Decided that the Fall marathons have simply gotten too warm? Or perhaps your training schedule just works best for a US winter marathon, whatever the reason we’ve got some ideas to help you plan for your 26.2.
If you’re looking for a spot to shake the snow off your running shoes and soak up some sun to boot, these 10 marathons should be on your list.
1. Walt Disney World Marathon
Date: January
Location: Orlando, FL
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Loop
Field Size: 25,000
Boston Qualifier: Yes
If you love Disney, why would you not want to combine the magical fun of Disney World with your passion for running?
We’ve talked a lot about runDisney and what to expect, it’s important to know planning is required!
The Walt Disney World Marathon begins at EPCOT and treats you to unique views of the Magic Kingdom (including running you through Cinderella’s Castle), Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village resorts.
In between the excitement and crowd support of those treats, you’ll be able to enjoy some more typical, relaxing miles on the roads. The course is flat and fast, with few elevation changes and the promise of mild Florida winter weather.
There will be photo ops as far as the eye can see, delicious food, memories for days, and collectible medals that really appeal to almost everyone.
Repeat participant Vendsweet says they love this marathon:
It is always a great race and I really appreciate the fact they gave water and gatorade every mile due to the hotter than ideal conditions.
The only thing that made the race less than ideal is we got placed in the G section by mistake– so we spent the entire race passing people and thus congestion.
2. Houston Marathon
Date: January
Location: Houston, TX
Profile: Flat and Fast
Type: Loop
Field Size: 25,000+
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Read our full Houston marathon course tips >>
If you need proof that this course is flat, fast, and made for personal bests, just know that in 2012, Houston hosted the Olympic marathon trials.
The weather in Houston in January is mild and dry, though temperatures will likely swing around 20 degrees between the start and finish. The marathon isn’t walker-friendly, with a hard cutoff time of 13:45.
The loop course begins and ends in downtown Houston, and passes through midtown, montrose, the Heights, Washington Corridor, Upper Kirby, the Museum District, and more.
It’s a fun mix of urban skyline, residential streets, and green spaces, all of which will be populated with enthusiastic crowds cheering you on.
This is Mr. Yi’s second time, and it doesn’t sound as if it will be his last:
This was my 2nd year running the Chevron Houston Marathon and unless I decide to run CIM, this will be my go to winter race every year.
I stayed at the Magnolia House Houston which you walk out the front lobby and you’re at the starting corral A. The others are just one block over sequentially. The only downside is that if you want to check a bag for any personal belongings or change of clothes for after the race, the bag drop is near the finish about 15 minutes away.
Because of that I did not check a bag which I usually like to have dry clothes to change into for the after race activities.
As I’m sure if you researched this race you know the course is flat and fast. There is one very manageable hill around mile 12.5. The crowd support is the best near the beginning and end of the race. The farther away from downtown the lighter the spectators.
The volunteers were wonderful. The aid stations well organized and plentiful.
And lastly the race is one of the best run organizationally. Very well executed. Even the last chance port-o-potties near the start line is a nice touch. Bib pickup and purchasing gear at the expo was great.
3. Redding Marathon
Date: January
Location: Redding, CA
Profile: Hilly, Net Downhill
Type: Point-to-Point
Field Size: 200
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Read our complete guide to enjoying all of Redding marathon weekend >>
If you’re looking to attend a smaller marathon in a place where the whole family can enjoy a winter getaway, look no further than Redding, CA.
Redding is the “sunniest place in California,” and you’ll never regret spending a long weekend there in January. Along with the marathon, you can schedule some great trail hikes with even better waterfall views, some quaint eateries, and an overall laid-back experience.
The marathon itself is small, but the point-to-point course is fast enough that many of the small crowd end up qualifying for Boston. You’ll be treated to sights like Shasta Dam, the Sundial Bridge, and the Sacramento River along the course.
There’s a net downhill of 1326 feet, but you do have a steady climb from miles 10-14 to get there. That, combined with a starting temp of around 45 degrees, makes this a great opportunity to run a PR.
The airport in Redding is close by, too, keeping the entire race weekend low-stress and ready for tackling.
dtancr1’s experience sounds exactly like what was promised:
Very scenic point-to-point course with memorable start running across Shasta Dam, descending steeply to Sacramento Rail Trail, a nicely maintained paved trail for runners and bikers alongside the beautiful Sacramento River. Race is organized by local running organization and although a low-key and small race, it’s well organized and the volunteers are friendly and helpful.
There are not many spectators, but the runners seemed to be more experienced than in the big city marathons I’ve run and there was good camaraderie among the runners and volunteers.
This is an ideal race (or supported long-run) if one is looking for a beautiful and peaceful run through lovely scenery and with little fanfare. I was caught off-guard by the frequency and steepness of some of the hills, somehow expecting it to be milder than it actually was, but I’ll know better next time.
The finish line was at the iconic Sundial Bridge, and had some fun amenities for the runners–including vegetable soup, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and apple pie. There were also medical volunteers and massages available.
The hotel at the finish line (Sheraton Redding Hotel at Sundial Bridge) was very good and has a nice restaurant. The shuttle bus to the start was also a good deal and comfortable, and the Shasta Visitor Center was a nice warm place to wait until the 8 am start.
All and all, a really wonderful and well-organized small marathon, even though I ran it slower than I had expected. Course swag includes a beautiful finisher’s medal and a useful shirt.
4. Miami Marathon
Date: January
Location: Miami, FL
Profile: Some Hills
Type: Loop
Field Size: 19,000
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Read our Miami Marathon course guide >>
The Miami Marathon is one of the only U.S. marathons that takes place in a subtropical climate, so if palm trees and humid ocean air is your jam, take a look at this one.
This course offers city views and coastal scenery, and getting both in one race really sets it apart. The weather in Miami is warmer than many other winter options, and the added humidity has to be taken into consideration, too.
If you’ve been training in cold temps it may feel harder than you expect, even though it’s flat.
Runners love being able to traverse iconic bridges like MacArthur Causeway and Venetian Causeway, and the breathtaking views over the open water don’t disappoint.
The parts of the race run in the city teem with energy and crowds, but the portions in between give you a chance to really breathe in and out as you take in the quiet landscape.
Finishing up in Downtown Miami should be a highlight, and leave you close to any Miami amenities you’ll want to take advantage of during the rest of the trip.
adameskelvin says the energy is hard to beat:
I love the energy Miami marathon brings. It makes you want to go further than you ever imagined. I ran my first one and it inspired me to run my second one which I did 25 minutes better. I now want to run my third one in 2025.
I love what Miami marathon is about and I want you join and keep the train moving.
5. DONNA Marathon Weekend
Date: February
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Loop
Field Size: 7,500
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This marathon, also known as the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer run, benefits the DONNA Foundation, a nonprofit that supports people and families affected by breast cancer.
There’s a full marathon, but also a whole weekend’s worth of other fun events to go along with it. The vibes are full of community and a desire to not only support patients, but to celebrate survivors and encourage hope for the future.
Thousands of runners from all 50 states participate, and the runners consist of breast cancer survivors, their families, and people who want to support the cause.
Jacksonville is a beach community, and the race winds through Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach neighborhoods, largely avoiding sand or major highways.
You’ll still get the ocean breezes, though, and the weather in Florida is typically great for winter running.
The race is well-supported by those communities as well, so there will be plenty of warm encouragement to push you along the way.
Runner sftblleco only had a few quibbles with the weekend:
Overall this was a good race, but double loops are boring. Solid race support on course. Expo was lack-luster, minimal race weekend merch.
Aid stations all had gatorade, water, and gels, some had solid food like oranges and bananas too. Plenty of local folks came out for the first few hours with their own “aid” stations.
However, this marathon is not for back of the packers. Once we got to the second loop, most of the locals had left or gone back inside. We managed to stay ahead of the last pace group until we hit mile 26, and finished just behind them.
However, after we finished, everything in the “runner’s village” was shut down including food, which sucked to see they didn’t even support their own last pace group.
Aid stations were still open when we passed them on course thankfully, but were almost done breaking down.
6. Surf City Marathon
Date: February
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Profile: Flat and Fast
Type: Point-to-Point
Field Size: 18,000
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Huntington Beach, CA, hosts this larger marathon, along with a half marathon, 5K, and Beach Mile every winter. The course includes oceanfront highway, inland stretches, a trek down the Huntington Beach Pier, and some beachfront paths as well.
If you’ve had running the Pacific Coast Highway or checking out the coastal wetlands at Bolsa Chica on your bucket list, this could be the race for you.
The race is mostly flat and flat, but there are a few notable inclines around miles 3-4. The weather is usually mild with low humidity, though ocean winds can sometimes be a bit of a factor.
You’ll love the festive beach vibes and Huntington Beach’s iconic surf culture, and plenty of locals with be there to share it with you at the finish line.
RunnerGirl says who doesn’t love running the beach?
I recommend running the beach mile the day before your Sunday race. Then, you get a bonus Cowabunga challenge medal. Also, the beach mile comes with a great beach towel. It’s such a fun souvenir.
The shirts are great. Once you’ve hit 3 years of consecutive Surf City races, you get legacy status and get a cool ling sleeved cotton shirt. Their buttery soft. Mine end up being my winter pajamas. It’s so fun to live the race experience almost every day during cold weather. The long sleeve is great for changing into after a summer evening run, after the sun sets.
The race metal is a surfboard. What more can you want? There are also a lot of photo ops, and a beer garden at the finish. I really enjoy seeing my friends on the racecourse. The out and back course, is perfect for seeing both your faster, friends and slower friends. Plenty of time for cheers and high-fives.
The volunteers themselves are always great. Very friendly and helpful.
7. Phoenix Mesa Marathon
Date: February
Location: Mesa, AZ
Profile: Slightly net downhill
Type: Point-to-Point
Field Size: 7,000
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Read our full Mesa Marathon course guide (we really love this race)
If you want great weather in the winter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot that Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding area. This race doesn’t have the climbs or big crowds that some of the other marathons on this list do; in fact, it has a net downhill that can really help reel in the faster times.
It’s a gentle downhill that helps around 17% of the runners qualify for Boston. The sun is at your back the whole time, there are plenty of aid stations, and as a bonus, the post-race spread is delicious.
Before you get there, you will be stunned by views of Usery Mountain, the Sonoran Desert, and Phoenix valley early in the race, and enjoy downtown Mesa later in the day.
The crowds are small, so if you depend on that for a boost, you might want to re-strategize.
That said, the desert views really encourage introspection, and it’s a great race for focusing inward and pushing ahead.
Tiagayepfa had a really positive experience:
I was running this as a training run for an Ultra, so not going for a Personal Best. It was easy to find the busses. We stayed about 15 min away. Traffic was very backed up as we approached the exit on the highway. Thankfully we left early enough to we didn’t have to rush. Staging area was energetic, plenty of portalets.
The first few miles were pretty steep downhill, then I believe in Mile 4, you had a nice climb for what seemed like a mile or so. After that it will still downhill, but not steep anymore.
It a very gentle downhill. It was not very scenic, as there’s not much to see in Mesa. Everything was just brown, the houses, buildings, etc. But there’s so much nearby that it makes a great destination race.
We went to Sedona after the race and stayed there a few days. By mile 19, it had gotten pretty warm but had it stayed cool, this is a great BQ course.
If I could predict the weather, I’d come back to BQ for sure! Even without really trying I ran a decent race.
Nice medal, and loved that they offered a tank top as a shirt option. I prefer that.
8. St. Jude Memphis Marathon
Date: December
Location: Memphis, TN
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Field Size: 22,000
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This race is another one that’s run for a cause, and the proceeds go to support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Like other races on our list, the entire weekend offers additional races, like a half marathon, 10K, 5K, etc.
It’s the largest single-day fundraising event for St. Jude, who help families struggling with childhood cancer.
The marathon starts and finishes near historic B.B. King Boulevard and Beale Street, which is good for vibes as well as being close to anything you would want to do in Memphis.
The course also treats you to sights like the Mississippi Riverfront, Tom Lee Park, Midtown, Overton Park, the St. Jude campus, and more historic areas.
There’s an awesome festival at AutoZone Park after the finish line, and there’s plenty of aid and support during the race as well.
Memphis is cool in December, typically in the 40s or 50s, which is optimal for many runners looking for a PR.
Frankmah says this is a must-run race in Tennessee:
I have been running the St Jude Marathon series for four years now, and this was my first marathon and I had to say that was very tough but during the race the city and the spectators remind your why’s you are running this.
This race showed me that I am not scared of run a marathon but I do have a lot of respect to it.
And yes, if you are looking for a race in December, I recommend you this one!
9. California International Marathon
Date: December
Location: Sacramento, CA
Profile: Rolling Hills (net downhill)
Type: Point-to-Point
Field Size: 10,000+
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This is one of the fastest marathon courses in the U.S., with an average of around 20-25% of runners qualifying for the Boston Marathon when it’s all said and done.
The course has rolling hills with a net downhill, and attracts a good-sized (but not huge) field on a yearly basis. The weather in California in December is perfect for running; usually in the mid-50s, though it can be a bit humid at the start.
Because it is such a well-known fast course, this race attracts elite runners from around the world, and in recent years both men’s and women’s course records were broken on this course.
The race begins at Folsom Dam and finishes at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. In between, runners glimpse scenic reservoir views, historic Old Town Folsom, and stretches of the American River Parkway.
Thousands of volunteers and spectators will line the course from start to finish, adding to the energy of the day.
If you’re looking for a fast course, great weather, and excuse to visit California, this might be the best choice for you.
Participant RickSawThat says the entire experience is elite:
This race is a professional-level race that caters to elite-level runners and those of us who are not of that level. It is very fun to be at a race that is so serious for those trying to qualify for the Olympics. there is a whole different energy and feel.
But, this race also accommodates us citizen runners who run to get our own PRs and solid finishes. A must do race in my opinion. You never know with the weather in early December in Northern California so come prepared from rain to cold to warm and sunny.
I’ve run this race 4 times and the weather was completely different each time. TRAIN FOR HILLS those “rollers” can beat you up if your not prepared.
10. Honolulu Marathon
Date: December
Location: Honolulu, HI
Profile: Fast and Flat
Type: Loop
Field Size: 40,000+
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Read our Honolulu Marathon Course Guide >>
If you think a marathon that takes place in Hawaii is bound to be laid back, well…you would be correct. BUT once again remember it’s going to be warm and humid! Beautiful, but harder after months running in cold weather.
There is no required finish or qualifying time for the Honolulu Marathon and the field is huge, welcoming walkers, runners, and anyone else who wants to traverse the 26.2 miles.
The course begins and ends at Ala Moana Beach Park, and passes iconic landmarks like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater Loop, as well as winding through neighborhoods and passing a few historic buildings.
There is no required finish time or qualifying time, so anyone who wants to participate by walking, running, etc, receives a medal at the end. First-timers and experienced runners alike start, and anyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal for their trouble!
The course is flat, with the exception of the Diamond Head Hill (which is not to be taken lightly by ay means).
The terrain is mostly flat, though the Diamond Head hill is short but fairly notable.
The weather will be typical for a tropical climate, so warmer and more humid than many of the other marathons on this list, and the race will be crowded.
That said, those things are a small price to pay for escaping to Hawaii in the dead of winter, don’t you think?
Runner kellrox says he would recommend the race to others:
For Sunday, the weather was calling for showers and rain throughout. As the weather got closer to Sunday, clouds came in and the wind. I woke up early at 2:30 on account of the rain storms, which continued until I walked to the start line at 4:30.
Luckily I stayed walking distance at the Ramada (highly recommend). I donned a trash bag to stay dry as I approached the starting line. As I reached the start line the running gods came and the rain stopped.
The race started promptly at 5:00 with fireworks. It was a wild free for all at the gun, as there were no gradual wave starts. Between the amount of runners and puddles, it was hard to run and had to be careful not to fall.
This was particularly difficult during the out and back stretch. There was an area where the puddle was so large around mile 18, where runners had to run on the sidewalk. This created chaos, slower paces, and safety issues.
As far as port a potties, there were plenty along the route. There was water/aid/gatorade at every few miles or so. There was a few gel stations along the course to maintain electrolytes. There were also many unofficial nutrition along the way with oranges, and adult beverages.
The weather turned out to be an overall blessing as it didn’t rain on me at all and kept the intense sun behind the clouds. There was more Christmas spirit with decorations and Santa’s throughout. There were a few cheering sections, most notably in downtown 5 miles in, mile 23 leaving the out and back stretch and of course as you approach the finish line.
The finish line was a very gratifying experience, with a golden medal and coconut water. The post race festivities included a pink finisher shirt, Malasadas, and bananas.
Overall, I would recommend this race.
I hope you find somewhere to keep warm and fit this winter (or next)!
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