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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!



Heart of America Marathon

Columbia, MO
Monday, September 7, 2026


  4 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
26.2 miles starting at the Boone County History and Culture Center at Nifong Park, running 11 miles down to the Katy Trail, (formerly the MKT Trail Line, now part of the U.S Rails-to Trails system) for 1.5 miles along the scenic Missouri River, past Cooper’s Landing and the historic community of Easley, from where Easley Hill (Route N) affectionately takes its name. Picturesque rural landscape abounds along the winding uphill Route N. Passing the Pierpont General Store, a building which has stood since 1889, the course skirts Rock Bridge State Park before heading back toward Columbia, to Phillips Lake, then back to the Boone County History and Culture Center. **Please note, approximately 5.5 miles of the course is on well-maintained gravel roads/trail to include Smith Hatchery Rd, the Katy Trail, East Bonne Femme Church Rd and South Gans Creek Rd. This is an open course. Runners must run single file on trafficked roads.

September Other Marathons in September Other Marathons in Missouri Marathons near Columbia, MO



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Monday, September 7, 2026
2025: Monday, September 1, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Hilly
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 70°F (21°C)
Average High: 82°F (27°C)
Average Low: 59° F (15°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 93.44
Course Score: 96.56

Race Size

2025: 105 Finishers
2024: 115 Finishers
2023: 114 Finishers
2022: 93 Finishers
2021: 103 Finishers
2020: 56 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 3.8%
2024: 5.2%
2023: 2.6%
2022: 5.4%
2021: 4.9%
2020: 5.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 85°F  (29°C)
Low: 66°F  (19°C)

Race Start Conditions

67°F  (19°C)
Humidity: 88%

Clear
SSW 5 mph

PR Score

84.96

Course Score

89.13






Heart of America Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Heart of America Marathon was the 360th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 342nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 3.8% of Heart of America Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 5.2% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Heart of America Marathon ranked 337th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 297th in 2024. In Missouri, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Heart of America Marathon has a Course Score of 96.56, ranking it as the 413th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest marathon course in Missouri.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Heart of America Marathon a PR Score of 93.44. The PR Score ranks the Heart of America Marathon as the 439th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 8th best marathon for a PR in Missouri.

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

Heart of America Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed413th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 7th fastest marathon course in Missouri
Top 90% Nationally#7 of 8 in Missouri
PR Potential439th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 8th best marathon for a PR in Missouri
Top 96% Nationally#8 of 8 in Missouri
Boston Qualifier Rate337th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Missouri
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 71% Nationally#5 of 9 in Missouri
Race Size360th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 6th largest marathon in Missouri
Based on 2025 results
Top 61% Nationally#6 of 13 in Missouri

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



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 810 feet (246m)
Min Elevation: 558 feet (170m)


Heart



Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Heart of America Marathon

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Compare the Heart of America Marathon to other Marathons

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

Do you want to see how the Heart of America Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Heart of America Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Heart of America Marathon in 5:17:00, 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


4.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Full Review:

Very challenging marathon due to hills and weather. Great small marathon flavor. Oldest marathon after Boston. Great pizza afterwards.

Race Tips:

Weather is frequently hot and humid. Several long and challenging hills. Some traffic but locals are mostly aware of runners and supportive.
Reviewed by TM About 2016