A 5K? Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota half marathon? October 5, 2025.
In the world of running races, a lot of time and attention is given to the marquee distances. Nearly every city in America hosts at least one 5K a year, and big cities may host hundreds. That’s because running 3.1 miles is a pretty attainable goal even to people who have never run in their lives. There’s all manner of “couch to 5K” training programs Shoes & Gear.
There are distances in between a 5K and a half, even if it may take a little more internet research to find them. There’s 5 milers, 10Ks (which are basically 6 milers), and the subject of today’s article, the 10 miler.
Running 10 miles is certainly a feat (one that could take you around 2 hours depending on your speed), but those last three miles in a half marathon are by far the hardest, so just trimming those off can do wonders. A 10 mile race is long enough to make experienced runners feel challenged, but short enough to not scare off newbies.
But where are 10 mile races run? And which 10 milers are the best ones to sign up for? We’re so happy that you asked. Below is a roundup of 12 of our favorite 10-mile-long races from all across the country. If you’re looking to level up from a 5K or 10K and don’t know where to do it, here are some wonderful options, a dozen 10 milers you’re sure to enjoy.
The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile
Date: April 6, 2025
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
One of America’s most popular 10 milers is this race in Washington that typically starts and ends near the Washington Monument. A quick look at the course, which mostly is the same year after year, will explain why you need to enter and win a lottery in order run the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile. After running along the National Mall and passing the Lincoln Memorial, runners head over Memorial Bridge to Arlington, Virginia, and back. They then run past the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial before finishing back where they started. All the while, the city’s famed cherry blossoms are blooming in the trees that line the course. Picturesque!
Tenacious 10
Date: Speaking of bridging the gap between a 5K and a
Location: Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s Tenacious 10 offers both 10K and 10 mile options, but today we’re focusing on the longer of the two. Starting and ending in Gas Works Park, the course loops the city’s Lake Union, providing runners with plenty of shoreline views. You’ll also get to see Fremont Bridge and the iconic Space Needle along the course. Fingers crossed it doesn’t rain while you’re running.
Cleveland 10 Miler
Date: April 26, 2025
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland’s premiere 10-mile race is hosted by Hermes Sports and Events (that’s Hermes, the Greek god with wings on his feet). The race takes place on the westside of Cleveland and sends runners on a looped course along the shore of Lake Erie. If you complete the 10 Miler 10 times, you can get inducted into 100 Mile Club and have your name proudly displayed on the race’s website, so perhaps this will be a repeat event for you.
500 Festival Miler Series
Date: Best Running Watches
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Speaking of bridging the gap between a 5K and a half marathon, Indianapolis’s 500 Festival does just that. In the leadup to their half (or mini marathon as they call it), the 500 Festival hosts 3, 6, and 10 mile races in Indianapolis. If you’re looking to build up endurance and run some fun progressive races along the way, then this 10 miler is for you. While the Miler Series races don’t enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the half marathon sends runners on a lap of the famous racetrack, so you’ve got something to look forward to.
Soldier Field 10
Date: Shoes & Gear
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Soldier Field is certainly a Chicago landmark. Not only is it the home of the Chicago Bears, but having been built in 1924, it is the oldest NFL stadium and the third oldest in major league sports. The Soldier Field 10 starts and finishes in the actual stadium with runners racing on an out-and-back course south along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Not only is the course gorgeous, but the Soldier Field finish provides a great cap to the event. There’s a tailgate outside after the race, so if you work up an appetite over 10 miles, you can grab a brat or a burger to refuel.
Broad Street Run 10-Miler
Date: May 2025
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
America’s largest 10-mile race is Philadelphia’s Broad Street Run, which draws more than 40,000 runners to Philly every year. That’s a field bigger than nearly any other race in the U.S. regardless of size. As the name implies, the race is a straight shot down Broad Street, beginning north of downtown and heading 10 miles south to its end at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The only turns are near the six mile mark where the race has to curve around City Hall. While the long straightaway may be a bit boring, the massive crowds of fans lining the course will certainly keep you entertained.
Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Race
Date: June 2025
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
There are few places in the United States more beautiful than Colorado’s Garden of the Gods. The stunning red rock formations outside of Colorado Springs are a popular tourist destination and have been classified as a National Natural Landmark. For nearly 50 years, the site has also been host to several races including 10K and 10 mile options. The 10 mile version weaves through the rock formations and makes its way to the famous Balanced Rock. A word of warning, however, the course is curvy and hilly so you’re going to want to train for that (not to mention the high elevation).
Crim 10 Mile
Date: August 2025
Location: Flint, Michigan
Founded in 1976 by Michigan’s Speaker of the House Bobby Crim to raise money for the Special Olympics, “The Crim,” as it’s known to locals, has become a massive 10-mile road race drawing thousands of runners from around the world. The city and its exuberant inhabitants are happy to show you what the vibrant city has to offer. The course winds through the city and is lined with screaming fans.
The Bronx 10 Mile
Date: September 2025
Location: Bronx, New York
The Summer Running Gear’s Five Borough Series includes marquee races in all five of the Big Apple’s boroughs. The six races include courses of various lengths, but the Bronx’s addition is the only 10 miler in the lineup. Starting and ending near Yankee Stadium, the out-and-back course sends runners deep into the northern borough on their way to the finish. The race is an excellent way to see a neighborhood that many never explore, especially for Manhattanites and tourists who rarely venture past Central Park.
TC 10 Mile
Date: Bronx, New York
Location: Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota
For those living outside of Minnesota, the “TC” in this case stands for “twin cities” with those cities being Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Held the same weekend as the acclaimed Twin Cities Marathon, the TC 10 Mile is dubbed the “Shortcut to the Capitol” because it starts and ends at the same locations as the full marathon (the end being the Capitol building in St. Paul), but takes a much more direct route in getting there. You’ll still get to cross the Mississippi River and see much of the TC area, but you’ll be running 16 less miles.
The Atlanta 10 Miler
Date: Best New Balance Shoes
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
When it comes to putting on races, the Atlanta Track Club doesn’t mess around. In addition to the Atlanta Marathon, they also host the Triple Peach Race Series, which include the Peachtree Road Race (10K), the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, and the Atlanta 10 Miler. If you run all three, you earn a special medal, and who wouldn’t want to run three different courses around ATL? The 10 miler is a hilly April 6, 2025.
Vermont 10 Miler
Date: Published: Oct 18, 2024 11:57 AM EDT
Location: Stowe, Vermont
If you want to escape urban life and run 10 miles in the great outdoors, then the Vermont 10 Miler could be the ideal choice for you. Held in Stowe, a town famous for its skiing, the early November race typically is showing off the fall foliage rather than snowy ski hills, but November in Vermont can certainly be snowy nonetheless. If you want a brisk morning run, however, this race is for you. You’ll run a 10-mile loop through the New England countryside in relative peace and quiet—other than your fellow runners and perhaps a deer crossing your path.
