As we start approaching summer, that means it's time to start thinking about fall 2023 marathons. Many of the biggest U.S. Marathons happen in the fall – perfect as the weather starts to cool down and the humidity decreases! This year, I’m going to be in the groups of tens of thousands running them too as I train for Chicago!
How Long Do I Need to Train for a Marathon?
This one varies a lot depending on each runner’s current ability and goals. In general, somewhere between 14 and 20 weeks is best. If you have a base of 20 miles or more per week and have run a marathon before, closer to 14 weeks is absolutely long enough! If you run less per week or have never run a marathon before, I recommend longer based on experience and goals.
Below is a handy graphic using an 18-week training plan on when you need to start training for each of the major fall U.S. based marathons!
The Marathons
Wineglass Marathon
The course is fast. Very fast. Personal records tend to fall here. Beyond the chance for a PR, the speed also makes Wineglass one of the top spots to qualify for the Boston Marathon. And the early autumn scenery is stunning. These are just a few of the reasons runners love the Wineglass. Part of the reason why Wineglass has been named one of the top 10 Destination Races in the world and why runners voted it the Best Marathon in New York State in 2018 (https://www.wineglassmarathon.com/)
Portland Marathon
The Portland Marathon Presented by OHSU Health is an annual sporting event which takes place on the first Sunday of October in Portland, Oregon, first held in 1972. The race consists of a full marathon as well as a half marathon (https://www.portlandmarathon.com/)
Twin Cities Marathon
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend is the community’s signature running and fitness celebration. Entering its fifth decade, the weekend features runs for participants of all ages and paces. The community-inclusive event also includes live art, course entertainment, the Summit Beer Garden, and welcomes non-participants to join the 300,000+ cheering spectators who line the race courses each year. (https://www.tcmevents.org/events/medtronic-twin-cities-marathon-weekend-2023)
St. George Marathon
The St. George Marathon is an annual marathon sporting event hosted by the city of St. George, Utah on the first Saturday in October. The first race run was in November 1977. It was originated and organized in just a few months by Sherm Miller, who worked for the Parks and Recreation Department of St. George City. It is currently the 13th largest marathon in the United States of America. (https://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/information.php)
Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon is a marathon held every October in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Thus, it is also a World Athletics Label Road Race. The Chicago Marathon is the fourth-largest race by number of finishers worldwide. (https://www.chicagomarathon.com/)
Detroit Free Press Marathon
The Detroit Free Press Marathon is a 42.195-kilometre race run every third Sunday in October in Detroit, Michigan, United States and Windsor, Ontario, Canada since 1978. Major General Stan Connelly and Jerry Coyle organized the first international marathon. (https://www.freepmarathon.com/)
Indy Monumental Marathon
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is the ideal fall marathon for everyone from the first time marathon runner to elite athletes. Starting and finishing at the Indiana State Capitol, the course highlights landmarks and historical neighborhoods throughout Indianapolis. Nationally recognized as flat and fast, event hosted Olympians, PR seekers, and thousands of Boston Marathon qualifiers. (https://monumentalmarathon.com/)
New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon, currently branded as the TCS New York City Marathon for sponsorship reasons, is an annual marathon (42.195 km or 26.219 mi) that courses through the five boroughs of New York City. It is the largest marathon in the world, with 53,627 finishers in 2019 and 98,247 applicants for the 2017 race. Along with the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon, it is among the pre-eminent long-distance annual running events in the United States and is one of the World Marathon Majors. (https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon)
California International Marathon (CIM)
Our point-to-point, net downhill course has remained unchanged for 38 years, providing over 100,000 runners of all speeds–from first-timers to the fastest of the fast–the best chance to achieve their marathon goals. CIM is certified and sanctioned by USATF and is a Boston Marathon and US Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier. CIM is put on by the Sacramento Running Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. (https://runsra.org/california-international-marathon/)
Want more resources to train for a marathon?
Check out these blogs, plans, and more!
Race Pacing for half and full marathons: Learn more about pacing your race!
The long run: what happens if you miss a long run, how to make it up, and how important it really is
Full Marathon training plans & journal prompts: Done for you18 week training plans with strength from your platform of choice with weekly reflections & journaling
Best Run Year Ever Marathon Group Coaching: get your training with access to me, training plans, strength workouts, community, and more
One on One coaching: A completely custom plan to your marathon! Everything from workouts on your schedule, to custom paces, to fueling advice and more!
