10 Marathons for First-Timers

Written by
Erica Schuckies
Marathons are no easy task. For first-timers, signing up for a fun race can be the difference between making it your first of many, or your first and last. Register now for one of these awesome runs for first-time marathoners.
Portland Marathon
Oct. 4, 2015, in Portland, Ore.
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Known for being one of the best-organized and most family-friendly races in North America, the Portland Marathon is one to put on your bucket list. The course boasts incredible scenery and live entertainment acts to encourage runners all the way to the finish line.
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Oct. 11, 2015, in Chicago
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Known for its flat and fast course, the Chicago Marathon is great option to start your marathon career in perfect fashion. Runners can choose to race in support of more than 190 charities, then celebrate at an awesome post-race party with beer, food and live entertainment.
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Marine Corps Marathon
Oct. 25, 2015, in Washington, D.C.
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In addition to incredible support from spectators along the course, the Marine Corps Marathon will take runners by some of the most famous landmarks and monuments in Washington, D.C. Marines are stationed at each aid station, offering water, nutrition and resources for runner's needs.
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Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Nov. 14, 2015, in Las Vegas
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What do you associate with Vegas? Elvis? The Strip? Casinos? The Las Vegas Marathon incorporates all of those things, plus live music along the super flat course. When else does the Strip close down for a nighttime jaunt?
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Nike Rocket City Marathon
Dec. 12, 2015, in Huntsville, Ala.
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For a more low-key race, consider the Rocket City Marathon. The flat, fast course takes runners through downtown, historic districts of Huntsville and the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. A December race day means cooler temps and a festive atmosphere offers a cooler experience. Southern runners should definitely put this race on their to-do lists.
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Honolulu Marathon
Dec. 13, 2015, in Honolulu
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Use this race as an excuse to schedule a long vacation to the islands. The Honolulu Marathon offers scenic views of the famous Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanic craters, and Maunalua Bay Beach Park. As one of the few marathons with no cutoff time and 35 percent of runners as rookie marathoners, this race is perfect for first-timers. (Photo credit: Honolulu Marathon Association)
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Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna
Jan. 10, 2016, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
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Hello, it's the happiest place on earth! With a full weekend of magical events, things and people, the Walt Disney World Marathon is an experience you'll likely never forget. This course winds through all four Walt Disney World parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, with live entertainment and visits from Disney characters along the way.
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Boston Marathon
April 18, 2016, in Boston
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Ask anyone who's run the Boston Marathon—they will all agree that this race experience is hard to beat. Although an entry must be gained via prior race qualification, race day from start to finish will be nothing but inspirational. Runners of the longest-running marathon in the United States will benefit from extremely positive crowds along the way and a challenging course to make you proud to call yourself a finisher.
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Flying Pig Marathon
May 1, 2016, in Cincinnati
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Runners of the Flying Pig should take full advantage of the opportunity to "Pig Out" on pasta for their pre-race carbo-load. On race day, enjoy running mascots, average May temperatures of mid-50s (AKA perfect running weather) and a "Flying Fur" race for dogs and their owners. Just when you think you can't run any farther, reap some inspiration from the hordes of encouraging spectators known as the "Street Squealers." (Photo credit: Mark Bowen)
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Big Five Marathon
June 25, 2016, in Johannesburg, South Africa
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When will you have another chance to run through the African Savanna? The scenery is hard to match anywhere else in the world: zebras and gazelles are your running partners and enthusiastic crowds. Did we mention this race is in South Africa? (Photo credit: Adventure Marathon)
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Find your
next marathon