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Brookings Marathon

Brookings, SD
Saturday, October 3, 2026


  4 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The Brookings Marathon course is flat with a few gentle hills. With the exception of Larson Hill (35 feet), the course stays between about 1,600 and 1,700 feet and never changes more than 40 feet over any mile.

The majority of the course consists of asphalt with a run-able grass strip alongside it.

Brookings, South Dakota, hosts the 25th oldest marathon in the US, 3rd oldest among those run every year since inception. Though the race has evolved since 1970, the course still includes historic neighborhoods, beautiful parks, bike paths, and tree-lined streets. Along the way, runners are supported by hundreds of wonderful volunteers, and opportunities abound for family and friends to cheer.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in South Dakota Marathons near Brookings, SD



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, October 3, 2026
2025: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Mostly on Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 45°F (7°C)
Average High: 57°F (13°C)
Average Low: 33° F (0°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.87
Course Score: 98.87

Race Size

2025: 89 Finishers
2024: 136 Finishers
2023: 99 Finishers
2022: 117 Finishers
2021: 159 Finishers
2020: 118 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 12.4%
2024: 8.1%
2023: 7.1%
2022: 10.3%
2021: 19.5%
2020: 32.2%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 66°F  (19°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 80%

Clear
NW 7 mph

PR Score

98.52

Course Score

98.85






Brookings Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Brookings Marathon was the 394th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 312th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 12.4% of Brookings Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 8.1% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Brookings Marathon ranked 104th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 207th in 2024. In South Dakota, it ranked 2nd in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Brookings Marathon has a Course Score of 98.87, ranking it as the 240th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest marathon course in South Dakota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Brookings Marathon a PR Score of 98.87. The PR Score ranks the Brookings Marathon as the 180th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 3rd best marathon for a PR in South Dakota.

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

Brookings Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed240th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in South Dakota
Top 52% Nationally#3 of 6 in South Dakota
PR Potential180th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd best marathon for a PR in South Dakota
Top 39% Nationally#3 of 6 in South Dakota
Boston Qualifier Rate104th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd highest BQ percentage in South Dakota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 22% Nationally#2 of 6 in South Dakota
Race Size394th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 5th largest marathon in South Dakota
Based on 2025 results
Top 67% Nationally#5 of 6 in South Dakota

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1690 feet (515m)
Min Elevation: 1596 feet (486m)

Elevation Gain: 544 feet (165m)
Elevation Loss: 549 feet (167m)


Brookings

Course updated 09/25/2023




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Brookings Marathon

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

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Compare the Brookings Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Brookings Marathon in 4:03:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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


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Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

2020 BQ finisher

Full Review:

Besides being a PR and BQ for me, I really enjoyed the race. The pacer was great, the support was really good. We did social distance at the start and finish. The swag was good. The course is flat and fast. I would recommend

Race Tips:

The pacers were right on. My group and my friends group 15 minutes slower. Flat somewhat scenic. No need to hurry on race day, lots of close parking.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotel was nice and affordable. Good eats at a couple of restaurants.
Reviewed by JC About 2020

Full Review:

It is a small marathon with good support for the half, but not so much for the full.

Race Tips:

There are a couple decent hills and the winds can pick up pretty quickly.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels are close to the start line/finish line. Lots of parking on side streets. There are burgers at the end of the race.
Reviewed by Allison Axness About 2014