TRAINING DAYS

Start the New Year off on the right foot and get ready to run a marathon.

Start the New Year off on the right foot and get ready to run a marathon.

FEB. 1 SURF CITY MARATHON

Huntington Beach, CA (35 miles from LA) Run with the ocean by your side-but don't let the sound of lapping waves relax you too much. www.runsurfcity.com

MARCH 29 ING GEORGIA MARATHON

Atlanta, GA As you run, keep an eye out for the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. The race starts and ends at Centennial Olympic Park. www.inggeorgiamarathon.com

APRIL 21 BOSTON MARATHON

The world's oldest annual marathon (since 1897), it's most famous for Heartbreak Hill. www.baa.org

MAY 3 SPORTING GOODS PITTSBURGH MARATHON

On hiatus since 2003, this race returns with an all-new course. www.pittsburghmarathon.com

JUNE 7 COVERED BRIDGES HALF MARATHON South Pomfret, VT (87 miles from Burlington) Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other place in the world; you'll run by or over a few. www.cbhm.com

JULY 26 SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON

In 2008, the race began a "Going Green" initiative, using compostable cups, recycling running shoes and more. www.runsfm.com

AUG. 16 PIKES PEAK MARATHON

Manitou Springs, CO (76 miles from Denver) In the first marathon to allow women (in 1959), you'll ascend 7,815 feet to a summit of 14,050 feet, where a mile can take 30 minutes. www.pikespeakmarathon.org

SEPT. 26 QUAD CITIES MARATHON

Moline, IL/Quad Cities, IA Check out views of the Mighty Mississippi on this course, which takes runners over the river (twice). www.qcmarathon.org

OCT. 11 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON

Known for being fast and flat, it's popular for those looking to set personal records. www.chicagomarathon.com

NOV. 1 ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

Run through each borough during one of the world's most famous marathons. www.nycmarathon.org

DEC. 7 LAS VEGAS MARATHON

Ready to tie the knot? This race can make it happen with its run-through wedding ceremonies, held at the start so you can cross the line as newlyweds. www.lvmarathon.com