Running Events

Running events are held every day in amazing places around the globe. Check out this section to find information on the most popular running events today, from 5Ks to marathons.

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The 20-year-old athlete became the first woman to enter the marathon, and officials tried to physically stop her. They couldn't.

By Christopher Hassiotis

As far as places to go for a walk, Hawaii is a tough one to top. The Honolulu Marathon has no time limit, offers awards in the racewalk category and even features a festive pre-race luau to boot. What are five of the world's best walk-friendly races?

By Julia Layton

Running 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) isn't an option for most people -- many people don't even like driving that far. But for you long-distance runners looking for the ultimate challenge, check out our list of the world's biggest marathons.

By Emilie Sennebogen

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Each spring, serious runners from around the world travel to Richmond, Va., for a shot at a personal-best time on the friendly and flat course of the Monument Avenue 10K. But, aside from the actual competition, the event draws thousands of participants and spectators looking to take part in an atmosphere that includes costumes and roadside bands.

By Joanna Burgess

Although the first marathon was run 2,500 years ago -- and its lone participant died in the process -- long-distance running has never been more popular. AIMS coordinates thousands of races around the world at a variety of distances, from fun runs to marathons.

By Dave Roos

To your left is a team of Elvises. To your right is Spongebob Squarepants. And up ahead, well, someone is nude. Welcome to San Francisco's infamous 12K race -- the Bay to Breakers.

By Clint Pumphrey

When a race has thousands of participants, how on Earth can anyone keep track of the time of each individual runner? Simple -- with a little device called a timing chip.

By Kevin P. Allen

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Around 1 percent of the world's population has run a marathon. What about people who are physically fit -- but not athletes -- who want to run a longer race than the 10K? These three mini-marathons may be the ticket.

By Brian Boone

Athens, Ga., has more to offer than just the Georgia Bulldogs and a rocking local music scene. Over the past two decades, this northeast Georgia city has become a destination for running enthusiasts who take part in the annual Athens Twilight 5K.

By Jennifer Sellers

If you're a veteran marathoner looking to set a personal best -- or a newbie seeking a flat, fast course -- the Berlin Marathon could be the race for you. It's the third-largest marathon in the world -- and the fastest.

By Alison Cooper

The granddaddy of marathon running events, the Boston Marathon has drawn Olympic hopefuls and runners from around the world since its beginning in 1897. The course is ineligible for international record setting, so why do countless athletes compete for a chance to run Boston's punishing hills?

By Jill Jaracz

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From its inception in 1977, the Chicago Marathon has held sway as one of the world's largest marathons. Why is the Windy City such a popular race destination, and how can speedsters register to compete for the substantial cash prize?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Although you probably don't associate Thomas Edison with running, a 5K race is a highlight of a Florida festival held annually in his honor. Why do the race and festivities celebrate the famed inventor's life?

By Thorin Klosowski

Every year, Minneapolis kicks off spring with a 10K run known as the Get in Gear 10K.What's the race like? Are you up for a run in the brisk Minnesota air in late April?

By Stephanie Crawford

After a series of false starts, the 25-year-old LA Marathon hit its stride this year with a new route called "Stadium to the Sea." Join us as we trace the race's history and find out what makes it unique.

By Kevin P. Allen

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How about going for a run to visit the Queen of England? Along with Boston, New York, Chicago and Berlin, the city of London is one of the world's top five marathons and part of the World Marathon Major series.

By Gerlinda Grimes

You might think that a race called the Marine Corps Marathon would be open primarily to runners from the armed forces, but anyone can run. Is this famous marathon as tough as its namesake?

By Nathan Chandler

Imagine hundreds of thousands of runners from every walk of life and every skill level taking part in one 10K race at the same time. That's exactly the idea behind the Nike+ Human Race.

By Debra Ronca

The New York City Marathon is one of the most prestigious races in the world. What factors helped it grow from 127 entrants to nearly 38,000 in a 40-year span?

By Josh Briggs

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If you're a marathon runner with an appreciation for stunning locales, then the Marathon de Paris may be for you. But how do you register, and what does the course have to offer?

By Emilie Sennebogen

What event has 55,000 people consuming 34 million calories in just a few hours? Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race, of course! How did this event become the world's largest 10K -- and why is it so popular? Let's find out.

By Josh Briggs

Peak fitness and rock might seem at ends. On the one hand, you have protein shakes and training runs; on the other, all-nighters and beer runs. But to the folks behind the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, running 26.2 miles and partying aren't mutually exclusive activities.

By Julia Layton

This is a unique marathon because many runners discard notions of running a personal best in favor of giving themselves time to stop and photograph the various landmarks along the route. Let's take a tour of this romantic race.

By Kevin P. Allen

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A marathon is a grueling event that involves running for more than 26 miles. So, what makes a tough marathon? How about rocky terrain, steep inclines and extreme weather? Here's a rundown of the world's most punishing marathons.

By Josh Clark