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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Buckeye Marathon

Buckeye, AZ
Saturday, January 10, 2026


  4.3 Stars from 3 Reviews

Course Description
The downhill Buckeye Marathon starts in the community of Sun City Festival before making its way around the beautiful White Tank Mountains and ending at the runway of the Buckeye Municipal Airport. The course has a net elevation loss of 660 feet from start to finish.

January Other Marathons in January Other Marathons in Arizona Marathons near Buckeye, AZ



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 52°F (11°C)
Average High: 67°F (19°C)
Average Low: 36° F (2°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 101.26
Course Score: 101.26

Race Size

2026: 212 Finishers
2025: 237 Finishers
2024: 207 Finishers
2023: 113 Finishers
2022: 96 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 17.9%
2025: 12.7%
2024: 18.8%
2023: 14.2%
2022: 20.8%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 65°F  (18°C)
Low: 38°F  (3°C)

Race Start Conditions

42°F  (6°C)
Humidity: 72%

Clear
NNE 3 mph

PR Score

100.87

Course Score

100.99






Buckeye Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Buckeye Marathon was the 238th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 234th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 17.9% of Buckeye Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 12.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Buckeye Marathon ranked 97th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 23rd so far in 2026. In Arizona, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 1st so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Buckeye Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Buckeye Marathon has a Course Score of 101.26, ranking it as the 26th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Arizona.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Buckeye Marathon a PR Score of 101.26. The PR Score ranks the Buckeye Marathon as the 19th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Arizona.

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

Buckeye Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed26th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Arizona
Top 6% Nationally#4 of 10 in Arizona
PR Potential19th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Arizona
Top 5% Nationally#4 of 10 in Arizona
Boston Qualifier Rate97th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Arizona
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 21% Nationally#5 of 9 in Arizona
Race Size238th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 6th largest marathon in Arizona
Based on 2025 results
Top 41% Nationally#6 of 10 in Arizona

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1666 feet (507m)
Min Elevation: 1007 feet (307m)

Elevation Gain: 183 feet (55m)
Elevation Loss: 816 feet (248m)


Buckeye

Course updated 10/23/2025




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Buckeye Marathon

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Compare the Buckeye Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Buckeye Marathon in 4:22:00, 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


4.3
Based on 3 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Fast But Monotonous

Full Review:

The course is very fast, a gradual downgrade with few turns and no significant hills. However, it is very boring with nothing to see but desert scrub brush for miles and miles. Nonetheless, adequate aid stations and port-a-potties along the way and typically decent running weather.

Race Tips:

Clothing left at aid stations must be picked up the next day in Scottsdale, the other side of the valley. Left a nice running jacket at Mile 6, expecting it to be at the Finish Area, as promised. Would have worn a thrift store throwaway had I known.
Reviewed by R Allen About 2024

Solid Arizona marathon

Full Review:

I liked the marathon because it was to a destination and not multiple loops on the same course. Lots of safety in place to include police at intersections and cones along the roadway. Long straight stretches, and not always people in sight so be self motivated. The downhill advertised is not noticed, because it is very gradual over the entire distance. Well staffed event, good aid stations.

Race Tips:

Dress warm for the start, but wear clothes you can easily shed and possibly dispose of. It was freezing at the start, but warmed up by the finish. And drink LOTS of liquid. Because it was so cold, I didn't think I was sweating that much, and it caught up with me in the later miles. It is still in the desert, dry air and breeze. Respect the desert!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay in Phoenix and have fun there with your family if they come. You'll need to rent a car to get to the start. Long line at packet pickup, plan accordingly.
Reviewed by SK About 2024

Full Review:

Nice small size marathon good weather.

Race Tips:

Be prepared to run your own race since there are only a few runners on the course.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The start is approx. 23 miles away from the finish , a shuttle brings you back to the start after you have finished the marathon
Reviewed by Dvo About 2016