Best Bets for Boston Marathon Qualifying Races

October 30th, 2024 by Mike Sohaskey

The Ventura Marathon is among our top Boston Marathon Qualifying races — (Ventura Marathon Facebook page)

Originally inspired by the first Olympic marathon in Athens in 1896, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon. Held each year on Patriots’ Day (the third Monday in April), the race features top-notch production, raucous crowd support and its iconic blue-and-yellow unicorn finisher’s medal.

Boston is also a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a competitive series comprising six of the world’s most celebrated marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

Why you need a Boston Marathon Qualifying race

All that said, Boston’s mystique derives in large part from its distinction as the only marathon in the country with strict age- and gender-adjusted qualifying standards. Established by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), these standards earn Boston Marathon runners their reputation as the best of the best. And along with its storied history, they rocket Boston to the top of every serious marathoner’s wish list.

Straightforward though these standards may seem, however, there’s a catch. In recent years, the number of qualified applicants has exceeded the number of available slots, such that simply beating the minimum qualifying standard for one’s age group and gender hasn’t been enough to guarantee a spot in the field of ~30,000 (which includes elites and charity runners). Rather, runners who beat their qualifying standard by a larger margin have enjoyed a greater likelihood of having their applications accepted. In other words the faster the runner, the better their chances (no surprise there!).

With this in mind and with application numbers increasing year over year, the B.A.A. tightened its qualifying standards by five minutes for athletes ages 18–59 starting with the 2026 Boston Marathon. The move came on the heels of 2025 registration, which elicited a record 36,393 applications and resulted in 12,324 applicants missing the cutoff — in this case 6 minutes, 51 seconds faster than the minimum qualifying standard. Clearly, Boston’s allure and popularity show no signs of waning.

Top races to run a Boston Marathon Qualifying time

How do you judge whether a marathon is a valid Boston Marathon Qualifying race? While the B.A.A. does not designate all races that meet its qualifying standards, it does accept qualifying times from USATF, AIMS or foreign equivalent certified courses (marathon distance only). Many road racing events clearly affirm themselves as Boston Marathon Qualifiers on their official website; however, we’d recommend you contact the race organizer directly if there’s any doubt as to whether a particular event meets the criteria for a Boston Qualifier (BQ).

Boston’s perennial popularity among runners has prompted an increasing number of race directors to tailor their own events to BQ hopefuls. Those events that attract Boston hopefuls and which boast the highest percentage of qualifiers among their finishers tend to feature top-notch production and wicked fast courses with a flat, slightly rolling or even downhill profile, along with cooler weather that lends itself to speedy finish times.

Be aware that every course profile presents distinct physical and mental challenges. Extended downhill running, for instance, requires a focus on eccentric quad strengthening to withstand the pounding of 26.2 miles. As such, the best Boston Qualifier is largely a matter of personal preference, and knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is the key to success.

Here we profile some of the top Boston Marathon Qualifying races in North America by season:

Winter Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Jan – Mar)
Spring Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Apr – Jun)
Summer Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Jul – Sept)
Fall Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Oct – Dec)

Winter Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Jan – Mar)

Chevron Houston Marathon – Houston, TX (Jan)
Course profile: Flat with the occasional urban overpass/underpass

Deep in the heart of Texas, the nation’s fourth largest city hosts one of its most popular winter marathons. Now in its sixth decade, the Houston Marathon is “fantastic from start to finish,” says finisher @dsbland. The point-to-point urban course boasts a flat, fast profile interrupted only by the occasional overpass or underpass, and highlighted by a peaceful, tree-lined mile 9 that borders Rice University. Houston rolls out the red carpet for its runners with efficient start corrals, on-course Hoopla stations that feature marching bands, belly dancers and Elvis impersonators, and one of the best post-race breakfasts in the business. Winter temperatures tend to be mild, though keep in mind Texas humidity can still be an issue, even in January. And for runners who want to add meaning to their miles, since its inception in 1995 the marathon’s Run for a Reason Program has raised more than $37 million to benefit various charitable organizations.

Louisiana Marathon – Baton Rouge, LA (Jan)
Course profile: Flat with one overpass in miles 2 & 26

Baton Rouge promises lagniappe (a little something extra) with its marathon weekend, and the capital city delivers big. The pancake-flat course rewards speed as it leads runners past diverse urban scenery, through parks and tree tunnels, and along oak- and magnolia-lined streets that showcase the city’s charming antebellum architecture. Keep an eye out for Tiger Stadium, the centerpiece of the LSU campus and a structure which, when filled to capacity on game days, holds the equivalent of nearly half the city’s population. BQ and PR chasers in particular will welcome the motivational boost provided by “enthusiastic volunteers” and “mind boggling” crowd support. Then kick-start your recovery and toast your success at the culturally rich finish festival featuring Cajun cuisine, local beers and live musical entertainment — all under the watchful eye of the nation’s tallest state capitol.

Mesa Marathon – Mesa, AZ (Feb)
Course profile: Gradual descent (900 ft) with one uphill in miles 5–6

For an early-season Boston Qualifier or an easy excuse to escape the dead of winter, the Mesa Marathon is tough to beat. With sunrise waiting in the wings, the point-to-point course starts below the whitewashed Phoenix sign on Usery Mountain and descends gradually (with one steady uphill in miles 5–6) through low desert terrain where saguaro cacti, cholla and brittlebush are ubiquitous spectators. Boasting a net elevation loss of 900+ feet, Mesa is kinder on the quads than some of the steeper downhill marathons. And the organizers go the extra mile to take care of their runners with pre-race gloves & mylar blankets as well as post-race physical therapy & massages. Plus, all Boston Qualifiers receive a free BQ luggage tag at the finish to celebrate their accomplishment and as a reminder that the road to Boston runs through the Valley of the Sun.

Ventura Marathon – Ventura, CA (Feb)
Course profile: Gently rolling for 8 miles, gradual descent (~900 ft) from mile 8 to the finish

Once a flat out-and-back with little shade, Ventura has made waves in recent years with a new February date and a reimagined downhill course that offers Southern California runners another strong BQ option. Reminiscent of April’s speedy Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, the point-to-point course starts with two rolling loops in Ojai before dropping down the paved Ojai Valley/Ventura River Trail to finish in Downtown Ventura, a short hobble from the Pacific Ocean and the ultimate foot soak. With a net descent of nearly 1,000 feet and some of the best pace groups in the business, Ventura is focused on getting you from beach to Boston. At the same time the race doesn’t skimp on the swag, which includes a Belgian waffle breakfast, free race photos and a post-race beer garden. Throw in SoCal’s famously mild climate, and this laid-back surf town has fast become one of the West Coast’s top BQ destinations. 🤙

Napa Valley Marathon – Calistoga, CA (Mar)
Course profile: Net downhill (270 ft) with gentle rolling, mostly in first half

Don’t let its idyllic location fool you — America’s premier wine country also hosts one of its premier Boston Qualifiers. With its first 23 miles along the famed Silverado Trail, this “superfast” course features a grand total of four turns from its start in Calistoga to its finish in Napa, all in the final four miles. Along the way, the gradual downhill route rolls past mile after mile of “bucolic vineyards” and “soul satisfying scenery,” prompting first-time marathoner @Justin_Liang to admit, “I almost entirely forgot I was running 26.2 miles.” But NVM isn’t just easy on the eyes; the race also scores high marks for production with perks like post-race physical therapists and top-notch volunteers who give every finisher a shoulder to lean on. “I felt like a VIP,” raves finisher @rcjacobson. And the region’s mild late-winter weather further adds to the course’s PR potential. For a BQ option that lives up to your “grape” expectations, NVM will give you a “riesling” to rejoice.

Newport News One City Marathon – Newport News, VA (Mar)
Course profile: Flat with “just the right amount of turns and elevation to keep your legs awake”

Get a head start on spring at this flat, point-to-point Boston Qualifier in the heart of Coastal Virginia, just down the road from Colonial Williamsburg. Newport News features a charming mix of urban, suburban and waterfront, and the OCM course smartly showcases the city’s diverse industrial, commercial, residential and even academic neighborhoods with a stretch through Christopher Newport University and along the handsomely manicured Avenue of the Arts. Appropriately, mile 26 leads runners past historic Newport News Shipbuilding — a nod to the city’s vital role in the maritime industry — before ending downtown at the Victory Arch. Finisher @mrsjuliephillips applauds OCM’s “superb organization” that includes “warm buses at the start” and “warm tents at the finish” plus “incredible” volunteers. So start spreading the (Newport) News — for an early-season BQ option, One City is 2 good 2 be 4 gotten.

Spring Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Apr – Jun)

REVEL Race Series – 4 annual recurring events
Course profiles: Severely downhill, a REVEL hallmark

“Fast & Beautiful” is how REVEL describes its race series — and they ain’t kidding. The company’s calling card is its downhill, BQ-friendly courses that test both your mettle and your quads. With a net elevation loss of 5,100 feet and an average finish time of 3:57:26, REVEL Mt Charleston in Nevada annually boasts one of the highest percentage of Boston Qualifiers in the country. For 11th-hour BQ hopefuls, Big Cottonwood in Utah offers a similarly fast & scenic downhill course in September, with nearly 5,300 feet of elevation loss starting at 9,700 feet. Annual events in New Hampshire (White Mountains) and Southern California (Big Bear) round out a dynamic lineup that’s seen both expansion & contraction in recent years. And REVEL goes the extra mile by offering free race photos & personalized videos, plus a generous transfer/withdrawal/deferral policy for runners who can’t answer the bell. Because BQ training doesn’t always go according to plan!

Cheap Marathon – Derry, NH (Apr)
Course profiles: Flat, double out-and-back with one short hill in miles 13 & 26

Don’t let its name and no-frills nature deter you—for many a BQ hopeful, the Cheap Marathon has proven a priceless addition to the New England racing scene. With its low-budget focus on production (“as good as any race I have done”) rather than amenities, the Cheap Marathon offers an inexpensive alternative to pricey road marathons. At the same time the time-trial start format and lovely wooded course, comprising two out-and-backs with few turns along the paved Derry & Windham Rail Trail, cater to runners who feel the need for speed. True to its name, all Cheap finishers receive a simple ribbon rather than a blingy medal, with race shirts available as an extra purchase. But with 35% of 2024 finishers qualifying for Boston, the clear consensus among Cheap enthusiasts is that the chance to run on Marathon Monday is the ultimate amenity.

Glass City Marathon – Toledo, OH (Apr)
Course profile: Flat with minor rolling hills

“You’ll run faster in Toledo!” promise the organizers of the Glass City Marathon, a claim that’s tough to dispute — just ask the more than 22% of GCM finishers who earned a BQ from 2021–24. Named for the city’s long legacy of glass production, the premier event from the Toledo Roadrunners Club celebrates its 48th year in 2025. The flat, sinuous course starts on the University of Toledo campus before returning to finish on the field at spectator-friendly Glass Bowl Stadium. In between, the route traces a figure eight through Central Toledo and adjacent Ottawa Hills including two stretches through Wildwood Preserve MetroPark. Given its meandering nature, notes @KatieD, BQ hopefuls should bear in mind “it may be a bit difficult to run the tangents due to the turns and the number of runners.” That said, Glass City is an increasingly popular destination for runners looking to shatter their personal best and crack the BQ barrier.

Eugene Marathon – Eugene, OR (Apr/May)
Course profile: Flat with the occasional short hill

What better place to run fast than TrackTown, USA? It’s no exaggeration to say Eugene may be to running what Washington D.C. is to government. After all, not only was Nike founded here in 1964, but former University of Oregon running stars Steve Prefontaine, Galen Rupp and Alexi Pappas spent untold hours sharpening their skills on historic (and newly renovated) Hayward Field, where you’ll finish your own 26.2-mile journey through “lovely communities.” Eugene’s predominantly flat course, friendly spectators, calming views of the Willamette River and ideal running weather (with typical starting temperatures in the 40s) are the stuff of BQ dreams — and it shows in the fast group of hopefuls who make the pilgrimage to Central Oregon every spring. Looking for a race that checks all the BQ boxes? Our advice would be to look closely at Eugene and just do it.

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon – Ojai, CA (Apr)
Course profile: Gentle uphill for 3 miles, gradual descent (920 ft) from miles 4–24 with a last-minute bump in mile 25

For runners, by runners — that’s the vibe at this popular SoCal Boston Qualifier held an hour north of Los Angeles. And the formula works, as each year upwards of 25% of the M2B field qualifies for Boston. Despite changing slightly each year, the course typically starts with nine rolling miles through Ojai at the foot of the Topatopa mountains, followed by a gentle 700-foot descent over 14 miles before finishing with three flat miles along the Ventura beach boardwalk, steps from the Pacific Ocean. And the spectators here may be faster than the runners, as the number of Boston Marathon shirts & jackets seen along the course makes M2B feel like Boston West. If you favor low-frills, high-quality events that finish next to the ocean, M2B is your kind of race. On the other hand, if you prefer screaming crowds and raucous entertainment, you’re likely to be Ojai-ly disappointed.

Sugarloaf Marathon – Kingfield, ME (May)
Course profile: Flat in miles 1–5, rolling/uphill in miles 6–10, downhill in miles 11–26

Within a stone’s (strong-armed) throw of Canada lies Sugarloaf Mountain, eponym of Maine’s oldest continuously run marathon. Runners looking for an Eastern point-to-point alternative to the fast downhill courses of Colorado and Utah will find it in Sugarloaf. Unlike its high-altitude counterparts, however, Sugarloaf’s course tops out at 1,600 feet. The route follows Maine’s scenic Route 27 for its entirety, offering a flat profile for the first five miles before beginning a gradual uphill trajectory that culminates with a 300-foot climb from miles 8-10. From there gravity takes over, with a 980-foot elevation loss over the final 16 miles. Sugarloaf is a smaller (533 marathon finishers in 2024), no-frills affair with a comfortable vibe and post-race food lauded by its runners. At the same time it’s a BQ powerhouse, with 34% of finishers qualifying for Boston in 2024. And adding to the ambience — what better way to get the adrenaline pumping? — is the shotgun blast used to start the race.

Ogden Marathon 🏆 – Ogden, UT (May)
Course profile: Gradual drop of 1,100 ft with one notable climb in mile 15

In the land of downhill marathons, Ogden boasts a lot of upside. Not only was it named “One of the Top Ten Marathons in the World” by Runner’s World, but more recently Ogden was voted the Best Marathon in Utah by runners nationwide. The gentle downhill course (net elevation loss ~1,100 ft) and cooler spring temperatures embolden runners to chase a BQ or personal best without fear of thrashing their quads. Starting in the snow-capped Wasatch Range, the “absolutely beautiful” route runs alongside the Ogden River and winds through Ogden Canyon before finishing downtown on Historic 25th Street. Runners of all abilities will feel supported every step of the way by “amazing” volunteers and “enthusiastic” crowds. For 26.2 miles of breathtaking and memory-making, set your sights on “a spectacular event” and “an unforgettable experience” in Ogden.

Traverse City Track Club Bayshore Marathon – Traverse City, MI (May)
Course profile: Flat out-and-back with a few gently rolling hills

If life is a bowl of cherries, then nowhere is the adage more true than in charming Traverse City. Held annually on Memorial Day weekend in the “Cherry Capital of the World,” the TCTC Bayshore Marathon is a “well-oiled production and a wonderful race” for Boston hopefuls as well as runners who simply enjoy a stunning waterfront run. Winding along the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay (which feeds into Lake Michigan) for most of its 26.2 miles, the relatively flat course features “beautiful views” that “don’t stop” and which “make the time fly by.” What’s more, its out-and-back layout ensures “no surprises” for the focused BQ chaser. Finish strong with one final kick on the track at Traverse City Central High School, then put the cherry on top of a memorable morning with free ice cream from local favorite Moomers, once named “America’s Best Scoop” by Good Morning America.

Tunnel Marathons – Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon (Jun)
Tunnel Vision Marathon (Aug)
Tunnel Light Marathon (Sep)
Course profile: 3 miles of flat, followed by 23 miles of steady downhill

With a smooth downhill grade that doesn’t hammer the quads, the Tunnel Marathons have gained prominence as perennial BQ favorites. All three races utilize the same smooth unpaved course, though road runners needn’t worry: the footing consists mainly of hard-packed gravel on non-technical terrain. Each race begins on Snoqualmie Pass (elevation 3,000 feet) with three flat miles, 2.4 of them inside a damp unlit tunnel — so unless you’re a bat you’ll want to bring a headlamp or flashlight. Once out of the tunnel, the course begins its steady descent of 2,050 feet over the next 23 miles, with sunscreen, insect repellent and other first-aid supplies available at aid stations along the way. Anyone interested in the series will want to commit quickly, as all three races do tend to sell out. In fact, the Tunnel Marathons sparked such intense demand that a second production company, the Run Super Series, followed their lead and now hosts three additional marathons on essentially the same course.

Grandma’s Marathon – Duluth, MN (Jun)
Course profile: Gently rolling, straight as an arrow for the first 23 miles

Embracing its tagline of “world-class event, small-town charm,” the pride of Duluth has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most beloved race weekends as well as one of its most popular Boston Qualifiers. Runners who prefer their scenery aquatic will delight in this gently rolling, point-to-point course on MN-61, which hugs the shoreline of Lake Superior for 23 miles without a single turn before finishing on the spirited streets of Duluth. And the lake isn’t the only thing that’s superior, as finishers rave about the “wonderful crowd support” and “flawless execution.” Plus, the race website makes it easy to plan your Duluth getaway with race dates listed out to the year 2030. Be aware that local hotels, knowing they have a captive audience, do increase their rates significantly for race weekend. That said, when it comes to hosting a scenic and runner-friendly BQ opportunity, this is one Grandma that only gets better with age.

Summer Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Jul – Sep)

Santa Rosa Marathon – Santa Rosa, CA (Aug)
Course profile: Flat

Conveniently situated an hour north of San Francisco and an hour west of Napa Valley lies the longtime home of Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz. Santa Rosa’s predominantly flat course (300 feet of elevation gain/loss) features a few modest rolling hills typical of wine country, while its usual morning fog and early start time help to keep the California summer sun in check. And despite the city’s close ties to Charlie Brown and friends, its runners don’t race for peanuts: finisher swag in recent years has included a premium windbreaker, performance quarter zip, wine stopper medal and bottle of Runner’s Red from DeLoach Vineyards. And did we mention two complimentary beers from some of the finest local breweries? So if & when you do qualify for Boston in Santa Rosa, you’ll have no trouble toasting your accomplishment.🍻

Marquette Marathon – Marquette, MI (Aug/Sep)
Course profile: Net downhill (814 ft) with most of the down in miles 11–16

If a small-town marathon boasting (Lake) Superior views sounds like Heaven, well, in Marquette’s case it really is. Held Labor Day weekend, the point-to-point course starts in the small iron mining town of Ishpeming (the Ojibwe word for “heaven”) and follows historic railroad corridors along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The wooded trail transitions from asphalt to crushed limestone and back before entering urban Marquette, where it hugs the shore of Lake Superior for much of the second half. Most of the route’s 814 feet of net elevation loss arrives in miles 11–16, after which it flattens out but for one last speed bump in Presque Isle Park (not to be confused with Presque Isle State Park, PA). There, a lakeshore loop in the closing miles offers a scenic distraction en route to the newly reimagined finish line inside the Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden dome located on the campus of Northern Michigan University.

The following four BQ options offer strategic last-minute timing — depending on Boston’s registration window for that particular year, these could qualify you for two years:

Erie Marathon at Presque Isle – Erie, PA (Sep)
Course profile: Flat

The Erie Marathon at Presque Isle is among the last opportunities for runners to qualify for the next year’s Boston Marathon. Erie offers a confluence of the factors that BQ hopefuls crave — a flat, paved course with plenty of shade and moderate late-summer temperatures. Clearly this is a winning combination as close to 30% of Erie’s marathon finishers annually qualify for Boston, with that number surpassing 39% in 2024. The course takes full advantage of the 13 miles of roads within Presque Isle State Park, circumnavigating the sandy peninsula in two loops. Along the way runners enjoy sweeping views of Lake Erie to the north and Presque Isle Bay to the south, as well as the park’s numerous ponds and inlets. And while its name derives from the winter hardships endured there in the early 1800s, what runner can’t appreciate the irony of passing Misery Bay at mile 20?

Georgina Marathon – Georgina, Ontario, Canada (Sep)
Course profile: Flat, double out-and-back

Created and launched during the pandemic by co-race directors Cindy Lewis-Caballero and Sandie Orlando, the Georgina Marathon has quickly become one of Canada’s most popular BQ options. Located 50 miles north of Toronto along the banks of Lake Simcoe, the newest addition to this list hit the ground running with a lightning-fast lakeside course that saw a whopping 42% of finishers qualify for Boston in 2024. Georgina’s double out-and-back route follows quiet, tree-lined roads past charming waterfront homes and cottages. Keep an eye out near the 6.2km mark for the tongue-in-cheek alligator crossing frequented by the race’s alligator mascot, and be sure to take advantage of the “self-supported” aid station (21.5 km) where participants can choose to leave their own nutrition. Building on the success of its fall counterpart, the Georgina Spring Fling in May utilizes the same speedy course to empower runners looking for early-season BQ success.

Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids, MI (Sep)
Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon Chicagoland – Geneva, IL (Sep)
Course profile: Flat

As the name suggests, the Last Chance BQ.2 Marathons are designed with one goal in mind: to give 300 speedy runners one last shot to qualify for Boston before registration closes. And annual qualifying rates of greater than 50% lend credence to the Chicagoland event’s bold claim of “America’s #1 Boston Qualifier.” Held on the final or penultimate qualifying weekend in September, both races may leave you feeling loopy with courses comprising eight (Chicagoland) or six (Grand Rapids) identical loops within local parks. But from the flat, fast courses to the “elite” water bottle tables to the strict eligibility requirements, everything about these races screams “Boston bound.” For runners seeking a similar springtime opportunity, the Chicagoland course also hosts a Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon in April. (Closer to Boston, the Beantown Marathon in Hingham, MA offers its own last-chance BQ option, with a 35% success rate in 2024.)

Sundance to Spearfish Marathon – Beulah, WY (Sep)
Course profile: 3,000 ft drop with one climb in mile 3

Set in the stunningly beautiful Black Hills National Forest, Sundance to Spearfish is the only marathon on this list that starts in one state and finishes in another. And it does so in a hurry, with a net drop of nearly 3,000 feet along its 26.2-mile journey from Beulah, WY to Spearfish, SD. The only significant uphill (“tough but very runnable,” reports @manturuk) arrives early in mile 3; from there, though, the course follows a steady downhill trajectory through Spearfish Canyon as it transitions from packed gravel roads to asphalt on one of the nation’s most scenic byways. Count on the canyon’s signature beauty and soaring limestone palisades to distract from the mounting fatigue in your quads, and keep an eye out for the Dances with Wolves winter film site in mile 10 and Bridal Veil Falls in mile 19. Sundance to Spearfish hopefuls take note: with a field size limited to 100 runners, STS reaches capacity well before race day.

Fall Boston Marathon Qualifying races (Oct – Dec)

Marathon P’tit Train du Nord – Val-David, Québec, Canada (Oct)
Course profile: Gradual downhill with gentle rolling

For a spectacular hidden gem north of the border, Marathon P’tit Train du Nord delivers high BQ potential on a backdrop of fiery fall colors. Staged in the Laurentians of Québec, a world-class ski destination, the point-to-point marathon runs entirely on the asphalt and crushed limestone rail trail of the P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park, a one-time Canadian Pacific Railway line. The route makes few turns as it travels from the mountain village of Val-David to the suburban town of Saint-Jérôme, a gradual net downhill of 722 feet that in recent years has propelled 20% of finishers on average to BQ glory. Along the way, you’re likely to hear plenty of encouragement in both English and French. Well-traveled runner @ldoucet calls Marathon P’tit Train du Nord a “MUST DO,” and her compatriots clearly agree; the young race has quickly earned acclaim with Canadian runners, and both distances sell out in short order.

Wineglass Marathon – Bath, NY (Oct)
Course profile: Flat with gentle rolling

Staged in the picturesque Finger Lakes region in the heart of East Coast wine country, Wineglass is one of the nation’s most popular destination marathons. It also happens to be an excellent Boston Qualifier. The flat point-to-point course from Bath to Corning drops ~200 feet as it winds along quiet country roads awash in an explosion of fall colors. Here the locals — both the two-legged and four-legged variety, including goats and horses — turn out to greet and support the runners. Repeat finisher @Lorelei calls the handcrafted glass finisher medal “just way too cool for words,” adding that “the post-race food was fantastic.” Other finisher rewards in recent years include a gender-specific quarter-zip finisher’s jacket and small bottle of sparkling wine with wineglass, plus gift certificates compliments of the local businesses so you can shop ‘til your drop — which, after 26.2 speedy miles and a celebratory glass (or two) of wine, may not take long.

Mohawk Hudson River Marathon – Albany, NY (Oct)
Course profile: Rolling; net downhill for first 14 miles, 240 ft drop from miles 15–18.5, flat to the finish

The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon is a small-town race with a big-city appreciation for the key details that runners appreciate. And this formula is clearly a success, as evidenced by annual qualifying rates of roughly 20%. The gently rolling course parallels the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers on its way from Schenectady to Albany, with relatively few turns and a downhill section that provides momentum early in the second half. On-course signs call out upcoming aid stations while cool fall temperatures, vibrant foliage and pleasant distractions like the Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge — aka the Twin Bridges — put runners in the right mindset to dig deep and focus on getting to the finish. With the calming waters of two rivers to keep you company, the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon is the ideal venue to go with the flow and chase your BQ dreams.

Steamtown Marathon – Forest City, PA (Oct)
Course profile: Rolling for first 3 miles, gradual descent (900 ft) in miles 4–23, rolling to the finish

With a name that recalls Scranton’s once-prominent role in the railroad industry, it’s fitting that 23% of Steamtown finishers punched their ticket to Boston in 2024. The point-to-point course traverses more than a dozen communities in NE Pennsylvania, dropping 955 feet from its start in Forest City to its finish in Scranton at the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, under the watchful gaze of the historic Electric City sign. Despite the net downhill, any attempt to bank time is ill-advised, as a potentially wicked surprise awaits unsuspecting runners in the last three miles in the form of rolling hills. Fortunately, the physical challenge of the hills is offset by the psychological boost of knowing that Steamtown race weekend benefits St. Joseph’s Center for individuals and families with special needs. And in an endeavor like the marathon where success is often measured in seconds, that added motivation could make all the difference.

Baystate Marathon – Lowell, MA (Oct)
Course profile: Mostly flat with gentle rolling throughout

If being treated to the Northeast’s changing autumn colors on a course celebrated for its Boston Qualifying potential sounds appealing, then Massachusetts’ other marathon is for you. Starting and finishing at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, Baystate’s two-loop course along the Merrimack River is optimized for speed: mostly flat (the bridges over the river being the only hills) but with enough variation to avoid overworking specific muscle groups. Throw in crisp fall temperatures and you have a recipe for BQ success, as the 28% of finishers who qualified in both 2023 and 2024 can attest. And thanks to long-time sponsor Ashworth Awards, you can trust the finisher medal will look good hanging around your neck and on your wall. From its silky smooth organization to its “beautiful course scenery” to the “amazing” volunteers who “answer all the questions you could possibly have,” Baystate is a proven winnah.

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon – Indianapolis, IN (Oct/Nov)
Course profile: Flat to rolling with one short uphill in mile 16

The hashtag says it all: #BeMonumental. Founded in 2008, the Hoosier State’s largest marathon continues to grow in popularity among novice and seasoned runners alike, having sold out in each of the past 12 years. At the same time, unicorn chasers nationwide have embraced IMM for its “tremendous production” and fast, BQ-friendly course. Starting and finishing at the State Capitol, the route offers a 26.2-mile urban & residential tour of Indianapolis highlighted by visits to Monument Circle and Lucas Oil Stadium. Along the way, runners enjoy monumental support thanks to more than 20 enthusiastically manned aid stations and experienced pace teams that range from three hours to 6½ hours (with a course time limit of seven hours). Factor in Central Indiana’s brisk (i.e. optimal) early November weather, and Indy Monumental may very well answer the question of “Hoosier favorite Boston Qualifier?”

Richmond Marathon 🏆 – Richmond, VA (Nov)
Course profile: Rolling with a downhill finish

Boston hopefuls will be thrilled to learn that “America’s Friendliest Marathon” is also one of its fastest. Richmond’s rolling course blends scenery with history, passing through diverse neighborhoods and along the James River in the full flush of fall. And while the fast course with its downhill riverfront finish is a perennial BQ favorite, the ultimate compliment may be that Richmond “feels like a much larger event than it really is” thanks to enthusiastic volunteers and outstanding community support, not to mention several Party Zones and frequent live music. “I have never seen so many locals come out to cheer on a race,” agrees @portlandrunner. High-quality swag including a custom fleece blanket awaits all finishers, along with a special gift for those who realize their BQ potential. If you’re looking for a fall Boston Qualifier that goes the extra mile and has fun doing it, look no further than Richmond.

California International Marathon (CIM) – Folsom, CA (Dec)
Course profile: Net downhill (340 ft) with gentle rolling throughout

If you’re looking for a low-key Boston Qualifier that checks all the boxes, CIM may just be your new BRF. Billed by the organizers as the “Fastest Course in the West,” the net downhill route through the Sacramento suburbs is PR- and BQ-friendly while offering just enough variety (i.e. hills) in the first half to keep the legs guessing. And early December weather in Northern California tends toward ideal. From its readily navigated expo to its cowbell-toting spectators to its celebratory BQ Bell at the finish, CIM is a first-class marathon that doesn’t sacrifice its relaxed, small-town vibe. And though the race typically sells out by August, a limited number of late entries (with no fundraising) benefit local charities like Girls on the Run Greater Sacramento, Rising Hearts, and Sacramento SPCA. All of which prompts three-time finisher and CIM Boston Qualifier @Angela to conclude that “CIM is the only marathon anyone in the western US really needs. 🙂 “

Rocket City Marathon – Huntsville, AL (Dec)
Course profile: Flat with gentle rolling

Nicknamed “Rocket City” for its affiliation with the aerospace industry, Huntsville is a stellar venue from which to launch your personal BQ mission. Hosted by the Huntsville Track Club, the winding course provides a scenic tour of the city’s historical neighborhoods as well as the Botanical Gardens and the US Space & Rocket Center, home to the newly reimagined Rocket Park and the Space Shuttle Orbiter Pathfinder. Impeccable course markings along with exceptional support ensure your focus remains on running, and every detail from start to finish is smartly choreographed with the runners in mind, as appreciative 50 Stater @RunnerMeg points out: “The start/finish at the Von Braun Center was awesome. [H]aving a place to stay warm was a great perk!” So if you’re eyeing one last run at Boston before the ho-ho-holidays, Rocket City may just give you the boost(er) you need to get over the BQ hump.

Are you ready to chase your BQ dreams?

For any runner who’s ever conquered the 26.2-mile distance, qualifying for the Boston Marathon is the Holy Grail. And there’s never been a better time to do it than right now, with more and more races going the extra mile to help runners realize their potential and achieve their unicorn dreams. No matter what you look for in a Boston qualifying race, RaceRaves can help you choose the best one for your personality and running style. So then what are you waiting for? Commit to the dream, get out the door and start training — that Boston Qualifier isn’t going to run itself!

And if you’ve run one or more of these races, we’d love for you to post your review to help other runners and give the race director a well-deserved shout-out!

(Updated Oct 30, 2024; originally published in two parts on May 25, 2017 and Sept 26, 2017)

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Author: Mike Sohaskey

Mike Sohaskey is the co-founder of RaceRaves, the premier online reviews community for runners to share their race experiences and find their next challenge. Mike honed his creative and critical thinking skills as a research scientist, earning a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Stanford. He’s completed over 120 races — including 60+ marathons and ultras plus all six Abbott World Marathon Majors — in locations ranging from Antarctica to Zimbabwe.

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