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The Boston Marathon didn’t make this list of best marathons in America. Do you think it should have?
The Boston Marathon takes place April 20.
Where’s the Boston Marathon love, USA Today readers?
The publication released a list of the 10 best marathons in the United States for 2026 on Wednesday, part of its 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and the Boston Marathon didn’t make the cut.
There are about 1,000 marathons every year in America, according to USA Today. The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on April 20, drawing 500,000 spectators and more than 30,000 runners from around the world. But it’s not among the nation’s best, according to the publication.
Sure, the Detroit Free Press Marathon (No. 1 on the list) crosses international borders; the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon (No. 2 on the list) uses pig motifs and has a “finish swine” instead of line; and California’s Big Sur International Marathon (No. 5) has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The marathons on the list are full of worthy causes and beautiful routes.
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But the Boston Marathon is certainly no slouch. It is the world’s oldest marathon (it debuted in 1897!), features Heartbreak Hill and the Wellesley College Scream Tunnel (both iconic), and is one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors (considered “the top echelon” in the sport of marathon running).
Do you think the Boston Marathon should have made the list? Why or why not? Let us know in the form below or e-mail us at [email protected]. Your response may be featured in an upcoming Boston.com article.
Do you think the Boston Marathon should have made the 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for best marathons in America?
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