These marathons are primarily designed for runners but also welcome walkers and have a cut-off time generous enough to accommodate walkers and run/walkers. Each includes timing, fluid support, and awards.
1. Portland Marathon
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Portland, Oregon welcomes 3000 walkers and 5000 runners every fall. The finish is kept open till the last person comes in, although those finishing in over 7 hours are sent on an alternate route the final 4 miles. It's great for first-timers whether you are walking or running. I've finished seven times in Portland (always beating the cut-off). Then one year I didn't walk and instead I staffed the late finish as a volunteer. It was a treat to be able to great the walkers at the finish with a full selection of goodies, personally drape them with heat sheet and hand them a rose, tree seedling, medal and finisher's shirt. If you want to be part of a big marathon and still be treated as a winner whenever you finish, Portland is the place.
2. Walt Disney World Marathon
This January marathon through the Magic Kingdom welcomes walkers and runners from all of the charity marathon programs. The official time limit is 7 hours and it is strictly enforced. They fill their quota with over 13,000 walkers and runners months in advance, so be sure to register early if you want to do this one.
3. Honolulu Marathon
This marathon in paradise greets over 30,000 participate each December. The course is gorgeous the entire way, but it can be hot and humid. The start is at 5 am and they guarantee finish line services until 2 pm, which would be a finish in nine hours. However, they allow everyone to finish rather than sweeping the course and say they will maintain the finish line until 4 pm.
4. Rock 'N' Roll Marathons
Wendy Bumgardner © 2009
5. ING New York City Marathon
Wendy Bumgardner © 2008
Walk the Big Apple in November with 30,000 walkers and runners. The time limit is 8.5 hours, but walkers must move to the sidewalk after they drop below an average 15 minute mile (6.5 hour pace) and don't want to use the "sweep" bus to ride to the finish. The course goes through all five boroughs and crosses five bridges to finish in Central Park.
6. Myrtle Beach Marathon
A friendly February marathon in South Carolina limited to 3500 runners and walkers with a time limit of 8 hours.7. Dublin Marathon
October Irish marathon with an 8-hour time limit. It's a major destination marathon for the charity programs and has a time limit of seven hours.
8. Marine Corps Marathon
Scenic course around Washington DC in late October with 13,000 participants, but walkers must be on a 6.5 hour pace to beat the cut-off point at mile 17.5 and "struggler's bus" pick-up at mile 20.
