Fall Marathons 2026
95 marathons · 2026/09 – 2026/11
Fall is marathon season in America. From September through November, more full marathons take place than in any other quarter — and for good reason. The brutal summer heat breaks, mornings drop into the 40s and 50s, and the physiology of distance running finally works in your favor. October alone hosts over 280 marathons nationwide, anchored by the Chicago Marathon (first Sunday) and the Marine Corps Marathon (last Sunday). November closes the season with the NYC Marathon, the largest 26.2 in the world. Training for a fall marathon means building your long runs through the summer, which demands heat adaptation and early mornings, but race-day conditions reward that suffering with personal bests. RACE tracks every fall marathon across all 50 states — from Boston qualifiers on flat Midwest courses to scenic mountain runs in Colorado and Vermont.
Upcoming Marathons
Fall 2026 by the Numbers
October is the peak marathon month in the US with 280+ races scheduled nationwide.
The Chicago Marathon (October 11, 2026) draws 45,000 runners on one of the flattest major marathon courses in the world.
NYC Marathon (November 1, 2026) is the world's largest with 50,000+ finishers across five boroughs.
Marine Corps Marathon (October 25, 2026) in Washington DC is the largest marathon with no prize money — "The People's Marathon."
Average race-day temperature for fall marathons is 45-55°F — ideal for distance running.
Why Race in Fall?
Optimal weather — fall temps (45-55°F) are physiologically ideal for marathon running, reducing heat stress and cardiac drift.
Peak calendar — more marathon options in fall than any other season means you can choose by location, course profile, or PR potential.
Summer training builds fitness — long runs through July and August heat create adaptations that pay off when temperatures drop.
Major race atmosphere — Chicago, NYC, Marine Corps, and Twin Cities create an energy that smaller races cannot replicate.
Training Periodization
Fall marathon training typically begins in June with a 16-20 week plan. Peak long runs (20-22 miles) fall in August and September. Expect to run through summer heat — embrace it as a training stimulus. Taper for 2-3 weeks before race day.