You can't get much flatter than the double loop Erie Marathon at Presque Isle. There is only 10 feet difference between the high and low elevations. If race day is cool, it can be an extremely fast course and typically has one of the highest percentage of runners qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
The Erie Marathon was the 75th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 83rd largest in 2022.
Last year 27.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 34.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Erie Marathon the 21st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 14th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 99.91 ranks it as the 39th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Pennsylvania.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Erie Marathon a PR Score of 98.55. This PR Score ranks it as the 207th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 11th fastest in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Erie Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 578 feet (176m) Min Elevation: 570 feet (173m)
Flat two loop course. Aid stations (water/Gatorade) every mile. Reasonably priced. Surprisingly decent crowd support for a mid-size marathon. Just be prepared for a variety of weather conditions in Erie, Pa in early September. With ideal weather this is a PR worthy course.
Race Tips
Parking for the marathon is about a 0.6 mile walk to the start (mainly downhill walk to the start/uphill back to the car after the marathon).
The race provides ample porta potties at the start/finish area. Nevertheless, use one early because (like most marathons) the lines get surprisingly long immediately before start.
Add at least 10 minutes to the expected commute time if you're driving more than 5-6 miles to the park on race day. Even at 4:30 am on a Sunday morning there are a surprising number of red lights that add to the anticipated commute time.
Anonymous's review of 2022 Erie Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The course is great, race support on the course is great. After race support is sparse, no vendors. 2022 was humid and rainy. Temps can make it tough to PR.
Race Tips
Pacers were great. 0.6 mile walk in the dark is kind of a fun way to ratchet up the pre-race tension.
I have been aware of the Erie Marathon for years and finally decided to register for it since I moved into a new age bracket the day before the race. The emails are straight forward and informative and are sent to participants 2 weeks before the race. The course is a joy to run and as mentioned, has the one bridge with a slight rise but also a nice decline. The support was much better than I expected with bars sent to transport spectators to several view points on the course. And to top everything off, there are very nice framed awards for the top 3 finishers of each age group! You slid get a well constructed bag, the standard shirt and some excellent running socks.
Race Tips
Pace yourself. Have a plan. It is easy to go out too fast. I was able to maintain 2 similar halfs and only ran the second half a minute slower because I cramped up at mile 25. And yes I met my goal and qualified for Boston. There are plenty of water/Gatorade stations - 1 every mile. Use them!
Try to get there by slightly after 5:30. It gets congested soon after that. Take advantage of the 100 ports potties as often as you have to. Ample parking is provided outside the park with shuttle buses.
AC's review of 2019 Erie Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Excellent course. Great pacers. Not too many runners that you are getting in each other's way. Super prizes.
This race if for me the perfect course for these attempting to get a BQ. Flat all the way with just a tiny hill of about 20 meters which really does not have any impact on your pace. I was able to beat the BQ with a 6 minutes cushion.
Race Tips
Find a pacer, there are plenty of good ones. I was blessed to have the perfect pacer which was like a clock with the caveat that he has cheering us through the course, providing tips, etc. At mile 25 he told me, "you look strong so move and pass me".
