This list ranks the fastest marathons in North Carolina based on the race's Personal Record (PR) Score. The PR Score for each marathon is created from an algorithm derived from research on how grade, elevation, and wet bulb temperature and ambient temperature affect marathon running performance. 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 only on the course (no weather impact), visit the Fastest Marathon Courses page.
The list only includes certified marathon courses. Keep in mind that PR Scores and ranking assume very good course management and pacing - especially for the extremely downhill races.
Race Name | PR Score | BQ % | Elevation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Coast Guard MarathonElizabeth City, NC | | |
Very Flat Course |
2 | Emerald Isle MarathonEmerald Isle, NC | | |
Very Flat Course |
3 | Oak Island MarathonOak Island, NC | | |
Very Flat Course |
4 | Wilmington MarathonWilmington, NC | | |
Mostly Flat Course |
5 | Outer Banks MarathonManteo, NC | | |
Mostly Flat Course |
6 | Asheville MarathonAsheville, NC | | |
Rolling Course |
7 | RDC MarathonDurham, NC | | |
Rolling Course |
8 | Tobacco Road MarathonCary, NC | | |
Rolling Course |
9 | Charlotte MarathonCharlotte, NC | | |
Rolling Course |
10 | Valentines Day Massacre MarathonGreensboro, NC | | |
Rolling Course |
11 | City of Oaks MarathonRaleigh, NC | | |
Hilly Course |
12 | Cannonball MarathonGreensboro, NC | | |
Rolling Course |
13 | Ellerbe MarathonEllerbe, NC | | |
Hilly Course |
14 | New River MarathonFleetwood, NC | | |
Hilly Course |
15 | Black Mountain MarathonBlack Mountain, NC | | Very Hilly Course |