Marathons

Every year, only one-tenth of 1 percent of Americans participates in a marathon. Jeff Galloway hopes to change that. The former Olympian and author of Galloway's Book on Running—the all-time best seller on the sport—has run 139 marathons and helped more than 250,000 people complete one. Here, he offers his top spots to hit the road.

Best City Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon; Washington, D.C.

They call this the "marathon of the monuments" for a reason: It offers the best tour of D.C. you can get. The course starts in Arlington, Virginia, and goes through Rosslyn, down Lee Highway, and over the Key Bridge into Georgetown. You'll pass the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and many other landmarks, including the Lincoln, FDR, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials. Held Oct. 26

Best Scenic Marathon

Big Sur Marathon; Big Sur, California

Held about 100 miles south of San Jose, the Big Sur Marathon has the most dramatic seacoast views I've ever seen. It feels like you're soaring in a small plane 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean. At mile 13 you'll run over Bixby Bridge, where a musician named Michael Martinez plays a Yamaha piano by the side of the road. One mile later you can take in breathtaking coastal views as you cross Rocky Creek Bridge. Held April 26

Best Qualifying Marathon

The Ogden Marathon; Ogden, Utah

Serious runners looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon will improve their chances for success at this race, held about 40 miles from Salt Lake City. You start at an elevation of 5,400 feet with about four miles of downhill course. Plus, the last eight miles are also mostly downhill, so just when you start getting tired, you get this wonderful downhill push. Along the way you can enjoy great mountain views. Held May 19

Best Family Marathon

Disney World Marathon; Orlando, Florida

I've never missed one of these marathons. If you have kids or need an excuse to plan a family reunion, you can't beat it. The course starts near Epcot and winds through Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Near the halfway point you go right through Cinderella's castle. And characters cheer you on the entire way. With mostly flat terrain and a seven-hour time limit, it's also an ideal course for beginners . Held Jan. 11

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Jeff Galloway had so many marathon picks, we couldn't fit them all in the magazine. Here are two more:

Best Novelty Marathon

Rock and Roll Marathon; San Diego

Runners can listen to live music on every mile of this unique race. Last year, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo headlined the event, while 45 local bands played on 26 stages scattered throughout the mostly flat and gentle course. Beginners will take comfort in the seven-hour time limit. Held May 31

Best Charity Marathon

National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer; Jacksonville, Florida

All of the proceeds from entry fees at this marathon go toward breast cancer research at the Mayo Clinic—every single penny. The course runs over a mostly flat coastal road with excellent views of Jacksonville Beach. You'll even run on the sand for a brief stretch. Best of all, the run is in February, the coolest month of the year in Jacksonville. Both the full and half-marathons have a seven-hour time limit, so virtually anyone can participate. Held Feb. 15

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For even more marathon info, check out these sites:

Ready to run with the big boys? You have five months to prepare (and qualify) for the oldest marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon.

If you want a little more help before you start hitting the pavement, check out Runner's World Complete Book of Running, which you can read online through Google Books.

Learn about the marathon's namesake by watching this History Channel documentary on the Battle of Marathon (part one, part two).