This list ranks the fastest marathon course based on the race's Course Score. The Course Score for each marathon is created from an algorithm derived from research on how grade and elevation affect marathon running performance (race time weather is not factored in). For more detailed information, please visit the FAQ.
The BQ % is the percentage of runners who qualified for the Boston Marathon according to the latest race results. Although it is not always indicative of a fast or slow course, the percent of Boston Marathon qualifiers can provide insight into the quality of the field and/or the speed of the course.
To see a ranking of marathons based on the weather factors, in addition to the course characteristics, visit the Fastest Marathons page.
The list only includes certified marathon courses. Keep in mind that Course Scores and ranking assume very good course management and pacing - especially for the extremely downhill races.
Race Name | Course Score | BQ % | Elevation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hawaii Bird Conservation MarathonHilo, HI | | |
Downhill Course |
2 | REVEL Mt. Charleston MarathonLas Vegas, NV | | |
Downhill Course |
3 | REVEL Big Bear MarathonRedlands, CA | | |
Downhill Course |
4 | Las Vegas MarathonLas Vegas, NV | | |
Downhill Course |
5 | Light at the End of the Tunnel MarathonNorth Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
6 | Tunnel Light MarathonNorth Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
7 | Jack and Jills Downhill MarathonNorth Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
8 | Tunnel Vision MarathonNorth Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
9 | Jack and Jills Downhill Marathon (Saturday)North Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
10 | Huntsville MarathonHuntsville, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
11 | REVEL White Mountains MarathonConway, NH | | |
Downhill Course |
12 | REVEL Big Cottonwood MarathonMurray, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
13 | Super MarathonNorth Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
14 | Cascade Express MarathonNorth Bend, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
15 | St. George MarathonSt. George, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
16 | Tucson MarathonTucson, AZ | | |
Downhill Course |
17 | Sundance to Spearfish MarathonSpearfish, SD | | |
Downhill Course |
18 | New England Green River MarathonGreenfield, MA | | |
Downhill Course |
19 | Leavenworth MarathonLeavenworth, WA | | |
Downhill Course |
20 | Leading Ladies MarathonSpearfish, SD | | |
Downhill Course |
21 | Mesa MarathonMesa, AZ | | |
Downhill Course |
22 | Ventura MarathonVentura, CA | | |
Downhill Course |
23 | Jim Thorpe MarathonJim Thorpe, PA | | |
Downhill Course |
24 | Sun MarathonSanta Clara, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
25 | Rogue MarathonMedford, OR | | |
Downhill Course |
26 | Jack and Jills Downhill (PA) MarathonJim Thorpe, PA | | |
Downhill Course |
27 | Steamtown MarathonScranton, PA | | |
Downhill Course |
28 | Deseret News MarathonSalt Lake City, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
29 | Marquette MarathonMarquette, MI | | |
Downhill Course |
30 | Buckeye MarathonBuckeye, AZ | | |
Downhill Course |
31 | Greenbrier River Trail MarathonCass, WV | | |
Downhill Course |
32 | SoCal MarathonHuntington Beach, CA | | |
Downhill Course |
33 | Mountains 2 Beach MarathonVentura, CA | | |
Downhill Course |
34 | Whistlestop MarathonAshland, WI | | |
Downhill Course |
35 | P tit Train du Nord MarathonSaint-Jerome, QC | | |
Downhill Course |
36 | California International MarathonSacramento, CA | | |
Downhill Course |
37 | Vernonia MarathonBanks, OR | | |
Downhill Course |
38 | Sugarloaf MarathonKingfield, ME | | |
Downhill Course |
39 | Bears Ears MarathonBluff, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
40 | Drumheller MarathonSeattle, WA | | |
Very Flat Course |
41 | Big Sky MarathonVarney, MT | | Downhill Course |
|
42 | Tokyo MarathonTokyo, JP | | Mostly Flat Course |
|
43 | Erie MarathonErie, PA | | |
Very Flat Course |
44 | Runtastic NEBO MarathonPayson, UT | | |
Downhill Course |
45 | Coast Guard MarathonElizabeth City, NC | | |
Very Flat Course |
46 | Galveston MarathonGalveston, TX | | |
Very Flat Course |
47 | South Texas International MarathonHarlingen, TX | | |
Very Flat Course |
48 | Gopher Attack MarathonRegina, SK | | |
Very Flat Course |
49 | Lost Dutchman MarathonApache Junction, AZ | | |
Downhill Course |
50 | Palm Beaches MarathonWest Palm Beach, FL | | |
Very Flat Course |