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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!


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Bend Marathon

Bend, OR
Sunday, April 12, 2026


  4 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The Bend Marathon course takes in all that is amazing about the city, and the beauty that surrounds it. The course features many beautiful Bend City Parks, neighborhoods, and the new paved trail through the Deschutes National Forest (paralleling the Cascade Lakes Highway).

April Other Marathons in April Other Marathons in Oregon Marathons near Bend, OR



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Hilly
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 46°F (7°C)
Average High: 62°F (16°C)
Average Low: 31° F (0°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 94.73
Course Score: 94.73

Race Size

2026: 406 Finishers
2025: 315 Finishers
2024: 308 Finishers
2023: 251 Finishers
2022: 180 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 1%
2025: 1.9%
2024: 3.6%
2023: N/A
2022: N/A
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 3 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 57°F  (14°C)
Low: 36°F  (2°C)

Race Start Conditions

40°F  (4°C)
Humidity: 80%

Rain, Overcast
W 5 mph

PR Score

94.62

Course Score

94.62






Bend Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Bend Marathon was the 201st largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 183rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 1% of Bend Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 1.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Bend Marathon ranked 411th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 206th so far in 2026. In Oregon, it ranked 9th in 2025 and 4th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Bend Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Bend Marathon has a Course Score of 94.73, ranking it as the 435th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 10th fastest marathon course in Oregon.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Bend Marathon a PR Score of 94.73. The PR Score ranks the Bend Marathon as the 426th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 10th best marathon for a PR in Oregon.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Bend Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Oregon for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Bend Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed435th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 10th fastest marathon course in Oregon
Top 95% Nationally#10 of 10 in Oregon
PR Potential426th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 10th best marathon for a PR in Oregon
Top 93% Nationally#10 of 10 in Oregon
Boston Qualifier Rate411th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 9th highest BQ percentage in Oregon
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 86% Nationally#9 of 9 in Oregon
Race Size201st largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 5th largest marathon in Oregon
Based on 2025 results
Top 34% Nationally#5 of 14 in Oregon

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 4064 feet (1239m)
Min Elevation: 3595 feet (1096m)

Elevation Gain: 1164 feet (354m)
Elevation Loss: 1164 feet (354m)


Bend

Course updated 04/02/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Bend Marathon

View available accomodations around the Bend Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.

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Compare the Bend Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Bend Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Bend Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Bend Marathon in 5:38:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


Time Converter Tool

Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Full Review:

2017 Was the 3rd year for it and I have to say they are off to a great start! Aid stations were plentiful and staffed by great people, the set up, timing, and directions are well laid. Since it is a small race you may have some moments where you are actually alone which was surprisingly nice.

Race Tips:

It has hills, it's at altitude, you will get hit in the face with wind. I was told two years ago there was a hail storm. In short, you are not going to get your PR but you will have a nice barometer of a 'harder' marathon and for me it was a humbling experince. Will I run it again? Yes!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Big parking lot 2 blocks away from start, look at VRBO or AirBnB - this is during shoulder season so the ski area is less busy - meaning there are open reservations. Check out the breweries while here. Really easy for people to cheer you on in multiple spots during the race however be mindful of the traffic circles towards Mt Bachelor as they will end up as parking lots that day.
Reviewed by TP About 2017