The Best Marathons for Women

Women have proven they can hang with the men when it comes to marathons. The Running USA 2012 marathon report, for example, notes that 42 percent of participants in all the 26.2-mile races were female. Just as with men, women who are choosing a marathon should consider their fitness level and goals. No one marathon is perfect for every potential female entrant.

  1. Beginners

    • A woman running her first marathon should consider course terrain, popularity and support when choosing a race. Flat races on pavement are generally easier. If you are nervous around crowds, choose a small local race, but if you want the energy of a crowd, opt for a large, city-based race such as Chicago’s or the Marine Corps marathon. Large races also feature people of all abilities, so you won't feel as pressured to hang with a fast pack. Also check whether a race sets a strict cut-off time. For example, the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll marathon says you must complete the race in five hours. The Honolulu marathon may be friendlier if you are not confident in your time; this race allows everyone who begins the race to finish, regardless of how long it takes.

    Women's-Only Races

    • The first ever women's-only marathon sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics was held in Tokyo in 1979. To this day, women’s-only races persist as inspiring experiences for all levels of female athletes. For those who may be intimidated by racing alongside men, women’s-only races offer comfort and security. These races can be lavish events; for example, the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco features handsome men handing out specially designed, bejeweled medals at the end and provides every finisher a Tiffany-designed necklace.

    Travel

    • Destination races also make good options for women who want to make it a girl's weekend. Plan to meet gal pals in a vacation spot that features a race, such as New Orleans or Napa Valley, to run and socialize for a few days afterwards. A destination race can also double as a family vacation. The Disney World marathon weekend held in January, for example, offers short races for your kids before your big day. You can then enjoy the parks in the days following your big run.

    Causes

    • Many women, and some men, run for a cause such as the Race for the Cure to raise money for breast cancer research. If you are inspired by helping others as you train and run, you'll want to hook up with an organization such as Team-in-Training and sign up for a race through it. These organizations usually pair up with larger events and will support you as you train. In exchange for the money you raise, some or all of the fees associated with registering for the race will be taken care of by the nonprofit.