Anniversary Races to Celebrate (2024–25)

Whether you’re a novice runner seeking an unforgettable debut or a seasoned veteran in search of motivation, the distinctive energy (and swag) of an anniversary celebration makes a memorable race weekend even better. With that in mind, in this fourth edition of our annual series we toast nine popular events poised to break out the bubbly 🥂 for their golden (50^th), silver (25^th) or platinum (20^th) anniversary. Lace ’em up and let’s get this party started!

(See the final section for more milestone anniversary shout-outs, including the 100^th running of Europe’s oldest marathon.)

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Races Celebrating Golden (50^th) Anniversaries

Canyonlands Half Marathon
Moab, UT | Mar 15, 2025
Half marathon, 5 miler
Five decades after its inaugural event hosted 22 runners (including a dog), the Canyonlands Half remains the only road race held in Moab, a laid-back town better known as a mecca for hiking, mountain-biking, and trail-running enthusiasts. Staged 30 miles northeast of its namesake, the rolling point-to-point course follows the Colorado River along the border of Arches National Park, turning heads with its soaring red sandstone formations. The gorgeous 13.1-mile journey finishes in Lions Park, where the Colorado Riverway Bike-Hike Bridge offers a short but stunning walk across the river and into Arches NP. Not only is Moab a spectacular destination on its own merits, but it’s an ideal spring getaway given its proximity to two national parks plus its location within the Grand Circle of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, one of the nation’s most iconic road trips.

Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K
Baltimore, MD | Jun 22, 2025
5K
Fueled by the spirit of the Baltimore running community, Charm City’s summer tradition proudly celebrates 50 years of women empowering women. As the largest women’s-only race in the Mid-Atlantic and the second oldest all-women’s race in America, the BWC is a celebration of women’s health & happiness and “a great race for women to bond and run together.” Starting downtown, the route traces the contours of the popular Inner Harbor before looping back to finish at Power Plant Live! where an epic post-race party awaits featuring snacks, beverages (with free beer for 21+), and live music. What’s more, BWC doesn’t skimp on the swag as all finishers receive a beautiful medal, a red rose, a cooling towel, and most importantly the esprit de corps of thousands of like-minded women, all while supporting the fight to end violence against women and their children.

Marine Corps Marathon
Arlington, VA | Oct 26, 2025
50K, marathon, 10K
Given the pageantry that accompanies “The People’s Marathon” in a typical year, the 50^th edition promises an unforgettable weekend of patriotism, pomp, and purpose. Not only has MCM grown into one of the most popular marathons in the U.S., but it now hosts the nation’s largest ultramarathon as well. Starting between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, the iconic course showcases 250 years of American history featuring such Presidential landmarks as the Kennedy Center, Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial and Washington Monument. Most powerful is the wear blue Mile, a living memorial to the fallen heroes of the U.S. Military. And few experiences can rival that of receiving your finisher medal from a USMC Officer after a triumphant finish at the US Marine Corps War Memorial. Can we get an Oorah!

Races Celebrating Silver (25^th) Anniversaries

Maratona di Pisa
Pisa, Italy | Dec 15, 2024
Marathon, half marathon
Where better to “lean” into a silver anniversary celebration than the home of Italy’s iconic tilting tower? Pisa’s holiday race weekend features a marathon and half marathon as well as a 4-mile costumed Santa Run for the whole family. Starting just outside the Piazza dei Miracoli, the marathon course winds through the medieval walled city and along the Arno River before transitioning to lovely countryside. The second half then circles back along the Ligurian Sea and the Arno to set up an unforgettable finish beneath the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which (fun fact!) was built in the year 1173 to serve as the campanile for the adjacent cathedral. To celebrate the occasion and foster unity through sport, the marathon organizers have launched a #BringYourFlag initiative that encourages all international runners to bring their home country’s flag as a 25^th anniversary gift.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Oklahoma City, OK | Apr 26–27, 2025
Marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K
Founded in 2001 as a community fundraiser, OKC’s Run to Remember is “an emotionally fueled experience” that now hosts upwards of 25,000 runners annually. Race day begins at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum with 168 seconds of silence to honor the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The Boston Qualifier course loops past the State Capitol and through many of the city’s historic neighborhoods before ending downtown at Scissortail Park. Along the way runners pass 168 banners, each bearing the name of an individual killed in the bombing. Billed as a celebration of life, the OKC Memorial Marathon is a “first class, city wide event” that boasts “insanely awesome crowd support” and “some of the nicest humans I have ever encountered.” Proceeds benefit the Memorial & Museum, with all participants receiving free admission to the Museum.

Greater St. Louis Marathon
St. Louis, MO | Apr 27–28, 2025
Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K, 5K
Embrace the spirit of St. Louis with plenty of “Arch” support at the 25^th running of this marquee springtime event. Formerly the GO! St. Louis Marathon, this family-friendly race day was rebranded in 2024 with the introduction of new courses. Highlighted by the iconic Gateway Arch, the reimagined marathon course explores Downtown St. Louis and the surrounding neighborhoods, including a short out-and-back across the Mississippi River into East St. Louis (Illinois) as well as a 5-mile stretch past the campuses of Saint Louis University and the Washington University Medical School. Your urban tour finishes in CITYPARK at the MOtion Afterparty, where participants celebrate their accomplishment with free Schlafly beer and local culinary favorites like award-winning BBQ, toasted ravioli, and frozen custard while enjoying a full lineup of live music.

Races Celebrating Platinum (20^th) Anniversaries

Marshall University Marathon
Huntington, WV | Nov 3, 2024
Marathon, half marathon, 3.25 miler
Nestled along the Ohio River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia’s second-largest city hosts the state’s largest marathon. Starting alongside Joan C. Edwards Stadium on the Marshall University campus, the double-loop marathon course leads runners on a flat, fast tour of Huntington’s commercial, industrial, and residential neighborhoods. Returning to campus in mile 26, participants are handed a flower to place on Memorial Fountain in honor of the 75 lives lost in the 1970 airline crash that claimed 37 members of the Marshall football team. Runners then circle the stadium one last time before a memorable finish on the field with the option to carry a football across the endzone/finish line. For a dose of marching band-fueled motivation, check out MUM’s 20th Annual Medal Reveal video starring Thundering Herd mascot Marco the Bison.

Charlotte Marathon
Charlotte, NC | Nov 16, 2024
Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, half marathon relay, 5K
Once known as the Thunder Road Marathon for the city’s close ties to NASCAR, Charlotte’s hometown marathon treats runners to an energetic tour of one of the nation’s fastest-growing urban centers. Race day starts at sunrise in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. The rolling course visits many of the Queen City’s diverse residential & commercial neighborhoods highlighted by the NoDa (North Davidson) arts district, Bank of America Stadium (home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers), and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Returning uptown, the party starts once you cross the finish line alongside Truist Field, collect your 20^th anniversary medal, and join the Finish Line Festival—featuring a beer garden and live DJ—in lovely Romare Bearden Park. Best of all, event proceeds benefit the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, a partnership that’s raised more than $500,000 since 2014.

RunSedona
Sedona, AZ | Feb 1, 2025
Half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 miler
Named one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places in America” by Good Morning America, Sedona is a favorite winter getaway for first-timers, traveling runners and 50 Staters alike. Race day hosts ~3,000 participants, most of whom travel 50+ miles to savor Sedona’s otherworldly beauty. The stunning course features a dramatic backdrop of stark desert landscapes and red sandstone formations accentuated by the warm light of the rising sun. If the “spectacular scenery” of the red rocks doesn’t leave you breathless, the challenging hills at an elevation of 4,360 ft just might; fortunately, what goes up must come down on Sedona’s out-and-back course, which one finisher calls the “most beautiful race I’ve ever run.” And new for 2025, the organizers have introduced an afternoon Run the Runway one-mile race at Sedona Airport for runners and walkers of all ages.

Other Races Celebrating Notable Anniversaries

100th Anniversary:
Košice Peace Marathon (Košice, Slovakia | Oct 6, 2024; at capacity)
Europe’s oldest marathon celebrates its centennial

40th Anniversary:
Army Ten-Miler (Washington, DC | Oct 13, 2024)
Los Angeles Marathon (Los Angeles, CA | 40th running Mar 16, 2025)

20th Anniversary:
Urban Cow Half Marathon (Sacramento, CA | Oct 5–6, 2024)
Cannonball Run (Greensboro, NC | Oct 11–12, 2024)
Prince Edward Island Marathon (Charlottetown, Canada | Oct 19–20, 2024)
Lake Placid Marathon (Lake Placid, NY | June 8, 2025)

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Author: Mike Sohaskey

Mike Sohaskey is the co-founder of RaceRaves, the premier online reviews community for runners to share their race experiences and find their next challenge. Mike honed his creative and critical thinking skills as a research scientist, earning a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Stanford. He’s also completed over 100 races — including 50+ marathons and ultras — in locations ranging from Antarctica to Zimbabwe.

Other RaceRaves articles you’ll enjoy (trust us!):

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And for more helpful articles, check out our blog!

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