I’ve been interested in space, flight and science fiction for a long time. There may just be a way to connect those interests with one of my other interests, marathoning. Here are some races that relate to this theme.
I’ve group the races into categories: Themed, Connected (basically, there is a tourism opportunity), and A Bit of a Stretch. I’ll also link to my report (if I have one) or put an asterisk (*) next to it if I have done it but do not have a report. For some of the “Connected” or “Stretch” races, I’ll favor races I’ve done or want to do. I’d love to hear of other races, especially as they would make good candidates for anyone pursuing the goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.
Space and Flight Themed Races
ET Full Moon Midnight Marathon – Rachel, NV (report) See my blog for pictures, full description. Quite simply, a must do.
Air Force Marathon – Dayton OH (*) The race is held on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (as in the Wright Brothers). The pasta dinner is held in the Air Force Museum, where you can see some magnificent aircraft and missiles. If you don’t want to go to the pasta dinner, you can always visit the museum on your own.
Space Coast Marathon – Cocoa, FL – You can go to the Cape, you know The Cape aka Kennedy Space Center, where they launch rockets, and you currently get a discount with your race registration. The aid stations like to play up the “I Dream of Jeanie” connection.
Rocket City Marathon – Huntsville AL – I’m not sure how much they do up the space theme, but I’ll give them credit based solely on the name of the race and proximity to the Marshall Space Flight Center. It doesn’t matter to me – I really want to do this race someday!
Martian Marathon – Dearborn MI – All I can say is if the race is as good as website, it will be truly strange and truly fun. I’ve seen the shirts and they’re great. Heard nothing but good things. So, this one is on my list.
Space Connected – As far as I know, these races do not have space themes. However, they do still present opportunities to visit places that relate to space and flight. Maybe you should visit after your race rather than before so as to stay fresh for your race.
Houston Marathon – Houston TX – Go visit the Johnson Space Center.
Tucson Marathon (*) – Tucson, AZ – The Pima Air Museum is an amazing place where you can get up close and personal with some vintage aircraft. It’s close to The Boneyard, where the Air Force stores old aircraft outdoors because of the dry conditions. If you want to drive a little farther, you can visit the Titan Missile Museum. If you want to go really far afield, visit the Kitt Peak Observatory.
Pasadena Marathon – Pasadena, CA – Visit Jet Propulsion Labs (NASA JPL)
Rock N Roll Seattle (*) – Seattle WA – Visit the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s very close to the Space Needle also.
Marine Corps Marathon – Washington DC – Visit the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. While it would not be quite as easy, you could also take the train down from Baltimore, meaning this visit would work with the Baltimore Marathon too.
Rock N Roll San Diego (*) – San Diego CA – Visit the San Diego Air and Space Museum. You can also visit the USS Midway Museum.
Duke City Marathon – Albuquerque NM – While it would be something of a drive, you should take the opportunity to see the Very Large Array at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Unfortunately, I don’t think any of the races in New Mexico are very close to the NRAO. This race may be the closest and it’s probably 2 1/2 hours away.
Outer Banks Marathon – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Kitty Hawk. ‘Nuff said!
New York Marathon – New York NY – Visit the USS Intrepid Museum. In addition to the aircraft carrier and vintage planes, the museum just landed (pun intended) the space shuttle Enterprise. As of this writing, you get a 50% discount for being in the race.
A Bit of a Stretch
Boulder Marathon (report) – Boulder, CO – I wanted to visit Boulder ever since watching the sitcom Mork & Mindy. Ask the locals and they will direct you to the neighborhood where the show was based. There’s not much to see, I’m afraid.
