New to Marathons? Here Are 8 Races With Long Time Limits That You're Sure to Finish | Livestrong.com (2024)

New to Marathons? Here Are 8 Races With Long Time Limits That You're Sure to Finish | Livestrong.com (1)

While course time limits are in place for safety reasons, there are races you can run with extended time limits or none at all.

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Running a marathon is a fun way to test your fitness, connect with other runners and challenge yourself to do something new. But your first race of that distance can be intimidating, and you may doubt whether you'll have enough time to finish.

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Completing 26.2 miles does take time, especially if this is your first marathon experience. The average time to run a marathon is 4:32:49, according to an analysis by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

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If 4.5 hours doesn't seem like enough time, don't sweat it. There are races that have longer time limits to ensure you get that medal.

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Why Are There Course Time Limits?

Course time limits are in place at most road races to ensure safety for runners, volunteers and the local community. A 26.2 mile route throughout a city takes major planning — months of organizing go into blocking off roads and detouring traffic so that runners, spectators and volunteers have a positive experience. Being limited to a certain amount of time to run a marathon (or any race in general) may seem restrictive, but it's in the best interest of everyone involved to get runners across the finish line in one piece.

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The bright side of races with long time limits is allowing people with slower paces feel comfortable to jog slowly or walk their way to a finisher's medal. Extended cut off times embrace diversity of the sport, and acknowledge that not everyone will be running fast paces.

The 8 Best Marathons With Long Time Limits

1. Honolulu Marathon

Say "aloha" to one of the most scenic races you could ever do. The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest marathon in the United States. There is no cutoff time, so everyone who crosses the start line can get to the finish line at whatever pace they'd like and be guaranteed a medal.

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  • Race Website:HonoluluMarathon.org
  • Location: ‌Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Date:‌ December 10, 2023
  • Entry Fee: ‌$148 (March 15 to May 31); $185 (June 1 to September 6); $225 (September 6 to October 17); $245 (October 17 to November 30); $400 (late entry at race expo)

2. Los Angeles Marathon

If you'd like to train for a spring race, the Los Angeles Marathon happens every March and will give you a full 26.2 mile tour of the city of angels. This race allows 6.5 hours to get to the finish line. A 6.5-hour marathon finish time equates to about 15 minutes per mile.

If you're unable to complete it within that time, the good news is you can continue running. Once the 6.5-hour time limit is up, runners are allowed to keep going but will be asked to run on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, an official finish time is not guaranteed and aid stations will begin to close. Bring your own fuel to ensure you can stay hydrated and energized.

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  • Race Website:LAMarathon.com
  • Location: ‌Los Angeles, California
  • Date: ‌March 17, 2024
  • Entry Fee: ‌$200

3. Philadelphia Marathon

The City of Brotherly Love allows 7 hours to complete the Philadelphia Marathon. Known for its flat and fast terrain, a 7-hour time limit allows for a pace of 16 minutes per mile. If 26.2 miles is no longer your preferred distance, the Philadelphia Marathon offers a half-marathon option (13.1 miles) as well.

  • Race Website:PhiladelphiaMarathon.com
  • Location: ‌Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Date: ‌November 19, 2023
  • Entry Fee: ‌$110 (price goes up after April 14)

4. Portland Marathon

Be a part of fall marathon season in the Rose City aka Portland, Oregon, where you'll run through downtown Portland and past historic landmarks. This race has a 6.5-hour time limit, which is about 15 minutes per mile.

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Runners who are behind the minimum pace will be moved off of the road after the cutoff time, but will be allowed to keep running on the sidewalk. All race participants who arrive at the finish line will receive a medal.

  • Race Website:PortlandMarathon.com
  • Location: ‌Portland, Oregon
  • Date:‌ October 1, 2023
  • Entry Fee:‌ $145 (until May 2); $160 (May 3 to June 27); $170 (June 28 to August 29); $180 (August 30 to October 1)

5. New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is officially the largest marathon in the world with up to 50,000 runners participating each year. It's also one of the World Major Marathons, so it can be tricky to get in because of the competitive lottery system. (Note: The application period already took place in February 2023 and the lottery drawing for accepted entries took place in March 2023.)

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If you do get accepted, the race allows for 8.5 hours to cross the finish line.You'll run through all five boroughs of New York City with energetic crowds of spectators cheering the whole time. This race has designated pace groups with the slowest running at 14 minutes per mile.

  • Race Website:NYRR.org
  • Location: ‌New York, New York
  • Date: ‌November 5, 2023
  • Entry Fee: ‌$255 (NYRR members); $295 (non-NYRR members)

6. Walt Disney World Marathon

Known as the happiest place on earth, Disney World hosts an annual marathon weekend that's sure to enchant you. Every mile will be magical as you run throughout the theme park, passing popular Disney characters (costumes are welcome!). Runners need to run at least a 16-minute mile and finish within 7 hours. If you are behind the pace requirement, you'll be safely shuttled to the course pickup tent.

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  • Race Website:RunDisney.com
  • Location: ‌Orlando, Florida
  • Date: ‌January 7, 2024
  • Entry Fee: ‌$221 (April 11 to October 16); $231 (October 17 to January 7)

7. Rock 'n' Roll Marathons

Designed to keep you moving and grooving, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series has races across the United States and internationally. Course time limits depend on the city, but many allow for 7 hours to finish 26.2 miles. The various locations give you plenty of options to choose from:

Check the individual race websites (linked above) for each city's specific race dates and entry fees.

8. Flying Pig Marathon

The Flying Pig Marathon weekend is the largest weekend celebration in Cincinnati with around 40,000 runners participating in various race distances. Runners need to keep a minimum pace of 16 minutes per mile or they risk being moved to the sidewalk as traffic reopens. For runner safety purposes, any participants who do not reach a checkpoint between miles 17 and 18 by noon will be bussed to the Eastern Avenue section of the course.

  • Race Website:FlyingPigMarathon.com
  • Location: ‌Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Date: ‌May 7, 2023
  • Entry Fee: ‌$125

How to Prepare for a Marathon

Aside from the marathon training plan you'll need to follow, you can prepare for your race by researching time limits and mapping out your pacing plans for race day. If you don't think you'll finish within a cutoff time, don't stress. Volunteers will be in place to get you to where you need to go or support you to finish in a safe manner.

Regardless of race time limits, it's a good idea to carry your own race day fuel — water or a sports drink and energy gels. This way, you have some control over the day and can keep yourself from running on empty.

In the event you're pulled off a race course, have a plan for how you'll reunite with family or friends. And if you ever don't feel well enough to continue, notify a volunteer or head to a medical tent immediately. Running a marathon should be an overall enjoyable experience (though we know it might not seem it at times!) and the most important part of race day is remaining safe.

New to Marathons? Here Are 8 Races With Long Time Limits That You're Sure to Finish | Livestrong.com (2)

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New to Marathons? Here Are 8 Races With Long Time Limits That You're Sure to Finish | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

New to Marathons? Here Are 8 Races With Long Time Limits That You're Sure to Finish | Livestrong.com? ›

This is the number of permutations of 8 distinct objects taken three at a time without repetition (here it means same person cannot get both silver and bronze) Thus 8P3=8×7×6=336 ways.

How many different ways can 8 people finish in a race? ›

This is the number of permutations of 8 distinct objects taken three at a time without repetition (here it means same person cannot get both silver and bronze) Thus 8P3=8×7×6=336 ways.

How many marathons can you safely run in a year? ›

Generally speaking, runners should not run more than two marathons a year. If you recently ran a marathon at your top speed and at your full potential, it's best to wait a period of four to six months before racing another.

How many marathons a year is too many? ›

Runners who want to race a strong marathon and improve performance and speed should focus on no more than two marathons a year. Running many more than that is pretty hard on the body and mind, increases your risk for injury and slower times are usually the end result.

How many marathons per year is healthy? ›

At most we recommend 4 marathons per year. Many avid marathoners have found a rhythm with an annual fall or spring marathon, or maybe two marathons per year with plenty of time to recycle and train between each. Other runners prefer to include goal races of different lengths interspersed between marathon attempts.

How many ways can 8 racers finish in 1st 2nd and 3rd place? ›

For each of these 8, there are the other 7 possibilities for second place. Therefore, for first and second place, there are 8 x 7 = 56 possibilities. For each one of these, there are 6 possibilities for third place. Therefore, for first, second and third place, there are 56 x 6 = 336 possibilities".

How many ways can 8 runners finish a race in 1st 2nd and 3rd place? ›

There are 8 choices for awarding first prize. Then there are 7 choices for awarding second prize. And there are 6 choices for awarding third prize. Therefore, there are: 8 *7 *6 =336 ways.

What is a 100 mile marathon called? ›

Various distances are raced competitively, from the shortest common ultramarathon of 31 miles (50 km) to over 200 miles (320 km). 50k and 100k are both World Athletics record distances, but some 100 miles (160 km) races are among the oldest and most prestigious events, especially in North America. Ultramarathon.

Can you stay in marathon shape year round? ›

You should not expect to maintain marathon fitness year round. You may quite easily maintain a high level of fitness and be able to plenty of long runs, but that PEAK fitness you experience for the race is just that. Peaking. It's not designed to be something you maintain all the time.

Can I run 2 marathons 3 months apart? ›

Yes, it is possible to run another marathon within a few months of your first. Make sure you take the first four weeks post marathon easy and focus on recovery. Follow a reverse taper and gradually build up your mileage, keeping your effort level (intensity) easy.

Can I run a half marathon two weeks after a marathon? ›

How long should you plan to rest. Most coaches and elite runners suggest you should take off one week off after a marathon, with a few very light jogs or even easy walks if you get too antsy. After a week off, training should be very light for two weeks post race.

How often should you train for a marathon? ›

Base Mileage

Most marathon training plans range from 12 to 20 weeks. Beginning marathoners should aim to build their weekly mileage up to 50 miles over the four months leading up to race day. Three-to-five runs per week is sufficient. The vast majority of these runs should be done at a relaxed pace.

Do marathon runners only eat carbohydrates? ›

Despite the fact that all athletes' nutritional needs are different, most runners need to follow a diet that is high carbohydrate for the best training and racing results.

Do marathon runners eat a lot? ›

Many studies show that running increases appetites, especially in new runners. The body seems to want to maintain its weight homeostasis and will pump out hormones that prompt runners to want to eat.

Can you run 2 marathons 3 weeks apart? ›

3 weeks apart is ideal timing, since you can use the first marathon as your very last and longest run before your second marathon.

How many months does it take to train for a marathon? ›

Most runners take between 16 and 20 weeks to train for a marathon. As you build up to the race, your heart, muscles and mind need to be conditioned for the exertion ahead, so following a strict training plan which gradually ups the ante and improves your fitness and stamina is very important.

How many ways can 8 horses finish a race assuming all finish and there are no ties )? ›

There are 9*8*7*6*5*4*3*2*1=362,880 different orders of finishing.

How many ways can 7 runners finish 1st 2nd and 3rd? ›

The answer is 210. There are 210 different ways these seven runners could take first, second, and third place in the race.

How many different ways can 10 people finish 1st 2nd and 3rd? ›

$\therefore$ There are 720 possible ways for 10 people to come 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in a race once around the track.

What happens if two runners finish at the same time? ›

Art. 3 – A tie in a running event occurs when two or more competitors cross the finish line simultaneously, or when two or more competitors or relay teams running in separate sections, finish with identical times. Art.

What happens if two people finish the race at the same time? ›

The result is declared a tie and the competitors are awarded a joint ranking. Dead heats can occur in both head-to-head races and competitions where competitors race sequentially and are ranked by finishing time.

Is 2nd place a 1st runner up? ›

/rənəˈəp/ In a competition, the runner-up is usually the person who comes in second place. In the Olympics, an athlete who wins a silver medal can be called a runner-up. In beauty pageants, there are often first, second, and third-place winners, followed by a runner-up.

Do people sleep during 100 mile races? ›

In such events, runners reported between three and nine sleep episodes, averaging a total of 8.2 h of sleep. In contrast, few runners reported any sleep during events up to 36 h [2]. Hurdiel et al. [4] observed that over 50% of runners (N = 17) did not sleep during a 106-mile (170 km) event.

What is a 50 mile marathon called? ›

Ultramarathons, or ultra runs, are endurance running races or treks beyond the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.2k). The most common distances for ultra running are 50k, 100k, 50 miles, or 100 miles (aka centurion races).

What do you call a person who runs in a marathon? ›

The word marathoner can be applied to any participant in a marathon but is especially used to refer to a person who regularly competes in marathons. The term ultramarathon refers to a race of 50 miles or more, and the superhumans who compete in these can be called ultramarathoners.

Can you take your shirt off during marathon? ›

DO race a marathon shirtless if it's hot and it makes you feel great. DON'T worry about what anyone else is wearing, you've got enough to focus on. Listen some of these are myths and just general guidelines, so you do what feels best to you!

What should I eat the day after a marathon? ›

For optimal recovery, your muscles want three to four times more carbohydrate than protein. Good recovery snacks and meals include a smoothie (Greek yogurt, banana, blueberries); turkey sandwich, banana and one cup of Gatorade; and 1/4 cup almonds, one pita bread, 1/4 cup hummus and one large orange.

Should you stop running before a marathon? ›

How long should you taper before a marathon? Most marathon plans tend to follow the three-week taper. While this can vary from runner to runner, you'll want to be sure you're running less and recovering more during those final 21 days so your legs are fresh on race day.

Can I go from couch to marathon in 3 months? ›

As long as you are currently healthy, you can go from couch to marathon finisher in less than six months. But it's wise to do so in steps. Instead of going straight from zero to a 26.2-mile start line, we suggest you “climb the ladder” of standard road-race distances.

Can you run two marathons back to back? ›

Is it possible to run two marathons so close together? Yes, it's possible. Perhaps it's not always advisable, but, if you train and race smart, it is doable. On the plus side, running back-to-back marathons takes full advantage of long runs and high mileage by parlaying them into multiple races... and multiple medals.

Can I go from couch to half-marathon in 3 months? ›

Most newbie runners can get half-marathon ready in 3-4 months ; if you have already been jogging, run/walking, or completed shorter distance events like a 5k or 10k, you can likely get ready in 3 months (12 weeks).

Can you drink 2 days before half-marathon? ›

Alcohol and Athletic Performance: The Bottom Line

So, it's safe to say you should avoid alcohol ideally 48 hours before a race, and especially the night before, in order to have better endurance, power, and energy on race day.

What percent of people run marathons? ›

According to the US Census, the world population is approximately 7.928 billion. Therefore, only about 0.17% of the population has run a marathon.

Can I do a long run 2 weeks before a marathon? ›

2 Weeks Before Your Marathon

With two weeks to go until race day, cut mileage to about 50 to 75 percent of what you've been doing. Beginner runners who want to do a tune-up race during this time should stick to a 10K or shorter. More advanced runners can do a half-marathon up to two weeks before the marathon.

How many miles is considered a long run? ›

The long run is generally anything from 5 to 25 miles and sometimes beyond. Typically if you are training for a marathon your long run may be up to 20 miles. If you're training for a half it may be 10 miles, and 5 miles for a 10k.

How often should you drink during a marathon? ›

Stay Hydrated

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 5 to 12 ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes during a marathon, although this is often difficult to accomplish and can result in over hydration if your sweat loss is low.

How many 20 miles before marathon? ›

Try to get at least two 20 mile runs in under your belt. Schedule your last 20 miler or 20+ miler to be about 2 weeks before your marathon race date.

Are bananas good during a marathon? ›

High GI carbohydrate foods are best during a run as they release energy quickly. Choose specially designed sport gels and isotonic drinks, or try bananas, oranges, honey, dried fruit or gummy sweets such as jelly beans.

What are the best protein foods for runners? ›

Foods for Runners and Joggers

Lean protein such as fish, poultry, beans, lentils and tofu. Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado and nuts. Healthy carbohydrates such as rice, whole grain breads/pastas and oatmeal.

Do marathon runners go into ketosis? ›

Since ultra-runners are often entering into ketosis during their lower-intensity but longer runs, a keto diet makes that conversion easier. Leisure runners who may not be concerned with racing or PRs can also benefit from a low-carbohydrate keto diet if they rarely participate in high-intensity workouts.

What foods should marathon runners avoid? ›

Foods Runners Should Avoid
  • Sugary Sodas. Sugary sodas tend to instantly satiate you but eventually cause dehydration and elevated sugar cravings. ...
  • Frozen Meals. ...
  • Dairy products. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Energy Drinks. ...
  • Oily And Fatty Food Items. ...
  • Spicy Food. ...
  • Foods That Are High In Fibre And Carbohydrates.

Is Peanut Butter good for running? ›

Peanut butter produces a high energy output due to the good carbs and proteins it contains, which assist with muscle growth and recovery. It also contains fiber, niacin, and folic acid, additional nutrients to help you power through your run and give you energy.

Why do marathon runners eat a lot of spaghetti? ›

Basically, it's true: pasta makes an excellent meal for athletes, particularly those engaged in endurance sports. Why? Simply because pasta is rich in complex carbohydrates and these carbs are the first source of energy used by our muscles.

Can I run a half marathon 3 weeks before a marathon? ›

The half marathon taper should start two weeks before race day. It could be three weeks for some runners, but that should only happen if you've been following an unusually long training plan of 18 weeks or longer.

Can you run a half marathon 3 weeks after a marathon? ›

This means that in order to fully recover after a marathon and ensure that you don't set yourself up for overtraining down the road, you should give yourself two to three weeks of nothing but very easy running.

Can I marathon train on a treadmill? ›

You can definitely train for a marathon on a treadmill. Whether you use the treadmill as a training tool for specific marathon speed workouts or even do all of your marathon training runs a treadmill, lots of people successfully prepare for marathons using treadmills.

How should I eat before a marathon? ›

The day before your race, your plan should be to eat throughout the day, focusing on carbohydrate-rich foods.
...
Choose easy carbohydrate options at each meal:
  1. Grains such as rice, oatmeal, quinoa, pasta.
  2. Baked and roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes.
  3. Bread/buns/toast.
  4. Pancakes.
  5. Bagels.
  6. Tortillas.
  7. Yogurt.
  8. Juice/sports drinks.
Aug 21, 2020

How long does it take to go from a beginner to a marathon? ›

It's estimated that it takes the average beginner about 15 weeks of training to get themselves mentally and physically prepared for a marathon. 15 weeks - hundreds of hours and kilometers to then run 42.2 km in around 4 and a half hours (the world average marathon time).

How many different ways can all 8 runners in an Olympic track event cross the finish line? ›

When I checked the memo, it said the answer was 336.

How many ways can you order 8 people? ›

So, the correct answer is “ 5040”.

How many ways can 8 people be arranged in a line? ›

(i) The number of ways in which 8 students can be arranged in a line =8! =(8×7×6×5×4×3×2×1)=40320.

How many ways can 8 people be arranged in a row if there are no restrictions? ›

= 8! = 40320 ways. Therefore, there are 40320 ways that the people can be seated when there is no restriction on the seating arrangement.

How many arrangements of 8 objects taken 3 at a time can you find? ›

Summary: The number of possible permutations of 8 objects taken 3 at a time is 42.

How many ways 4 people can be chosen out of the group of 8 people? ›

4 ! ( 8 − 4 ) ! Therefore, there are 70 ways of choosing 4 people for a committee from a group of 8 people.

How many ways can 8 people form a circle? ›

Therefore, there are 5040 ways they can be arranged.

How many ways can 8 different friends sit around a? ›

∴ 8 friends can sit around a table in 5040 ways.

How many ways can 9 people be seated around a circular table if two of them insist on sitting beside each other? ›

The answer is 40320 ways. Was this answer helpful?

How many ways can 8 friends line up if two of them must stay next to each other? ›

Therefore, there are 10080 possible ways for eight people to be seated in a row of 8 chairs if two people insist on sitting next to each other.

How many ways can 8 children be arranged? ›

Answer and Explanation: This is a permutation problem because the order of the students is important. Eight students can be arranged in 8! different ways, which is 40,320.

How many ways are there if we want to arrange 8 people around a square table with 2 seats on each side? ›

The result is 10,080 possible ways.

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