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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!



Humpys Marathon

Anchorage, AK
Sunday, August 16, 2026


  4.6 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The Humpy's Marathon course begins in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Runners head west on 6th Avenue, north on H Street, then straight ahead on Christensen Drive to 2nd Avenue where the course turns left to join the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. They run past Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, Postmark Drive and Point Woronzof. Runners turn around about 100 yards beyond a point formerly known by locals as “the Blue Bridge.” They run back north to Westchester Lagoon where they veer right (east) on the Chester Creek Trail. From the Chester Creek turnaround (the roundabout at the base of the hill beyond, or east of, the bridge to East High School) runners return to the lagoon and head back to the finish line in downtown Anchorage.





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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, August 16, 2026
2025: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Course Information

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

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 57°F (13°C)
Average High: 64°F (17°C)
Average Low: 50° F (10°C)





PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.60
Course Score: 98.08


Race Size

2025: 232 Finishers
2024: 228 Finishers
2023: 221 Finishers
2022: 198 Finishers
2021: 290 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 6.5%
2024: 10.1%
2023: 7.7%
2022: 12.1%
2021: 10.3%
2020: N/A


Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 14 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 63°F  (17°C)
Low: 52°F  (11°C)

Race Start Conditions

56°F  (13°C)
Humidity: 76%

Overcast
N 3 mph

PR Score

97.57

Course Score

98.3









Humpys Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Humpys Marathon was the 240th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 222nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 6.5% of Humpys Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 10.1% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Humpys Marathon ranked 227th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 165th in 2024. In Alaska, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.


The Humpys Marathon has a Course Score of 98.08, ranking it as the 338th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Alaska.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Humpys Marathon a PR Score of 97.60. The PR Score ranks the Humpys Marathon as the 321st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Alaska.

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

Humpys Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed338th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Alaska
Top 74% Nationally#4 of 6 in Alaska
PR Potential321st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Alaska
Top 70% Nationally#4 of 6 in Alaska
Boston Qualifier Rate227th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in Alaska
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 48% Nationally#4 of 5 in Alaska
Race Size240th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Alaska
Based on 2025 results
Top 41% Nationally#2 of 7 in Alaska

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




Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 191 feet (58m)
Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)

Elevation Gain: 823 feet (250m)
Elevation Loss: 823 feet (250m)


Humpys

Course updated 09/11/2025





Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Humpys Marathon

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Compare the Humpys Marathon to other Marathons

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

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


If you ran the Humpys Marathon in 4:58:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.




Race Reviews


4.6
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

A well run marathon.

Full Review:

A good well supported course. The organization helped the out of towners with hotel and plane registration and discounts. Very good communication with the runners before arrival.

Race Tips:

There are 3 steeper hills, and I found it best to walk them. Bring your camera on the run, if this is your first time in Alaska. I did see a moose but no bears.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are 3 steeper hills, and I found it best to walk them. Bring your camera on the run, if this is your first time in Alaska. I did see a moose but no bears.

Humpy's Marathon 2023

Full Review:

Overall the race start and finish were very well organized (better than the Mayor's Marathon) however there was a lack of planning around aid stations (no food provided and limited facilities). The course map was right, however the elevation chart provided was very incorrect (800 Ft of elevation not 200).

Race Tips:

Course was very well defined (except for elevation). The course consisted of 2 out a back portions all on the coastal trail. You should fully expect to run into plenty of tourists on the coastal trail and it can become pretty condensed at times if people are not paying attention.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Organization and information pre event was extremely limited (no race day bib-pickup not clearly outlined on the website) Make sure you check your email for the single email the organizers send as it is easy to miss.

Full Review:

In 2016 there was a movie night at Bear's tooth Thursday evening. Anchorage has a great running community and the place was packed for the selection of short running movies.
Race day was also good. Post-race massages and food were excellent.

Race Tips:

The course has a total of 511ft of elevation gain. It is nearly completely flat aside from some small climbs around mile 5 and 12 during the coastal out and back and then a long gradual (beside a creek) climb up the Chester creek trail towards Goose lake (peaking around mile 20) and then a short 90 ft climb up to the finish at mile 26.
Very fast course and great for a PR. The weather is ideal for running this time of year.
Feel free to check out the Strava map for the course here https://www.strava.com/activities/684322985

Full Review:

This is a well run small to mid-size race (330 in full; 1000 in half. It has a very scenic course and can pretty much guarantee cool running temps. A few hills and false flats but mainly a flat course so PR's can be had. How many marathons can boast a good chance that you'll encounter a moose?

Race Tips:

Race begins in downtown Anchorage but is mainly run on a paved bike path. The course is basically 2 out and backs. Two hills on the first out and back. The second out and back is a gradual up out but then gradually down when you need it on the final 10K. A short steep hill @ 25.5 hurts so be ready. Plenty of water stops and some gel also available.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are a few host hotels w/in walking distance of expo and start/finish area but they are pricey. In fact Anchorage is generally a little pricey so even staying out of downtown isn't cheap. I parked @ the JC Penny garage which was super close and not too expensive. I arrived @ race 90 minutes early and could've arrived later.

Full Review:

Well organized race with scenic views and the occasional moose. This is a small race of about 300-400 finishers and very well done. There are no on course race clocks, no big deal.

Race Tips:

Most up hill portion in first 8 miles or so. Most of course is on paved trails. Easiest race day parking ever and it was free. Plenty of port-o-lets in the corral area.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Meter parking was free and plentiful on the weekend. Humpy's has great Alaskan food of comparable portions. Skinny Raven sports and Expo at Dena'ina Center are all a few blocks from the race start.