Race calendar · October 2026
97 Marathon races across the US in October 2026, sorted by date. Which weekends are busiest, what the fields actually run, entry fees, and where each one starts.
97 Marathon races in October 2026
What the field actually runs
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Sep 22, 2026.
When in October
Marathon races do not spread evenly across October. The busiest weekend is October 10 and October 11, with 23 of them. Another 5 fall on a weekday.
By the numbers
The October Marathon races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
It is the fullest month of the year for the Marathon. October carries 97 of them, more than any other month, so you get the widest choice of dates, locations and course types without having to travel far for one.
The busiest weekend is October 10 and October 11, with 23 Marathon races on those two days, and the single busiest day is Saturday, October 10 with 16. Another 5 fall on a weekday, which is worth knowing if you are traveling for one.
As early as you can. 29 of these October Marathon races already have a price increase on the calendar, and 92 are open for entry right now. Another 2 have published an opening date and have not opened yet.
The typical entry is $40, with paid entries running from $10 up to $250, and 3 that are free to enter. Entry fees climb as race day gets closer, so the same race is usually cheapest the week it opens.
Across the 37 of these October Marathon races with published results from past editions, the median finisher ran 4:30:20, and the median winning time was 2:51:09. So anything under 4:30:20 puts you in the faster half of a typical field. That is the middle of these RunSignup fields, walkers and charity entrants included, not a national average.
The median one finished 127 runners, across the 37 of these October Marathon races with published results from past editions. Most are far smaller than the big-city events people picture, which means less crowding at the start and a friendlier field, with a last recorded finisher at 6:53:15.
North Carolina has 7, Ohio has 7, Texas has 7, Maryland has 6, Pennsylvania has 6. If you are willing to travel, those are the states where an October weekend gives you the most to choose from.
Yes, 14 races around the United States get you off the pavement: 10 are trail races, and 4 mix road and trail. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.
September and November sit either side of October, which is where most people look next when a date does not fit.
