Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

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Humboldt Redwoods Marathon

Weott, CA
Sunday, October 11, 2026


  3 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The Humboldt Redwoods Marathon course is renowned for its stunning, immersive setting within the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, following the paved Avenue of the Giants. The course is an out-and-back entirely lined by towering, 300-foot-tall old-growth redwood trees, which create a magnificent, shaded canopy for nearly the entire route. This breathtaking scenery, which is largely undisturbed by traffic due to road closures during the race, makes it a highly sought-after destination race.





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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 11, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 51°F (10°C)
Average High: 60°F (15°C)
Average Low: 42° F (5°C)





PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.54
Course Score: 98.54


Race Size

2025: 230 Finishers
2024: 137 Finishers
2023: 86 Finishers
2022: 68 Finishers
2021: No Results
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 7%
2024: 1.5%
2023: 9.3%
2022: 11.8%
2021: N/A
2020: N/A


Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

2026 Race Day Weather Forecast


Race Day Temperatures

High: 62°F  (17°C)
Low: 42°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

44°F  (7°C)

Clear
N 10 mph 

PR Score
(Normal Score)

98.54
(98.54)

Course Score

98.54

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance.

Go for it!!!








Humboldt Redwoods Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Humboldt Redwoods Marathon was the 244th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 306th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 7% of Humboldt Redwoods Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 1.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon ranked 212th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 402nd in 2024. In California, it ranked 15th in 2025 and 28th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.


The Humboldt Redwoods Marathon has a Course Score of 98.54, ranking it as the 295th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 23rd fastest marathon course in California.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon a PR Score of 98.54. The PR Score ranks the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon as the 230th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 16th best marathon for a PR in California.

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

Humboldt Redwoods Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed295th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 23rd fastest marathon course in California
Top 64% Nationally#23 of 35 in California
PR Potential230th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 16th best marathon for a PR in California
Top 50% Nationally#16 of 35 in California
Boston Qualifier Rate212th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 15th highest BQ percentage in California
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 45% Nationally#15 of 34 in California
Race Size244th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 21st largest marathon in California
Based on 2025 results
Top 42% Nationally#21 of 49 in California

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




Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 372 feet (113m)
Min Elevation: 166 feet (50m)

Elevation Gain: 695 feet (211m)
Elevation Loss: 689 feet (210m)


Humboldt

Course updated 07/08/2026





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Compare the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon to other Marathons

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If you ran the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon in 3:17:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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Race Reviews


3.0
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Very obnoxious emails (2) when I asked why the T-shirts we paid for were not provided

Full Review:

Very rude email from organizer, when I enquired if we would get T-shirt sent to us or for pick up. I was told T-shirts were not available due to an 'error in ordering them from supplier'.

This was 4 days after the race. There was no mention (let alone an apology) before during or soon after the race - that the T-shirts that were stated to be included would unfortunately not be provided.

No bag was provided - just a bib (that also said T-shirts were included) I then emailed if any schwag was available, and got this response: "We don't send anything out. If you didn't get your bag that's on you. Have a good day."

Race Tips:

The 1/2M race per my watch was 13.6 miles, not 13.11 miles. They claimed 13.11 miles in the 'certificate' they sent.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Don't do the "Humboldt Redwood" or the "Avenue of the Giants" marathons. Instead do the "Humboldt Bay" Half or Full Marathon in August.

Full Review:

Small, no frills race with the first half going out and back on the Avenue of Giants. Very scenic. Typically great marathon weather. Crowd support is sparse, you are in the middle of nowhere northern California. Only complaint is second half of the race the road you run on needs to be repaved - watch your step or you'll hit a pothole.

Race Tips:

You are in the middle of nowhere. Seriously. Don't forget your GU or whatever nutrition you take; they won't have any to buy at packet pickup. Packet pickup is just that, here's your bib, here's your shirt, see you tomorrow.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are very limited housing and restaurant options near the race. Don't let that scare you away though. It just means you'll need to plan ahead.