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A marathon is a long distance running event which has an average length of 42.195 kilometres and is usually run as a road race. More than 500 marathons are held throughout the world each year, but a few of those are more special than the others. Here is a list of the top 10 marathons in the USA:
#10 Metro PCS Dallas Marathon - Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Marathon was established in 1971, and features in the list at 10th position. This marathon begins and ends in downtown Dallas, before which its route follows West Dallas Loop over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge going through the Dallas Design District and the historical district along Swiss Avenue.
Date: Sunday, December 14th, 2014Fee: $150Records: Men’s: 2:12:04; Women’s: 2:29:55Average Finishers: 20,000
#9 Big Sur International Marathon - Carmel, California
Started in 1986, the Big Sur International Marathon makes it to our list at 9th place. Through the course of the race the runners can witness breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean, as it traces the Pacific coast.
Date: Sunday, April 27th, 2014Fee: $160Records: Men’s: 2:16:39; Women’s: 2:41:45Average Finishers: 8,228
#8 Anthem Richmond Marathon - Richmond, Virginia
At 8th position features the Anthem Richmond Marathon which was started in 1978. Near the James River on the west side of Richmond, the marathon runs through its residential streets and wooden parks.
Date: Saturday, November 15th, 2014Fee: $130Records: Men’s: 2:14:32; Women’s: 2:31:25Average Finishers: 4,716
#7 Under Armour Baltimore Marathon - Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Marathon which was started in 2001 is the flagship race out of several events at the Baltimore Running Festival and makes it to the list at 7th place. The Inner Harbor and historic Federal Hill are crossed by the runners before looping in a flat track around the Lake Montebello.
Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2014Fee: $145Records: Men’s: 2:11:56; Women’s: 2:29:11Average Finishers: 3,020
#6 Marine Corps Marathon - Washington, D.C.
Established in 1976, the Marine Corps Marathon makes it to the list at 5th place. The course of this marathon varies slightly each year. It usually starts in the Arlington County of Virginia before crossing the George Memorial Parkway, and then it passes through the Kennedy Center and the National Mall, before finally concluding at the Marine Corps War Memorial, which is located just outside the walls of Arlington National Cemetery.
Date: Sunday, October 26th, 2014Fee: $92Records: Men’s: 2:14:01; Women’s: 2:37:00Average Finishers: 23,519
#5 Rock N Roll Marathon - Las Vegas, Nevada
At 5th place in our list is the Rock ‘N’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon, which was established in 1967 making it one of the oldest marathons in the United States. The race concludes at the North Las Vegas Airport, before which it runs along the city’s main strip on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Date: Sunday, November 16th, 2014Fee: $180Records: Men’s: 2:11:56; Women’s: 2:29:01Average Finishers: 32,000
#4 Flying Pig Marathon - Cincinnati, Ohio
Making its way to the list at 4th position is the Flying Pig Marathon, which was started in 1999 as a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon.
The marathon is named after pigs; in the 1800s, boats which used to carry livestock up the Ohio River used to dock in Cincinnati for sales.
The course of the race runs along neighbourhood streets in Cincinnati then Covington and finally Newport.
Date: Sunday, May 4th, 2014Fee: $105Records: Men’s: 2:20:25; Women’s: 2:34:35Average Finishers: 4,133
#3 Walt Disney World Marathon - Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Started in 1994, the Walt Disney World Marathon makes it at this list in third position. The Marathon’s course passes through all four parks and concludes with a cool-down party in Downtown Disney.
Disney characters and entertainment line are present throughout the course of the marathon.
Date: Sunday, January 11th, 2015Fee: $170Records: Men’s: 2:11:50; Women’s: 2:31:54Average Finishers: 13,524
#2 Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Chicago, Illinois
At second place it our list is the Chicago Marathon which was started in the year 1977. This competition forms one of the six races in the World Marathon Majors.
Grant Park is where the race both starts and concludes, while travelling through downtown Chicago in the middle.
Date: Sunday, October 12th, 2014Fee: $185Records: Men’s: 2:03:45; Women’s: 2:17:18Average Finishers: 38,883
#1 Portland Marathon - Portland, Oregon
The Portland Marathon, which was started in 1972, tops our list of the 10 must-run marathons. The marathon begins in downtown Portland and continues past the river front, over the St. John's bridge as it makes its way through the Old Town and other residential neighbourhoods.
Date: Sunday, October 5th, 2014Fee: $130Records: Men’s: 2:17:21; Women’s: 2:36:39Average Finishers: 6,518
