With months of training under your belt from spring races, now is the prime time to strategically plan your next 26.2-mile adventure. Choosing the right fall marathon involves more than just picking a date; it's about aligning your goals with the perfect course, location, and conditions. FindMyMarathon.com is your essential resource in this exciting process, offering an extensive listing of fall races and powerful tools to pinpoint your ideal event. Let's explore some fantastic fall marathon options, categorized by what makes them special, to inspire your autumn running journey....Read the full article to learn more about the finding the best fall marathons.
The marathon. 26.2 miles of grit, determination, and hopefully, a well-executed pacing strategy. But what happens when the course isn't pancake flat? Elevation changes, whether subtle rollers or significant climbs and descents, can dramatically impact your pace and overall race experience. Ignoring them in your planning is a recipe for a painful day. Let's dive into how elevation affects your marathon pace and how to adjust your strategy for a successful race...Read the full article to learn more about how changes in elevation affect your marathon pace.
The quest for the ideal marathon is a personal journey. Whether you're chasing a Boston Qualifier, seeking a scenic trail run, or aiming for a personal best on a flat course in mild weather, FindMyMarathon.com offers a suite of powerful search tools designed to help you pinpoint the race that perfectly aligns with your goals and preferences. Let's explore how you can leverage the Advanced Search, Location Search, and State Search features to discover your next unforgettable 26.2 miles. No matter which tool you choose, your results appear both on an interactive map and in a sortable list—so you can see where your dream race lives, then instantly compare date, field size, weather, and PR-friendliness, and much more...Read the full article to learn more about how to find your perfect marathon.
The 2025 London Marathon showcased a strong contingent of fast runners, with an impressive 2,977 athletes achieving the coveted sub-three-hour finish. This elite group comprised 2,722 men, 254 women, and 1 non-binary runner. While still a significant number, this represents a decrease compared to the 3,690 runners who broke the three-hour mark in the 2024 edition...Read the full article to learn more about the 2025 London Marathon
Downhill marathons can be a golden opportunity to run a personal best or qualify for Boston—if you approach them the right way. While gravity is your ally on these courses, it can quickly become your enemy if you don’t adjust your pacing and race strategy. FindMyMarathon.com is here to equip you with the advice and pacing strategies you need to not just survive, but thrive on those downward slopes....Read the full article to learn how to effectively run a downhill marathon
You’ve crossed the iconic finish line on The Mall, medal around your neck, legs heavy but heart full. Now what? If you’ve come all the way to London for the marathon, don’t stop at the finish line—extend your adventure with a tour of the city’s world-famous landmarks and attractions.
This post-race sightseeing guide is tailor-made for marathoners: relaxed pacing, must-see spots, and hidden gems to soak in the city without putting too much more mileage on your legs...Read the full article to read about all the exciting attractions after the marathon
The Boston Marathon, the most iconic race in the U.S., is full of history, long on tradition, and features a course that punishes runners who don’t pace it wisely. The net downhill course starts in Hopkinton at 464 feet above sea level and drops down to 15 feet at the finish line in Boston. In between are quad-busting downhills, numerous small rollers, and uphills that can break your heart. The Boston course challenges even the most seasoned runners throughout the race with its constantly changing terrain.
Smart pacing throughout the varied course sections can make the difference between feeling strong as you run down Boylston St. at the finish or suffering the dreaded “marathon shuffle” after the hills take their toll on your legs...Read the full article on how to pace the Boston Marathon
The 2025 Boston Marathon was one of the fastest editions in history, with ideal conditions and deep, competitive fields fueling exceptional performances. Kenya’s John Korir stormed to victory in 2:04:45, overcoming an early tumble to record the second-fastest win in race history, while Sharon Lokedi shattered the women’s course record with a blistering 2:17:22.
It wasn't just elite runners who had great days on the trip from Hopkinton to Boston. Thousands of runners posted personal bests, and a remarkable number achieved Boston Qualifying (BQ) times—both veterans and first-timers alike. From the elite fields to age-groupers, the course was buzzing with speed, energy, and record-chasing ambition, making this year’s race not only memorable but statistically one of the fastest ever...Read the full article for more statistics on the 2025 Boston Marathon
The TCS London Marathon is one of the most iconic races in the world—a historic tour through one of the globe’s most famous cities. With its flat-to-rolling profile, legendary landmarks, and electrifying crowd support, London is a perfect course for runners chasing a personal best, a Boston qualifier, a World Marathon Major Star, or simply an unforgettable experience.
But make no mistake: while London isn’t a hilly course, it isn’t exactly flat either. With sneaky inclines, a crucial early descent, and sections that can pull you off your pacing strategy, it demands thoughtful race execution...Go to the full article on how to pace the London Marathon
For the past two years, runners aiming for the Boston Marathon have faced a significant challenge: simply meeting the Boston Marathon qualifying (BQ) times hasn’t been enough to earn acceptance into Boston. To secure a spot, runners had to finish more than five minutes faster than their BQ times—5:29 faster for the 2024 Boston Marathon and 6:51 faster for the 2025 event. In response to this trend, the Boston Athletic Association tightened the BQ standards by five minutes for all age groups below 60-64, effective for the 2026 race. It's anticipated that these fast acceptance times will continue in 2025 and runners vying for a coveted spot in Hopkinton will need to exceed the adjusted BQ times by more, making the path to Boston even more competitive.
Regardless of the acceptance times needed for the 2026 or 2027 Boston Marathon, runners must identify fast, well-organized races that give them the best shot at achieving a BQ. To help, we’ve compiled the 50 Best Marathons to Qualify for Boston in 2025. These races are known for their PR-friendly courses and are excellent choices for those chasing their Boston dreams. Even if qualifying for Boston isn’t your goal, these marathons are top-tier events, offering exceptional experiences for any runner looking to set a personal best...Go to Full Article
The Boston Marathon, traditionally held on Patriots' Day in mid-April, is as much a test of mental fortitude and strategic planning as it is a physical challenge. One of the biggest variables runners face? The unpredictable New England weather. From sweltering heat to driving rain and even the occasional surprise of late-season snow, Boston has seen it all. For runners gearing up for the race, understanding the historical weather patterns and preparing for potential conditions is paramount. FindMyMarathon.com is here to give you the lowdown on what you might encounter on race day.
A Look Back: Boston's Weather History
The archives of the Boston Marathon tell a story of dramatic weather shifts. While the average high temperature in Boston for mid-April hovers in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 13°C), race day has seen extremes on both ends of the spectrum:...Go to Full Article
The New York City Marathon is the largest and most challenging course among the six World Marathon Majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City). The course starts with a steep ascent up the Staten Island side of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge followed by a steep descent down to Brooklyn. Although the bridge is the biggest “hill” on the course, the remaining miles provide runners little respite. Rolling hills and additional bridge crossings challenge marathoners all the way through the last winding miles through Central Park.
Smart, conservative pacing (especially early in the race) can make the difference in feeling great as you enter Central Park or suffering the dreaded “marathon shuffle” during the last stretch. Moreover, composure and patience are crucial attributes in a successful race through the five boroughs...Go to Full Article
After two years of runners having to only meet the BQ standard to be accepted into the Boston Marathon, qualifying for Boston 2024 and 2025 became more difficult once again. In order to qualify for the 2024 race, runners needed to run 5:29 faster than the qualifying time to be accepted and 6:51 for the 2025 race. With the Boston Athletic Association tightening qualifying times by 5 minutes, it will likely take even faster times to qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon.
No matter what BQ time is necessary to be accepted for 2026, runners will need to find fast, quality races which give them the best chance to qualify for Boston. We’ve helped runners out by compiling the best races to qualify for Boston in each state as well as the 50 Best Marathons to Qualify for Boston. These races will give you a great chance to earn your 2026 BQ. And if the Boston Marathon is not your goal, the races on our list are all quality, well-organized, PR-worthy marathons....Go to Full Article
It's never too early to start thinking about where to stay for the New York City Marathon. In fact, some of the popular hotels sell out close to a year in advance. We’ll break down some of the locations in and around New York City, give the pros and cons of the area, and provide some choices in each location. We suggestion you book your rooms early to get the accommodations that best meet your needs.
The three locations that are most convenient to the New York City Marathon when it comes to accommodations are:
You've powered through the crowds of Wellesley, conquered Heartbreak Hill, and triumphantly crossed the finish line of the legendary Boston Marathon. Congratulations! Now, as your legs recover and the elation sinks in, it's time to explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food that this iconic marathon city has to offer. FindMyMarathon.com is more than just your race calendar; it's your starting point for discovering the best of Boston beyond the 26.2 miles...Go to Full Article
If you're a marathon runner aiming to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon, selecting the right race is crucial. Here are some of the best marathons in the United States where a significant percentage of finishers achieve Boston qualifying times:...Go to Full Article
The most well-known challenge on the Boston Marathon course is unquestionably Heartbreak Hill. Its reputation is well-deserved given its location 20 miles into the race. However, the three hills preceding the iconic hill make Heartbreak just one of the challenges facing Boston Marathon runners as they approach the last ten miles of the race. In this article we’ll breakdown the Newton Hills and offer advice on how to conquer them.
Looking at the race elevation chart or reading descriptions of the course, it’s easy to lump all the hills into a single entity – “the Newton Hills”. However, you shouldn’t view the hills as a single five-mile-long uphill section. It’s too overwhelming to think about after already running 16 miles on the Boston course...Go to Full Article
It's never too early to start thinking about where to stay for the Boston Marathon. In fact, some of the popular hotels sell out close to a year in advance. We’ll break down some of the locations in and around Boston, give the pros and cons of the area, and provide some choices in each area. Book your rooms early to get the accommodations that best meet your needs.
The two locations that are most convenient to the Boston Marathon when it comes to accommodations are:
Finish Line & Expo/Packet Pick-up Area
Bus Loading Area...Go to Full Article
The Boston Marathon. The very name evokes images of roaring crowds, the iconic Citgo sign, and the triumphant finish on Boylston Street. But beneath the physical prowess and months of rigorous training lies a less visible, yet equally critical component of conquering this legendary race: the mental game. From the nervous energy in Hopkinton to the burning quads ascending Heartbreak Hill and the final push towards the finish, the Boston Marathon is as much a test of the mind as it is of the body.
Unlike flatter, more forgiving courses, Boston throws a unique gauntlet of psychological challenges. The initial downhill miles can lure runners into a pace they can't sustain, breeding doubt and fatigue later. The gradual inclines that follow chip away at resolve...Go to Full Article
If you're aiming to qualify for both the 2025 and 2026 Boston Marathons, there's a unique window of opportunity between September 1 and September 13, 2024 where one race can qualify you for both years. During this time both the 2025 and 2026 qualifying windows are open - the 2026 window opens 9/1 and the 2025 window closes 9/13. Qualifying times achieved during those two weeks count for both years. Here's a list of marathons that fall within this timeframe...Go to Full Article
Looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Don't like downhill marathons? We have you covered. We compiled a list of the best non-downhill Boston Marathon qualifiers for 2025 as a companion to our 50 Best Boston Qualifiers list.
Midwestern states are well represented in our list with 15 races making the list led by Michigan (4) and Ohio (4). Massachusetts (5), Pennsylvania (4) and Illimois (3) also have several races in the list...Go to Full Article
As with any marathon, the last few miles can be tough physically and mentally. You’ve been running for hours, your legs are heavy, and it takes more physical effort to maintain your pace. Your mind keeps telling you how easy it would be to slow down, walk, or even quit.
It can be beneficial to play mind games to get you through the last few miles. We’ve detailed a few strategies to not only get you though the last stages of the tough races like the Boston or New York City Marathon, but other races as well...Go to Full Article
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has once again tightened the standards for entry into the Boston Marathon. This week they announced that qualifying times for the 2026 Boston Marathon will be lowered by 5 minutes across all age groups—except for the 60-64 and older age brackets. This adjustment adds an extra layer of challenge for marathoners aiming to secure a spot in Hopkinton.
With the first qualifying time reduction since the 2020 race, the Boston Marathon continues to push runners to new levels of performance. But what does this mean for the 2026 Boston Marathon hopefuls? How will these new times impact the number of qualifiers and compare to 2025 qualifiers?...Go to Full Article