Trained to Travel

Marathons around the world are seeing more finishers than ever before, a trend towards wellness attributed to an increasing appreciation for the structure, exercise, community, and accomplishment that completing such an undertaking brings. The euphoria carries over from the athletes to the sidelines, too, where spectators are showing up in equally impressive droves to spur on squads and strangers alike. Race-day enthusiasm, met with today’s travel momentum and the chance for a change of scenery, is finding both runners and revelers packing their bags in search of their new 26.2. Each competition offers its own thoughtful, thorough course through fresh terrain. From a scenic journey through the Pacific Northwest to a theme park spectacular in the Sunshine State, here are four U.S. marathon destinations.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon – October 12

What began in 1977 with 4,200 participants as a running group’s realized vision for a Chicago marathon has since grown to a globally recognized event hosting more than 52,000 finishers and 1.7 million on-course spectators. Today, The Bank of America Chicago Marathon begins and ends in the city’s celebrated Grant Park, comprising a loop through 29 neighborhoods. It’s a thorough tour of the city for athletes—locals and visitors alike (the event draws participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states and is home to several men’s and women’s world records—plus last year’s record $36 million raised for charity).

Image courtesy of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Blackstone, a Chicago Landmark, is recognized for hosting several U.S. heads of state over the years in the Presidential Suite or the hotel’s famous “Smoke-Filled Suite” (where Republican leaders met to nominate Warren G. Harding for president). And then, of course, there’s the location—situated directly across from Grant Park, the hotel affords pristine views of race day action (and the lakefront, just beyond). Post-race, a search for a memorable meal might bring you to onsite Mercat a la Planxa, a longstanding favorite for its scope of flavorful Spanish plates (think bacon-wrapped dates or ham croquettes).

Image courtesy of the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Those looking to cheer at the finish line can enjoy a stay at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, where the team’s post-race “Finish Line Fest,” comprises free massages, stretching stations, snacks, and entertainment (the hotel also helps athletes pre-race with fitness coach-led shakeout runs and stretch sessions). The Saturday before, one can spend a morning exploring Chicago’s culinary scene like a local at the Lincoln Park Green City Market, where dozens of farmers and vendors gather to showcase the season’s best, from produce to ready-to-eat creations. And for a culture dose before your departure, head southbound on Lake Shore Drive to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where exhibits on everything from modern transportation to farm tech serve up entertainment for hours.

The 129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America – April 21

Image courtesy of B.A.A.

With the first taking place on April 19, 1897, the Boston Marathon is the longest running in the country, and in the world. It’s also one of the most famous for its competitive qualifying standards. Beginning on Main Street in Hopkinton and passing by a series of iconic New England towns, sites, and schools, the course concludes on Boylston Street. If you missed the chance to register for this spring’s race, there is always next year (scheduled for April 20, 2026, with registration opening this September). If you are racing, you can choose from one of the event’s many partner charity organizations to support (last year, runners raised a record-breaking $71.9 million for charitable causes).While in town, consider a stay at Raffles Boston. The recently opened Back Bay hotel features nearly 150 rooms, each a thoughtful convergence of luxury and comfort (credit award-winning firm Stonehill Taylor).

Image courtesy of Raffles Boston, Carley Rudd Photography

Enjoy an afternoon at Guerlain Spa, or head to floor 17 for striking city views alongside world-class dining at Long Bar & Terrace or Amar. At the latter, chef George Mendes looks to local ingredients for his Portuguese cooking (try the pasteis de nata here, or in the morning at ground-level Café Pastel). Those seeking a neighborhood stay can check into The Whitney Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of Beacon Hill, just footsteps from some of the city’s best shops and restaurants (including their own, Peregrine).  If you find yourself in town a few days pre-race, the American Repertory Theater is a Tony Award-winning arts venue that has developed and debuted several prized productions (including Once, Waitress, and last year’s Gatsby). Through April 20th it’s Night Side Songs, a music-theater experience and ode to the resilience of the human spirit. Maybe grab a bite beforehand at Pammy’s, a popular Cambridge restaurant known for its innovative, colorful menus, or at Bar Mezzana, a South End favorite for its bright, coastal Italian fare.

UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon – November 30

Athletes from around the world gather every year for this historically festive race, which takes place over Thanksgiving weekend. The course is a scenic journey across Seattle, beginning at The Space Needle and passing through the University of Washington campus, Ballard, Queen Anne, and downtown Seattle, with sweeping views of Lake Union and Puget Sound along the way. For a downtown stay with an emphasis on the arts, there is the W Seattle. The property recently completed its FACES Floor, where resident artist Morgan Zion painted a unique face in each room representing a different Seattle neighborhood (scan each mural’s QR code for its respective neighborhood guide).

Image courtesy of the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon

A visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without live music—found in the W at the Living Room Bar, which regularly hosts DJs, or at nearby Charlotte Restaurant, where guests go to enjoy weekend jazz lineups. Situated on the top floor of Lotte Hotel Seattle, the venue’s panoramic views make it a prime spot for breakfast, too (with sharp interior design that underscores Phillipe Starck’s playful, contemporary aesthetic across the guestrooms).

Image courtesy of The Butcher’s Table

If you arrive to town early enough for a mini-carb fest, Haerfest can make it happen, where chef Brian Clevenger leans on the local and seasonal for lively, refined plates—pastas among them (beef Bolognese and sage tonnarelli). If it’s protein you’re after, it’s hard to top The Butcher’s Table, a celebrated steakhouse known for its in-house butcher shop and Mishima Reserve American Wagyu. There are also special cuts and their housemade cheese plate, too (featuring Seattle staple Beecher’s). Before you return home, brunch at RockCreek brings some of what the Pacific Northwest does best: crab, oysters, and mussels. Consider globally sourced seafood in options like the Creole Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, Bacon and Oysters Benedict, or Wild Caught Carolina Prawns “St. Helena” (and then, spring for sweet finales: caramelized apple and ricotta beignets or housemade plum turnovers).

Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by State Farm – January 7-11, 2026

Disney dials up the magic throughout this marathon weekend, hosting four special, character-themed races: Pluto’s sci-fi 5K, Chip ‘n Dale’s 10K, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck’s half marathon, and the weekend finale: a marathon led by Mickey and Minnie themselves.

Image courtesy of the Swan and Dolphin Resorts

The 26.2-mile course winds its way through the Walt Disney World Resort parks, packing plenty of surprises and entertainment along the way. You will need to rise bright and early to support athletes for this 4:30am start time—then festivities keep going with an afternoon at EPCOT tasting through the World Showcase, or an evening at Magic Kingdom and Cinderella’s Castle. A wind down can occur with dinner at The

Cake Bake Shop (a fairytale in and of itself with its whimsical décor and colossal cake slices), or at any of the dining options within Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. There, three properties—Swan Reserve, Swan, and Dolphin—are home to lunchtime and poolside eateries, plus several signature restaurants with menus that span the globe (e.g., sushi at Kimono’s, Mexican at Rosa Mexicano, Mediterranean at Amare). Athletes will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to EPCOT and the marathon’s start and finish lines—plus the chance to recharge with elevated R&R at the pool or Mandara Spa.

Image courtesy of the Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Those looking to travel in large groups for the big weekend can check out the Evermore Orlando Resort, a recently opened property offering houses, flats, and villas that can accommodate parties of 10-plus. It’s a good option for those seeking extra Florida time to rest and explore the region. Consider an airboat ride, a day trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or a drive to Winter Park, home to Michelin-awarded restaurants, boutiques, and, at The Morse Museum of Art, the world’s largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

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This story appears in One Adventures, Berkley One’s digital magazine celebrating creators, experiences and stories. Read the full issue here.

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