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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!



Cheap Marathon

Derry, NH
Saturday, April 3, 2027


  5 Stars from 3 Reviews
Top 50 Best Boston Qualifying Marathon for 2026

Course Description
The Cheap Marathon is 2 out and backs along the Derry Rail Trail.

The race utilizes a "time trial" start. Runners are seeded fastest to slowest based on data collected at registration and start 2 at a time every 7 seconds.

April Other Marathons in April Other Marathons in New Hampshire Marathons near Derry, NH



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, April 3, 2027
2026: Saturday, April 4, 2026

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.: 41°F (5°C)
Average High: 53°F (11°C)
Average Low: 30° F (-1°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.71
Course Score: 98.71

Race Size

2026: 613 Finishers
2025: 550 Finishers
2024: 394 Finishers
2023: 408 Finishers
2022: 363 Finishers
2021: 286 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 32.6%
2025: 31.3%
2024: 35.3%
2023: 28.7%
2022: 28.1%
2021: 38.1%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 6 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 55°F  (13°C)
Low: 41°F  (5°C)

Race Start Conditions

45°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 82%

Partially cloudy
NNW 9 mph

PR Score

98.97

Course Score

99.02






Cheap Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Cheap Marathon was the 125th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 156th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 32.6% of Cheap Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 31.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Cheap Marathon ranked 17th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 6th so far in 2026. In New Hampshire, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Cheap Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Cheap Marathon has a Course Score of 98.71, ranking it as the 270th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in New Hampshire.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Cheap Marathon a PR Score of 98.71. The PR Score ranks the Cheap Marathon as the 208th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in New Hampshire.

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

Cheap Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed270th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in New Hampshire
Top 59% Nationally#2 of 5 in New Hampshire
PR Potential208th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in New Hampshire
Top 46% Nationally#2 of 5 in New Hampshire
Boston Qualifier Rate17th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in New Hampshire
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 4% Nationally#1 of 5 in New Hampshire
Race Size125th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in New Hampshire
Based on 2025 results
Top 22% Nationally#2 of 5 in New Hampshire

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 608 feet (185m)
Min Elevation: 608 feet (185m)

Elevation Gain: 493 feet (150m)
Elevation Loss: 486 feet (148m)


Cheap

Course updated 03/29/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Cheap Marathon

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

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Compare the Cheap Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Cheap Marathon in 5:49:00, 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


5.0
Based on 3 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Perfect BQer

Full Review:

Very well organized, flat course, pretty views, not a ton of spectators (which I like), and just the perfect course to qualify for Boston. The weather is usually perfect running weather that time of year!
Reviewed by Thatgirlandherdogrunthetown About 2024

Well Organized, but a little boring

Full Review:

It's a very well organized, small race on a rail trail with a time trial start. There will be few distractions and you can focus on your running. That's a positive for some people but I need some excitement and encouragement from the crowds and other runners.

Race Tips:

The out and back course, which you run twice, has a hill with a gentle grade so there are four hills in total. The review from 2018 is of a different course by the ocean.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking next to the start is plentiful. The time trial start keeps the porta potty lines short.
Reviewed by MM About 2023

Fast and Flat

Full Review:

I ran my first marathon here and BQ'd by almost 8 minutes. The well supported loop course quickly becomes familiar so you know when to expect fuel stops. It also sets up so your fans can cheer for you multiple times on each of the 6 laps. The course is on the water and scenic, we even saw seals on the beach.

Race Tips:

Because it is such a flat course, a steady pace is appropriate. There are enough fans on the course that you never feel alone and you can easily find those that came out to support you. 3 fuel areas are well spaced on the approximately 4.5 mile course and after the first lap you will know exactly where to expect them.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of parking makes for easy arrival logistics. They do close the road shortly before the race however so make sure you aren't late.
Reviewed by Daniel E About 2018