Marathons can be grueling, and it takes a lot of physical and mental preparation to get ready for your first 26-mile race. Even if you’ve spent months training for a marathon, you might not be sure you’re up for the challenge.

Don’t worry, we’ve found a few marathons that are easier for newbies and first-timers to try out! You’ll find you have a much better chance of completing these courses, which will encourage you to come back and keep trying for the harder ones.

Austin Marathon

Set in the wonderfully weird Texas city of Austin, this marathon is held in February, long before the Texas heat kicks in. Temperatures range between 44 and 65 degrees, so there’s no need to worry about getting too hot or too cold. There are more than 5,000 runners taking part in this course, which runs through the city itself. It’s one of the best races for newbies to try thanks to its gentle hills and ideal weather.

Portland Marathon

October is the month for the Portland Marathon, which runs across primarily flat terrain and over the gorgeous Willamette River. There may be a bit of rain, but the temperature is pleasant for a run. Best of all, there’s no six-hour limit to the course, but you’ve got a full eight hours to complete the marathon.

Kaiser Permanente Health Care Napa Valley Marathon

Set in the breathtaking wine country of Napa Valley in California, this point-to-point race runs along the Silverado Trail, which offers some of the most spectacular views you’ll find in the country. Best of all, there is wine at the end of the race to help you celebrate your success.

Marine Corps Marathon

Set in Washington D.C., this race starts and finishes near the Arlington Cemetery, and there are more than 100,000 spectators along the course to cheer you on. Though there’s a punishingly brutal hill at the 26th mile, the shouts of the crowd will keep you going. Plus, you’ll be running alongside Marines, who will be there to help encourage you to push on and run harder. There’s no qualifying time required to enter, and there’s no sign-up lottery either.

ASICS LA Marathon

Located in Los Angeles itself, this big-city race attracts more than 25,000 runners every year. The race begins at Dodger Stadium, runs through LA’s gorgeous neighborhoods (including Beverly Hills and Hollywood), and ends up near the Santa Monica Pier. Who knows, you may just end up running next to a celebrity!

Philadelphia Marathon

This is a fairly flat, fast course, one that will take you right past those famous steps from the “Rocky” movies. You’ll get a tour of the historical districts of one of the oldest cities in the country, spectacular views of the gorgeous Schuylkill River, and weather just on the pleasant side of chilly.

Eugene Marathon

Set in Eugene, Oregon, this race ends at the historic Hayward Field track where running legends like Steve Prefontaine set world records. Talk about a piece of racing history! Aside from a hill at mile 8, the track is flat enough for most beginners to conquer without too much difficulty.

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