Credit: Joe Buglewicz/NYC Tourism
Put one foot in front of the other as you take on 26.2 miles through stunning New York State landscapes, from the iconic trek through New York City’s five boroughs to the scenic beauty of the mountainous Adirondacks and fall foliage splendor in the Finger Lakes. Whether you’re hunting a Boston Qualifier in Buffalo or running for leisure in the Hudson Valley, New York offers premier racing for every skill level. Lace up and explore the magnificent miles waiting for you at marathons happening across the Empire State!
Credit @ulstercountytourism on Instagram
🗓️When: 5/2/26
📍Where: New Paltz
Set in the stunning Shawangunk Mountains of the Hudson Valley, Rock The Ridge (now in its 13th year) offers runners breathtaking views along carriage roads, lush forests, and striking ridgelines. A race for a good cause, Rock The Ridge supports the preservation of Mohonk Preserve, the largest member and visitor-supported nature preserve in New York State.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Mohonk Mountain House. For affordable accommodations stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie.
What to do: Bike or hike the Mohonk Preserve. Stroll through Water Street Market, an open-air collection of boutiques, galleries, and eateries. Relax at the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House, named the #1 Resort Spa in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler.
🗓️When: 5/3/26
📍Where: Beacon
Designed for experienced trail runners, the Breakneck Point Trail Run is a rugged, technical marathon that winds through the Hudson Valley’s most dynamic terrain, from jeep trails to historic estate paths, and singletrack trails. Its pivotal peak, Breakneck Ridge, is a steep, exposed, and absolutely beautiful climb (regarded as one of the country’s top hikes), rewarding runners with sweeping river and mountain vistas.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The Roundhouse. For affordable accommodations stay at the Beacon B&B.
What to do: Explore the 300,000 square-foot Dia Beacon, home to a renowned collection of art from the 1960s to the present. Take a leisurely walk through beautiful scenery at Madam Brett Park, leading you to a stunning waterfall. Wander the numerous art galleries, boutiques, and antique shops along Beacon’s walkable Main Street.
Credit: @claudiaw0912 on Instagram
🗓️When: 5/3/26
📍Where: Poughkeepsie
Covering the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, the Hudson Valley Marathon offers runners vibrant views of the Hudson Valley as they cross the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson. Runners traverse the walkway twice, passing between Highland and Poughkeepsie, and experience a truly unique course through the heart of this scenic and historic region. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck. For affordable accommodations stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie.
What to do: Catch a show at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, the oldest continuously operating theater in New York. Families will enjoy the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, featuring exciting interactive exhibits that promote learning. Explore the gardens and grounds of Locust Grove Estate, offering dramatic views of the Hudson River and five miles of winding carriage roads.
🗓️When: 5/3/26
📍Where: East Meadow
Head to the Hamlet of East Meadow on Long Island for the three-day Long Island Marathon Festival. A family-friendly festival for all ages and abilities, anchored by the marathon, the event also features a range of race distances, welcoming everyone from first-time runners to seasoned racers. The marathon takes place in and around the spectacular Eisenhower Park, a 930-acre oasis of open space and recreation, including a major golf facility, athletic fields and courts, picnic areas, summertime entertainment, and more. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The Garden City Hotel. For affordable accommodations stay at the Hampton Inn Garden City.
What to do: Soar to new heights at the Cradle of Aviation, showcasing 75 air and spacecraft, from a hot-air balloon to an actual Apollo Lunar Module. Visit the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center, where you can explore hands-on exhibits that feature antique and contemporary fire gear. Shop ‘til you drop at Roosevelt Field, featuring 270 shops, entertainment, and diverse dining options.
🗓️When: 5/24/26
📍Where: Buffalo
With start and finish lines just steps apart near the Buffalo Convention Center (also host to the expo and post-race festivities), the Buffalo Marathon offers a convenient, central race in the bustling city of Buffalo. This flat, fast course showcases the city’s highlights, including Lake Erie, Canalside, KeyBank Center (home of the Buffalo Sabres), Forest Lawn Cemetery, and parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Runners will also be treated to alluring architectural scenery from Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and the Saarinens. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Mansion on Delaware Ave. For affordable accommodations stay at the Buffalo Airport Hotel.
What to do: Explore one of Buffalo’s most charming neighborhoods, Elmwood Village, home to more than 200 locally-owned and -operated stores and galleries along a beautiful tree-lined street. Celebrating its centennial in 2026, catch a show at Shea’s, a campus of three historic theaters. Sail on the Spirit of Buffalo, a 73-foot topsail schooner, and discover the beauty of Lake Erie.
🗓️When: 6/6/26
📍Where: Cooperstown
Sprint into the 12th Annual Race the Lake in Cooperstown, set in Glimmerglass State Park and along the shores of Otsego Lake. Marathoners will enjoy marveling at the course that circles the lake, passing lavish landmarks like the Otesaga Resort Hotel, Fenimore Art Museum, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. After crossing the finish line, racers will be treated to a free post-race lunch. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The Inn at Cooperstown. For affordable accommodations stay at the Bayside Inn & Marina.
What to do: Swing by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to see the uniform that Cy Young wore and bats used by Willie Mays and Derek Jeter, and explore interactive exhibits. Step back in time at the Fenimore Farm and Country Village, where weavers, blacksmiths, and farmers demonstrate crafts and skills in a recreated 1845 village and working farm. Browse Belgian-style ales and enjoy live music and summer entertainment at Brewery Ommegang.
🗓️When: 6/14/26
📍Where: Lake Placid
The 20th Annual Lake Placid Marathon is a premier early-season race hosted in the historic Olympic Village of Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. The race begins on Main Street and finishes on the iconic Olympic speed skating oval. The double loop course features a mix of flat and rolling hill terrain, and offers unparalleled views of the Adirondack Mountains, a Class III trout stream, and the crystal-clear Mirror Lake. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa. For affordable accommodations stay at the Cambria Hotel.
What to do: Visit the Olympic Center on Main Street to learn about competitions past including the famous “Miracle on Ice.” Take a 26-story elevator to the top of the 120k tower at the Olympic Jumping Complex. Paddle the day away on Mirror Lake with Mirror Lake Boat Rentals.
Credit: @chrismolloy1968 on Instagram
🗓️When: 8/22/26
📍Where: Queens
Soak in the last days of summer at the Rockaway Beach Marathon. Start and finish at Beach 94th Street, where the flat, two-loop course takes you along the boardwalk as you’re surrounded by ocean views.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The Rockaway Hotel. For affordable accommodations stay at the Courtyard by Marriott New York Queens.
What to do: Get out on the water with Rockaway Jet Ski, offering Jet Ski, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Indulge in homemade Venezuelan food at Caracas Arepa Bar, a laid-back but lively summer outpost crafting corn cakes and frozen sangria.
🗓️When: 8/24/26
📍Where: Conger
Join runners from over 30 countries at the 24th Annual Sri Chinmoy Marathon, unfolding around Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, just 45 minutes north of New York City. This famously fast and flat course features a recently repaved three-mile loop, ideal for runners chasing a personal best in a peaceful, lakeside setting. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Tarrytown House Estate. For affordable accommodations stay at the Springhill Suites by Marriott.
What to do: Opt outside at the 5,000-acre Bear Mountain State Park, home to ample outdoor recreation and the Trailside Museums and Zoo. Visit Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River.
🗓️When: 9/6/26
📍Where: Sackets Harbor
Trek thousands of steps through the Thousand Islands as you take on the Sackets Harbor Marathon, voted Runner-Up for Best Marathon in New York State by RaceRaves. Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, this deliberately-designed course highlights the historic village and waterfront scenery with gentle rolling hills along the way. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Harbor House Inn. For affordable accommodations stay at the Fair Wind Lodge.
What to do: Visit the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, a 70-acre site which saw two battles in the War of 1812. Take a captained sunset sail with Sail Ontario.
🗓️When: 9/26/26
📍Where: Shandaken
Immerse yourself in the charm of the Catskills with the Cat’s Tail Marathon, a point-to-point trail race in the stunning 47,500-acre Slide Mountain Wilderness. The challenging course is technical, hilly, and rugged, summiting four Catskills High Peaks: Panther, Slide, Cornell, and Wittenberg, along with Giant Ledge, Cross Mountain, Mount Pleasant, and Romer Mountain, totaling almost 7,000 feet of elevation gain.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Urban Cowboy Lodge. For affordable accommodations stay at the Blue Hill Lodge.
What to do: Escape to Belleayre Mountain where you can enjoy gondola rides, disc golf, a climbing wall, live music, movie nights, seasonal festivals, and even take a dip in Belleayre Beach, perfect for swimming, boating, and lounging. Feast on farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails among captivating Catskills views at Urban Cowboy Lodge.
Credit: @michaelcharles_93 on Instagram
🗓️When: 9/27/26
📍Where: Schroon Lake
Join the 30th Annual Adirondack Marathon along the shores of the spectacular Schroon Lake. The first nine miles of the course will loop around the lake and immerse you in the charm of Main Street in this enchanting mountain hamlet. Country roads and steep spots carry you along the East Shore before opening up to gentle rolling hills leading you to the finish line at Schroon Public Beach. Revel in incredible Adirondack Mountain views and cheers to a memorable marathon with a post-race brew from Paradox Brewery. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The Lodge at Schroon Lake. For affordable accommodations stay at the Maple Leaf Motel.
What to do: Rent a boat at Schroon Lake Marina and cruise along the cool blue waters. Watch a movie in style at The Strand, an Original Art Deco movie theater and performance venue.
🗓️When: 10/4/26
📍Where: Corning
Find out for yourself why the Wineglass Marathon has been named one of the top 10 Destination Races in the world and why runners repeatedly voted it the Best Marathon in New York State. Now celebrating its 45th anniversary, New York’s second-largest marathon offers a fast, flat postcard-perfect point-to-point course through the Southern Finger Lakes, all during peak autumnal foliage. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Book a stay at the perfectly placed Hilton Garden Inn.
What to do: Gain a whole new perspective on glass and art when you visit the Corning Museum of Glass. Stroll the antique shops, galleries, and boutiques in the Gaffer District. Satisfy your sweet tooth as you stroll the city’s Chocolate Trail.
🗓️When: 10/11/26
📍Where: Schenectady and Albany
Race along the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers on a picturesque course that features 18 miles of smooth, paved bikeways along the Empire State Trail. Beginning in Schenectady and finishing at the Corning Preserve in Albany, the route follows the Mohawk River before connecting to the Hudson River via the city of Watervliet, passing historic landmarks like the Watervliet Arsenal, the oldest, continuously active arsenal in America. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Renaissance Hotel. For affordable accommodations stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites.
What to do: Experience over 400 years of history as you explore Albany’s architectural gems, including the Empire State Plaza, New York State Museum, The Egg, and the New York State Capitol. Enjoy top-tier performances from global artists at Proctors Theatre, a Schenectady staple.
Photo courtesy of Wainwright Photography
🗓️When: 10/18/26
📍Where: Syracuse
“Loop the Lake” at The Great New York State Marathon, a celebration of the beauty and diversity of New York State. Traverse a tree-lined course in the peak of fall that loops around the serene Onondaga Lake. Start and finish at the region’s premiere amphitheater destination, Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at the Hotel Skyler. For affordable accommodations stay at the Quality Inn & Suites Fairgrounds.
What to do: Meander the trails, fall foliage, and Caribbean-like waters of Green Lakes State Park. Book an exclusive animal experience at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Appreciate the arts at the alluring and lavish Landmark Theatre.
Credit: Joe Buglewicz/NYC Tourism
🗓️When: 11/1/26
📍Where: NYC’s 5 boroughs
Now in its 50th year, the TCS New York City Marathon is often regarded as the world’s most iconic marathon, bringing together more than 55,000 runners from over 100 countries to traverse all five boroughs of New York City. The epic journey begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island, as the boom of cannons signals the start of the race. The cheers of more than two million spectators can be heard for miles as you wind through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan, before finishing at the city’s centerpiece, Central Park. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The Plaza Hotel. For affordable accommodations stay at the Hampton Inn Manhattan.
What to do: Check out our comprehensive New York City guide for all of the must-sees, must-dos, and must-eats.
Credit: @mingomatic on Instagram
🗓️When: 12/6/26
📍Where: Queens
Celebrating and highlighting the most diverse county in the United States, the Queens Marathon is a borough-wide celebration of endurance, culture, and community. Held in the borough’s crown jewel park Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the course features a looped layout that adds to the camaraderie of runners and spirited spectators. With every loop, runners pass the Unisphere, a global centerpiece for a global borough. This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Where to stay: Live luxuriously at The William Vale. For affordable accommodations stay at the LY New York Hotel.
What to do: Marvel at the Museum of the Moving Image, home to exhibits and artifacts of television and movies. Check out the Noguchi Museum that has 27,000 square feet of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi’s artwork and an outdoor sculpture garden. Visit MoMA PS1, an offshoot of the Museum of Modern Art.
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