For many runners, the term “destination race” brings to mind longer distances such as a marathon or half marathon, i.e. “no pain, no plane.” At the same time, a number of popular events across the U.S. feature scenic courses, spirited crowds, and awesome after-parties, all without the post-race limp. Here we profile ten iconic shorter-distance races (10 miles or less) worth traveling for this summer and fall.
Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race – Gorham, NH
(Jun; 7.6 miler)
Gravity aficionados be warned: what goes up doesn’t always come down, case in point the Mount Washington Road Race. For 65 years, intrepid runners have battled the gravitational pull and notoriously severe weather of MWRR’s entirely uphill course, which climbs 4,650 vertical feet over 7.6 miles to reach the summit of the highest peak in the White Mountains. Yes, the trek is grueling, but as the race’s optimistic tagline points out, “There’s Only One Hill.” In addition to recreational runners, the field boasts less gravitationally challenged athletes including some of the world’s most skilled mountain runners. The unofficial competition kicks off in February with a two-week lottery to fill the 1,300 coveted slots.
AJC Peachtree Road Race – Atlanta, GA
(Jul; 10K)
Nothing says “summer block party” like sweating alongside 50,000 strangers friends you haven’t met yet. Not only is Peachtree the biggest non-marathon in the U.S., it’s the largest 10K in the world. Now in its 56th year, the Atlanta Track Club’s Independence Day tradition follows a rolling, point-to-point course from Buckhead to Midtown to the finish line in Piedmont Park. While the (over)crowded field may dissuade some prospective runners, race day brings the energy with “big enthusiastic crowds” and plenty of aid stations to beat the heat and humidity. Registration is via a random lottery, and competitive runners should submit a qualifying time or risk being assigned to one of the last of the 22 start waves.
Boilermaker Road Race 🏆– Utica, NY
(Jul; 15K, 5K)
The slogan says it all: “More Than a Race,” the pride of Utica is a rollicking weekend that’s all about community. Created in 1978 to honor founding sponsor Utica Boilers, 48 years later the Boilermaker showcases the local community with one of the summer’s most beloved running events. One popular word to describe Boilermaker race day is “support,” and for good reason—the rolling course features more aid stations (20+) than kilometers along with popsicles, “music at every corner,” and “wall to wall people.” After the run, collect your finisher medal (or pin, for 5K runners) and bring your commemorative pint glass to the Saranac Post-Race Party to celebrate at one of the best finish festivals in the business.
Wharf to Wharf Race – Santa Cruz, CA
(Jul; 6 miler)
From humble beginnings on a shoestring budget in 1973, “The Best Little Road Race in California” has blossomed into one of the West Coast’s most beloved summer spectacles. True to its name, race day starts at one wharf (Santa Cruz) and finishes at another (Capitola). Along the way the festive, seaside course hugs the coastline, passing the historic Great Dipper roller coaster and several legendary surf spots. And while most of the 16,000 participants embrace its laid-back “sun & fun” vibe, the race also attracts an impressive field of elite competitors. Throw in 50+ musical acts and a rainbow balloon arch at every mile, and it’s no surprise Wharf to Wharf leaves finishers smiling from ear to ear.
TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race – Cape Elizabeth, ME
(Aug; 10K)
Go coastal this summer at the largest road race in the Pine Tree State. The brainchild of American running legend Joan Benoit Samuelson, Beach to Beacon annually draws elite talent and weekend warriors from across the U.S. and around the world, including Olympians like Shalane Flanagan and Conner Mantz. New England heat and humidity notwithstanding, finishers tout Beach to Beacon’s superb organization and beautiful point-to-point course. Starting near Crescent Beach State Park, the charming, tree-lined route features dramatic ocean views before finishing alongside Portland Head Light, the nation’s first commissioned lighthouse and the most photographed lighthouse in the world.
Quad-City Times Bix 7 – Davenport, IA
(Jul; 7 miler, 2 miler)
“RUN WITH THE BEST” proclaims the larger-than-life mural overlooking the start line of the Quad-City Times Bix 7. And for good reason, as the Bix 7 has grown from grassroots gathering into perennial summer powerhouse with legends like Joan Benoit Samuelson and Meb Keflezighi gracing the winner’s circle during its 51-year tenure. With an uphill start in the heat of summer, the 7-mile out-and-back course gives a hint of what’s to come as it rolls along steamy city streets lined with raucous spectators. “The Midwest’s biggest post-race party” welcomes all finishers, while the unconventional distance all but ensures that Bix 7 first timers will take home a personal best, no matter their fitness level.
ASICS Falmouth Road Race – Falmouth, MA
(Aug; 7 miler)
Cape Cod’s most popular running event celebrates its 53th anniversary in 2025. Founded by local legend Tommy Leonard, the inaugural race coincided with Leonard’s 40th birthday and finished at the Brothers 4 Club where he worked as a bartender. Half a century later, the Falmouth Road Race has established its reputation as a “Who’s Who” of running talent, attracting an international field of elite and recreational runners (including all three U.S. women’s Olympic marathon medalists) to its scenic, point-to-point course along the Cape Cod shoreline. Naturally, with great tradition comes great demand, and out-of-town hopefuls must enter a random lottery each May for the opportunity to #RunFalmouth.
Garden of the Gods Ten Mile Run – Colorado Springs, CO
(Jun; 10 miler, 10K)
Over its 46 years, Garden of the Gods has gained a reputation as quintessentially Colorado. Featuring both road (10 mile, 10K) and trail (10K) options, race day is breathtaking in every sense of the word, from the challenging hills to the thin air (elevation 6,200+ ft) to the spectacular scenery that showcases Mother Nature’s handiwork at every turn. Visitors from across the U.S. converge on Colorado Springs each summer to run among the towering sandstone rock formations that earn the park its name, including photogenic favorite Balanced Rock. And after the race, the celebration continues with food, beer and music at Rock Ledge Ranch, a living museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
5th Avenue Mile – New York, NY
(Sep; 1 miler)
If you feel the need for speed, there’s no better place than New York City and no better race than the 5th Avenue Mile. Finishers agree nothing compares to the all-out adrenaline of racing 20 Manhattan city blocks in a straight shot. Starting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the linear course borders Central Park en route to the finish at E. 60th St. Runners of all abilities show up to compete—first-timers, long-timers, and everyone from the top professionals to the tiniest amateurs. Even the FDNY and NYPD battle for bragging rights. And the New York Road Runners go the extra mile to ensure a top-notch experience, with individual heats spaced out to prevent congestion and enable all runners to take their best shot.
Army Ten-Miler – Washington, DC
(Oct; 10 miler)
The second-largest 10-miler in the U.S. welcomes 20,000 runners for a patriotic tour of our nation’s capital. The historic route starts and finishes at the Pentagon, crossing the Potomac River and running alongside the National Mall while showcasing several of the city’s signature monuments and memorials like the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. “Always a perfect day and a perfectly executed race,” raves one repeat runner of the Army Ten-Miler, which serves as a timely tune-up for the Marine Corps Marathon. Uniformed service members provide on-course support and encouragement, and all finishers receive a commemorative medal as a reminder of the #RunArmyRunStrong mindset.
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 completed over 120 races — including 60+ marathons and ultras plus all six Abbott World Marathon Majors — in locations ranging from Antarctica to Zimbabwe.
Other RaceRaves articles you’ll enjoy (trust us!):
Spring & Summer Featured Races
Lunatic Spotlight: 7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days
Racing Etiquette: Tips for a Successful Race Day
Top Five Things You Can Do as a RaceRaves Member
And for more helpful articles, check out our blog!
Find this article informative? Please share it, and let others know RaceRaves is the premier online resource to DISCOVER, REVIEW & TRACK all their races and to CONNECT with other runners!
No comments yet