This well-organized event provides extensive support with 18 water stations and enthusiastic volunteers, ensuring a smooth race experience amidst Hawaii's picturesque landscapes.

The FTC Mary Andrews Marathon features a flat, fast course along the scenic Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, offering shaded, low-wind conditions perfect for setting personal records. With a cap of just 160 runners and support for the Mary Andrews Scholarship Fund, the race fosters a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere.

The Papa Loco Marathon stands out with its flat, Boston Qualifier course on the scenic Tucker Creek Trail, featuring ten out-and-back sections and frequent aid stations every half mile. This race's welcoming atmosphere, eight-hour time limit, and walker-friendly policy make it a perfect choice for runners of all levels seeking a supportive and memorable marathon experience.

Runners will find the Icebreaker Marathon's unique setting on an Olympic ice skating oval appealing, as it offers a climate-controlled environment at 55 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating weather concerns and providing an ideal winter marathon experience. The race's vibrant atmosphere, complete with music, enthusiastic volunteers, and a supportive community, ensures a memorable and motivating event for participants.

The Yuma Territorial Marathon is distinguished by its mostly flat, USATF-certified course along Highway 95, offering runners a fast pace and a scenic desert backdrop, ideal for setting personal records or qualifying for the Boston Marathon. With temperatures ranging from 47°F to 70°F and ample support through hydration and first aid stations, this race provides an optimal environment for both seasoned and novice runners.

The Sun Marathon in Santa Clara, Utah, features a dramatic 2,600-foot elevation drop over its scenic course, offering runners stunning views of the Gunlock Reservoir and the Shivwits Paiutes Tribe land. As a Boston Marathon qualifier held in January's crisp weather, it provides an ideal setting for runners aiming to achieve personal bests amidst a challenging yet rewarding landscape.

The Classic City Marathon in Athens, Georgia, offers runners a challenging 26.2-mile loop with a mix of hilly and flat terrain, enhanced by vibrant cheer zones and live bands that energize participants throughout the course. This race is special for its strong community support, featuring six designated cheer sections and a scenic route that passes through historic downtown, lively neighborhoods, and the charming university campus.

The Red Rock Canyon Marathon in Las Vegas takes runners on a breathtaking journey through the Mojave Desert, featuring dramatic climbs to the summit overlook at 4,771 feet and thrilling descents with stunning panoramic views. This expertly organized race, with its challenging elevation changes and scenic beauty, offers a unique experience for those who relish the camaraderie of fellow runners and the joy of tackling a demanding course.

The ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon stands out for its unique setting on a 200-meter indoor track, where runners complete 211 laps for the marathon, unaffected by weather conditions and elevation changes. This intimate race, limited to just 40 participants, offers personalized support and a close-knit community atmosphere, making it a special winter marathon experience in the Midwest.

Runners are drawn to the Town of Celebration Marathon's flat, double-loop course, which winds through the charming residential areas of Celebration, Florida, offering minimal elevation changes and a chance for personal bests or Boston Marathon qualification. The race's festive atmosphere is further enhanced by a lively post-race celebration featuring local food, drinks, and enthusiastic community support.

The Clearwater Marathon captivates runners with its blend of urban and coastal scenery, featuring a primarily flat double-loop course that includes the iconic Clearwater Memorial Bridge and picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, this race is celebrated for its mild January weather, strategic bridge crossings, and a unique beachside finish, making it a rewarding challenge for runners of all levels.

The Big Beach Marathon offers a flat, fast course through Gulf State Park, starting and finishing beachside at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico—ideal for those chasing personal records or marathon qualifications. As a Boston Qualifier with additional events like the Shark and Dolphin Challenges, runners can enjoy a well-organized race with ample support, diverse distance options, and the chance to earn extra medals.