With so many races being canceled or turned virtual, we could all use a little fun right now! As much as I’ve enjoyed my virtual races, nothing compares to an in-person event. I’m not running much now, or planning a race, so I thought why not make a goal list. This time we are talking about My Dream Race Goal list! Someday, the world will look a bit more normal and I will check some of these bad boys off! Let me know what races are on your list and what you recommend!
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago is on my shortlist of cities I want to visit, and I’ve heard their marathon is an excellent one! Cool temps and a flat course could make this a fun and speedy race. Count me in!
Honolulu Marathon (or any marathon in Hawaii!)
Many folks decide to run the Honolulu marathon as their “one and done” race. They figure if they’re running a marathon why not run it in paradise? I on the other hand realize that Hawaii is humid, but I can’t resist the charm of the islands and I would LOVE to run a race there!
A Rock ‘N’ Roll series race– New Orleans and/or Las Vegas
At least part of this goal was supposed to be accomplished this year with the Nashville Rock ‘N’ Roll race. That didn’t happen since it was canceled, but I’m sure I will run it eventually as we now live even closer to the city. I’ve also heard great things about the New Orleans Rock ‘N’ Roll and Vegas. Checking these races off my list one day will be so much fun!
London Marathon
Running a race internationally is intriguing to me. London has great running weather and the marathon is a prestigious one. This would be a huge endeavor, but I hope to make it there someday.
A Revel Race
The Revel Race Series is known for its super speedy downhill races. I am a huge fan of downhill running, so this series is very appealing! They offer a handful of races throughout North America. I’ve almost run these a few times when I was looking for a PR or BQ since they are such fast races. I can’t wait to run one!
Wineglass Marathon
This race, which is run in Corning New York, has popped up several times when I was looking for “best marathons”. The crowd support is great, the scenery and weather amazing, and it’s constantly rated as a fan favorite. Checking out that part of New York sounds like the perfect “runcation” to me!
Santa Rosa Marathon
I worked in the Napa Valley wine industry for a short time. My love and passion for wine runs deep! The Santa Rosa Marathon runs through gorgeous vineyards in lovely Santa Rosa, California. When I worked in Napa I used to drive down to Santa Rosa and always enjoyed the city. Plus, California races mean I get to see my family and friends =) Also, you get a bottle of wine at the finish, does it get any better than that?
Grandma’s Marathon
This is another fan favorite race in Duluth Minnesota. From all the research I’ve done, Grandma’s Marathon is highly regarded as a fantastically supported race in a lovely part of the US. I’ve never been to Minnesota, so this could be a great chance to visit somewhere new!
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
If you aren’t already sold on this race by the name alone, the Cincinnati Ohio race is another fun and favorite race. Folks say that the crowd support and silly signs make this a great experience. I’ve known a few people who have run this race and they also recommended it. It’s been on my radar for some time now!
Portland and/or Eugene Marathon
Seeing more of Oregon is a goal for me. I’ve wanted to visit Portland for a while now. With cool weather in the state, running a marathon would be awesome I’ve heard good things about both of these races, so one day this would be another great “runcation”!
Marine Corps Marathon
Running the Marine Corps Marathon is a special experience. It’s not like any other marathon as you are surrounded by America’s heroes and inspired by the challenges they have overcome. Yes, I also want to see Washington DC, but running this race would mean much more than a sightseeing tour. My husband (who is retired Army) has also expressed interest in participating in this event. It would be a very meaningful race for him and our family.
NYC Marathon?
The reason I added the “?” is because this is a hard race to get into, and I’m not 100% sure I will run it. While I’ve heard it’s AMAZING from everyone I know, I’m not sure it’s for me. It’s crowded (it’s the largest marathon in the world) and can be a tough course (narrow streets, hills). You run through all 5 boroughs, which is neat. And the few times I’ve been to NYC I did LOVE it (though I’m in desperate need of another visit), but I’m just not sure this race is a must-do. Let me know in the comments if I should have it on my bucket list.
Disney Races!
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon
Disney, Paris, running…. Do I even need to explain this one? Any race when I can carbo-load on French pastries and get the chance to run around that gorgeous Disney park is a total win for me!
Dopey Challenge
The “Dopey” as it is called, includes all the races during marathon weekend in Walt Disney World Florida. After my amazing marathon at WDW earlier this year I decided I wanted to accomplish that crazy Dopey feat! It’s a LOT of work, and I’d probably be about dead by the marathon, but it would certainly be a HUGE accomplishment!
For now, I’ll keep dreaming about these races and hoping I can run them soon. If you are doing virtual races these days like me, check out my post about “How to Make Your Virtual Race AMAZING“!
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I didn’t know there were so many marathon races out there! I’m not a runner but this is a great list!
This makes me wish runDisney would bring back the Disneyland races. I was just listening to Another Mother Runner and the way they were talking about Chicago makes me want to run it even more for sure!
I loved the Disneyland races!! Hopefully someday! =)
Ive done Chicago last year! Its great! Make sure to have deep dish pizza and eat brownies! Brownies started in Chicago 🙂 I wanted to do Oregon coast to coast on my next visit. London I didnt get in, haha… Im doing NY virtual marathon. Great list!