A New Study Just Ranked the Most Hardcore Marathon States in America — and the Winner Isn’t Who You Think
Marathon running is having a moment. Race participation in the U.S. jumped roughly 8% in a recent year, according to RaceTrends data, and more runners than ever are tackling the full 26.2. But some states are taking that love of long-distance running to an entirely different level.
A new analysis from Sweepstakes Table dug into marathon data from 2022–2024 — looking at the number of official marathons hosted, total participants, participation rate per capita, and finisher growth — to create a “Marathon Hardcore Score” out of 100. The results? A mix of expected heavy hitters and a few states you absolutely wouldn’t have guessed.
Let’s count down the top 10.
10. Montana — Score: 40.89
Montana clocks in at #10 with 10 official marathons a year and a participation rate of 134.50 runners per 100,000 residents. For a state better known for wide-open spaces and mountain peaks, the marathon scene here is surprisingly strong. Missoula’s race weekend consistently pulls in dedicated runners, and smaller community-run events help keep the culture alive year-round.
9. Pennsylvania — Score: 42.33
With 23 marathons annually and 16,863 participants in 2024, Pennsylvania has a deep, steady running community. The participation rate (130.20 per 100,000 residents) reflects a state that shows up. Whether it’s Pittsburgh’s hills or Philly’s flat-and-fast fall race, there’s plenty of variety that keeps runners training.
8. Rhode Island — Score: 43.77
Tiny state, with a big marathon footprint! Rhode Island hosts six marathons a year and pulls in more than 2,100 runners — giving it a strong per-capita showing (194.52 per 100,000 residents). The waterfront routes don’t hurt, either. For a state this small to crack the top 10 says a lot about the dedication of its running community.
7. Utah — Score: 43.82
Utah hosts 22 marathons annually and has a participation rate of 186.64 per 100,000 residents. Scenic canyon courses, downhill PR-friendly routes, and a big outdoors-focused population make it a natural fit for endurance sports. Utah runners show up in all seasons — even when the elevation isn’t doing them any favors.
6. Massachusetts — Score: 45.37
Marathon culture runs deep here, literally. Massachusetts hosts 11 marathons a year and sees more than 27,500 finishers. The participation rate (392.25 per 100,000) is one of the highest in the top 10. The Boston Marathon is obviously the anchor, but the state’s smaller, community races help keep the training energy going long after Patriots’ Day.
5. North Dakota — Score: 47.82
This is the first real curveball in the rankings. North Dakota’s population is small, but its participation rate is mighty, 214.46 runners per 100,000 residents. With five official marathons and a tight-knit running community that shows up through harsh winters, it’s one of the most committed marathon states in the country. Fargo’s race alone draws impressive crowds for the region.
4. California — Score: 53.34
California tops the list for sheer volume with 57 official marathons a year. It saw 34,478 finishers in 2024, though its participation rate is lower simply because of the population size. Still, California offers just about every type of marathon terrain imaginable, coastal, desert, mountain, and urban, which keeps runners flocking to events statewide.
3. Illinois — Score: 54.37
Illinois hosts 17 marathons annually and had more than 53,000 finishers in 2024. Its participation rate (426.04 per 100,000) is one of the strongest in the top 10. The Chicago Marathon sets the tone; it’s flat, fast, and globally loved, but runners across the state’s suburbs and smaller cities play a big part in pushing Illinois into the top three.
2. New York — Score: 54.38
New York narrowly edges out Illinois for the #2 spot, thanks to 34 marathons a year and nearly 57,000 participants. The NYC Marathon is obviously the star, but upstate races and Long Island routes keep things busy year-round. With a participation rate of 291.12 per 100,000 residents, the state’s running culture is huge and consistently growing.
1. Hawaii — Score: 64.53
Hawaii takes the crown, and by a wide margin. Despite hosting just five official marathons a year, the state’s participation rate blows every other state out of the water: 1,338.20 runners per 100,000 residents. The Honolulu Marathon alone draws tens of thousands, and the year-round warm weather and scenic coastal routes make running feel less like punishment and more like a perk. Hawaii doesn’t just host marathons — it lives them.
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