United States race training plans

Midwest

Twin Cities Marathon

Minneapolis to Saint Paul, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 4 October 2026

Rolling point-to-point course

Train on rolling terrain and finish selected long runs with controlled climbing so sustained late-race inclines do not disrupt pacing.

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Midwest

Chicago Marathon

Chicago, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 11 October 2026

Flat city course

Use steady mileage, long-run fueling practice, and controlled race-pace blocks while adjusting hard sessions for hot training days.

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Mankato Marathon Full Marathon

Mankato, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 17 October 2026

Emphasize a taper before race day by reducing training load so your muscles can recover from accumulated fatigue. The organizer’s guidance recommends progressively reducing volume while maintaining training intensity and frequency.

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Mid-Atlantic

Marine Corps Marathon

Washington DC, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 25 October 2026

Rolling city course

Beginner-friendly marathon prep, pacing discipline, late-race resilience

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Northeast

New York City Marathon

New York, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 1 November 2026

Rolling course with bridges

Add rolling long runs, controlled hill work, and effort-based pacing so the bridges and late climbs do not derail the final miles.

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Mid-Atlantic

Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 22 November 2026

Rolling city course

Use rolling long runs, controlled marathon-pace work, and late-run focus practice rather than preparing only on flat roads.

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West

California International Marathon

Sacramento, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 6 December 2026

Rolling net-downhill course

Build quadriceps durability with controlled downhill running, train over rolling terrain, and rehearse marathon pace for the flatter finish into Sacramento.

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Pacific

Honolulu Marathon

Honolulu, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 13 December 2026

Warm coastal course

Heat acclimation, hydration, conservative pacing, long-run fueling

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South

Houston Marathon

Houston, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 17 January 2027

Flat city course

Develop even marathon pacing, flat-road economy, fueling consistency, and enough basic hill strength to remain durable late in the race.

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West

Los Angeles Marathon

Los Angeles, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 7 March 2027

Rolling point-to-point course

Hill management, heat adaptation, pacing patience

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Oakland Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente

Oakland, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 21 March 2027

Practice your race fueling plan with the water, electrolytes, and energy gels provided at aid stations. The course lists gel stations near miles 6.5, 14.25, 21.25, and 24.5.

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Northeast

Boston Marathon

Boston, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 19 April 2027

Rolling point-to-point course

Include hill work, steady long runs, and occasional downhill running so your quads are ready for the course profile.

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Midwest

Grandma's Marathon

Duluth, United States • Marathon • Confirmed date: 19 June 2027

Lakeshore point-to-point course

Build steady aerobic endurance on flat and gently rolling roads, retain late-run hill strength, and practice flexible clothing and fueling choices.

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