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

What is the best American marathon that isn’t a World Marathon Major? Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr use Philadelphia Marathon Weekend as the jumping-off point to debate what qualifies as a truly Great American Marathon. From course design and event logistics to city culture, race strategy, and depth of field, we break down why Philly belongs in the conversation—alongside races like CIM, Grandma’s, Houston, and Twin Cities. We explore what makes a marathon a “runner’s race,” which events are elevating their profile, and why some mid-sized races outperform big-city majors in experience, value, and race-day execution. If you’re picking a fall marathon for next year, this breakdown is essential listening. 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! 📩 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. Time Stamped Chapters 00:00 – Intro: What Is the Great American Marathon? 00:40 – Why Philly Sparks This Debate 02:00 – The American Marathon “Middle Class” 03:48 – What Makes a Marathon Elite-Friendly 06:15 – Philly’s Strengths: City, Course, Energy 09:20 – Racing the Half: Fast Fields & Fair Courses 12:55 – Marathon Strategy & Course Design 15:10 – Spectator Experience: A Crucial Factor 18:35 – Weather, Logistics & Accessibility 22:00 – Comparing the Big Contenders: CIM, Grandma’s, Houston 26:45 – World Majors vs. The American Classics 30:30 – What Runners Actually Want Out of a Marathon 34:00 – Is Philly the Best Non-Major in the U.S.? 38:00 – Expo Culture: Old School vs. Megashows 41:00 – City Identity & Why It Matters 45:20 – Final Verdict: What Defines a Great American Marathon? 55:00 – What’s Next on the Podcast