Greg MacGowan, Invited Runner Coordinator for the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, knows New England running races and marathons and we asked him to compile a list of the best marathons in New England. From the historic Boston Marathon to the picturesque Mount Desert Island Marathon to our personal favorite, the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon, there is something for every runner, every state, and every season in New England.
As befits a region with so many runners, perhaps no other region of the country has as many marathons as New England. There is a marathon somewhere in New England nearly every month of the year, and every state in the region has a nationally recognized, flagship running race.
A comprehensive compendium of New England marathons would be impossible, but what follows is a sampling of the region’s most noteworthy marathons, either for their size, their scenery, their history, or some combination.
Massachusetts Marathons
Runners on Heartbreak Hill (photo from Boston.com, photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)
Any list of New England marathons must really start with Boston. The oldest annually run marathon in the world (since 1897), it is the only non-championship marathon that requires participants to run a qualifying time (or raise a minimum of $10,000 for charity). Thus, to run a Boston Qualifier (or “BQ”) time is a badge of honor that many runners spend years working towards.
Boston is also quite possibly the only marathon in the world with landmarks that are nearly as famous as the running race itself. Utter the word or phrase, and everyone who has ever run Boston will instantly have the image in their mind. Hopkinton. The Johnny Kelley Statue. Heartbreak Hill. Kenmore Square. Right on Hereford, left on Boyleston. Sure, the London Marathon may have Buckingham Palace and the Berlin Marathon the Brandenburg Gate, but neither of those has the Wellesley Scream Tunnel. Winner: Boston.
Founded in October 1990 in Lowell, Massachusetts, Baystate is considered one of the flattest and fastest courses in the US. Approximately 25% of participants each year run a BQ here on a scenic 2-loop course (there is also a half-marathon) which parallels and overlooks the Merrimack River.
Connecticut Marathons
Possibly the closest to the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon in size and character, the Eversource Hartford Marathon is a small-city marathon with a flat, fast course and beautiful fall scenery as it winds its way past and through Hartford’s many parks, tree-lined streets, and even some small farms!
Rhode Island Marathons
The Providence Marathon underwent some changes in 2025 when construction necessitated a new course and a smaller field size. Like the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon, much of the mostly flat course is run on the city’s network of bike paths which overlook the water (in Providence’s case, the Providence River).
Maine Marathons
Starting and finishing with a loop around Portland’s beautiful Back Cove, this marathon follows an out-and-back course along the ruggedly beautiful Casco Bay. Its early start time, combined with early October weather, usually makes for pleasant temps and stunning scenery.
The Mount Desert Island Marathon
Runners on Carriage Roads on Mount Desert Island (photo from Mount Desert Island Marathon website, phot credit: Kevin Morris)
Starting and finishing in Bar Harbor, this marathon is run predominantly on the carriage roads and through the quintessentially quaint fishing villages of Mount Desert Island. “MDI” is one of the most beautiful parts of New England any time of year, but particularly in mid-October when the running race is held. Serene and peaceful with amazing fall foliage and crisp weather, you may not even notice the miles going by, although you will almost certainly notice the hills – there is nary a flat spot on the entire course, but those hills lead to sweeping vistas that will take your breath away.
New Hampshire Marathons
Although the Manchester Marathon is bigger, the Clarence DeMar Marathon in Keene has history on its side. Named for 7-time Boston Marathon winner Clarence “Mr. DeMarathon” DeMar, this marathon finishes on the arboreal campus of Keene State College and is perfect for those who prefer the quiet and intimacy of a quaint, small town, but still well-organized running race.
Our Pick for Top Vermont Marathon
M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon
Runners on the Burlington Bike Path (photo credit: Lee Krohn)
We’re biased, of course, but we feel the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon (VCM) combines all of the best elements (except the fall foliage, of course) of all of these New England running races. VCM’s fast and stunning course overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains beyond provides postcard-worthy scenery, while the raucous crowds along Church Street Marketplace will have runners feeling like a rock star. In fact, as one might expect in one of the fittest cities in the US, with thousands of dedicated runners, skiers, cyclists, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts, VCM is the biggest show in town all weekend, with the marathoners and relay runners at the center of it all.