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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | North Central Rail Trail MarathonSparks, MD | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 152 | Rehoboth Beach MarathonRehoboth Beach, DE | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 153 | Coastal Delaware Running Festival MarathonRehoboth Beach, DE | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 154 | Corpus Christi MarathonCorpus Christi , TX | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 155 | Springfield MarathonSpringfield, IL | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 156 | Barcelona MarathonBarcelona, ES | | ![]() Rolling Course |
|
| 157 | Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland MarathonHancock, MD | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 158 | Great Woods MarathonMansfield, MA | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 159 | MV Spring Classic MarathonMarthas Vineyard, MA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 160 | Mohawk-Hudson River MarathonAlbany, NY | | |
![]() Downhill Course |
| 161 | Newport Marathon (OR)Newport, OR | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 162 | London MarathonLondon, UK | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 163 | Toronto Waterfront MarathonToronto, ON | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 164 | Indianapolis Monumental MarathonIndianapolis, IN | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 165 | Snohomish River Run MarathonSnohomish, WA | | |
![]() Rolling Course |
| 166 | Long Island MarathonEast Meadow, NY | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 167 | King Salmon MarathonCordova, AK | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 168 | London OH MarathonLondon, OH | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 169 | We Run this Beach MarathonGulf Shores, AL | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 170 | Redding MarathonRedding, CA | | |
![]() Downhill Course |
| 171 | Maritime MarathonManitowoc, WI | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 172 | Copenhagen MarathonCopenhagen, DK | | ![]() Mostly Flat Course |
|
| 173 | Harrisburg MarathonHarrisburg, PA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 174 | USA Fit MarathonSugar Land, TX | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 175 | Woodlands MarathonThe Woodlands, TX | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 176 | Surfers Point MarathonVentura, CA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 177 | Newport News One City MarathonNewport News, VA | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 178 | Seaside MarathonVentura, CA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 179 | Shoreline MarathonVentura, CA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 180 | Love Chocolate MarathonSavannah, GA | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 181 | Two Cities MarathonFresno, CA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 182 | Central Florida Legends MarathonDeBary, FL | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 183 | White River MarathonCotter, AR | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 184 | Mississauga MarathonMississauga, ON | | |
![]() Downhill Course |
| 185 | New Years (Eve) Double MarathonAllen, TX | | ![]() Mostly Flat Course |
|
| 186 | New Years (Day) Double MarathonAllen, TX | | ![]() Mostly Flat Course |
|
| 187 | Laredo MarathonLaredo, TX | | |
![]() Rolling Course |
| 188 | Cork City MarathonCork, IE | | ![]() Mostly Flat Course |
|
| 189 | Niagara Falls International MarathonNiagara Falls, ON | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 190 | Last Chance BQ.2 MarathonGeneva, IL | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 191 | Big Beach MarathonGulf Shores, AL | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 192 | Spring Chance BQ.2 MarathonGeneva, IL | | |
![]() Very Flat Course |
| 193 | MISH Waterfront MarathonGladstone, MI | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 194 | Pine Tree MarathonPortland, ME | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 195 | Salisbury MarathonSalisbury, MD | | |
![]() Rolling Course |
| 196 | Museum of Aviation MarathonWarner Robins, GA | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 197 | Martian MarathonDearborn, MI | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 198 | St. Lawrence MarathonCornwall, ON | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 199 | Garmin Toledo MarathonToledo, OH | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |
| 200 | Marshall University MarathonHuntington, WV | | |
![]() Mostly Flat Course |