Marathon events have become one of the most popular growing events in the world.  Millions of people actually take part in these events.  From Boston, Massachusetts to Hawaii to Alaska to Florida, running events appeal to countless people.  Are you looking to join one soon?

Here are the top 20 marathons in the country:

Chevron Houston Marathon

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This marathon happens around mid-January in Houston, Texas.  Over 200,000 spectators attend this event, and it has over 21,000 participants yearly.  This is one of the top 20 marathons in the United States.  This is Houston’s biggest sporting event in a single day; although, this is one of the three biggest marathons in the state of Texas.  It attracts thousands of crowds since it began over 40 years ago.  More than 5000 volunteers organize this event.

Miami Marathon and Miami Half Marathon

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This event happens at the end of January to early February.  It attracts over 20000 runners and enthusiasts.  The Miami Marathon and Miami Half Marathon events have become favorite events of marathon runners throughout the world.  The Half Marathon is almost the same as the full one except the distance.  Runners follow a breathtaking course along the streets of Miami, gorgeous barrier islands and four bridge crossings.  The event is open to all runners.  This is an official Boston Marathon qualifier.

Tallahassee Marathon

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This happens in early February in Tallahassee, North Central Florida.  This has been a tradition for almost 40 years.  The marathon covers the flat St Marks Trail from Florida State University’s football stadium to Florida State University.  Runners get finishing medals for the marathon and half-marathon finishers.  The event also features local artists and guest speakers.

Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon

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This marathon happens in mid-February in Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon. It attracts over 4000 athletes from South Florida and other states and even other countries.  This is Fort Lauderdale’s most popular sporting event.  It is not only the marathon that attracts people, but the route and the view as well.  The event also features a Publix health & Fitness Expo which takes place at the same time.

Austin Marathon and Half Marathon

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This marathon happens every mid-February with thousands of spectators cheering over 20,000 runners.  This is one of the largest combined marathons in the country.  It is recognized as one of the top marathons as well.  This is one of the biggest marathon events in Texas.

Boston Marathon

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This is the world’s biggest and oldest annual marathon.  The first marathon happened in 1897. This event happens every mid-April.  It is probably the most popular marathon in the country.  It is also one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events.  It is recognized as one of the five major marathons in the world.  It is recognized by the International Association of Athletes Federations.  The Boston Marathon attracts over half a million runners and spectators every year.

This 26 mile marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sports of road racing because of its age and difficulty of gaining entrance into the race.  In order to qualify to run, the participant must have run a qualifying time at recognized marathons.  Over 25,000 runners qualify for the race each year.

San Francisco Marathon

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The San Francisco Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race.  It is a USATF certified event which happens in early July in San Francisco, California.  It has been a popular marathon for the last 35 years.  The San Francisco Marathon is recognized as one of The World’s Top 10 Marathons by Runner’s World.  It is popular not only for the actual race but for the scenic route past many of the city’s popular and beautiful landmarks including the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park.

Pikes Peak Marathon

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This is known as America’s Ultimate Challenge.  It has been selected as one of the USA Trail Marathon Championships.  It is considered to be the most difficult of all marathons in the country.  It is notorious for its strenuous course that actually winds up to the height of 14000 feet.  It is also the third oldest marathon in the United States behind Boston and Yonkers Marathon.  It actually started as a challenge between smokers and nonsmokers.  It is the first marathon to have allowed female runners to join.

Chicago Marathon

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The Chicago marathon happens every October.  This is one of the five major marathons in the world.  It is recognized by the International Association of Athletes Federations.  The Bank of America Chicago Marathon attracts over 50,000 runners from all over the United States and other countries.  A major event for over 30 years, it is watched by more than a million spectators.  The course passes by some of the city’s major attractions.  It follows a flat course, so it is generally completed in faster times than other marathons.

Honolulu Marathon

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The event happens every second Sunday of December in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.  It is one of the world’s largest marathons and it is considered to be the most festive.  This is recognized as one of The World’s Top 10 Marathons by the Runner’s World.  It is now on its 42nd year, and it attracts over 30,000 participants in the world.