Admittedly, this is probably going to attract a small and even crazier sampling of Fodorites, marathoners and/or their long-suffering family and friends. But at least it's a question you don't see everyday.

Anyway, what is your favorite American destination for a marathon, and why?

Seattle. It is a fantastic course, and it is always the Sunday after Thanksgiving so the city is very festive. Of course you have to expect some chilly weather and rain, but IMO that just adds to it. The scenery on the course is really good.

I was just thinking about this....I did my worst time ever in the Honolulu Marathon 2 weeks ago and now am considering doing an extra marathon in 2008 to make up for it!

That said....I live in Honolulu and do that marathon every year, so I take it for granted. I hear people at the end of the marathon (most years, but not this one) exclaiming, "That was the coolest thing I've ever done!" I guess for tourists, it's a nice one. Not too hilly, except in three painful spots.

My crazy marathon friends like to do the Volcano Marathon on the Big Island each July. 11 miles uphill on one of the toughest courses in the world? Not for me! But they love it! They feel "worthy" after tackling that one!

What's yours?

My favorite was the New York Marathon in 1984. Even though I was born and raised there I had never seen the city that way as a connected entity. Returning to NY as a (hrumph) more mature adult to run the marathon was a special thrill. The atmosphere was electric and crowds all along the way were inspiring as were the views from the bridges and perspectives that were new.

Seattle, Hawaii, NYC . . . cool!

I have only run 4 so far, and one was in my hometown of Myrtle Beach. But so far for me, I'd have to say Washington D.C.'s Marine Corps Marathon was the best destination. I love DC anyway, and running over the Potomac, through Georgetown, in the shadow of monuments, and finishing at Arlington was awesome.

Does it have to be American? My all time fave was Paris.

I have done Vienna and Prague, which were both OK, but I'd do Paris again in a heartbeat. It's well organized, scenic, and full of cheering people. Honolulu's marathon is silent by comparison.

Fairbanks, Alaska, Equinox marathon in September. A trail run on a challenging course (uphill and then down) through gorgeous fall foliage.

Gotta be New York... all of the neighborhoods... 25,000+ runners.

I am not a marathon runner but I have heard there is a marathon in Monterey, California that runs along the coast. It sounds like it would be beautiful!

I ran the Kona marathon and would not recommend it due to the heat. I also ran the Disney Marathon and it was pretty fun.
I've run but heard great things about these Marathons: Chicago, Marine Corps(Washington DC) & Grandma's (along lake superior). Not sure how many marathons you've run but I've learned they're a poor way to sightsee....lol. Enjoy!

I'm considering doing another marathon and making it a destination one.

However, much of my travel enjoyment is trying the regional cuisine and of course sightseeing. So for those of you who do destination marathons, how do you reconcile an off-regiment diet and standing on your feet a lot just before a marathon? I don't think I'd be in any shape to walk around sightseeing after the marathon...LOL!

Enjoy-la!