Published by FindMyMarathon.com
Updated: May 22, 2025
For marathon runners aiming to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon, choosing the right race can make all the difference. Downhill marathons, with their net elevation loss, provide an excellent opportunity to achieve faster times. Here are some of the best downhill marathons in the United States where a significant percentage of finishers qualify for Boston:
Boston Qualifiers: 49%
Location: Big Island, Hawaii
Course Description: The Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon, held annually on the Big Island in December, is a unique race focused on supporting Hawaii's endangered native forest birds. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) Discovery Forest through the Hawai'i Forest Institute, directly aiding in the restoration of native habitats and the protection of species like the 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow) and other honeycreepers. This marathon not only offers a challenging race but also serves as a crucial fundraiser and awareness-builder for the critical conservation issues facing Hawaii's unique avian biodiversity.
The USATF-certified course is renowned for being significantly downhill, dropping nearly 3,700 feet from its start near Volcano Golf and Country Club to its Hilo finish, making it one of the fastest marathon routes in the U.S. and a popular Boston Marathon qualifier. Runners traverse stunning landscapes, including areas near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and lush 'ōhi'a rainforests, with opportunities to witness native birds such as the 'Apapane, Hawai'i Amakihi, and even the endangered Nene (Hawaiian Goose). The race provides a memorable experience, combining athletic achievement with direct contributions to vital ecological preservation.
Boston Qualifiers: 41%
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Course Description: The Revel Mt. Charleston Marathon is a highly popular and incredibly fast downhill race that takes runners from the high elevations of Mount Charleston, Nevada, down into the Las Vegas valley. Known for its significant net elevation drop of over 5,000 feet, it's often a prime target for runners aiming to achieve a personal record (PR) or qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course is almost entirely paved, offering a smooth and consistent decline that allows participants to capitalize on gravity and maintain a faster pace throughout the race.
Starting at nearly 7,600 feet near the Mt. Charleston Lodge, the marathon offers breathtaking views of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and the surrounding desert landscape. As runners descend, they experience a dramatic change in scenery and temperature, moving from cooler mountain air amidst pine forests to the warmer desert climate as they approach the finish line in Las Vegas. While predominantly downhill, the course does feature a few minor climbs, particularly in the later miles, which can test runners' quad strength after sustained downhill running. Despite these small ascents, the REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon remains a top choice for its speed and stunning visuals.
Boston Qualifiers: 41%
Location: San Bernardino, California
Course Description: The Revel Big Bear Marathon is a spectacularly scenic and fast downhill race held in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. Beginning at over 7,000 feet of elevation, the course descends through breathtaking forested areas, offering stunning views of cliffs and valleys within the San Bernardino National Forest before reaching the finish line in Redlands. This USATF-certified, entirely paved course is famous for its significant net elevation loss of over 5,400 feet, making it an extremely popular choice for runners aiming to achieve personal records or Boston Marathon qualifying times.
While predominantly a downhill course, the first few miles of the REVEL Big Bear Marathon include some rolling hills, requiring a strategic start before the sustained descent truly begins around mile 9. As runners continue their journey, they are treated to the fresh scent of towering pine and fir trees and glimpses of mountain wildlife. The race is known for its excellent organization and a strong emphasis on providing a fast and beautiful running experience, often leading to significant PRs for participants.
Boston Qualifiers: 40%
Location: North Bend, Washington
Course Description: The Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon is a distinctive and incredibly fast downhill race held east of Seattle, Washington, on a scenic gravel rail-trail. What sets this USATF-certified course apart is its dramatic section near the start: runners begin at over 2,500 feet of elevation and soon enter a 2.4-mile long former railway tunnel, where headlamps are essential. Emerging from this unique passage, participants are greeted by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with lush forests, waterfalls, and mountain views accompanying them for the remainder of the descent.
This marathon is renowned for its consistent, gentle downhill grade, which features a net elevation loss of over 2,000 feet, making it one of the top courses in the nation for achieving personal records and Boston Marathon qualifying times. The packed gravel surface, while different from asphalt, contributes to its speed-friendly reputation. Beyond the memorable tunnel experience, the race offers a serene and scenic journey through the I-90 corridor, providing a perfect blend of unique challenge and a strong opportunity for a fast finish.
Boston Qualifiers: 34%
Location: North Bend, Washington
Course Description: The Tunnel Light Marathon is one of three popular marathons held on the same remarkably fast, downhill rail-trail course just east of Seattle, Washington. As a "sister race" to the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon (typically in June) and the Tunnel Vision Marathon (typically in August), the Tunnel Light Marathon (usually held in September) offers runners another excellent opportunity to achieve a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualifying time. The course's defining feature is its beginning: an exhilarating 2.4-mile stretch through a dark, old railway tunnel, requiring headlamps for runners as they navigate its unique, cool, and often damp environment.
After emerging from the famous tunnel at over 2,500 feet of elevation, the USATF-certified course continues its consistent, gentle downhill grade for the remaining miles, losing over 2,000 feet in total elevation. This makes it a consistent favorite among those seeking a fast finish. The route winds through the scenic Pacific Northwest landscape, showcasing lush forests and occasional glimpses of waterfalls along the packed gravel surface. The Tunnel Light Marathon, like its sister races, is celebrated for its distinctive start and its reputation as one of the fastest marathon courses in the country.
Boston Qualifiers: 34%
Location: Sundance, Wyoming to Spearfish, South Dakota
Course Description: The Sundance to Spearfish Marathon offers a unique and highly scenic running experience that spans two states, starting in Wyoming and finishing in South Dakota. Beginning at an elevation of over 6,600 feet on Cement Ridge, the course is predominantly downhill, boasting a significant net elevation loss of over 3,000 feet. The initial 12 miles traverse runnable gravel roads through picturesque mountain meadows, vast valleys, and canyons, with a notable highlight at mile 9.35, where runners pass the winter film site for "Dances with Wolves." This distinct blend of terrain and setting makes it a captivating race for those seeking both speed and natural beauty.
As the course transitions, the final 14 miles shift to hardtop paved roads, descending along the breathtaking Spearfish Canyon Highway, a route also shared by the Leading Ladies Marathon. This section continues the fast downhill trend, guiding runners through the stunning Black Hills landscape towards the finish line in Spearfish, South Dakota. With its overall downhill profile and beautiful vistas, the Sundance to Spearfish Marathon is a USATF-certified course known for being an excellent opportunity to achieve a personal best or qualify for the Boston Marathon, making it a sought-after race for its speed and immersive natural setting.
Boston Qualifiers: 34%
Location: Kingfield to Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Course Description: The Sugarloaf Marathon, held in the scenic western mountains of Maine is renowned as one of the fastest marathons in the nation and a highly sought-after Boston Marathon qualifier. The point-to-point race begins in Eustis and winds along Route 27 through the Bigelow Mountain range and alongside the Carrabassett River, concluding in Kingfield. While the initial five miles are relatively flat, miles 5-10 feature rolling hills with a notable two-mile climb around mile 8. The second half of the race, however, is predominantly downhill, with a significant elevation loss over the final 16 miles.
This marathon is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, offering stunning views throughout the course, particularly as runners descend through the picturesque Maine landscape. Despite the small early early hills starting at mile 4 and ending at mile 10.5, the overall net downhill profile allows many participants to achieve personal bests. With a high percentage of finishers qualifying for the Boston Marathon each year, the Sugarloaf Marathon combines a challenging yet rewarding course with a beautiful setting, making it a popular choice for runners seeking both speed and a memorable race experience.
Boston Qualifiers: 31%
Location: Folsom to Sacramento, California
Course Description: The California International Marathon (CIM), held annually in December, is one of the most highly regarded and fastest marathons in the United States, making it a premier event for runners aiming for personal bests or Boston Marathon qualification. The point-to-point course starts at Folsom Dam and follows a net downhill route, culminating at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. While it features a significant overall elevation loss of over 300 feet, the course is not entirely flat and includes some rolling hills, particularly in the first half, which challenge runners before the consistent descent in the later miles.
Beyond its fast profile, CIM is celebrated for its excellent organization, enthusiastic community support, and typically favorable cool weather conditions in early December. The route offers a scenic tour through diverse landscapes, transitioning from suburban areas into the urban environment of Sacramento, with crowds and aid stations providing energy throughout. Attracting a competitive elite field as well as thousands of recreational runners, the California International Marathon consistently produces a high percentage of Boston qualifiers and is a must-run event for serious marathoners.
Boston Qualifiers: 30%
Location: North Bend, Washington
Course Description: The Jack & Jill's Downhill Marathon, held in Washington, is a highly sought-after race for its incredibly fast, net-downhill course, making it a prime destination for runners chasing personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying times. What sets this event apart is that it's offered on both Saturday and Sunday, providing flexibility for participants. The course begins at a higher elevation, descending over 2,000 feet on a hard-packed dirt and gravel rail-trail that is almost entirely shaded, offering a pleasant running experience even in the summer months. It is a slightly different route, but held on the same course as the Tunnel Marathons.
A defining feature of the Jack & Jill's course is the iconic Snoqualmie Tunnel. Runners begin by entering this 2.4-mile long, pitch-black former railway tunnel, for which headlamps are essential. Emerging from the tunnel, participants are treated to the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with lush forests and mountain views accompanying them on the continuous downhill grade towards the finish line in North Bend. The consistent decline and scenic route make both the Saturday and Sunday editions of Jack & Jill's a popular and memorable choice for marathoners.
Boston Qualifiers: 30%
Location: Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota
Course Description: The Leading Ladies Marathon, held in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, offers a picturesque and primarily downhill course from Lead to Spearfish. While originally an all-women's event, it has since expanded to include a men's marathon, now often referred to as the Dakota Spirit Marathon. The USATF-certified course is known for its speed, making it a popular choice for runners aiming to achieve a personal best or qualify for the Boston Marathon, with a total elevation loss of over 2,200 feet.
The race begins near the Lead Country Club and, after a few early rolling hills including a short out-and-back, transitions into a consistent downhill journey. Much of the latter half of the course follows the breathtaking Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, a tree-lined highway alongside Spearfish Creek, where runners can enjoy views of towering cliffs and potential glimpses of mountain goats. The combination of its fast profile and the serene, spectacular scenery makes the Leading Ladies Marathon a unique and memorable experience for participants.
Downhill marathons offer an excellent opportunity for runners to achieve their Boston Marathon qualifying times. The combination of significant elevation loss, scenic courses, and well-organized races make these events ideal for those aiming for a personal best. Whether you choose to run through the tropical landscapes of Hawaii or the picturesque mountains of Washington, these marathons provide a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
For more downhill marathons, check out out our list of all Downhill Marathons with their Net Elevation Loss, Boston-qualifying percentages and High and Low Course Elevations. And if you decide to sign-up for one of these marathons, read our article, How to Pace a Downhill Marathon – Tips & Strategy for a Fast Finish to learn how to correctly pace a downhill marathon.
