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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!



Grand Rapids Marathon

Grand Rapids, MI
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  4.9 Stars from 10 Reviews

Course Description
The mostly flat Grand Rapids Marathon course, coupled with typically cool race day weather, can lead to very good PR and Boston Qualifying times.

The course only has a elevation difference of 60 feet between the high and low points.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Michigan Marathons near Grand Rapids, MI



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Race Information

Race Dates

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

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 49°F (9°C)
Average High: 59°F (15°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.37
Course Score: 99.37

Race Size

2025: 1,158 Finishers
2024: 1,050 Finishers
2023: 944 Finishers
2022: 782 Finishers
2021: 638 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 7.7%
2024: 6.7%
2023: 11.6%
2022: 14.1%
2021: 10.7%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 59°F  (15°C)
Low: 40°F  (4°C)

Race Start Conditions

44°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 85%

Overcast
SW 5 mph

PR Score

98.87

Course Score

99.11






Grand Rapids Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Grand Rapids Marathon was the 77th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 79th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 7.7% of Grand Rapids Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 6.7% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Grand Rapids Marathon ranked 193rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 240th in 2024. In Michigan, it ranked 11th in 2025 and 10th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Grand Rapids Marathon has a Course Score of 99.37, ranking it as the 139th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest marathon course in Michigan.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Grand Rapids Marathon a PR Score of 99.37. The PR Score ranks the Grand Rapids Marathon as the 98th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Michigan.

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

Grand Rapids Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed139th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in Michigan
Top 30% Nationally#3 of 15 in Michigan
PR Potential98th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Michigan
Top 21% Nationally#2 of 15 in Michigan
Boston Qualifier Rate193rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 11th highest BQ percentage in Michigan
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 41% Nationally#11 of 17 in Michigan
Race Size77th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Michigan
Based on 2025 results
Top 13% Nationally#3 of 21 in Michigan

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 652 feet (198m)
Min Elevation: 592 feet (180m)

Elevation Gain: 306 feet (93m)
Elevation Loss: 306 feet (93m)


Grand

Course updated 06/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Grand Rapids Marathon

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Compare the Grand Rapids Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Grand Rapids Marathon in 3:55:00, 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


4.9
Based on 10 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Fantastic smaller marathon

Full Review:

Great organization. Pace support was fantastic (multiple vocal pacers for the sub-3 group). Plenty of aid stations (every ~1.5/2 miles).

Race Tips:

Flat, fast course.
Reviewed by E About 2024

Amazing experience

Full Review:

Absolutely fantastic race, the best I've ever been a part of. The race director is amazing at communicating and pushes daily emails during the last week to make sure runners are up to date on everything for race day. Expo was great with lots of vendors.

Race Tips:

The first few miles are a loop around Grand Rapids and very flat. Easy to settle into a groove and lock in your race pace. Not a lot of tall buildings around to throw off your GPS.

The 'hilly' stretch is from mile 7 to 9.5 and is very gently rolling. Get a friend to chat with during this section and it'll be passed before you know it. Heading into the lake section can be tricky if you're trying to keep a quick pace. Lots of sharp-ish turns and short hills.

Once you pass 14 miles it's pretty much nothing but long straight roads. The mental game comes in here since there's not a lot of crowd support in the woods.

The last couple miles to the finish are great. Heading back into town has a few more gentle turns and minimal elevation changes. A slight downhill during the final stretch.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There's plenty of parking at the start/finish area for $4 or walk from your hotel. There's also some street parking for free on Sundays in Grand Rapids. There's an optional early start for folks who are going to take more than 6 hours so it helps to get to the starting area and parked prior to them stepping off (7am).
Start/Finish area is fantastic.

-Gear check was quick and well staffed.
-Tons of portable toilets so no lines anywhere.
-Great snacks and drinks after the finish.
-Beer tent was well stocked and they had a grill going with brats.

The YMCA next to the start/finish is open to the public on race day so you can pop in for a quick shower (bring your own towel). Very useful if you're driving home immediately after or waiting on slower friends to finish their run.
Reviewed by AMP About 2023

Great local marathon

Full Review:

It's a great local marathon- easy to get to, good weather, and fairly flat. There was not a whole lot of spectators, but other than that it was nice.
Reviewed by JJW About 2019

Full Review:

Reviewed by sm About 2016

Full Review:

Very well organized race and a beautiful course! I would have loved a bit more of a bigger beer tent at the finish, given it's Beer City :) Beautiful course, just the right amount of crowd support. I was expecting a few minor hills but the course felt very flat, to me, which was great. Pickle juice on the course was nice. The volunteers were AMAZING!!!

Race Tips:

There's a small stretch around mile 24 that isn't very scenic and there is no crowd support (due to location) - just remember you're almost done - the pacers got vocal here (in a good way) - shouting encouragement and counting down to the finish. The pacers were phenomenal.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Great hotel options in walking distance to the Y!
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

The best thing about this race is the RD, Don Kern. He is very communicative and understands a runner's mind. This race is definitely built to make everything as convenient for the runners as possible...everything from the expo, to tons of close parking, to the beer tent. The course is beautiful and mostly flat. A great overall experience!

Race Tips:

The pacers for this race are excellent, so you can rely on them. After 8.5 miles the half breaks off and the course is much less crowded. In the out and back section the out is a very slight uphill, and the back is perfect timing for a slight downhill. That entire section is shaded. The last 5.5 miles or so have no shade. If you've dressed for cooler starting temps you will want to be able to shed layers in those last few miles.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Read Don's emails! He sends a ton of them and they cover this information extensively. I arrived 45 min before race time and was able to park right across the street from the start line. Don had done his due diligence to make logistics as easy as humanly possible.
Reviewed by CMF About 2016

Full Review:

Flat, well organized, cool fall weather
Reviewed by RBOY About 2016

Full Review:

Great state/ending area at (I think) the nation's largest YMCA. The course is absolutely beautiful and the Y gives lockers for your race gear and allows towels and showering when it's over. There's even an early start for the many runners who like the extra time!

Race Tips:

What can a runner expect: Great weather, aid stations, and beautiful views.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Arrive early and there's ample parking adjacent to the YMCA
Reviewed by Tami Jo Harmon About 2016

Full Review:

Great race! Loved the pace teams and support from volunteers along the way.

Race Tips:

32 degrees at race time. Beautiful course thru the streets and park trails around Grand Rapids.
Reviewed by JA About 2015

Full Review:

Great course both small hills, flat, and great scenery. Very pretty around lake combination of out and back, trails, and asphalt. Perfect weather and great food.

Race Tips:

Well organized able to stay in YMCA before race. Great expo and medals pretty cool....

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Great hotel within walking distance.
Reviewed by PH About 2013