Your first marathon is an unforgettable moment. Racers must train, develop routines, and, of course, go on plenty of literal test runs to prepare for their big moment. Then, there’s the logistical side of entering a marathon. Before a runner can participate in a major race, they have to register and meet certain qualifications. You have to be fast, and you have to get all your ducks in a row.
Part of this process includes providing the marathon organizers with an official and certified qualifying time. With thousands of runners competing for a spot in some marathons, not even meeting the standard qualifications ensures your entry to the race. Curious which marathons are big enough to warrant all this competition? Check out the list below for info on five of the biggest marathons in the United States.