Marathons in October 2026: All 59 US & International Races

October is one of the best months on the running calendar — cool temps, vibrant fall foliage, and 59 marathons, halves, 10Ks, and trail races spread across the United States and around the world. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifying time, training for your first marathon, or planning a destination race weekend, October delivers some of the most iconic races of the year.

Below is the complete What Race To Run directory of October races for the year ahead. Click any race for course details, registration links, and race-weekend logistics.

Why October Is the Best Month to Race

Most coaches consider October the optimal racing month in the northern hemisphere. After a summer of base building, runners arrive on the starting line with peak fitness, race-week temperatures typically fall in the 40-55°F sweet spot, and humidity drops dramatically. Combined with the visual reward of changing leaves on courses like the Marine Corps Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, and the dozens of regional events across New England and the Rockies, October has become the month most marathoners target for a personal record.

Marquee October Events

October includes flagship races like the Chicago Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., the Twin Cities Marathon, and the Amsterdam Marathon. International runners flock to events like the Munich Marathon, the Beirut Marathon, and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Trail enthusiasts can choose from epic events like the Run the Rut 50K in Big Sky, Montana, or the Moab Trail Marathon in Utah’s red rock country.

All October Races on WRTR

Below: every October race in our database, sorted by date. Distance markers in the right column indicate whether each event includes marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, trail, or fun-run distances.

How to Train for an October Race

For most marathon and half marathon plans starting in July, an October goal race gives you 14-18 weeks of dedicated training — enough time to build mileage, integrate speed work, and execute a proper taper. If you’re planning a marathon, aim for a peak long run of 20-22 miles three weeks before race day, then taper into a confident race week. For the half marathon, an 11-13 mile peak long run, plus weekly tempo and interval work, sets you up for a strong fall PR.

October Race Weekend Tips

• Layer for the start. Temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s at race-day dawn even when the race-time forecast is in the 50s. Bring throwaway warm layers.
• Watch the wind. October is windy in much of the US — train into the wind during your long runs so it’s not a surprise on race day.
• Book lodging early. October’s marquee races (Chicago, Marine Corps, Twin Cities) sell out hotels months in advance.
• Plan for daylight savings. Some early November races shift back an hour, but October events typically retain pre-DST schedules.

Find Your October Race by Distance

Looking for a specific distance?

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