Known for its wide-open plains, Nebraska has a race that bills itself as the “fastest flattest course in the nation.” The State Fair Marathon in Grand Island, Nebraska, is also a Boston qualifier. It’s on August 24 this year.

Run parallel to white sand beaches while gazing at the Gulf of Mexico. Options include a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and something called the F.E.B. Grand Slam Beer Mile. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is in December.

A marathon in a city nicknamed “The Flats” naturally makes our list. There’s a full schedule of running events over the Zydeco Marathon weekend. Expect rousing music and a good post-race party at the finish line. This Boston qualifier takes place March 9-10 this year.

Florida may lead the country in the number of flat marathons and half marathons. The Seaside School Half Marathon takes place each year on President’s Day weekend in Seaside, Florida. Come for the flat race that raises funds for Florida’s oldest public charter school. Stick around to check out the nearby community’s white sand beaches and pastel cottages.

The enormous Bank of America Chicago Marathon attracts thousands of runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. You’ll find everybody from world-class, record-setting elite athletes to newbies. The scenic course takes runners through interesting Chicago neighborhoods and historic places like Grant Park, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Greektown. The half marathon takes runners through West Side neighborhoods.

Houston’s Chevron Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon draw runners from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. Expect flat terrain, moderate January temperatures, and a delicious post-race hot breakfast.

A visit to Sebring promises old Florida charm and the chance to run the fast and flat GFNY Marathon or half marathon. Check out the scrub habitat as you run loops around Lake Hill. This year, the race is scheduled for October 19.

This Boston qualifier runs along the downtown Milwaukee riverfront. At the Brew City Marathon (and half marathon) finish line, you’ll be greeted with a free beer from Broken Bat Brewery and a grilled bratwurst. The upcoming race is on April 20, 2024.

Back in the flat state of Florida, runners, walkers, and relay teams can wind through the quiet oceanfront communities of Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, and Sewall’s Point. In addition to the full 26.2 miles, the Marathon of the Treasure Coast offers shorter distances and family-friendly events.

Runners will enjoy two days of events on May 4 and 5, 2024, at the Pacific Coast Running Festival. The courses run on paths — and sometimes on sand — along the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Weekend events include a mile dash, a sunset 5K sand run, and a kids’ half-miler, in addition to a half marathon and the all-new Sand Marathon.

The popular Mini Marathon draws 20,000 participants a year. They come from all 50 states and other countries to run a course featuring a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500. Many stop to kneel and kiss the speedway’s bricks, an Indy 500 winner’s tradition. This is a huge community event with thousands of volunteers and more than 100 entertainment acts. This year, the race starts on May 4.

Well-known for flatness, Louisiana’s races include the Lucky 5K/10K/Half Marathon in Bossier City. The double-loop course follows the peaceful Arthur Ray Teague Parkway running trail along the Red River.

The Golden Driller Marathon takes its name from Tulsa’s iconic 75-foot tall oil worker statue. The half marathon course is flat, and so is the full marathon — except for one hill. Enjoy paved trails along Tulsa’s Riverparks system on the banks of the Arkansas River in this small, friendly race. The upcoming race is April 20, 2024.

Technically, the Mountains to Main Street half marathon isn’t totally flat — it skews downhill. Run along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and finish in vibrant downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The eighth annual Main Street Half Marathon & 5K is May 18, 2024.

The Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon takes place this year on November 23. It begins along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the arts and culture-focused Museum District. The course traverses the banks of the Schuylkill River into University City along the trails of Fairmount Park. Enjoy lots of history and culture along this flat course.

The flat and scenic South Padre Island Half Marathon will host running events on November 9 and 10, 2024. Runners can participate in the half marathon, a half marathon relay, or a 5K.

The Tobacco Road Marathon is in North Carolina’s Triangle Region. This area is home to the American Tobacco Trail, a fabulously flat 20+ mile trail that runs along an abandoned railroad corridor. This Boston Marathon qualifier takes place on March 17, 2024.

The Atlantic City Marathon and Half Marathon began in 1958 and is the U.S.’s third oldest continuing marathon. The course includes eight miles of oceanfront running. Events take place on October 19 and 20, 2024.

More than 12,000 runners and walkers participate in the annual OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon. It’s been nicknamed the “Best Tour of Columbus on Two Feet,” as the course passes the city’s most interesting sights. This year, the race is on April 27.

Every February, the annual DONNA Marathon raises funds for breast cancer research. It bills itself as the only U.S. marathon dedicated solely to raising funds to end breast cancer. Related events include a 5K, a DONNA Dash, a 110 Ultra Marathon, and the Visit Jacksonville DONNA Booby Trap Challenge.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series combines music, entertainment, and exercise. It features an unforgettable running tour of the Las Vegas Strip at night. The next event is February 22-23, 2025.

Home to one of America’s largest Coast Guard bases, Elizabeth City is a natural home for the annual Coast Guard Marathon. It’s super flat, with beautiful waterfront views and the chance to run on the U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City runway. Other distances include a 5K, half marathon, and a fun run for kids. Events take place April 5-7, 2024.

For more than 50 years, runners have sped down the scenic Atlantic coast during Shamrock Weekend. Expect beach scenery, tree-lined neighborhoods, views of the nation’s oldest standing lighthouse, and a peek at where the original Jamestown colonists landed! Other distances include a half marathon, 8K, and a Leprechaun Dash for the kids.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon. It’s been called “America’s Best Small-Town Race,” and it takes you through lanes of trees, along the beautiful bike path trails by the Red River, and through the historic downtown area. Other race weekend options include a half marathon, cyclothon, and a dog run. Upcoming events are scheduled for May 28-June 1, 2024.

The Avenue of the Giants Marathon course is not quite as flat as most courses on this list. But this double out-and-back marathon has something few other destinations can offer: giant old-growth redwood trees! And it’s mostly flat. Join in on May 5, 2024.