Image via Complex Original
It’s generally believed that the prime time for marathons is in the fall, but there are some excellent races to consider after December if you’re willing to break out your Under Armour ColdGear. These courses vary from fast to hilly, coast to desert, and crowded to rural. The training might be bleak, but it’s worth the beard-icicles to get to these ultimate winter marathons.
The Louisiana Marathon
Date: Jan. 19, 2014
Cap: 2,000
Registration Fee: $110
Website: thelouisianamarathon.com
This Baton Rouge race is three years young and bursting with energy. Plus, where else are you going to get served Alligator Chili after running 26.2 miles?
The fast and flat course has beauty to boot. Oak tree canopies, Louisiana State University, and million-dollar homes decorate the route. New Orleans’ own Big Sam’s Funky Nation is headlining the finish festival for race day. Oh, and a major bonus: the medals double as bottle openers.
Miami Marathon
Date: Feb. 2, 2014
Cap: No limit, but estimates 25,000 runners this year
Registration Fee: $125
Website: usroadsports.com
This marathon is a great excuse to get caliente in Miami during the cold winter months. The race starts bright and early (6 a.m.), which means seeing the lights of the skyline at the start. Runners take in the waterfront views of cruise ship row, and have downtown South Beach to look forward to.
Maybe the most unique thing about this marathon is the participants who are drawn to the race. Every country in South America has been represented, and the event has become one of Miami’s top tourism events for Latin American and Caribbean tourists because of the numbers who come to run.
Austin Marathon
Date: Feb. 16, 2014
Cap: 5,000
Registration Fee: $135
Website: youraustinmarathon.com
This race encapsulates Austin with its commitment to being green, providing tons of music, and spreading food truck love. The race course begins at the Texas State Capitol and finishes through the UT campus. Be warned: It’s hilly.
The “live music capital of the world” has 30-plus acts lining the course this February. This year’s new feature is a gong for those who have achieved a personal record to bang; but for those who aren’t interested, spectators are known to hand out beer.
Napa Valley Marathon
Date: March 2, 2014
Cap: 2,700 (The 2014 race is sold out)
Registration Fee: TBD (The 2015 marathon will open for new entries on March 3, 2014)
Website: napavalleymarathon.org
This isn’t the run for screaming crowds, but participants love the rural feel of winding through vineyards along the Silverado Trail. And the smaller the race, the better the swag and pampering, including a swanky Expo at the Napa Valley Marriott with a wine tasting from the Silverado Trail Wineries Association.
This one’s worth going for the gold: Male and female first-place finishers win their weight in wine.
Red Rock Canyon Marathon
Date: March 8, 2014
Cap: 1,500
Registration Fee: $100
Website: calicoracing.com
Be warned that the morning is cold in the desert with temps in the 40s, but the scenery is worth the hills and chills. And, only a race in Nevada would have packet pickups at a smoky casino.
It’s known to be a tough course, with a highest elevation of 4,782 feet. But not far from the stunning burnt reds and oranges of the Mojave Desert are the lights of Las Vegas calling your name for post-race debauchery.
LA Marathon
Date: March 9, 2014
Cap: No limit, but estimates more than 23,000 runners this year
Registration Fee: $170
Website: lamarathon.com
Tinseltown’s marathon has gone through some makeovers in the past, and this is the fifth year of the “stadium-to-sea course” which goes from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier. This race is an awesome way to hit the major sites without sitting in traffic. Some of LA’s treasures along the route are the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Capitol Records Building, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive.
Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon
Date: March 15, 2014
Cap: No limit
Registration Fee: Begins at $130
Website: runcatalina.com
Off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is home to an array of fauna, which means spectators will include American bison. And by participating, runners are supporting the conservancy protecting the wild. If you get hooked to this beautiful landscape, and think it’d be a good idea to double the race, the island also hosts a 50-mile run! And why not go snorkeling or parasailing while you’re there?
California International Marathon
Date: Dec. 7, 2014
Cap: 8,000
Registration Fee: Begins at $85
Website: runcim.org
The CIM is fast, with an elevation drop of about 300 feet, which has given the event a reputation as a great place to qualify for the Boston Marathon, set a personal record, or attain an Olympic Trials qualifier.
For those unconcerned with a PR, the route is a major draw because the race goes from landmark to landmark, beginning at the Folsom Dam and dramatically finishing with strides past Capitol Park to the state capital. The ratio of spectators to Arnold Schwarzenegger-related signs is probably the highest in the country, according to no one.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon
Date: Dec. 13, 2014
Cap: 4,500
Registration Fee: Begins at $55
Website: kiawahresort.com
Off of South Carolina and a few miles from Charleston, this race is for an ambitious man who wants to go fly fishing, kayaking, or play a round of golf after he’s run a marathon. Runners on this flat course will pass golf courses which have hosted major tournaments, expanses of marsh and fantasy vacation homes. And since the race is hosted by one of the best resorts in the country, it might be worth indulging in a marathon package and staying a while.
Honolulu Marathon
Date: Dec. 14, 2014
Cap: No limit, but estimates more than 22,000 runners next year
Registration Fee: Begins at $165
Website: honolulumarathon.org
All that really needs to be said is that this race is in Hawaii. But if you need further convincing, there’s a Luau at the Waikiki Shell and the race kicks off with fireworks.
This marathon is one of the largest in the U.S., but more than half of the runners are from Japan. The race, held on every second Sunday in December since 1973, is known for its laid back vibe with no finishing cutoff and no restrictions on electronic devices, allowing for selfies galore. Outdoor showers and free malasadas (deep fried crack) await finishers.