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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!



Blue Ridge Marathon

Roanoke, VA
Saturday, April 17, 2027


  5 Stars from 9 Reviews

Course Description
The Blue Ridge Marathon is self-proclaimed as the "America's Toughest Road Marathon." It lives up to it's billing with long climbs and a very challenging course. The course starts at about 950', climbs peaks of approximately 2100', 1700', and 1600' and returns to the finish area back around 950'. Any PRs or BQs will be well earned at this marathon.

April Other Marathons in April Other Marathons in Virginia Marathons near Roanoke, VA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, April 17, 2027
2026: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 56°F (13°C)
Average High: 68°F (20°C)
Average Low: 44° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 90.01
Course Score: 90.01

Race Size

2026: 470 Finishers
2025: 431 Finishers
2024: 477 Finishers
2023: No Results
2022: 465 Finishers
2021: 452 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 0.9%
2025: 1.9%
2024: 1.3%
2023: N/A
2022: 0.7%
2021: 1.1%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 71°F  (22°C)
Low: 50°F  (10°C)

Race Start Conditions

53°F  (12°C)
Humidity: 72%

Partially cloudy
N 4 mph

PR Score

91.3

Course Score

91.96






Blue Ridge Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Blue Ridge Marathon was the 156th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 138th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 0.9% of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge Marathon ranked 415th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 207th so far in 2026. In Virginia, it ranked 10th in 2025 and 6th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Blue Ridge Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Blue Ridge Marathon has a Course Score of 90.01, ranking it as the 457th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 10th fastest marathon course in Virginia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Blue Ridge Marathon a PR Score of 90.01. The PR Score ranks the Blue Ridge Marathon as the 455th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 10th best marathon for a PR in Virginia.

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

Blue Ridge Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed457th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 10th fastest marathon course in Virginia
Top 99% Nationally#10 of 10 in Virginia
PR Potential455th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 10th best marathon for a PR in Virginia
Top 99% Nationally#10 of 10 in Virginia
Boston Qualifier Rate415th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 10th highest BQ percentage in Virginia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 87% Nationally#10 of 13 in Virginia
Race Size156th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 5th largest marathon in Virginia
Based on 2025 results
Top 27% Nationally#5 of 16 in Virginia

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 2146 feet (654m)
Min Elevation: 915 feet (278m)

Elevation Gain: 3371 feet (1027m)
Elevation Loss: 3398 feet (1035m)


Blue

Course updated 02/13/2026




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Compare the Blue Ridge Marathon to other Marathons

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Blue Ridge Marathon in 3:21:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Some long climbs and great views.

Full Review:

This is a great race. It’s not a PR course it’s a challenge. If you go out slower and progress into the race you’ll have a great finish. Going out too fast usually doesn’t work well.

Race Tips:

Study the elevation profile and go out easy. After Mill mountain you can pick it up to the next big climb. After Peakwood and Jefferson the big climbs are done.
Reviewed by J.Moore About 2026

Awesome city! Awesome race!

Full Review:

HUGE challenge! Over 7000 feet of elevation gain/loss, multiple mountains to run! "Race to complete not compete." But then you have conquered "America's toughest road marathon!"

Race Tips:

Huge mountains to climb. Work on hill training.

It is congested at the beginning and in the first mile when you start up the first mountain climb since the full marathon, the half, and the 10k all start at the same time and start off on the same route.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay to enjoy the free concerts!
Reviewed by Dan Werner About 2024

The GOAT of races!

Full Review:

This was my fourth year running the Blue Ridge Half and it did not disappoint. The expo was set up at the Start Finish area in Elmwood park and had a great market feel to it with the layout. There were free concerts going on next door at the amphitheater. The food truck choices were good but not really day before race fuel so I walked about 2 blocks to Jack Browns for a burger and sweet potato fries. I always eat a burger the night before a race, I'm not a fan of the pasta sitting on me all night. I stayed nearby at a nice Air BnB in a quiet neighborhood.

Race day, I got to the finish an hour early and parked in a nearby garage and met up with several friends. The course is challenging for a half with over 1700' elevation gain and the climbing starts early. Those climbs are rewarded with beautiful views overlooking the town and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The town comes out and cheers and has block parties so it has a great feeling. The water stops are well stocked and everyone is encouraging and friendly.

After crossing the finish you're back at the park and the packet pick up tent is now the food and beverage tent. There's recovery tables set up with local PT doing massages, and rolling what hurts. The award ceremony happens between bands in the amphitheater.

Over all, this is one of my favorite races and I'm already looking forward to 2023!

Race Tips:

Take your time, this is not a BQ race. This race is all about proving to yourself that you can do anything.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book your room early and there are plenty of restaurants downtown to eat at.
Reviewed by Ben W About 2022

Biased, but this race is the best!

Full Review:

I ran the half twice and both times it humbled me. But in such a good way. I love this challenge, the community, and the feeling when you're finished!

Race Tips:

Get an elevation-specific training plan, and take advantage of all the fun stuff throughout the weekend and on the course.
Reviewed by KP About 2022

Ridiculously difficult but so much fun!

Full Review:

This is my favorite race. Ever. I love just how crazy hard it is to run up a mountain, and I love the people and the city and the view and the star.

Race Tips:

Just Do It!
Reviewed by SB About 2019

Everything It's Billed As

Full Review:

As challenging as it's advertised to be, the scenery is gorgeous and the support is fantastic, proof that "southern hospitality" is real. The aid stations were fabulous, with lots of friendly volunteers, even some at scenic points to take your picture, bananas, oranges at many, and although the crowds weren't huge, they were wonderfully friendly and supportive all along the way.

Race Tips:

I notice the description says there are no pace groups, but this year there were, and although I couldn't keep up with mine, for as long as I did the pacer was great. Do the best you can to train for hills because they are huge and nonstop, and as others have said, this is not a race for a PR for most of us. Just enjoy the views, the experience and the camaraderie of your fellow runners whom I found to be as friendly and nice as in any race I've done.
Reviewed by MR About 2018

Full Review:

Very tough road marathon with lots of steep hills that just kept on coming! Excellent race support with frequent aid stations including food at several stops, well-trained volunteers, and a scenic course. End of course food pizza and fruit, nothing special. Nice shirt, medal, and running socks.

Race Tips:

Steep hills may best be tackled with a run/walk. Even the downhills are tough, some pretty steep.

10k, half, and full marathoners start together, then split off.
Reviewed by kmo About 2017

Full Review:

Town gets behind the event. There is a pre/post activities. Runners are pretty friendly and medals tend to have multiple uses (belt buckles, bottle openers, etc.)

Race Tips:

As advertised, very hilly. The first Half is the most beautiful course I have ever seen. Despite hills, the course does travel greenways, which includes some of the latter miles.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

A few hotels downtown are within walking distance. Plan on staying Friday night thru Sunday, because there is so much going on.
Reviewed by Art About 2016

Full Review:

Beautiful and challenging course. SOOO well organized, it was a joy to be a part of this event. They even have a champagne stop along the full marathon course, and the finish festival was relaxing but fun. Would totally recommend this race to anyone!!

Race Tips:

Just take it easy. This course has the most elevation of any other road race in the US. This race is about getting to the finish line, don't expect a PR.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Amazing downtown in Roanoke. Such a cool vibe, great restaurants and nightlife, really nice hotels and everything is pretty affordable. They even have a music festival of some sort with free live concerts all within walking distance of the start/finish line. I would recommend making a weekend out of it.
Reviewed by jb About 2015