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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

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Colfax Marathon

Denver, CO
Sunday, May 16, 2027


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The Colfax Marathon Start and finish in Denver's City Park. Run through Empower Field at Mile High – twice! Run through Denver Fire Station #1, along seven miles of rivers, lakes and bridges – including Sloan’s Lake. Race through eclectic neighborhoods, historic Lakewood, the bustle of Colfax Avenue, and downtown Denver – with views of the majestic Rocky Mountains

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Colorado Marathons near Denver, CO



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, May 16, 2027
2026: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 59°F (15°C)
Average High: 68°F (20°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 92.77
Course Score: 92.77

Race Size

2026: 2,917 Finishers
2025: 2,276 Finishers
2024: 2,228 Finishers
2023: 1,614 Finishers
2022: 1,095 Finishers
2021: 1,171 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 2.5%
2025: 3.6%
2024: 3.2%
2023: 4.3%
2022: 5%
2021: 5.6%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 70°F  (21°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 73%

Partly Cloudy
SSW 5 mph

PR Score

92.8

Course Score

92.86






Colfax Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Colfax Marathon was the 41st largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 35th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 2.5% of Colfax Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Colfax Marathon ranked 347th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 180th so far in 2026. In Colorado, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Colfax Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Colfax Marathon has a Course Score of 92.77, ranking it as the 448th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest marathon course in Colorado.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Colfax Marathon a PR Score of 92.77. The PR Score ranks the Colfax Marathon as the 441st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Colorado.

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

Colfax Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed448th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 6th fastest marathon course in Colorado
Top 97% Nationally#6 of 9 in Colorado
PR Potential441st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Colorado
Top 96% Nationally#5 of 9 in Colorado
Boston Qualifier Rate347th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Colorado
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 73% Nationally#6 of 10 in Colorado
Race Size41st largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Colorado
Based on 2025 results
Top 7% Nationally#1 of 17 in Colorado

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 5533 feet (1686m)
Min Elevation: 5172 feet (1576m)

Elevation Gain: 693 feet (211m)
Elevation Loss: 694 feet (211m)


Colfax

Course updated 03/17/2026




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Lovely first marathon!

Full Review:

This was my first marathon last year, and I loved it! Lots of energy from the crowds at basically all points throughout the marathon, fun views, and water breaks every 2 miles are super helpful. It can also connect to the RaceJoy app that gives updates about your estimated finish time every mile, and friends/family can send you little audio messages throughout the race if they can't see you in person. :)

Race Tips:

I feel like this one is pretty flat despite the 600 ft of elevation gain. My training partner accomplished a near perfect even split, and I was able to negative split. Only hill I really noticed and that really sucked was on mile 23, but they had Team Milk cheering runners up the entire way. Don't go out too hot, don't weave around runners, and just have a blast!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I had someone drop us off at the race because parking isn't great for the actual race!
Reviewed by L About 2023