Pure USA: From impressive trails to iconic city marathons and legendary urban runs – these races will make every runner’s heart beat faster!
Imagine starting in Las Vegas amidst a glittering sea of lights, running through the mighty Colorado canyons, or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. This selection of running events across the USA will not only make you sweat but also leave you in awe. Whether breathtaking trails, urban highlights, or historic routes – each event tells its own story and offers a spectacular atmosphere. What are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road!
A Firework of Running Highlights: Why These Events?
These races stand for pure diversity – from mega city events to ultra-trail adventures. What unites them is their outstanding atmosphere, culture, and a touch of adventure. On the following pages, you'll get an exciting glimpse into 31 amazing races – enriched with background info and a touch of running romance. Have fun exploring!
Book recommendation: Eliud Kipchoge - The First Human to Run a Marathon in Under 2 Hours: The Biography of a Running Legend Who Shaped the Sport for Two Decades
The Most Beautiful Running Events and Routes in the USA: Unique, Spectacular, and Unforgettable
Note: The order is NOT a ranking, but rather a colorful, emotional journey through favorite races across the country.
1. Rock’n’Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
The start is spectacular – right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, accompanied by live bands and a fireworks display that gives you goosebumps. From the very first steps, the entire course comes alive: DJs, cheerleaders, performers – this is not just a race, it’s a celebration. And since it’s Vegas, you don’t just get a medal at the finish, but the full Vegas experience: drinks, shows, sunshine – and yes, the route is surprisingly fast, surrounded by neon lights, glamour, and good vibes.
If you want to run through downtown at sunrise, this is the race for you. It uniquely combines city, party, and sport. Optional 10K and 5K races are also available. Around 40,000 runners participate.
Date: February
All information about the Rock’n’Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
2. Los Angeles Marathon
Sunshine, palm trees, Hollywood flair: The L.A. Marathon starts at Dodger Stadium and runs right through Hollywood. It’s a cinematic experience: always accompanied by the coastal breeze, drifting surfers, and the urban sprawl of the metropolis. The crowds cheer loudly, artists create a great atmosphere along the course, and the vibe is both relaxed and electric.
Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the classic American cultural panorama while running. Food stands and hot beats provide an extra energy boost – California style! With more than 20,000 participants, it’s one of the largest marathons in the U.S. outside the Big 3 (Chicago, New York, and Boston).
Date: March
All information about the Los Angeles Marathon
3. Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
An Irish spring classic in Chicago, where 30,000 runners start in green – Shamrock, you are charming! This 5-mile run is flat, fast, and offers pure Irish-green vibes – Leprechaun costumes, live music, green drinks, and a true festival atmosphere. The run is so sociable that even pubs with live music entice runners from mile 2 onward. Perfect for kicking off the season with fun and supporting charity at the same time.
Run, laugh, a Guinness at the finish – it's about joy, not records!
Date: March
All information about the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
4. Boston Marathon
The forefather of marathons is both legend and myth: the Boston Marathon is one of the oldest races in the world and only accessible with a qualifying time – and that’s exactly what makes it so unique. The route winds through historic towns, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators shouting both “Go!” and “History!”. That iconic New England TV feeling at the legendary “Heartbreak Hill” or in the infamous finish tunnel – marathon dreams are made here.
Emotion, tradition, and passion – in Boston, you don't just run, you make history.
Date: April (Patriot's Day)
All information about the Boston Marathon
5. Big Sur International Marathon
A visual poetry marathon along California’s Pacific Coast – cliffs, the sound of the sea, constant ocean breeze, and one of the most beautiful routes in the world. The Big Sur Marathon runs along the legendary Highway 1, past gorgeous beaches and steep hillsides. Here, waves, seagulls, and loudspeaker-cheering spectators make you smile and practically carry you to the finish line. At the end, sparkling wine, fish and chips, and a gentle ocean breeze await – a true reward for the soul.
If you love landscapes and marathons, this is your dream race.
Date: April
All information about the Big Sur International Marathon
6. Maui Marathon
Paradise awaits at the Maui Oceanfront Marathon: palm trees, tropical temperatures, and the scent of the island – your heart will leap out of your chest! The route follows the coastal highway with spectacular views of the Pacific. The participant limit is intentionally small: relaxed, warm, and family-like. This creates a special atmosphere – almost like a shared vacation, just with a bit of exercise in between.
The race shows Maui at its best – Hawaii for your legs and soul.
Date: January
All information about the Maui Marathon
7. Salt Lake City Marathon
The Salt Lake City Marathon elevates the experience with views of the dramatic skyline and the majestic Wasatch Mountains. The course is fast, the weather usually ideal. The air is clear, the atmosphere friendly – the whole event runs smoothly, casually, and with heartfelt warmth. If you're looking for an hour or two of pure running enjoyment, this is the place. The course also runs through parks and neighborhoods – giving runners a truly local experience.
In addition to the marathon, there are also shorter races from 5K to the half marathon.
Date: April
All information about the Salt Lake City Marathon
8. Bay to Breakers
San Francisco’s legendary race is a cult event – loud, colorful, outrageous costumes and a vibe to go wild! At the Bay to Breakers, it’s 12 kilometers from the bay to the breakers. If you’ve ever run through the city in a rubber suit or wearing a giraffe head, you know: here, fun is everything. The route is hilly, the party is nonstop – and it’s a piece of city history. The runners are creative, the spectators excited, and afterward everyone celebrates together – some run with boom boxes, others in ballet tutus: simply amazing!
This race has existed since 1912 – one of the oldest in the world...
Date: May
All information about Bay to Breakers
9. BolderBoulder
The BolderBoulder is a real hometown hero in Colorado – 10 kilometers that get the heart racing. 50,000 runners hit the ground running against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The course leads to the spectacular finish area in Folsom Field, through Boulder, and ends in a festival atmosphere – music, tandems, endless fans. Running here becomes a family gathering, an open-air spectacle, and an emotional party.
Perfect for anyone who loves big crowds and an amazing atmosphere to run their best.
Date: May
All information about the BolderBoulder
10. Hardrock 100
Pure trail legend: The Hardrock 100 covers 100 miles through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains – with insanely steep climbs, volcanic trails, and untouched nature. The course is marked in white, like a maze, and supported with surprising hospitality: everything is run by volunteers, full of atmosphere, and even love. Runners meet at mountain huts, above 14,000 feet, under starlit skies – trail Rolex in the Wild West!
If you're looking for raw nature, a tough course, and a nearly spiritual sense of community – this is it.
Date: July
All information about the Hardrock 100
11. Speedgoat Mountain Races
Trail fireworks in Utah: The Speedgoat Mountain Races are the epitome of technical trails, steep climbs, and pure freeride feeling. Under running legend Karl "Speedgoat" Meltzer, stories spread faster than dust clouds on the trails – steep, winding, and challenging. Participants experience breathtaking views, demanding rock and snow passages, and a trail-mad community.
If you thrive in the mountains, this is the place to be: trails like only nature can offer. Probably one of the most beautiful race courses for trail running in the USA.
Date: July
All information about the Speedgoat Mountain Races
12. Transrockies Run
Planning a running trip to the US? A week of pure trail magic through the Rocky Mountains from Colorado to Estes Park – that’s the Transrockies Run. Team runs, camping under the stars, new stages every day with changing elevation profiles, and constant natural beauty – this event is a path to self-discovery. No pressure, just pure challenge with friends, including baggage service and a big running community. Evenings feature pasta parties by the river, live music, and a family atmosphere. Deluxe trail vacation over 190 km!
Date: August
All information about the Transrockies Run
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