10 Events for Former Runners Who Crave a Finish Line
You might have hung up your running shoes, but that doesn’t mean you’re done chasing finish lines. If anything, stepping away from running opens the door to a whole new universe of ways to stay strong, set a goal for yourself, and soak up that delicious “I did the thing!” rush.
Here’s a roundup of some seriously goal-worthy events to fuel your next chapter in 2026. And this is just the tip of the iceberg; there’s a whole world of adventure out there practically waving you over.
Ready to pick your next finish line? Here are 10 of our favorites.
Portland to Coast Walk Relay
Location: Portland, OR
Dates: August 28th-29th, 2026
128 miles to the coast: just your legs + your teammates.
The world’s biggest, buzziest relay and, yes, walkers are absolutely welcome here; you'll complete a 128-mile, slightly abbreviated version of the Hood to Cost. Gather your crew of 8–12 and trace a winding path from the streets of Portland to the waves of Seaside Beach. Along the way, you’ll traverse Oregon’s Instagram-worthy landscapes: forests, foothills, and coastlines.
Mammoth March
Location: 20+ parks across the U.S.
Dates: Year round
Smiles for miles at Mammoth March.
The concept of Mammoth March is simple: Spend the day hiking 20 miles in a beautiful location: no splits, no timer except for a (flexible) 8-hour finish time. Why should you consider one of their events? Every march is fully supported, with aid stations, porta potties, and a party at the finish line. Grab your favorite hiking friend and spend the day on the trails.
[We're headed to Boston Mammoth March in June. Details here.]
The Crucible
Location: Michigan
Dates: April 18 + October 26, 2026
A lovely way to spend a day.
If you’re craving something a little more wild, try one of The Crucible’s 20+ mile hikes, like this one at Michigan's Portage Lake State Campground. Support stops are sprinkled along the way, but you’re still responsible for your pack, your route-finding, and wrapping it all up in 12 hours flat.
The Great Saunter
Location: New York City
Date: May 2, 2026
A well-earned break at the Great Saunter.
Trade pine trees for skyscrapers with an urban escapade! This 32-mile, 12-hour trek brings 3,000 walkers together to circumnavigate Manhattan, staying as close to the shoreline as possible. You’ll have lifetime bragging rights about walking NYC, and if you want to rest at a Broadway show or two for the rest of the trip, no one will blame you.
The Jimmy Fund Walk
Location: Boston, MA
Date: October 4, 2026
A little longer than the other Boston, but you still get to hit Heartbreak Hill!
If the mother of all marathons has been sitting on your bucket list, you can still soak up every bit of that Boston magic, no running—or qualifying—required. This event lets you walk the legendary Boston Marathon route plus a a little extra. You can also choose a 5K, 10K, or 13.1 if that’s more your vibe. The best news? The event raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Grand Traverse
Location: Duluth, MN
Date: October 3, 2026
The Superior Hiking Trail in October? Chef's kiss.
Set in the midst of the Superior Hiking Trails of Minnesota, you can choose between a variety of distances as you spend the day peeping fall foliage and enjoying views of Lake Superior. If you especially love the thrill of a more technical trail, you’re in for a treat.
[We're taking a group to the Grand Traverse this year! Details here.]
IronHike
Location: Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall, CT
Dates: June 4-7 + October 1-4, 2026
Your knees are going to be grateful for those poles at Ironhike.
If grinding out big climbs is your idea of Type-2 fun, IronHike is basically your playground. Go solo or grab a team and pick your adventure: 12, 24, 48, 72, or even 84 hours. The mission is simple: Every hour, on the hour, you hike a 1.2-mile loop that sends you straight up and right back down. It’s equal parts wild challenge, leg burner, and “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.”
Hatfield McCoy Marathon
Location: South Williamson, KY
Date: June 13, 2026
A marathon with no time limit.
Yes, it’s a marathon, but this very special race has no cutoff time, making it perfect for walkers of any pace. The rural location means race organizers don’t have to shut down major roads, so you can take all the time you want finishing 26.2. Other marathons with no (or generous) cutoff times: the Mainly Marathon series (nationwide), Honolulu Marathon or Little Rock Marathon.
Anchorage Mayor’s Half Marathon
Location: Anchorage, AK
Date: June 20, 2026
Walkers are welcome in Alaska.
With 22 hours of daylight, there’s no need to rush through the half marathon, and no cutoff time means walkers are welcome. If you are still chasing a 50-state goal, this race is perfect for you. Other half marathons that welcome walkers: A1A Half Marathon, Disney, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series.
Chase the Moon
Location: Denver, CO
Date: June 27, 2026
One of our favorite hikers still smiling, a few hours before sundown.
If you miss trail or ultra running, a long, looped course event like Chase the Moon will be your new best friend. Held every summer under the light of a full moon, you begin at 7 pm and hike the 10-mile loop on rolling hills as many times as you want or can before 7 am the next morning. Want to bring your friends and make it a fun getaway? There’s a team option as well.
