As active runners, I think we all have at least one race that we dream about running. Maybe you think about the prestige and bragging rights of qualifying for the Boston Marathon or the tradition and challenge of the Barkley Marathon. We wanted to take a look at some of the other great races across America and see what fun some of the top race destinations have to offer! We’re going coast-to-coast on this list – from sunny skies to autumn trees to woodsy trails – we’re here to run them all!

For the history buff or the bibliophile in your life, Key West also boasts the Hemingway Key West 5k Sunset Run during the summer and an Ernest Hemingway trivia hunt throughout the week to help you explore the town while you bask in the coastline breeze. This trip is a ton of fun and an awesome way to connect with some American history, while still being far less dangerous than the running of the bulls Hemingway loved to write about!

If we’re going to discuss ways to take in some great moments in American history, we definitely cannot skip the Philadelphia Marathon! The full marathon is an entire day’s worth of sightseeing. The course passes by all of the big-name attractions, such as The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall.

The November race date allows for a great race-day breeze and the added benefit of the fall colors of the trees lining the parkway where the race starts and finishes. Philadelphia fans – for better or for worse – are certainly known to show up for their athletes, and this race is no different. If the roar of a crowd of thousands isn’t enough to push you through to a strong finish, the famous Rocky statue at the Art Museum Steps might just do the trick.

In contrast to the paved, and (mostly) flat Philadelphia Marathon is a run that’s perfect to feed the inner child in all of us. Running the Oregon Trail can give you all of the thirst for adventure and exploration that the games gave us, without the disease and food shortages. This area offers runs in March, May, June, and October – with a spooky twist!

Those who want to take in a great view on their run would surely love looking out over the landscapes and those who want more of an Ultra Challenge can both be happy winding through the trees on these trails. Mary’s Peak Trail Run takes runners to the highest peak of the Oregon Coast Range and challenges them to push through to complete 25k, 50k, or 50 miles worth of scenic trails and views you simply cannot find elsewhere. The trails in Oregon offer as much challenge as they do reward and allow you to get a little bit gritty without.

When it comes to marathon views, it’s hard to imagine a list that doesn’t include Big Sur. This marathon does have limited entries and a 6-hour cut-off time, but the payoff for such an achievement is well worth it. The annual marathon in April boasts a beautiful sunrise peeking through the trees, calming rivers and streams full of life, lush green landscapes, and breathtaking views out over the ocean.

There aren’t a lot of marathons that can offer each of those scenes in one 6-hour run. As one of the most storied marathons in the country – partly for the views and partly for the hills – Big Sur also offers a few other entry points if you aren’t quite ready to commit to the full 26.2 miles. Right about now, all of the spots are looking like fantastic contenders for my next Run-Cation!