Let’s get this out of the way first: For most people, the most memorable mile of any marathon is the last one. Nothing produces a sense of accomplishment like crossing the line and receiving that finisher’s medal. And, of course, that’s also when you get to stop running.
But in the days that follow, you’ll usually be able to pick out a few other miles that stick with you. You’ll recall the amazing views, crazy spectators or outrageous sights along the course.
A well-organized marathon offers runners the support necessary to run 26.2 miles. But a great marathon is more than that—it’s an experience.
In compiling a list like this, we realized just how much the sport has grown. Of the hundreds of U.S. races we considered for this story, most of them responded with enthusiasm, recommending those miles that make their races unique. Finding memorable miles was easy—narrowing the list down to 26 was hard. Our rules were pretty basic: only U.S. races and only one mile per race.
Our final list highlights the variety, beauty and splendor that can be found in marathons across the country. We had to leave off plenty of amazing races, but ultimately, when it came down to 26, these races came out on top. Here is our list of the most memorable marathon miles, start to finish. Get your race calendars ready.
1. ING New York City Marathon
Mile 1
Next race: Nov. 7
The mile: In a race filled with memorable miles, none better represents
this marathon than the start from Staten Island over the Verrazano-Narrows
Bridge. The race famously covers all five boroughs of the city, and the bridge
offers runners an impressive view of what lies ahead of them. The huge crowds
and uphill climb make for a challenging start—but you won’t find too many
runners complaining. nycmarathon.org
2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Mile 1
Next race: Oct. 10
The mile: Chicago may be known for
its flat and fast course, but you’re bound to be even more impressed by the
architectural skyline while surrounded by nearly 40,000 other runners. The race
begins in Grant Park, with Lake Michigan to the right and the city’s
skyscrapers to the left. You’ll pass Chicago’s newest marvel—Millennium Park,
with the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion, visually stunning in brushed
stainless steel. Then runners travel under a 925-foot-long nonlinear bridge
filled with spectators. You’ll see it again—at least from a distance—in another
26 miles. chicagomarathon.com
3. Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
Marathon
Mile 3
Next race: Dec. 5
The mile: Sky divers, rock music, Elvis, Celine Dion impersonators and
quickie weddings. Sound like a typical night in Vegas? Actually, it’s a typical
mile at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon—the only event to close down the
Las Vegas Strip. The race starts near the Mandalay Bay Resort and features a
wave of runners who marry or renew their vows on the course. The Running
Reverend leads happy couples, along with Running Elvi, who serve as witness to
the ceremony. Fireworks go off and runners make their way to Mile 3, where the
three-minute ceremony takes place. As with all the Rock ‘n’ Roll events, bands
perform at every mile. runrocknroll.com
4. Big Island International Marathon
Mile 4
Next race: March 20
The mile: This race in Hilo, Hawaii, prides itself on highlighting the
sights of “old Hawaii.” This means you’ll get plenty of unspoiled views of
interior forests, small fishing villages and, of course, the Pacific Ocean. At
Mile 4, runners go through a lush bamboo rainforest and across narrow wooden
bridges that show off some of the island’s best waterfalls. While it’s hard to
find a bad view in Hawaii, it’s even harder to beat these tropical finds.
hilomarathon.org
5. 26.2 For Donna
Mile 5
Next race: Feb. 13
The mile: Founded by Donna Deegan in Jacksonville, Fla., this is the only
race in the country that donates 100 percent of its proceeds to breast cancer
research and care. At Mile 5, runners enter the Memorial Mile, a section run on
Jacksonville Beach that is filled with inspirational signs dedicated to those
who have lost the battle to cancer. It’s an emotional sight that puts
marathoning in perspective. breastcancermarathon.com
6. Columbia Gorge Marathon
Mile 5
Next race: Oct. 24
The mile: In only its second year, this marathon in Hood River, Ore., is
already drawing rave reviews for the course that follows the Historic Columbia
River Highway State Trail and provides beautiful views of the river gorge. At
Mile 5, runners pass through the Mosier Twin Tunnels, which were carved out of
the rock in the early 1920s. columbiagorgemarathon.com
7. Hoover Dam Marathon
Mile 6
Next race: Oct. 30
The mile: Run on paved and packed-dirt roads, this race in Boulder
City, Nev., meanders through the Mojave Desert and includes historic railroad
tunnels and views of Lake Mead. But, as the name suggests, runners really make
the trek from Las Vegas for the view of the colossal Hoover Dam between Miles 5
and 6. calicoracing.com
8. Detroit Free Press Marathon
Mile 7
Next race: Oct. 17
The mile: This marathon actually takes runners out of the country as the
course brings them across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Canada, around Mile
3. That may be the more scenic mile, but the more memorable comes at Mile 7
where runners return to the United States via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which
runs under the Detroit River. freepmarathon.com
9. St. George Marathon
Mile 8
Next race: Oct. 2
The mile: Take a look at the course elevation and you’ll discover why this
race has become such a popular Boston qualifier—it looks downhill the whole
way. But looks can be deceiving, and Mile 8 features a memorable climb. After
crossing the Santa Clara River Bridge, runners climb Veyo Hill, which provides
the most challenging mile of the course—especially since you’ve become accustomed
to going downhill. stgeorgemarathon.com
10. Catalina Marathon
Mile 8
Next race: March 12
The mile: Head to Catalina Island for a marathon with wild vistas and
off-the-beaten-path adventure. The race features 23 miles on dirt trails, where
you’re more likely to see wild buffalo than race spectators. Between Miles 7
and 8, runners drop down toward an inlet called Little Harbor. The coastline is
on your right, buffalo are usually on the ridge, and you can spy blue ocean and
green fields with wildflowers. The views help you forget the 4,000 feet of
climbing. pacificsportsllc.com
11. The San Francisco Marathon
Mile 9
Next race: July
31
The mile: More than two miles of this marathon is run on one of the city’s
most iconic landmarks—the Golden Gate Bridge. Runners start climbing up the
bridge near Mile 5, run over to Marin County and then loop back to San
Francisco. We chose the mile on the way back for its view of the city skyline.
thesfmarathon.com
12. Walt Disney World Marathon
Mile 11
Next race: Jan. 9
The mile: Your family won’t be
complaining about being dragged to another marathon here. This marathon
features a tour of all four of the Disney Parks—Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s
Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom—and you’ll finish early enough in the
day to enjoy the parks with your family at a slower pace. Mile 11 goes through
the Magic Kingdom, and runners who aren’t worried about their finishing times
have been known to take a quick ride before finishing the race. disneyworldmarathon.com
13. Boston Marathon
Mile 13
Next race: April 18
The Mile: This marathon may be the
most historic in the world (2011 marks its 115th edition), but for many
runners—particularly of the male persuasion—the most memorable mile involves the
women from Wellesley College who show their support between Miles 12 and 13.
For 111 years, the students have been cheering on marathon participants. The
nearly half-mile “scream tunnel” involves thousands of women and can be heard
from a mile away. bostonmarathon.com
14. Pikes Peak Marathon
Mile 13
Next race: Aug. 21
The mile: One of the more extreme races, Pikes Peak features a 13-mile run
up, followed by 13 miles back down. The race starts at an elevation of 6,300
feet and involves nearly 8,000 feet of climbing until reaching the summit at
14,115 feet. After punishing your body with 13 miles of uphill (at an average
grade of 11 percent), you’re rewarded with this middle mile’s view from the
easternmost 14,000-foot peak in the United States. pikespeakmarathon.org
15. Big Sur International Marathon
Mile 13
Next race: May 1
The mile: Big Sur is known for its jaw-dropping ocean views along the
Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Carmel, Calif. But its true signature
moment comes close to the halfway point at Mile 13, as runners cross the Bixby
Creek Bridge, which rises nearly 300 feet above the Pacific. Runners approach
the bridge after first ascending Hurricane Point, the toughest climb on the
course. Once they hit the bridge, they’re greeted by a panorama that has graced
a thousand postcards. bsim.org
16. Rim Rock Marathon presented by US Bank
Mile 13
Next race: Nov. 13
The mile: Held in the Colorado National Monument, this point-to-point race
gains 2,000 feet of elevation before losing 2,100 feet. Not for the faint of
heart—particularly since weather can be iffy in Colorado in November—the Rim
Rock offers breathtaking views of red-walled canyons and rock formations. The
crest of the final climb near Mile 13 rewards runners with the best vistas and,
even better, the knowledge that the course is all downhill from there.
ascentproductions.net
17. Mesa Falls Marathon
Mile 14
Next race: Aug. 27
The mile: This rural, point-to-point
race begins in the Targhee National Forest and finishes in Ashton, Idaho. The
course offers a combination of asphalt, gravel and dirt roads in addition to
spectacular views of the sunrise over the Teton Mountains. At Mile 14, runners
make their way onto a dirt trail and snake their way along the mountain ridge
overlooking the Warm River. It’s easy to forget that you’re part of
civilization. mesafallsmarathon.com
18. Mount Desert Island Marathon
Mile 15
Next race: Oct. 17
The mile: Held in Acadia National Park in Maine, this race features
sweeping vistas of the Atlantic. Mile 15 is run along a road that is literally
carved out of the side of Norumbega Mountain with views of the only natural
fjord on the east coast of the U.S. It’s not uncommon to spot eagles above and
harbor seals or porpoises below. This is also the mile where you’ll spot the
famous tree in the race logo and finishers medal. mdimarathon.org
19. CenturyLink WhistleStop Marathon
Mile 16
Next race: Oct. 9
The mile: Most of the course, a
point-to-point race from Iron River to Ashland, Wis., uses an abandoned
railroad bed that’s been turned into a gravel trail. Much of the race takes
place in the Chequamegon National Forest. At Mile 16, runners cross over a
bridge at Fish Creek that takes full advantage of the autumnal scenery.
whistlestopmarathon.com
20. Lake Tahoe Marathon
Mile 21
Next race: Sept. 25
The mile: This event is part of a
series of races and events held over five days that reads like a buffet menu
put together by over-ambitious distance nuts. Races include a 72-mile ultra, a
Tahoe triple (three marathons in three days), a 20-miler and a half
marathon—even bike rides and kayak trips. But the festival ends with the Lake
Tahoe Marathon, which offers a signature mile close to the course’s highest
point at 6,800 feet. laketahoemarathon.com
21. Little Grand Canyon Marathon
Mile 23
Next race: Sept. 10
The mile: Held in eastern Utah, this
race features a rare glimpse into the past as well as scenery that will knock
your socks off. The last 10 miles go through Buckhorn Wash, with sheer red
cliffs rising on either side of the canyon. Dinosaur footprints are visible
along the side of the road, and at Mile 23, some huge American Indian art
panels are visible. mammothmarathons.org
22. Honda Los Angeles Marathon
Mile 25
Next race: March 20
The mile: This race debuted a new
course last year to better highlight the area’s attributes. With “A Landmark at
Every Mile,” the course hits many tourist spots as it runs from Dodgers Stadium
to the Santa Monica Pier. But while there are plenty of “Oh, look!” moments,
the highlight for many will be near Mile 25 as runners get their first view of
the Pacific and then travel along Ocean Drive to the beach-party finish.
lamarathon.com
23. Niagara Falls International Marathon
Mile 26
Next race: Oct. 24
The mile: This race qualifies as a
U.S. race since it starts in Buffalo, N.Y. But participants will need a
passport to run into Canada where the race finishes in front of Niagara Falls.
(Don’t worry, you go through customs at the race expo, not during the race.) At
Mile 5, runners cross the Peace Bridge into Canada, which offers views of both
countries. But it’s tough to beat the sheer power and scale of Niagara Falls at
the finish line. niagarafallsmarathon.com
24. Cellcom Green Bay Marathon
Mile 26
Next Race: May 15
The mile: The frozen tundra. You can
thank the 1967 NFL championship game—dubbed the “Ice Bowl” because it was
played in below-13 degree temperatures—for creating the legend. But it’s tough
to come up with a stadium that’s associated more closely with a sport and a
community than Lambeau Field and Green Bay, Wis. Getting Packers season tickets
means putting your name on a 30-year waiting list, but marathon runners can
take to the field in the final mile and circle the not-so-frozen tundra in
May. cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com
25. Ford Ironman World Championship
Mile 26
Next race: Oct. 9
The mile: OK, so technically this
isn’t a marathon. Or more accurately, the marathon is only one part of this
event in Hawaii. But how can a list of memorable marathons not include the most
drama-filled, tear-inducing finish to any race in the country? You could fill a
book (and many have) about the drama as athletes take the final steps to the
finish after a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. From Julie
Moss’s crawl to Paula Newby-Fraser’s collapse, Mile 26 brings back countless
examples of grit and determination. ironman.com
26. Lake Placid Marathon
Mile 26
Next race: June 12
The mile: This marathon takes
advantage of both of the town’s greatest strengths—its Olympic identity and
scenic beauty. This multi-loop course winds up with a tough climb back into
Lake Placid. But you’re rewarded with a finish on the Olympic speedskating
oval—where Eric Heiden won five gold medals in 1980, in the shadow of the arena
where the U.S. hockey team accomplished its “miracle on ice.”
lakeplacidmarathon.com
