Believe it or not, it’s already time to start planning out those fall races. If you are looking for an east coast marathon to run this fall, this list has all different types of races! From bucket-list races to fast courses and scenic views, there is something for everyone. Choose your race now so you will know when to start training!
I did my best to break these down into different categories, but some fit into more than one! So check out the descriptions to get an idea if it’s what you’re looking for.
Bigger fall marathons
Harford Marathon
Date: October 10th, 2026
Location: Harford, CT
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: The course is mostly flat and scenic, running through historic neighborhoods as well as some parks and a few isolated areas. It has good crowd support and fun post-race activities including a beer garden and live music.
Baltimore Marathon
Date: October 17th, 2026
Location: Baltimore, MD
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a somewhat scenic, but very challenging course. You will see many parts of Baltimore including the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, and the Maryland Zoo. There is great crowd support but it is a very hilly course.
Marine Corps Marathon
Date: October 25th, 2026
Location: Arlington, VA
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: A scenic race with views of the monuments, this race takes you all over DC with lots of crowd support. It can be crowded and there is a course time limit. Logistics can be complicated too.
NYC Marathon
Date: November 1st, 2026
Location: New York, NY
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: While the lottery is closed and participants have already been selected, you can still run with a charity program! This is a challenging course but has great crowd support and takes you through all 5 boroughs of NYC.
Philadelphia Marathon
Date: November 22nd, 2026
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This course is fair, with some rolling hills. There is great crowd support and the logistics are manageable for such a big race. The weather is usually good in late November as well.
Best fall marathons for a PR
Erie Marathon
Date: September 13th, 2026
Location: Erie, PA
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a highly rated race that is very flat and fast. It is a 2 loop course through a park. While it is scenic, there is not always much crowd support. Early in the season it may be warm and humid.
Mohawk Hudson River Marathon
Date: October 11th, 2026
Location: Albany, NY
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a point to point race that is fast and scenic, along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. There is a net elevation loss and most of the race takes place on paved trails and streets.
Steamtown Marathon
Date: October 11th, 2026
Location: Scranton, PA
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: The Steamtown Marathon is known for it’s scenic course and net elevation drop. It has a high percentage of Boston qualifiers and is well organized.
Baystate Marathon
Date: October 18th, 2026
Location: Lowell, MA
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a flat and fast course, featuring a double loop course along a river. The weather in MA in late October is usually good for racing.
Richmond Marathon
Date: November 14th, 2026
Location: Richmond, VA
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: While this course has rolling hills, it’s a fair course with a downhill finish. It’s known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon” and has great crowd support and scenic views.
NCR Marathon
Date: November 28th, 2026
Location: Sparks Glencoe, MD
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a small race put on by a local organization. It takes place on a flat rail trail and is an out and back. While this is a fast course due to it being flat with hardly any turns, it can be lonely since it is such a small race.
Scenic East Coast fall marathons
Wineglass Marathon
Date: October 4th, 2026
Location: Corning, NY
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a fast course that is net downhill, but is within the 1,500 ft elevation drop standard of Boston, and requires no time adjustment. It is a point to point course and popular event that sells out every year.
Maine Marathon
Date: October 4th, 2026
Location: Portland, ME
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: The Maine Marathon has an out-and-back course with rolling hills and views of the Portland skyline, the Back Cove, Casco Bay, and peak fall foliage.
Mount Desert Island Marathon
Date: October 18th, 2026
Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a scenic but challenging course, held during peak fall foliage with scenic views. It is a point to point course starting in Bar Harbor and finishing in Southwest harbor. It has over 1,500 feet of elevation gain but a fast, downhill finish.
Outer Banks Marathon
Date: November 8th, 2026
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a flat and fast course but does have a challenging climb over the Washington-Baum Bridge at mile 23. The course is scenic and there are other distances to race as well.
Space Coast Marathon
Date: November 22nd, 2026
Location: Cocoa, FL
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a scenic waterfront marathon with a space theme and is Florida’s oldest marathon. It has a 6am start time and good crowd support.
Kiawah Island Marathon
Date: December 12th, 2026
Location: Kiawah Island, SC
Boston Qualifier? Yes
Description: This is a flat and fast course through maritime forests and marshes. It has scenic views and is well organized. There is a 6.5 hour time limit.
What is your favorite fall marathon on the east coast?
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This looks like a great selection to choose from!
So many marathons to choose from! I doubt I’ll be running another marathon, but I long ago gave up on fall marathons simply because training through the summer in the desert is just too much.
This is a great and comprehensive list! While I’m not sure I’ll ever do another marathon, the Wine Glass half is on my list. And the Space Coast half is one of the coolest races, so I imagine the full is just as good.