You were once a four-letter high school athlete and now you’re approaching 30 … or 40, and you’re holding down a spouse and kids while working a 50 hour week, yet you want to do something that will revitalize you, get in you enough shape to impress at the class reunion, and bring some well-deserved recognition. What do you do?
You train for a marathon.
But where do you start? Here are what to be considered the best races our country has to offer.
Related: Tough Mudder 2015 Season Preview: It Gets Harder
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
11 Marathons Every Runner Must Crush
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Big Sur International Marathon
2015 Date: April 26
This Carmel, Calif. spectacular is consistently named the world's most scenic marathon, which makes sense if you know anything about Big Sur.
The route follows California's iconic Highway 1 through the monstrous redwoods and rocky cliffs of the golden state's coast. You'll see the Point Sur Lighthouse and the breathtaking Bixby Bridge before finishing through strawberry fields.
The Big Sur International Marathon is the world's largest rural marathon, yet only consists of about 4,500 runners.
Photo Credit: BSIM.org
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Boston Marathon
2015 Date: April 20
Obviously the most legendary marathon in existence, the Boston Marathon is the creme de la crop of races -- the holy grail if you will.
You must get in extremely early on this race; registration is already closed. If you're man enough to have an amazing qualifying time -- which you'll need if you want any shot at getting in -- you'll have to join the lottery and/or charity system to nudge your way in; for some people, this takes years.
So why is it worth it? Let's just say the city of Boston prides itself on this historic tour of a race. The entire city shuts down for it (known as Marathon Monday [Patriots Day]), and you'll feel the people's presence. Add to what the city does to remember what happened in 2013, and you'll be sure to get goosebumps.
This race is the grandaddy of them all and is only for the most experienced or veteran runner.
Photo Credit: Getty
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Chicago Marathon
2015 Date: October 11
Chicago in the fall = incredibly beautiful. Add an enormous crowd that rivals any race in the country, and the Chicago Marathon is one of the most sought after races in existence.
The race starts in the middle of Grant Park downtown and winds through the Windy City's most popular neighborhoods, including Old Town Triangle, University Village and Little Italy. There are typically up to 50,000 runners, so you'll always be surrounded by inspiration.
This incredibly flat race is perfect for the runner looking to score their PR (personal record).
Photo Credit: Getty
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Disney World Marathon
2016 Date: January 6-10
This is for all you folks who love Disney World to the point of no return. You know who you are, the type that had season passes long before even having kids. The kind that can recite anything from Snow White to The Lion King by heart. Now imagine, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald ... JASMINE ... all cheering you on as you run through the "happiest place on Earth."
Photo Credit: Getty
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Honolulu Marathon
2015 Date: December 13
The ultimate holiday gift this year? Possibly completing the most sought after destination marathon our country has to offer.
The Honolulu Marathon not only gives you luxurious white sand-views and warm temperatures to run in December, but a post-party heard 'round the world that draws thousands into Kapiolani Park (aside Waikiki Beach) following the race each year.
This is the third-largest marathon in the U.S. You'll get to see volcanos, beautiful coastline and enough hula girls to make your mother smile. Throw in the no-limit registration and no-cut off date and what's not to love?
Photo Credit: HonoluluMarathon.org
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Los Angeles Marathon
2015 Date: March 15
They plug this race as the one that makes YOU feel like a star. And let me tell you, as someone who ran it, I'll tell you first-hand that it's true.
This was my first marathon and it was one of the coolest and most rewarding things I've ever done in my life.
The race starts at Dodger Stadium and winds through downtown, Silverlake, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and through Santa Monica, ending at the famous pier. Not one second are you free from spectators. In fact, the last stretch on Ocean Avenue features approximately 50,000 people as you push towards the finish line.
You get to see Hollywood's most iconic real estate and a band on nearly every corner while you do it. This marathon rocked my socks off and I highly recommend it for anyone just starting their running career or looking to do a one-and-done.
Photo Credit: Getty
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Marine Corps Marathon
2015 Date: October 25
This Arlington, Virginia race is the ninth largest in the world and is for only the most patriotic. After all, it is dubbed the "Marathon of Monuments."
The race features military units running in formation and nearly every national monument and war memorial to speak of, taking you over the Potomac and through D.C. You literally begin and end at Arlington National Cemetery with a pass by The Pentagon in between.
Photo Credit: Getty
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Missoula Marathon
2015 Date: July 12
Only 1750 are allowed in this marathon Runners World magazine called the best marathon in the U.S.
It's a mostly flat course that's a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, and it takes you through some of the most scenic beauty our country has to offer.
One review on their site reads, "This was marathon number 67 and state number 39, so I’ve seen a few. Missoula ranks among the best. I don’t usually get on this site and post comments, but feel obligated due to the over-the-top experience ... I would rank this up with the experiences at New York, Boston, Chicago, Big Sur, or any other that stick in my mind. Love the size of the race also – Just the right size for me. Plenty of room and plenty of people.”
Photo Credit: MissoulaMarathon.org
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Napa Valley Marathon
2015 Date: March 1
If you're thinking for something rural and intimate, this is your race. The Napa Valley Marathon is consistently rated one of the best rural races in the world. Not only does it consist of nearly 26 miles of rolling countryside filled with grapevines, but the race only accepts around 2,300 runners each year.
This race is considered great for beginners, considering much of the course is downhill.
Photo: NapaValleyMarathon.org
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New York City Marathon
2015 Date: November 1
Touted the world's largest and most popular marathon, this is the marathon you want if you want to go as big as possible. The race hosts around 50,000 runners annually (12,000 international), along with two million spectators that line all five burroughs, which you'll run through. The race starts and ends in epic fashion, beginning with Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," with a finish line in Central Park.
This marathon requires a qualifying time, so unless you're an experienced top-class runner, you'll have to register early through a charity.
Photo Credit: Getty
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Pikes Peak Marathon
2015 Dates: August 15, 16
"America's ultimate challenge!"
To say this marathon is for someone looking for a great challenge is an understatement. To complete this behemoth, one doesn't just need to by in excellent shape, but be a little insane.
Rated by many the toughest marathon in the country, this Colorado Springs race originally began as a challenge between smokers and non-smokers. I guess racing up to the top of one of Colorado's highest mountain peaks (14 thousand feet +) is one way to prove a point in regards to smoking ...
For those who love to trail run, this is as good as it gets -- mountain scenery and wildlife for miles. You start at the base of Manitou Springs, climb to the top of the peak, only to proceed to head back down the mountain again.
Don't expect a good time and know what you're getting into before you even sign up.
Photo Credit: PikesPeakMarathon.org
