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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Champlain Islands Marathon

South Hero, VT
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The Champlain Islands Marathon course offers a scenic, certified, and largely flat to gently rolling route through the picturesque Lake Champlain Islands in Vermont. Starting and finishing in South Hero, the course is entirely paved and runs along the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle. Runners are treated to classic New England autumn views of farms, apple orchards, and summer cottages, often with glimpses of Lake Champlain.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Vermont Marathons near South Hero, VT



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 46°F (7°C)
Average High: 56°F (13°C)
Average Low: 37° F (2°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.73
Course Score: 97.73

Race Size

2025: 136 Finishers
2024: 128 Finishers
2023: 108 Finishers
2022: 117 Finishers
2021: 129 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 2.9%
2024: 5.5%
2023: 15.7%
2022: 15.4%
2021: 16.3%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 61°F  (16°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

48°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 77%

Clear
S 7 mph

PR Score

97.92

Course Score

98.23






Champlain Islands Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Champlain Islands Marathon was the 317th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 320th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 2.9% of Champlain Islands Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 5.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Champlain Islands Marathon ranked 376th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 281st in 2024. In Vermont, it ranked 2nd in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Champlain Islands Marathon has a Course Score of 97.73, ranking it as the 365th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Vermont.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Champlain Islands Marathon a PR Score of 97.73. The PR Score ranks the Champlain Islands Marathon as the 311th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Vermont.

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

Champlain Islands Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed365th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Vermont
Top 80% Nationally#2 of 4 in Vermont
PR Potential311th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Vermont
Top 68% Nationally#2 of 4 in Vermont
Boston Qualifier Rate376th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd highest BQ percentage in Vermont
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 79% Nationally#2 of 4 in Vermont
Race Size317th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Vermont
Based on 2025 results
Top 54% Nationally#3 of 4 in Vermont

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 206 feet (62m)
Min Elevation: 99 feet (30m)

Elevation Gain: 946 feet (288m)
Elevation Loss: 946 feet (288m)


Champlain

Course updated 10/30/2025




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Champlain Islands Marathon

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Compare the Champlain Islands Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Champlain Islands Marathon in 4:45:00, 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


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

small race, pretty course

Full Review:

It was a double out-n-back race this year, which makes it easier for them to manage. Not sure what the other half of the previous course included, but the views of the beach and winery were nice. Good food after the race (chili and apple cider donuts).

Race Tips:

It is a hilly course (970ft), particularly in the last few miles (of each half with the double out-n-back). I saw a lot of people go to hard early on and fade later in the race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I signed up late and ended up getting a hotel in St. Albans. It was only a 30 minute drive. I got there about 75 minutes before the start and got a prime parking spot. They seemed to have a decent amount of parking for the size of the race.
Reviewed by DA About 2021