If you’re new to trail running, let’s go through the gear you need to get going, and we’ll provide a couple of beginner tips along the way.

Gear That Gets You Moving

Hydration Vest

The quickest way for a run to go very wrong is to forget your water. If you’re sticking to short trail runs, you could get by with a hand bottle, but chances are you’ll eventually want to stay out a little longer. For this, a hydration vest brings convenience, and if you’re bringing out a liter or more, it feels much more natural to have the weight on your back rather than in one of your hands.

There’s a whole lot of pockets, bells, and whistles that will vary between different vests. You’ll have to use some discernment regarding which fits your personal taste and body type. Take the time and try some on before you buy. Be mindful of how the vest fits around your underarms, since that area can be particularly prone to chafing. And once you pick one up, make sure to keep that reservoir clean.

Clothing

Merino wool should be what you reach for first. Not only is it comfortable but it wicks sweat beautifully, so you’ll want it as a base layer. Beyond that, run in whatever’s comfortable. Courtney Dauwalter, ultra marathoner and trail runner extraordinaire, runs exclusively in basketball shorts.

When it comes to running in inclement weather, traditional rain jackets can feel smothering. A light, packable wind shell can probably fit in one of your hydration vest pockets. For wet and cold conditions, a softshell jacket is a good choice. Neither of these options will be perfectly waterproof, but they should get you through your run. In the heat, make sure you’ve got the sun protection you need.

The Right Footwear

Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Don’t compromise on anything between you and the ground.” This applies to car tires, beds, and perhaps most importantly, shoes. Trail running shoes may be the single most impactful purchase you make as you get started. Everyone’s feet are different, though, so we can’t tell you exactly what shoes to buy.

That said, here’s some guiding advice. First, go up half a shoe size, just as you would buying hiking boots. This is to account for how your feet will swell on a run. Next, consider how much cushion you want. If you tend to heel strike, a high-cushion shoe will be for you. Runners that stay predominantly on their midfoot or forefoot may thrive in shoes with less cushion, and they’ll be able to more easily feel and respond to the ground beneath them. 

Those are a couple major points, but there’s a whole world of shoes out there. Try on as many as you can until they feel right.

Socks are the easy part. Go with merino wool again. Sock liners or double-layered socks can help prevent blisters.

Tracking Device

While you’re free to embrace a natural run without the aid of technology, there are as many reasons to track your run as there are elements to track. Having a sense of your heart rate is a great indicator of your health, and it’s smart to keep an eye on your pace, especially as you’re just getting started. Ease into this hobby to avoid injury. Looking back at the distance and the elevation change you’ve covered provides a concrete sense of pride after each run, and apps like Strava can give you all of these stats, along with some social media bragging rights.

For these purposes, you’ll want to wear a smartwatch or pick up a holder for your phone. These aren’t necessary, especially for beginners, but if you’re going somewhere unfamiliar, it’s smart to have some way to navigate or contact help should something go wrong. Even on a familiar trail, be sure to let someone know where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone.

Everything Else

For longer runs, stashing some electrolytes, gels, or sports gummies in your hydration vest can give you an energy boost in the middle of your outing. Granola bars and other, heartier foods can come in handy too. Just be mindful of how it will sit in your stomach as you run.

If you’re leaving anywhere close to dark, you’ll need to pack a headlamp. Double check that your clothing has some reflective strips, so you can be seen. If you can’t find clothing with reflective strips built in, it’s worth finding a reflective band or two to wear, especially if you’ll be anywhere near a road.

For hikes with particularly difficult climbs, it may not be a bad idea to bring some trekking poles along, too. Some hydration vests have elastic pockets meant for storing them.

Lace Up and Fly

Trail running is hard, but the hardest things are worth doing, and the view from the top is unlike anything else. As you stride through peaks and valleys, you’ll run into internal hurdles too—the difficulties and moments of ease that come with challenging yourself physically. 

Surely, running out on the trails is better than beating the same old pavement day after day. It’s an endless mountain to climb, but each run is its own summit, and it’s all yours.

The post How to Hit the Ground Running: Essentials for Beginner Trail Runners  appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

He recently went viral for this post involving kangaroos on the trail.

Bice is quick to narrate the interaction and sends some encouragement to the four marsupials up ahead.

He often runs in South Australia around Chambers Gully. That is just outside of Adelaide, a city of 1.3 million people. 

In another video, Bice runs into another well-known Australian animal, the koala.

“Sometimes I get the feeling that someone is following me,” Bice says as a tiny koala follows behind. 

Hopefully, all these fun interactions and running pays off for Bice. He’ll attempt the UTMB this weekend, a race considered the crown jewel in the trail-running world.

The post Watch: Runner in Australia Goes Viral for What He Spots on Trail appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The lovely marketing team at Dr. Squatch reached out and asked if I wanted to try some of their products, and how could I turn down free soap? They sent me three full-sized bars of soap, two sticks of deodorant, and a bottle of lotion. Here’s how it went.

Can Dr. Squatch Stand up to Sensitive Skin?

I am always hesitant to try new skincare products. As someone who has had very sensitive skin her entire life, trying new skincare and soaps doesn’t always end well. However, knowing that this company uses safe and natural ingredients to make their soaps, I gave it a go.

I am also an avid hiker and runner, so I need some good soap after my morning workout or after a long day on the trails. Like Honnold, I also found that I love this soap. Dr. Squatch sent me three bars, one with no grit, one with light grit, and one with medium grit, to really give me a variety. Free Solo has a medium grit, which makes for a great cleanse and exfoliant all in one, without irritating my sensitive skin. The scents in their products also last all day, meaning I feel fresh even as I’m heading to bed, which is a great feeling as a morning-shower person.

My Personal Favorite and Final Verdict

Out of all of the products I received as a test, I know for a fact that I will be repurchasing the lotion. I grew up with eczema, and putting lotion on at the beginning and end of the day has become a bit ritualistic for me. The cool fresh aloe in the Dr. Squatch lotion feels great after a long day and applies so smoothly after a shave that I have truly become a Dr. Squatch fan for life. 

I’ve also been working hard to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and switching from my go-to body wash to Dr. Squatch soap bars will definitely help my goal, since their soap comes in cardboard boxes. Also, as a brand, they refuse to use chemicals that can harm people or the environment.

I was incredibly pleased with everything Dr. Squatch sent, and though they’re a brand marketed to men, they’ve made this woman a fan. 

Alex Honnold said in his promotional video that he likes Dr. Squatch because his wife likes how he smells after he uses it—and she was definitely right. My household has become Dr. Squatch users, and we all smell great.

The post Here’s How Dr. Squatch Soap Held up to Sweat and Sensitive Skin appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

I’m a former electrician and video rental chain store owner from Novato, California. I became a successful businessman and started a family. My chain of 13 video and game stores were my identity. We were super busy: On a typical Friday or Saturday night, 1000 people would come through the doors in a four-hour period. We won a ‘Retailer of the Year’ award, all while competing head-to-head with Blockbuster and Hollywood Video.

Then Netflix came along with a new mousetrap, wiping out our whole video store industry.

But I knew there was more for me beyond divorce, bankruptcy, and business failure. That’s when I found endurance sports, the perfect way for me to achieve other dreams.

I started with triathlons and marathons, then did some ultracycling and ultramarathon running, including a 50-mile race. After I ran that 50 miles, I had a new identity. I was no longer the video store guy. I was an extreme endurance athlete. And I was bursting with confidence. I was standing taller and looking people in the eyes again.

When I realized that organized events could no longer light my fire, I created new challenges that other people wouldn’t even consider. I ran a 584-mile, quadruple crossing of Death Valley, including two summits of Mt. Whitney, referred to as the “quad Badwater 146.”. I completed a record-setting, seven-time crossing of the Grand Canyon. I ran a 200-mile relay race as a solo runner.

Both my successes and my failures taught me the power of persistence.

Death Valley, in the Mojave Desert, the hottest spot on earth, is one of the places where I have been pushed the hardest and literally brought to my knees. The solo, self-contained Badwater 146 goes from the Badwater Basin (at -282 ft., the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere) to the peak of Mt. Whitney (at 14,505 ft., the highest peak in the continental United States). It’s on the road, nonstop, carrying everything–food, water, clothing–in a big, 200-pound, three-wheeled cart. No help, no shade.

My supplies have to last the whole 146 miles, and I can’t resupply. I’ll have an observer to follow me and watch me, but not to help me. Just to make sure I don’t die.

Only five people have successfully done this. The official Badwater 135 race, which I’ve finished twice, uses the same route, but that’s where the similarities end. During the race, you have a crew with you and they have a van that’s air-conditioned. They have water, ice, and food. When you want to take a break, you can get in that van, put ice under your hat, put your face against the air conditioning, and then go back out and start racing again.

On this solo attempt, there’s no help from a crew, and no relief from that boiling hot sun. 

If there’s one thing I know how to do after decades of endurance sports racing, it’s preparing for my adventures. Whether I’m climbing a mountain, doing extreme winter ultras, or going through Death Valley, I know what it takes to get ready.

I do a combination of mental and physical training, because it takes both of those in order for me to have a shot to finish. I start out looking at my vision wall that’s covered with inspiring affirmations, characters, and people who inspire me. I use that so I can get myself believing that I can do anything.

My physical prep includes dragging worn out car tires through my neighborhood, stair repeats, and regular sauna sessions. I also do Wim Hof breath training to get myself totally fired up to attack my training for the day.

I don’t see my training as excessive. I’m not doing the minimum. I’m doing the maximum I can to toughen myself up mentally and physically for the Death Valley heat.

Negativity and criticism is always out there, but I figure that 99% of the population isn’t following their dreams and pushing their boundaries. So, I guess I will listen to the 1% that is following their dreams, but I try to drown out the other 99%.

For this solo, self-contained effort, I think the third time’s a charm. My previous two ended early due to extreme exhaustion, dehydration, and illness, plus near record-breaking high temperatures. Last year, flooding wiped out many of the roads in Death Valley, making an attempt impossible.

After my first try, I produced a documentary, Pushing Mercury, that has won a number of independent film awards. However, I don’t see that movie as the end of the story. 

With the support of Outdoors.com, I will be livestreaming my efforts in Death Valley this summer with 24/7 coverage of my race.

You can follow the action in real time below, starting Monday, July 31, 2023 at 6:00 am. PST, and follow me on social media. 

The post Epic Bill Bradley: Why I’m Running 146 Miles In The Hottest Place on Earth  appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The annual Fairplay, Colorado event sees nearly 100 racing teams, including a donkey and a handler. There are two different courses, with one route going about 15 miles, while others will choose the nearly 30-mile route that climbs 3,232 feet at its peak.

Check out this video of a similar event:

In an Instagram video, a woman says she recently moved to Colorado and quickly became immersed in the sport. She offers some tips, which include the training process, the need to wear gloves, and finally, this golden nugget: “The most helpful piece of information I can give is that this is the burros race, not yours. This means you should be prepared to run fast AND to walk the whole thing.”

While this weekend’s race may be the highlight of the summer for burro racers, separate events go on throughout the warmer months and has a long history in Colorado. The origins go back to the state’s mining days and how vital the animals were in helping get supplies in and out of the mountainous region. 

The World Championship Pack Burro Race has existed for over 70 years. Organizers say the first official event was in 1949, and 21 teams entered the race, with only eight finishing. 

The burros wear a saddle on their backs, but it’s against the rules for the person running to ride the animal. However, funny enough, people can carry the donkey, if needed.

The post Looking for a New Way to Get Outdoors? Give Pack Burro Racing a Try appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Dauwalter won last week’s women’s Hardrock 100, setting a new record just three weeks after doing the same for Western States. 

In the Hardrock 100, she set the record for the counterclockwise loop at 26 hours, 14 minutes, and eight seconds. The 100-mile run is 33,197 feet of climbing through southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

Meanwhile, the 100-mile Western States race goes from Olympic Valley, California to Auburn, California outside Sacramento. Deuwalter’s new record is 15 hours, 29 minutes, and 33 seconds.

This runner is the closest thing to a household name in endurance sports. The 38-year-old athlete calls Colorado home and has an incredible resume of wins and course records.  

Here’s a look at other records Courtney Dewaulter holds:

• Women’s Course Record: Hardrock 100 (clockwise)(2022) – 26:44:36
• Women’s Course Record: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Black in Chamonix, France (2021) – 24:34:26
• Fastest Known Time: Colorado’s Collegiate Loop Trail (2022) – One day and 16:14:20
• Women’s Course Record: Squamish 50 (2018) – 8:22:15
• Women’s Course Record: Moab 240 (2017) – 57:55:13

What’s the further distance you’ve ever run?

The post Courtney Dauwalter Can’t Stop Setting 100-Mile Records appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The race goes through the San Juan Mountains for a total elevation gain of 33,197 feet and then back down again. On the way, they’ll cross rivers, snowpack and boulder fields.

Recently, runners set new records on the course, breaking the 24-hour mark, but it takes most runners about 40 hours to complete. Plenty of runners watch the sunset twice before they’re done.

We don’t need to tell you that it’s not easy, but obviously, people can do it.

Here are a few things runners keep in mind when they’re aiming for 100 miles:

• Start small – No one starts at 100 miles. First, runners should get a marathon and some other long-distance runs under their belt. One running company suggests runners should be able to run more than 30 miles a week for at least three to four weeks before training for 100 miles.
• Run, run, run – Running must be a primary focus leading to any major race. As documented in the REI film “How to Run 100 Miles,” running was all they did. In every weather condition and regardless of their personal lives.

• It’s as much mental as it is physical – while an injury could take you out of a race, the mental part of running so far is also a factor. Running for hours is a long time to be in your head. Running blogs suggests answering questions like why you’re out there and reminding yourself that you’re strong and you prepared for this. 
• Be prepared to walk – Any longtime trail runner knows that a lot of the sport is really just hiking. Plenty of miles require you to slow down, and as commenters on Reddit suggest, as long as you keep moving forward, you’re still running that race.
• It’s okay to give up – All this preparation may still lead to the dreaded DNF (did not finish). These races are an extreme challenge for any athlete. As Ultra Running Magzine puts it, it’s okay to care but not too much. 

Are you set to give it a try?

The post Could You Run 100 Miles? The 2023 Hardrock 100 is Set to Begin appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

A few months ago, Andrew Glaze would say “dinner miles” as a joke when he ran at night. The way it went was he would feed his body and his legs. It was a playful way to excuse himself and go for a run. 

Then, he started saying it on social media. In videos on his Instagram and TikTok channels, he used it as a sort of catchphrase followed by: “I’m feeding my legs miles because my legs are hungry.” Soon after, “dinner miles” started trending among his more than 465,000 followers.  

People from all over the world started sending him videos tagged “dinner miles” as well as “breakfast miles” and sometimes “brunch miles.” It generated so much buzz that he launched the Dinner Miles Club on the running app Strava. In just a few weeks, it gained more than 1,600 members. 

Dinner Miles might sound like a run-of-the-mill social media strategy, but unlike influencers, Glaze doesn’t make money from his posts. In an interview with Outdoors.com, the 45-year-old ultrarunner explained that he kind of rejects the idea of getting paid for his content.  

“There’s a little bit of punk rock still in me where I’m ‘F corporations.’ I’m not a NASCAR. You’re not gonna put your little label on me. You can’t buy me,” he said. “I definitely have a little bit of that on the inside.”

The Ultrarunner

Glaze started running at age 24 as a way to deal with anxiety and depression, which he said was the result of an unhealthy lifestyle and inactivity. Then, about 10 years ago, he signed up for a 24-hour tough mudder. 

“I was like, ‘I’m gonna be running really far in 24 hours so I better train for that.’ And so the way I trained for it was running a couple of 50Ks, which is 31 miles, and that’s sort of like the rabbit hole of getting into ultras,” he said. 

While he found the tough mudder to be hard on his body — he didn’t want to blow out a knee or shoulder — he liked the endurance challenge, so he decided to stick with running. And he pretty much hasn’t stopped since.

However, he has a lot more responsibility today. He’s a firefighter and a captain in his department, a husband, and a father of three, so he runs for the same reasons he started and more. As a runner, he covers nearly 8,000 miles a year, competes in ultras all over the country, and he regularly films his activities. 

In most of his videos, he’s running with his phone in his hand, taking a dip into an ice bath, or sitting in a sauna — his “daily reminder to do hard things” — but almost every week, he posts about a major event like a long run or race. One of his most recent adventures was a wild one. 

The Coco Canyons 350

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A post shared by Andrew Glaze (@amglaze)

On April 28, Glaze finished the Canyon Endurance Race in the California foothills of the Sierra Nevada range in just under 28 hours. Running a 100-mile race is good enough for most people for the week, but a couple of days later, Glaze headed over to run the Cocodona 250. As the name implies, it’s a 250-mile race from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, Arizona. 

He said he wanted to run 350 miles in less than a week to challenge himself, and challenge himself he did. Over four days, 12 hours, 22 minutes, and 58 seconds, he pushed his body to emotional and physical extremes. While he started and finished with a smile, he also cried tears of joy, hallucinated objects emerging from the ground, and at times struggled to stay awake while running. 

Why push himself to these extremes? Glaze is an ultrarunner, and that’s what ultrarunners do. They endure the pain and discomfort that come with running extremely long distances. It’s about the journey, not the destination. But why record these vulnerable moments and post them on the internet for all to see?

The Vlogging Runner

While it may seem like his running and vlogging go hand-in-hand, Glaze said his motivations come from different places. He runs not just because it’s therapeutic but also because he loves it. With a three-year running streak of covering more than 100 miles per week, it’s fair to say he has an obsession. 

What keeps Glaze making content, though, is the same reason he launched the Dinner Miles Club: it’s his way of inspiring others to run. “If people are running and thinking of me and putting that energy out in the world, I feel like I’m successful in my endeavor of why I’m doing all this,” he said.

However, another explanation for his vlogging is that it’s simply easy to do thanks to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. If you look back to his early videos, some nine years on YouTube, you can tell he added some production value, but they’re not as personal. If you ask him what changed, he’ll say the platforms. 

“I think I kind of like tripped into this whole thing because I’ve always made videos but they never went viral. But now that there’s a new format that makes videos so much easier to make and upload, I’m just able to reach a lot more people.”

He explained with Instagram’s Reels and TikTok, he can make a video in five or 10 minutes and post it with just his phone and his videos will get millions of views. If he wanted the same results on Youtube, he’d need to invest more time and money into equipment. 

“It’s funny because I’ve always sort of made videos of my races and stuff, but back in the day, it wasn’t quite as easy to do. I’d videotape myself, but then I didn’t really have the proper software to edit it or do anything,” he said. “None of that was really easy to do back then.”

The Glazeruns Channel

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A post shared by Andrew Glaze (@amglaze)

At the end of the day, Glaze runs and makes content because it makes him feel good. He records the joy that he gets out of running, but he doesn’t shy away from the challenges involved with the sport. He relates to his audience, sharing his successes, failures, goals, and gear list. It’s as if it’s in his nature. 

“I like to make (videos) because I want to be helping people,” he said. “I got into the fire service because I truly wanted to help people. I’m a paramedic and I’ve been on teams that have saved a lot of lives, and it’s very rewarding to do something like that, and likewise with the social media.”

Glaze explained he gets messages every day from people he inspired to start running and they’ve inspired someone else to start running. 

“I’m not trying to make money. I’m just like trying to push good into the world because there’s so much negativity and there’s so much bad in the world right now,” he said. 

“If I could just make the smallest amount of difference before I die, then I’ll feel like I can die happy,” he concludes. “As cliché as that sounds, I really truly believe that in the deepest part of my soul.”

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How to Run Your First Ultramarathon

The post Ultrarunner Andrew Glaze Shares Dinner Miles and Hard-Earned Smiles appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

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Adidas Adizero Adios 7 Road-Running Shoes, Men’s – 50% off

These road running shoes are great for intervals and tempo runs. These shoes are lightweight and won’t slow you down no matter how far you’re looking to run. They have cushioning to aid in explosive movements and rubber outsoles for varying conditions. The mesh outside will feel like it’s barely there, making your runs extra comfortable. 

Salomon Sense Ride 5 Trail Running Shoes, Women’s – 30% off

With a balanced cushion and a responsive ride, these limited-edition trail runners were designed by Salomon in part with ultra-athlete Martina Valmassoi. These sneakers are made to have an optimized and comfortable foothold, making them comfortable for short trail runs or ultra-distances. These trail runners are ultra-light and flexible, while also having strong and sturdy all-terrain outsole for all running conditions.

Bombas Running Ankles Socks, Men’s and Women’s – 15% off

If you’ve been looking for a good moisture-wicking sock for your runs, walks, or workouts, you’ll want to stop in on the Bombas website to check out their discounted sock packs. These socks are made to be breathable during your workouts. They also offer Honeycomb Arch Support that cradles the foot for comfortable support. For every purchase made, Bombas donates items to partners, including shelters, rehabilitation centers, and medical professionals.

Nathan Vapor Air 3.0 7-Liter Hydration Pack – 25% off

This next-generation hydration pack by Nathan has been updated to have more accommodations. The vest includes a 2-liter bladder, as well as front pockets that can fit up to 22 ounces of water. You can also store small gear in and on the sides of this hydration pack. The vest is made to ride high on your back for a  comfortable runner’s fit with a contoured “chimney” back panel to offer excellent moisture wicking.

La Sportiva Artis Headband, Women’s – 30% off

Running truly is a great form of exercise, and there are a number of excellent benefits that come along with it. However, it’ll also make you sweat a lot. If you hate the feeling of sweat dripping down your face, it may be time to invest in a headband to keep you comfortable during your workouts. Made from 83% polyester, this headband is best for winter runs and other cold-weather outdoor activities. It has even been tested to stay on your head. You won’t have to worry about stopping (and messing up your momentum) to adjust the band.

REI Co-Op Swiftland Earflap Running Hat – 50% off

If you love to run outdoors no matter the weather, this hat is for you. Made from a warm and breathable fabric this hat offers protection from the elements with flaps to cover your ears and neck. Whether you hate the cold or are worried about sunburn, keep your head protected in a new hat all year long. With a built-in sweatband and reflective trim, you’ll be able to stay visible in low-light settings too. It also offers an adjustable buckle and a ponytail port.

Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuBall Heatable Massage Ball – 31% off

There are few things more uncomfortable than tight muscles and sore legs after a run. Soothe your body after your toughest workouts with this heatable massage ball. Using 100% natural acupressure, you’ll feel the release of tight muscles and joints while using this helpful device. Dr. Cohen’s AcuBall will provide you with up to an hour of comforting heat to help melt the pain out of your sore joints and muscles. 

HydroFlask 32-Ounce Wide-Mouth, Laguna – 25% off

When you’re running, it is incredibly important to hydrate, especially during the summer months. Get yourself—or the runner in your life—a brand new stainless steel, reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on long runs. With double-wall vacuum insulation, drinks will stay cold. With a wide-mouth opening and a leak proof flex cap, your water will stay cold and in the bottle.

Which deals are you going to check out?

The post Up Your Running Game with These Summer Deals appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

If you’re competitive or love to test yourself, all the following provide a unique challenge.

1. Boston Marathon: Best for the iconic surroundings and race

Date and location: April; Boston, 

The Boston Marathon is one of the best marathons in the US, and the world. It’s also iconic, usually held on Patriot’s Day each April. The race was famous before that incident and continues to be just as popular now, making it a marathon to try whenever you can.

The race begins in Hopkinton and winds its way along Main Street along Route 135. You’ll see plenty of local landmarks, stores, and history along this street route until you reach the end at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.

The Boston Marathon is as much about the event as it is about the race. You’ll be concentrating on preparation and then recovery but there’s much more going on. 

There’s food, drink, entertainment, a post-race party, the Boston Marathon Expo, and Fan Fest to name but a few.

If you’re in New England in April, we cannot recommend the Boston Marathon strongly enough. If not for the race itself then the event as a whole.

2. Bank of American Chicago Marathon: Best for being a flat race

Date and location: October; Chicago, Illinois

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is another iconic American race. It’s a flat course and is ideal for setting personal bests, which is why we recommend it. It’s not quite summer, but it’s too good to ignore.

It’s a loop course, starting and finishing in Grant Park in the center of Chicago. The route takes you through many iconic neighborhoods, north along LaSalle, up to Sheridan, and back down to Monroe before looping west and south to 35th Street before making its way back up to Grant Park. It’s flat, predictable, and a great race to assess your condition as well as push for that PR. 

3. Missoula Marathon: Best in the mountains

Date and location: June; Missoula, Montana

The Missoula Marathon has been voted the best marathon in the US a few times, and it’s easy to see why. The course takes in some of the loveliest scenery in the region and starts early so you’ll get to see the sunrise over the mountains. 

You start in Frenchtown before running over the tarmac through trees and green areas until you reach Downtown Missoula. There you’ll run through the historic areas until the end in the heart of downtown.

It’s a well-managed marathon with plenty of aid stations, volunteers, and locals to cheer you on. It’s not the most challenging terrain, but if you get to see that sunrise, that is worth the trip on its own.

4. San Francisco Marathon: Best for seeing the sights

Date and location: July; San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Marathon is held each July and is like a whistle-stop tour of the city and everything it has to offer. If you want to see San Fran from a unique perspective, this is the marathon for you.

The San Francisco Marathon starts at the Embarcadero at Mission and finishes at the Embarcadero at Folsom so it’s a large loop. 

The route takes in the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina Green, Crissy Field and Sausalito, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and some of the hills around the city.

It’s a large loop of the city with a there and back section over the Golden Gate Bridge and back. You won’t be tackling any of the tougher hills but there are definitely hills involved as you can’t go many places in SF without them.

If you’re in California during summer and want to see San Francisco without the traffic, the marathon is where you’ll do it. Closed roads, the bridge to yourself, and thousands of people lining the streets. What’s not to like?

5. Pikes Peak Marathon: Best for those who want a genuine challenge

Date and location: August; Manitou Springs, Colorado

If there’s one thing to know about Pikes Peak, it’s probably the hill climb. That’s a tough challenge and competitors usually have horsepower to help. You won’t if you enter the Pikes Peak Marathon.

The Pikes Peak Marathon is a step up from your usual. Entry is limited to experienced runners only, who have completed at least a half marathon in under 2:25 already. It’s that tough.

The challenge is worth it though. You start in Manitou Springs and will eventually follow the hill climb route up the peak. Once you have climbed the 7,815 feet to the peak, you turn around at the top and run all the way down again.

While not the most scenic or visually stimulating marathon, it’s the ultimate physical challenge.  And along with the accomplishment you’ll earn some serious bragging rights. 

Have you run any of these? Have any other iconic marathons to add? Tell us your story below.

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