Scenic Marathons in the United States

Big Sur International Marathon, Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a beautiful coastal city located in Northern California, approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco. The Big Sur International Marathon is the largest "rural" marathon in the world, with a course that carries its runners through redwood forests and along the Pacific Ocean. This marathon offers incredible vistas and experiences. It is considered moderately difficult because the course includes rolling hills. Temperatures during the April marathon range from 50 to 60 degrees F.

Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Hawaii

The Honolulu Marathon takes place in December and features a course that runs along the ocean and Honolulu Harbor; through downtown Honolulu; and around some of the city's main tourist attractions, such as the Iolani Palace. While the course is mostly flat, marathoners will run up Diamond Head, which is 124 feet above sea level. The weather for the December marathon ranges from 60 to 80 degrees F.

Sedona Marathon, Sedona, Arizona

The Sedona Marathon in Arizona takes place annually in February. This is a more challenging course because the higher elevation of Colorado Plateau in Sedona can pose problems for those who live in lower altitudes. The run through the Sedona forests and desserts offers gorgeous vistas of the Arizona landscape, and even the chance to see wildlife such as elk, coyotes, jackrabbits and antelope. The historic average high temperature on race day has been 60 degrees F. If you run the Sedona Marathon on behalf of a charity, there is no registration fee.