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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!



Columbia Gorge Marathon

Hood River, OR
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  5 Stars from 3 Reviews

Course Description
The hilly and challenging Columbia Gorge begins on the banks of the Columbia River; The course then winds up and through the Columbia River Gorge on the old scenic highway - past waterfalls, amazing vistas and colorful fall foliage.





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Race Information

Race Dates

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

Course Information

Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Mostly Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 52°F (11°C)
Average High: 63°F (17°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)


PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 95.57
Course Score: 95.57


Race Size

2025: 343 Finishers
2024: 278 Finishers
2023: 235 Finishers
2022: 154 Finishers
2021: No Results
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: N/A
2024: N/A
2023: N/A
2022: N/A
2021: N/A
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No






Columbia Gorge Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Columbia Gorge Marathon was the 189th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 201st largest marathon in the U.S..

The Columbia Gorge Marathon has a Course Score of 95.57, ranking it as the 427th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 9th fastest marathon course in Oregon.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Columbia Gorge Marathon a PR Score of 95.57. The PR Score ranks the Columbia Gorge Marathon as the 405th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 9th best marathon for a PR in Oregon.

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

Columbia Gorge Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed427th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 9th fastest marathon course in Oregon
Top 93% Nationally#9 of 10 in Oregon
PR Potential405th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 9th best marathon for a PR in Oregon
Top 88% Nationally#9 of 10 in Oregon
Race Size189th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Oregon
Based on 2025 results
Top 32% Nationally#3 of 14 in Oregon

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




Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 757 feet (230m)
Min Elevation: 88 feet (26m)

Elevation Gain: 1869 feet (569m)
Elevation Loss: 2120 feet (646m)


Columbia




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Columbia Gorge Marathon

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

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Compare the Columbia Gorge Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


If you ran the Columbia Gorge Marathon in 5:13:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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




Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 3 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Beautiful race!

Full Review:

Race was fantastic. From start to almost the finish race was beautiful and well marked. At last mile no one was there to direct us to go down and under the bridge. Thankfully someone in a passing car yelled out where to go. Finishers area was also excellent.

Race Tips:

Expect to want to stop and take pictures both with a camera and your mind! Stunning great course with lots of climbs and downhills.

Full Review:

Beautiful scenery. Challenging, hilly course. Nice support. Small field of under 300.

Race Tips:

Easy start because there's a 3 mile hill climb starting at mile 19.

Full Review:

Love the small town feel. Sights during the run were the best I've seen in over 20 marathons. Really tough stretch from mile 18-21 (all up).

Race Tips:

Patience. Lots of downhill and uphills in the beginning can get you anxious. Just race to enjoy the sights in this one.