Don’t let the heat slow you down this summer. We’ve curated a batch of sweat-worthy, destination races throughout the hottest months to keep you moving. Plan a solo trip or the family vacation around one of these events.
Marathon/Half Marathon
Marathon to Marathon
June 13; Storm Lake, Iowa
This point-to-point race starts in Storm Lake and finishes in Marathon, Iowa, hence the race’s clever name. Despite being a small-town race with only about 250 people living in Marathon, this race has endured as Iowa’s most popular marathon for the past 20 years. Its flatness throughout the course also makes it an ideal Boston Marathon qualifier. (marathon2marathon.com)
Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon
June 20; Anchorage, Alaska
This marathon, the northernmost in the U.S., promises beautiful Alaskan scenery with views of vast meadows and snow-covered peaks, including sights of North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley. It also provides a mix of running surfaces from bike and ex-army tank trails through coniferous woods to simple blacktop roads. (goseawolves.com)
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
July 11; Portland, Maine
A true New England-inspired race, this half marathon runs along the Casco Bay with nautical sights of sailboats and lobster boats gliding in and out. In fact, the best parts of the race are the lobster bake the night before, where you’re treated to an authentic Maine sit-down meal as part of the race expo, and the beer garden post-race hosted by local Shipyard Brewing Company. Another post-race perk includes free showers by New England Mobile Showers, so make sure to bring a towel! (oldporthalfmarathon.com)
The San Francisco Marathon
July 27; San Francisco
With three different courses to choose from—the full marathon course, the first half or the second half of the marathon—you’ll hit all the major city sights in this race by the bay. Both the marathon and first half marathon start at the famous Ferry Building along the Embarcadero making its way through Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina and eventually across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and back. The second half starts and runs through Golden Gate Park. (thesfmarathon.com)
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