Weekend Edition
December 14, 2024

Hi there,

Hope you are off to a great start this weekend! Here's the latest in the world of marathons and an exciting new virtual challenge to benefit Girls on the Run.

Get ready to lace up!

Are you up for transforming the toughest training month into your strongest?

The MarathonGuide Virtual Challenge unites runners nationwide in embracing January's elements and joining a movement bigger than the winter chill.

Take it outside to earn Winter Warrior status and connect with athletes conquering winter across all 50 states. Win nightly prizes, support Girls on the Run, and unlock exclusive Runzy perks when you complete the challenge. Your winter miles are waiting – are you ready to answer the call?

Exclusive for MG newsletter subscribers: use coupon code MGNEWS10 to save 10% on challenge registration – hurry, offer ends Monday!

Marathon Spotlight

El Paso Marathon

Finishing downtown not only gives runners and spectators alike a chance to enjoy the historic center of the city, it lets runners finish on a net decline, which helps them with their finish time and improves their chances to qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon or the 2025 Abbott WMM MTT Age Group Marathon World Championships.

Racing Tip

El Paso can be a great place to run your PR, but it can also be windy. For marathons that go through sand, snow or dry dirt areas, best to check the forecast for wind. If it is to be a blustery day protect your eyes and wear sunglasses, even if it's cloudy.

Salina Crossroads Marathon

The most runner friendly marathon in Kansas! Flat, Fast and Scenic route takes you through the sights of Salina for a mere $20

Threshold Training in Perspective

Most marathoners are aware of the importance of threshold runs to race day performance. These runs at or close to marathon pace provide a specific stimulus to adapt to your target pace of which you simply will not get by any other means. It is perhaps the most critical component to a successful marathon training program; however, should it be the only component?..Read the whole article here!

Upcoming US marathons

12/14/24 - Manatee Marathon & Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic - Wakulla Springs, FL
12/15/24 - BMW Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) - Dallas, TX
12/15/24 - Hawai'i Bird Conservation Marathon - Hilo, HI
12/15/24 - Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon - Biloxi, MS
12/15/24 - Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon Festival - West Palm Beach, FL
12/15/24 - Rocket City Marathon - Hunstville, AL
12/15/24 - Holualoa Tucson Marathon - Oracle, AZ
12/27/24 - Holiday Five Marathon - Day 1 - Winter Park, FL
12/27/24 - Savage Seven Marathon Day 1 - Ocala, FL
12/28/24 - Holiday Five Marathon - Day 2 - Winter Park, FL

View more US Marathons here

Recent marathon results

12/1/24 - Topo Trail Marathon - Cincinnati, OH
12/1/24 - Space Coast Marathon - Cocoa, FL
12/1/24 - Seattle Marathon - Seattle, WA
12/1/24 - Texas Quad 26.2 - Day 4 - Dallas, TX
12/7/24 - Wildwood Trail Marathon - Wildwood, MO

Check out more results here

Interesting marathons around the country

Gasparilla Distance Classic

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is the premier and city-signature road running event for the City of Tampa. This incredibly flat and fast course takes runners on an out-and-back course along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard.

Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend

The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend in the Big 10 community of Champaign-Urbana & Savoy, Illinois, offers flat & fast courses, first-class race swag and medals, bountiful postrace food, an unforgettable finish at the 50-yard line of Memorial Stadium, and unmatched Midwest hospitality. You’ll love our hassle-free race logistics. Your best bet for a Boston-qualifying run!

Blue Ridge Marathon

Get ready for a world-class challenge in Virginia's Blue Ridge. This race has more elevation change than any other road race in America. The course is a celebration of the human spirit, its toughness is only matched only by the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the hospitality you will experience along the way.

Mississippi Blues Marathon

The Mississippi Blues Marathon will take place in downtown Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city. With live music before, after, and throughout the course, the Mississippi Blues Marathon proves to be one-of-a-kind.

Glass City Marathon

North Olympic Discovery Marathon

The North Olympic Discovery Marathon takes place on a unique point to point course that incorporates the beautiful Olympic Discovery Trail with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and a five mile finishing stretch along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Frequent sightings of seals, eagles, and an array of shore birds are common from the trail. Iconic trestle bridges provide beautiful backdrops.

Don't forget to use coupon code MGNEWS10 at checkout to claim your 10% discount on the MarathonGuide Virtual Challenge!

Thanks for reading!

- Craig & the MarathonGuide team