Miss your fall 42.2? Late season marathons south of the border

Canada’s final 42.2K races concluded last weekend as did the single largest one around, that being the TSC New York City Marathon.

For those still hoping to race a marathon by year’s end, there are a few options available to you:

Sun. Nov. 15th: Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon

Join over 30,000 party-icipants and run the strip at night for a truly unforgettable experience. The odds of running fast are pretty good as the entire 42.2K course is flat. The desert heat also shouldn’t be a problem as typical race day weather rarely exceeds about 15C. The only obstacles to be aware of are the colourful costumes, capes and veils plus several Elvis impersonators.

Sun. Nov. 22nd: Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia is a popular destination race for Canadians, being held in a city that hasn’t reached the point of being too cold for road races during late November and is also not too far to consider for many Southern Ontario, Quebec and Maritime runners. The route follows and out-and-back course that is mostly flat and potentially very fast.

RELATED: Canadian fare well at 2014 Philadelphia Marathon

Sun. Nov. 29th: Seattle Marathon

Originally run in 1970, Seattle’s original hometown marathon is a convenient option for those on the west coast interested in taking a quick trip south into Washington state. The marathon course is moderately hilly and begins along the same course as the Half with an added section crossing the Lake Washington floating bridge and looping around scenic Seward Park.

Sun. Dec. 6th: Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon

Those looking to escape the arrival of winter can head south to Texas for a tour of San Antonio featuring live entertainment along a course that starts and finishes at the Alamodome and features many scenic views and historical landmarks. Celebrate your finish with a festival, beer garden and headliner concert!

Sun. Dec. 6th: California International Marathon

Known to produce fast times and impressive PBs, CIM is a point-to-point, net-downhill course with a spectacular finish in front of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The race routinely sells out but relay and charity spots are often available as are guaranteed time qualifiers.

Sun. Dec. 13th: Honolulu Marathon

Join over 20,000 fellow runners for Hawaii’s premier running race taking place in the early morning (the race starts at 5 a.m.) in mid-December. Typically hot and humid and mostly along the breezy coast of the Pacific Ocean, it may not prove to be the fastest race around but is an unforgettable experience in a most beautiful and exotic locale.

Sun. Dec. 13th: Dallas Marathon

A smaller event with about 4,000 finishers, the Dallas Marathon takes place in comfortable conditions and features a course that begins and ends in Downtown Dallas and which highlights the best parts of the city. Along the way, runners will pass through popular neighborhoods with exciting cheer stations and on-course entertainment before finishing the race downtown.