9 Races With An Amazing Ocean View

Whether it’s a quick 5K, or an arduous marathon along hilly terrain, a course with an ocean view makes all that hard work a little more worthwhile. These nine U.S. races combine sweeping views with unique traits that reflect the diversity of American geography and culture.

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Newport Marathon

This classic New England race provides runners with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along with the stunning natural scenery, you’ll also get to see the very best of both Newport and Middletown including vista views of mansions along Bellevue Avenue. Though conditions can always vary, this race held in early October allows participants to get a first taste of fall. Photo: Courtesy of Newport Marathon | Jon Clancy Photo

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Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon

If you don’t live in Florida, your only reference point for A1A may come via Vanilla Ice. Putting 90s references aside, the A1A Marathon is flat, fast, and filled with views of the Atlantic. If you’re stuck shoveling snow in February, the A1A Marathon is a perfect venue to thaw out and run a fast time. Photo: Exclusive Sports Marketing

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Bay to Breakers 12K

The only way to describe Bay to Breakers is that it’s not as much a race as it is an experience—and a quintessential San Francisco one at that. The 12K course wraps through the city, beginning near The Embarcadero just blocks from the San Francisco Bay and finishes on Highway 1 at Ocean Beach. The race, which began in 1912 and is the longest consecutively run footrace in the world, combines the scenery of the City on the Bay with the unique culture that includes thousands of costumed runners, walkers and teams of "centipedes" joined together at the waist. Photo: Allan Rouge

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Carlsbad 5000

Known as the World’s Fastest 5K, this race is also really, really scenic. Carlsbad features a mixture of walkers and joggers to some of the most elite runners in the world. You may not be out there for long but while you are, experience the beauty while breathing in the salt air of this Southern California beach town. After you finish with a PR, enjoy a free post-race beer and a concert at the Party by the Sea! Photo: PhotoRun.net

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The Falmouth Road Race

What started as the brainchild of a local Boston bartender during the 70s has grown into one of the premier non-marathon races in the world with participants that include both former and current Olympians. With views of Massachusetts' Cape Cod shoreline throughout, the hilly seven-mile course begins in the town of Woods Hole and finishes on Falmouth Heights Beach overlooking Martha’s Vineyard Sound. Photo: PhotoRun.net

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Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon

Talk about a festive atmosphere! With live local bands and massive crowds cheering you on along the flat Virginia Beach course, you’re sure to run a fast time (or at least lip sync to a Bruce Springsteen cover). It finishes along the boardwalk and is a must-run if you’re in the Mid-Atlantic at the end of summer. Photo: PhotoRun.net

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Beach to Beacon 10K

This race is so popular that local and general entry fills up in minutes. Founded by Maine running legend and gold medal winner of the first women’s Olympic marathon, Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Beach to Beacon is capped at 6,000 runners (including some of the most elite in the world). The picturesque course offers stunning views of popular locales like Smugglers Cove and Casco Bay and finishes at Portland Head Light—the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Photo: PhotoRun.net

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Big Sur International Marathon

It’s one thing to drive 26.2 miles on the “rugged edge of the western world,” but it’s another to grind up and down steep mountainous terrain while staring at miles of what appears to be an endless Pacific Ocean. Although you’re running along a USATF certified Boston Marathon qualifier course, it won’t feel like Boston at all. No hype, no big crowds with signs and certainly, no city streets. Instead, you’ll be running along the legendary Highway 1 (PCH as the cool kids call it) from the heart of Big Sur to the town of Carmel. Take in the most scenic stretch of highway in the U.S. and forget that your quads will feel like bowling balls. Photo: O’Keefe Design + Photography

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Maui Marathon

Need a reason to go to Hawaii? Assuming you like to move around when you’re on vacation, the Maui Marathon (Hawaii’s oldest marathon) is not just scenic, but it’s also a solid alternative to the sea of people you’ll be surrounded by at the Honolulu Marathon. Not to mention from the 15K mark to the finish line, you’ll have unabated views of the Pacific Ocean.

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