DiscoverMarathon Handbook PodcastBONUS EPISODE: What’s the Best American Marathon That Isn’t a Major? Philly Makes Its Case
BONUS EPISODE: What’s the Best American Marathon That Isn’t a Major? Philly Makes Its Case

BONUS EPISODE: What’s the Best American Marathon That Isn’t a Major? Philly Makes Its Case

Update: 2025-11-25
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This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!

In this episode, Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr tackle a big question: What is the best American marathon that isn’t a World Marathon Major? Using their Philadelphia Marathon Weekend experience as a catalyst, they break down the traits of a true “Great American Marathon,” from elite-friendly course design (03:48 ) to race-day logistics (18:35 ), spectator experience (15:10 ), and city identity (41:00 ). They compare Philly to other top contenders such as CIM, Grandma’s, Houston, and Twin Cities (22:00 ), while also examining how mid-sized races often outperform majors in value, execution, and overall runner experience. If you’re choosing your next big marathon, this deep dive is required listening.

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#MarathonRunning #PhiladelphiaMarathon #GreatAmericanMarathon #RunningPodcast #RoadRacing #MarathonTraining #CIM #GrandmasMarathon #HoustonMarathon

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BONUS EPISODE: What’s the Best American Marathon That Isn’t a Major? Philly Makes Its Case

BONUS EPISODE: What’s the Best American Marathon That Isn’t a Major? Philly Makes Its Case

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