The LOCO Marathon course is two loops of 13.1 miles. The first 10 miles travel along all rural roads with plenty of shade and scenic vistas.
The elevation of the course starts at a base of 60 feet and has a maximum elevation change of less than 100 feet. The first three miles are rolling and take you on a shaded road to Lee New Hampshire. There is then a nice almost totally flat section on Wadley Falls road until mile 5.
Next is a gentle incline on Campground Road into Epping. Then runners travel through Newmarket on Grant Road with a small hill, then onto Bald Hill Road. Bald Hill road is gently rolling and “Bald Hill” is off to your right. By mile 10 runners exit to the Rail Trail.
The last 3 miles of the Rail Trail are covered with cinder and crushed gravel. It is relatively flat with very gradual inclines. It passes beaver ponds and unspoiled woodland. The trail can support 2-3 runners across in most locations and has good footing.
The LOCO Marathon was the 233rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 201st largest in 2022.
Last year 13.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 12.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the LOCO Marathon the 118th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 123rd highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 98.48 ranks it as the 279th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in New Hampshire.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the LOCO Marathon a PR Score of 98.48. This PR Score ranks it as the 215th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in New Hampshire.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
LOCO Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 138 feet (42m) Min Elevation: 50 feet (15m)
Picked this race to BQ because of the date being later October so good weather this time of year and mostly flat course to run a fast time. Very low key race because most people run Bay State Marathon instead which in it's own right is a decent marathon but weather can be more iffy for that race.
Race Tips
Use the pacers if available for your time. Course is two loops of 13.1, first 10 miles is on paved roads and the last 3 are on a decently packed trail. Very easy to park, take shuttle bus and pick up bib then chill until the race starts.
