Bucket List Fall Marathons!

My favorite season to train and race is definitely fall. With cooler temps, my Dutch genes come alive and I'm filled with energy and a strong desire to get outside.

The sport of running is as popular as ever, as is the demand for marathon events. The most famous fall marathons in the United States include the Chicago Marathon and the New York City Marathon, but there are many other marathons to choose from, and they're all special in terms of the experience they offer. With this in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some events that you should consider for your bucket list.

• OBX Marathon – I've run this race twice and love it for a few key reasons. This race is completely flat and it's point to point, which is kind of cool. The locals come out to cheer you on as you run North to South, including past the Wright Brother's Memorial. If you get lucky, you may even have a tailwind!

• Richmond Marathon – This is another race I've done a few times and while it offers some hills, it's still known to have a fast course. My favorite thing about this race is running through the beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods with historic mansions. This race really showcases all of Richmond, VA.

• Charlotte Marathon – I've always wanted to do this race. The Queen City's distinctive tree-lined streets, sporting arenas, and historic sites are just a few of the sights that you'll encounter in this amazing event.

• California International Marathon – Also known as CIM, this race is definitely on my bucket list. With a net downhill course, this is a great race to target if you want to strive for a new PR. The weather for this race is almost always ideal. And it's popular, which explains why the 2025 race is already sold out!

You can rest assured that most marathons these days are USATF certified as well as designated as Boston Marathon qualifiers.

So, what are your favorite events? Do you love fall as much as I do?

At your next event, tag @swivelbottle in a selfie before, during, or after the race—especially if you’re bottle-less—for a chance to win a free Swivel Bottle!

See you at the races!

Thys
-Founder