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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Emerald Isle Marathon

Emerald Isle, NC
Saturday, October 24, 2026


  5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description

No course description available at this time.


October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in North Carolina Marathons near Emerald Isle, NC



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, October 24, 2026
2025: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Very Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 55°F (12°C)
Average High: 65°F (18°C)
Average Low: 45° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.46
Course Score: 99.46

Race Size

2025: 286 Finishers
2024: 202 Finishers
2023: 154 Finishers
2022: 194 Finishers
2021: 137 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 5.9%
2024: 3%
2023: 4.6%
2022: 12.9%
2021: 16.8%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 7 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 70°F  (21°C)
Low: 53°F  (12°C)

Race Start Conditions

55°F  (13°C)
Humidity: 87%

Clear
W 7 mph

PR Score

97.74

Course Score

99.46






Emerald Isle Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Emerald Isle Marathon was the 217th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 241st largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 5.9% of Emerald Isle Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 3% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Emerald Isle Marathon ranked 243rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 374th in 2024. In North Carolina, it ranked 7th in 2025 and 13th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Emerald Isle Marathon has a Course Score of 99.46, ranking it as the 119th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest marathon course in North Carolina.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Emerald Isle Marathon a PR Score of 99.46. The PR Score ranks the Emerald Isle Marathon as the 82nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in North Carolina.

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

Emerald Isle Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed119th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in North Carolina
Top 26% Nationally#3 of 16 in North Carolina
PR Potential82nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in North Carolina
Top 18% Nationally#2 of 16 in North Carolina
Boston Qualifier Rate243rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 7th highest BQ percentage in North Carolina
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 51% Nationally#7 of 13 in North Carolina
Race Size217th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 9th largest marathon in North Carolina
Based on 2025 results
Top 37% Nationally#9 of 16 in North Carolina

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 31 feet (9m)
Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)

Elevation Gain: 271 feet (82m)
Elevation Loss: 271 feet (82m)


Emerald

Course updated 09/05/2024




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Emerald Isle Marathon

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

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Compare the Emerald Isle Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Emerald Isle Marathon in 3:25:00, 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 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Absolutely the best one we run in

Full Review:

Absolutely the best one we run in. We live in Florida and this by far is the most organized and shows the most hospitality. Love this area. The pickle juice was awesome!
Reviewed by Sm About 2022

Nice and Flat

Full Review:

This was my first marathon and was very flat. The community was very welcoming and the race was very organized. Would recommend this to anyone.

Race Tips:

Drive the course the day before and get a feel for where the turns are.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay at the hotel next to the race. Perfect spot
Reviewed by KN About 2021