Finding good stats on the largest marathons in the United States is – for some reason – difficult.
A few years ago, I found myself looking for a list of the largest races. What I ended up finding was a bunch of listicles and mixed and match different methodologies of counting.
Some races include multiple distances over the weekend, and in some cases all of them were counted. In other cases, the peak participation for a race was used to place it on the list despite that race shrinking in size in subsequent years.
So I collected the data myself from a variety of sources, and I’ve assembled a list of the largest marathons in the United States in 2024. This list of the top 25 races is based on the number of finishers in the marathon this year. I did not count finishers at other races – like half marathons and 8k’s – in the totals.
A few races stood above the rest – with over to 50,000 finishers. But the majority had between 3,000 and 10,000 finishers. Beyond this list, there are dozens of other races of a moderate size.
Keep reading for the current ranking of the 25 largest marathons in the United States in 2024.
Anthony Quintano on Flickr. CC BY 2.0.
Races With Over 20,000 Finishers
There are only a handful of races in the United States with over 20,000 finishers, and two of them sit apart from the rest.
The New York City Marathon is currently the record holder as the largest marathon in the world – with over 54,000 finishers at the 2024 race. This is also the race that revolutionized marathoning. It started in 1970, when marathons were small races, with dozens – or maybe a few hundred – participants.
But in 1976, the race moved from a looped course in Central Park to a tour of the city’s five boroughs. Participation exploded, and before long, tens of thousands of runners were participating. The race is in high demand, and you’ll have to win a lottery, jump through hoops at NYRR races, or notch a qualifying time to gain entry. But as a reward, you’ll experience crowds that are second to none as you meander form Staten Island, through the five boroughs, and into Central Park.
The Chicago Marathon is only slightly smaller, with about 52,000 finishers this year. The city of Chicago – America’s second city – has a long history of competition with New York. And it’s no different with the marathons. The Chicago Marathon started in the late 1970’s, and for a time it called itself “America’s Marathon.”
I don’t know if Chicago will ever seize New York’s crown – permanently – as the largest race in the country. But it is certainly faster. While New York’s course is hilly and demanding, Chicago’s course is flat and fast. The crowds are thick and the field is fast. It’ll carry you like a river as you meander in and out of downtown, along the lake, and through the city’s neighborhoods. If you’re lucky, you might even be a part of history. It’s not uncommon for a world record to be set here.
The Boston Marathon may not be the biggest race in the country – it typically has a field of about 30,000 registrants and just under 26,000 finished in 2024. But it is the oldest race in the country – and the world – dating back to 1897.
To run the historic Boston Marathon, you’ll need to either run a qualifying time or raise a significant sum of money for charity. It’s an exclusive event, and many runners view Boston as the pinnacle of their running career. The qualifying times are demanding – and they’ve been getting more stringent in recent years – but they’re a lofty, achievable goal for many runners who are willing to put in the work.
The Los Angeles Marathon rounds out this list of the top races with just over 20,000 finishers this year. It doesn’t have quit the history or prestige of the previous three races, although it does – like the Boston stem from the Olympics. The 1986 Los Angeles Marathon was inspired by the success of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, which were hosted in the city.
Unlike New York, Chicago, and Boston, you don’t need to win a lottery or beat a specific time to enter the Los Angeles Marathon. It’s an all comers race, and it’s welcoming for first timers and slower runners. The route starts at Dodger’s stadium, continues on a scenic tour of Los Angeles, and finishes at the Santa Monica Pier. Just be aware that it is a hilly course.
Tier Two – Races with Over 10,000 Finishers
Next up after those truly huge races, there are four races that had between 10,000 and 20,000 finishers this year. These aren’t quite as big, and you’ll have an easier time with logistics. But they still give the feel of a massive event.
The Honolulu Marathon grew significantly this year, from just under 15,000 finishers to almost 19,000. It didn’t quite break the 20,000 mark, though.
This destination race is known for its stunning coastal course and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll enjoy the beautiful views of Waikiki Beach and the “Aloha spirit” throughout the event. There’s no cut-off time, which makes this a particularly good choice for first timers or for those who plan to walk. But be aware that it can be warm and humid, so it’s probably not a good choice for a PR attempt.
The Marine Corps Marathon also increased by a decent amount this year, growing from just under 14,000 finishers to over 16,000.
This race, known as “The People’s Marathon” is an inspiring tour through Washington, D.C. You’ll run past iconic national monuments, taking a tour through history. It’s organized by the U.S. Marine Corp, and it’s known for well disciplined and sharp logistics. The course starts with a big hill early on, but it levels out after that. The October weather is hit or miss – you might get lucky, and you might get scorched.
The Disney World Marathon had about 12,000 finishers, the same as last year. It’s still down from its historic highs of ~20,000 finishers in the mid-2010’s.
If you are a Disney fan, this is the race for you. It’s a magical, fun-filled jaunt through the parks. You’ll be out before the parks are open, with characters and entertainment along the race course. If you live in a cold climate, it’s a good excuse for a January trip down to Orlando. Just be aware that the race starts early – like 5:00 AM early. So if you’re not crazy about Disney, there are better options out there.
The Philadelphia Marathon continued to grow, breaking 12,000 finishers for the first time in its long and storied history.
Although the modern Philly Marathon dates to 1994, there has been a regular race in the city since the 1950’s making it one of the oldest in the country. It’s a fast race that winds through the streets of downtown, through Fairmont Park, and out along the Schuylkill River. There are some moderate hills in the middle, but it’s not enough to slow you down too much. The race is the weekend before Thanksgiving, which means you can count on good weather – or at least, not hot weather.
Tier Three – Races with Over 5,000 Finishers
The next tier of races is those with between 5,000 and 10,000. They’re a step down in size, but they’re hardly small.
The California International Marathon – CIM – is known for its fast, downhill race. It typically has a little under 10,000 finishers. This year, it was down slightly, but it’s 8,300 finishers was enough to keep it in the #9 spot on the overall list.
It’s a popular choice for runners looking for a PR or a Boston qualifying time, and in an Olympic year it’s a common place for runners to make a final attempt at an Olympic qualifying time. It’s in December – when there aren’t a lot of good choices – and the weather is reliably good. Everybody’s welcome, but this is a runner’s race with a competitive field.
Grandma’s Marathon grew to over 7,500 finishers this year – the most in its history.
This is a big race with a small town feel. It’s in Duluth, Minnesota along the shores of Lake Superior, and runners take over this town for a weekend each June. It’s got enthusiastic crowds, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s far enough north that the weather is usually pretty good, and there aren’t a lot of other options for fast races this time of year. Just be aware that lodging can sell out, so plan ahead – way ahead.
The Houston Marathon had over 7,000 finishers for the first time since COVID, down slightly from it’s peak int he mid-2010’s. It’s a fast and flat course, and it’s a popular choice for the fast runners who don’t want to travel up to Sacramento for CIM. You can usually count on good weather and strong crowds.
The Twin Cities Marathon was cancelled last year due to extreme heat, and it returned this year with a little under 7,000 finishers. It’s a scenic course that winds through the lakes, parks, and neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul – “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America” – not to mention the Mississippi River. It has some hills, but it’s not a slow course.
The San Francisco Marathon had just under 6,000 finishers this year. This is a tough, hilly course, so don’t come here expecting to run a personal best. But you can expect the unique experience of running across the Golden Gate Bridge and the stunning views of the city. It’s in July – not a common time of year for marathons – so the weather can be a bit unpredictable.
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon – or Indy Monumental – also had a little under 6,000 finishers this year. This is a fast, flat course that showcases the city’s landmarks and downtown. It’s popular among runners looking to run their fastest – whether it’s a PR or a BQ. You can count on enthusiastic crowds and good weather.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon had about 5,500 finishers this year. It’s the original race in the Rock ‘n’ Roll running series, and you’ll have a rockin’ good time with music and entertainment along the course. While some other Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons have gone belly up, and San Diego is a fraction of the size it used to be, it’s still going strong – and #13 on the list of the largest races in the country.
The Richmond Marathon just eked out 5,000 finishers this year – a 25% increase over last year. It came just short of hitting its all-time high (5,093 finishers) from 2014. The race is known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” and you’ll enjoy the scenic course and strong crowd support. If you don’t want to brave the November cold of Philly or Indy, the Virginia climate offers something a little more mild – but still reliably cool.
Photo from Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Tier Four – Races with Over 3,000 Finishers
The following races round out the top 25 list, each with over 3,000 finishers.
The Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinatti is a unique event. It’s got pig-themed festivities, enthusiastic volunteers, and engaged crowds. The course has rolling hills, and the May weather can be unpredictable. Don’t come here for a quick time – come here for a good time.
The Austin Marathon is another challenging, hilly course. The race’s lively atmosphere showcases the unique culture of Austin, Texas. It’s the second Texas race on the list. If you want a fast time, stick with Houston. Otherwise, Austin is a great choice.
The St. George Marathon is a net-downhill course that loses over 2,500 feet of elevation. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the mountains, and you’ll ride that hill to a stunningly fast time. This is the kind of course people come to when they need to shave a few extra minutes off their time to notch a Boston qualifier.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon offers the unique experience of running in two countries. After you start the race, you’ll cross the bridge into Canada and travel back through the tunnel to Detroit. It’s a memorable race with good weather and a flat course. It’s also got history, with the original race dating to the 1960’s – when it used to take place on Thanksgiving Day.
The Pittsburgh Marathon is a challenging, hilly race that meanders through the “City of Bridges.” Come here for the views and to enjoy the city. It’s the second Pennsylvania race on the list, and if you’re after a fast time, stick with Philly. Otherwise, enjoy Pittsburgh.
Columbus Marathon is a fast, flat course through Ohio’s capital city. It enjoys great community support and reliably good weather. The course is fast and flat, making this a better choice than Flying Pig if you’re looking for a fast time – or an easy time.
Long Beach Marathon is a scenic, flat course along the Pacific Ocean. Come for the beautiful coastal views and stay for the Southern California vibes. You and the 3,500 runners that come here every year are sure to have a good time.
The Big Sur International Marathon is a bucket list race, known for its spectacular views. The race meanders along California’s Highway 1, where you’ll see the Pacific Ocean, the redwood forests, and the rugged coastline. It’s definitely not a PR course, but it is a once in a lifetime experience. Just know that there are a limited number of entries, and you’ll likely have to get lucky in the lottery to run this iconic race.
Dallas Marathon is the third and final Texas race on the list. It rounds out the top 25 list. It’s a generally flat course with some rolling hills, and you’ll pass through the city and around White rock lake. The race is in December, so it’s another opportunity to get out of the northern winter and hope for good weather.
The Eugene Marathon is an honorable mention here, with just over 3,000 finishers. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon is the only other race that appeared on this list in 2023 and dropped down to #28 this year. After that, there are about a dozen races with 2,000 to 3,000 races, and a bunch with 1,000 to 2,000.
Which Race Are You Planning To Run?
There are a lot of great races on this list.
The Majors – New York, Chicago, and Boston – hold a certain appeal, and many people want to cross them off their bucket list. Boston, especially.
Then there are the scenic races, like Big Sur, San Francisco, or Honolulu. Or the fast races, like CIM, Grandma’s, or Houston.
Personally, I’ve got Twin Cities and Columbus on my to do list, because I have family in each city. I’ll likely run Twin Cities this fall. I’ve already run Chicago, but if things go according to plan I’ll run Boston and New York in 2026. And I’m a huge fan of DC, so I’m sure that I’ll run MCM before long.
There are so many great races, and so little time. Which races do you plan on running this year?