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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Des Plaines River Trail Marathon

Lincolnshire, IL
Saturday, October 10, 2026


No reviews yet


Course Description
The Des Plaines River Trail Marathon offers a distinctive trail running experience, renowned for its remarkably flat and fast terrain, making it an excellent choice for a Boston Marathon qualifier on a non-traditional surface. The course runs along the scenic Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County, Illinois, showcasing a beautiful, natural environment that alternates between lush forests and open wetlands. The running surface is primarily a wide, crushed limestone or gravel track, which is well-maintained and largely free of challenging rocks or tree roots, combining the softness of a trail with the stability of a road.

The marathon follows an out-and-back format along the northern segment of the trail system, starting and finishing at the Half Day Forest Preserve. The elevation profile is minimal, ensuring an ideal path for runners chasing a personal best. A key feature of the design is that nearly all major road crossings are safely managed by way of bridges or viaducts, minimizing interruptions to the running flow. While the course is fast, it is a true trail race run alongside a river, so runners should be prepared for the possibility of minor water on the course, especially after heavy rains.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Illinois Marathons near Lincolnshire, IL



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, October 10, 2026
2025: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Trail

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 51°F (10°C)
Average High: 61°F (16°C)
Average Low: 42° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.99
Course Score: 98.99

Race Size

2025: 232 Finishers
2024: 225 Finishers
2023: 205 Finishers
2022: 216 Finishers
2021: 206 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 2.6%
2024: 1.8%
2023: 3.4%
2022: 2.3%
2021: 2.4%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 7 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 60°F  (16°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

48°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 81%

Clear
SW 10 mph

PR Score

98.04

Course Score

98.99






Des Plaines River Trail Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Des Plaines River Trail Marathon was the 241st largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 224th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 2.6% of Des Plaines River Trail Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 1.8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Des Plaines River Trail Marathon ranked 386th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 402nd in 2024. In Illinois, it ranked 12th in 2025 and 12th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Des Plaines River Trail Marathon has a Course Score of 98.99, ranking it as the 223rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest marathon course in Illinois.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Des Plaines River Trail Marathon a PR Score of 98.99. The PR Score ranks the Des Plaines River Trail Marathon as the 165th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 6th best marathon for a PR in Illinois.

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

Des Plaines River Trail Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed223rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 7th fastest marathon course in Illinois
Top 48% Nationally#7 of 10 in Illinois
PR Potential165th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 6th best marathon for a PR in Illinois
Top 36% Nationally#6 of 10 in Illinois
Boston Qualifier Rate386th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 12th highest BQ percentage in Illinois
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 81% Nationally#12 of 13 in Illinois
Race Size241st largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 7th largest marathon in Illinois
Based on 2025 results
Top 41% Nationally#7 of 13 in Illinois

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 722 feet (220m)
Min Elevation: 640 feet (195m)

Elevation Gain: 473 feet (144m)
Elevation Loss: 472 feet (143m)


Des

Course updated 09/26/2026




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