It’s that time of year again! 🥳 Time to celebrate the fact that no matter how many finish lines we’ve crossed, the unrivaled energy and swag of an anniversary makes a memorable race weekend even better. On that note, and in this fifth edition of our annual series, we shine the spotlight on 10 popular events as they prepare to pop the champagne on their golden (50th), silver (25th) or platinum (20th) anniversary. Celebrate start lines, come ON!
(See the final section for more milestone anniversary shout-outs.)
Races Celebrating Golden (50th) Anniversaries
Hogeye Marathon
Springdale, AR | Apr 11–12, 2026
Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K, 5K
Despite being overshadowed by its glitzier counterpart in Little Rock, Arkansas’s oldest and second-largest marathon weekend is “a pretty pig deal” to runners in the Natural State, where the event has raised more than $586,000 for local charities since 2008. Though no longer extending as far south as its namesake small town, Hogeye’s rolling loop course visits three neighboring towns and five local parks highlighted by a stretch through Arvest Ballpark, home to minor league baseball’s Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Reviewers applaud Hogeye’s community spirit, most notably its outsized crowds and energetic aid stations. And all runners can count on full support every step of the way thanks to a generous 7-hour time limit. With a tradition of excellence and a golden reason to party, it’s safe to assume the pride of NW Arkansas will host a “hog” wild celebration in 2026.
IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (Indy Mini)
Indianapolis, IN | May 2, 2026
Half marathon, 5K
Annually one of the nation’s largest half marathons, the Indy Mini has grown into a global attraction with 20,000+ participants from all 50 states and 10+ countries. Indy’s iconic half lives up to its billing as The Greatest Spectacle in Running® with on-course entertainment ranging from rock bands to school spirit squads to cloggers. Not only that, but the Mini earns rave reviews as a “bucket list race” with “great vibes” thanks to race production that fires on all cylinders. As the largest event in the city’s month-long 500 Festival, the hands-down (and face-down) highlight of the course is a 2½-mile lap around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the opportunity for runners to “kiss the bricks” like an Indy 500 winner. And what Indy post-race celebration would be complete without the traditional bottle of (chocolate) milk courtesy of the American Dairy Association?
Bloomsday
Spokane, WA | May 3, 2026
12K
Originally known as the Lilac Bloomsday Run, Bloomsday is the ultimate “feel-good type of run” and “a legendary event for its sheer scope and community impact.” In fact, the race’s tenure and popularity earn it a place in our lineup of Iconic Short Distance Races. This Pacific Northwest favorite hosts 30,000+ runners, walkers, and “stroller-pushing families” on streets lined with cheering spectators and an eclectic lineup of entertainers. The hilly course offers sublime views of the Spokane River and culminates with an ascent of Doomsday Hill, where the Doomsday Hill Vulture welcomes weary participants with hard-earned high-fives. After the race, be sure to wear your finisher shirt as a proud testament to your accomplishment and a surefire way to earn kudos from the locals. In the words of one satisfied customer, Spokane’s hometown run is “more than a race, it’s a 7.46 mile party.”
Grandma’s Marathon
Duluth, MN | Jun 20, 2026
Marathon, half marathon, 5K
Like a spirited senior who refuses to slow down, Grandma’s Marathon Weekend keeps getting better with age. Duluth’s perennially popular event celebrated its 49th edition with a record 18,317 runners including 7,530 marathon finishers, making it the 10th largest marathon in the US. Runners who prefer their scenery aquatic will delight in the gently rolling, point-to-point course on MN-61, which hugs the shoreline of Lake Superior for most of the race before finishing in Canal Park a stone’s throw from the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. And the lake isn’t the only thing that’s superior, as finishers rave about the “wonderful crowd support” and “flawless execution.” Be aware the race fills quickly, with the 2025 half marathon selling out in just 18 hours and the marathon reaching capacity in just over a month. And all for a good cause, as race weekend generates almost $40 million for the local economy.
Boston 10K For Women
Boston, MA | Oct 10, 2026 (tentative)
10K
Since 1977, the Boston 10K for Women has proudly united female runners of all ages and abilities in “a day of strength, speed, and solidarity.” In fact, thanks to the tireless dedication of its organizers, volunteers, and participants, Boston’s fall tradition now stands as the largest and longest-running women’s sporting event in New England. Starting at Boston Public Garden, the high-energy urban course delivers a fast, flat tour of the Back Bay and Cambridge featuring an opening mile that showcases Beacon Street’s elegant Victorian brownstones. Runners then enjoy beautiful views of the Charles River and the city skyline before a festive finish at Boston Common. In addition to celebrating the health and fitness of the Boston running community, race day goes the extra mile with an Official Charity Program that supports local female-focused organizations and initiatives.
Races Celebrating Silver (25th) Anniversaries
Baltimore Running Festival
Baltimore, MD | Oct 18, 2025
Marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K
Charm City’s hometown celebration is a running festival in every sense of the word with race distances ranging from 0.05K (yes, you read that right) to 26.2 miles. Starting at Camden Yards, the hilly marathon course leads runners on a deftly curated tour of the city, around two lakes and along the Patapsco River, including a stretch through the Maryland Zoo where penguins greet runners dressed in their finest “tails.” Your journey finishes in the historic Inner Harbor, the hub of tourist activity where a “super cool crab medal” awaits along with post-race refreshments and festivities. One medal not enough? Runners with a thing for bling can complete the BaltiMORON-a-thon (half marathon and 5K on the same day) to earn a special medal. If you’re looking for a fun urban challenge or a Maryland option for your 50 States quest, Baltimore’s silver anniversary won’t leave you crabby.
Ogden Marathon 🏆
Ogden, UT | May 16, 2026
Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 8 miler, 5K
Once named one of the top ten marathons in the world by Runner’s World, Ogden delivers 26.2 miles of breathtaking and memory making. Located 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, Ogden’s gentle downhill courses (net elevation loss ~1,100 ft for the marathon, ~600 ft for the half) and cooler spring temperatures embolden runners to chase a BQ or personal best without fear of thrashing their quads or incurring a BQ penalty. Starting in the Wasatch Range, the “absolutely beautiful” route runs alongside the Ogden River and winds through Ogden Canyon before a triumphant downtown finish on Historic 25th Street. Along the way, runners of all abilities will feel fully supported thanks to “amazing” volunteers, “enthusiastic” crowds and frequent aid stations that are “full of everything.” Take it from one marathon veteran: “If you haven’t run Ogden yet you truly are missing out.”
Buffalo Marathon
Buffalo, NY | May 23–24, 2026
Marathon, half marathon, 5K
Held each year on Memorial Day Weekend, Buffalo’s hometown race offers a more easygoing urban alternative to New York City’s own World Marathon Major. The largely flat, meandering course highlights the best of Buffalo including downtown and Delaware Park with a two-mile stretch that runs along Lake Erie, through the Buffalo Naval & Military Park, and past KeyBank Center, home to the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. The race prides itself on its closely juxtaposed start and finish lines, which stand less than ¼ mile apart and within walking distance of several hotels. What’s more, race day features “nonstop, jam-packed crowd support” and bold, eye-catching swag. And in case you hadn’t “herd,” the City of Good Neighbors is located just 20 miles from Niagara Falls and the Canadian border, making Buffalo an ideal destination for a memorable Memorial Day getaway.
Races Celebrating Platinum (20th) Anniversaries
Williams Route 66 Marathon
Tulsa, OK | Nov 22–23, 2025
26.5 miler, marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 5K, 1 miler
For a nonstop party that takes great care of its runners, look no further than Tulsa’s spirited ode to the Mother Road. From the confetti cannon that starts you off “feeling like you can conquer the world” to the “amazing community support” that makes you “feel like a rock star,” Route 66 Marathon Weekend is “one of Oklahoma’s biggest block parties.” First-timers receive an exclusive finisher medal to commemorate their achievement, while marathoners can take the Center of the Universe Detour (0.3 miles) to earn a unique inlaid coin and complete the World’s Shortest Ultramarathon. Plus, in anticipation of their 20th anniversary, race organizers promise “bigger, better, and bolder than ever!” with limited-edition swag, a supercharged post-race party, and a special finisher medal depicting the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a beloved Route 66 roadside attraction for more than 50 years.
Denver Colfax Marathon
Denver, CO | May 16–17, 2026
Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10 miler, 5K
Expect plenty of mile-high smiles when Denver’s largest running weekend celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. Showcasing the sights & sounds of Colfax Avenue aka the “longest, wickedest street in America,” this ultimate urban tour of Denver leads runners past the State Capitol, around Sloan’s Lake, and through a working fire station all on a backdrop of Rocky Mountains and city skyline. Marathoners make two passes through Empower Field at Mile High, home to the NFL’s Denver Broncos, while half marathoners enjoy their own “personal safari” with a mile through the Denver Zoo under the watchful eye of four-legged spectators such as rhinos, elephants & giraffes. Along the way, you won’t miss a memory courtesy of the event’s free digital photos. Afterwards, extend your runner’s high at the post-race festival featuring food, drinks, and live music lakeside in City Park.
Other Races Celebrating Notable Anniversaries
50th Anniversary:
Annapolis 10 Mile Run (Annapolis, MD | Aug 24, 2025)
Amsterdam Marathon (Amsterdam, Netherlands | Oct 18–19, 2025)
👉 Sold out, charity entries still available
Bellin Run (Green Bay, WI | Jun 13, 2026)
Garden of the Gods Ten Mile Run (Colorado Springs, CO | Jun 14, 2026)
Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington, VA | Oct 26, 2025)
👉 Entries still available, see Anniversary Races 2024–25
Phoenix 10K & Marathon (Phoenix, AZ | Nov 9, 2025)
👉 Long-time Arizona favorite adds a full marathon
40th Anniversary:
Carlsbad 5000 🏆 (Carlsbad, CA | Apr 12, 2026)
25th Anniversary:
IMT Des Moines Marathon (Des Moines, IA | Oct 18, 2026)
20th Anniversary:
Publix Atlanta Marathon (Atlanta, GA | Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026)
Looking for more running events? Search for races by state/city or month, and try our handy Find a Race tool to search for events by name, date range, distance, location, terrain & more. Then sign up for a free account to build your wish list and start coloring in your 50 States Map!
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.
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And for more helpful articles, check out our blog!
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