is the largest marathon in the world that doesn't offer prize money. With its hills and lack of elite field, this isn't a race for records, but it's a favorite for everyday runners. Just under 20,000 finished the race in 2016. The course begins at Arlington National Cemetery, takes a loop through Washington D.C. and finishes at the Marine Corps War Memorial (aka the Iwo Jima Memorial) at the national cemetery.

History: The race began in 1976 as a vehicle to promote the Corps. Uniformed Marines still provide course support. Retired Marine Colonel Al Richmond, 77, has run every race.

Key feature: Teams of elite runners from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy compete against one another in the Armed Forces Challenge. In 2016, Army Specialist Samuel Kosgeiwon the Marine Corps Marathon for the second time in 2:23:53.

Scenic highlight: The so-called Marathon of the Monuments is essentially a tour of the nation's capital. Runners pass all the features on the National Mall.

Quotable: "There is a very emotionally moving 'Blue Mile' segment at Haines Point, which has photos of fallen military men and women, many with spouses and children and most in the prime of their lives," said Jerry Lopez of Whidbey Island, Washington, a retired U.S. Army officer who has run 201 marathons and ultramarathons. "It is a serious statement of the sacrifices often required to keep our freedoms."

New York City

The TCS New York City Marathon has the bridges, the five boroughs, the huge crowds and the elite fields. Plus, it's a challenging course for