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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.

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Lincoln Marathon

Lincoln, NE
Sunday, May 2, 2027


  4.6 Stars from 5 Reviews
Top 50 Best Boston Qualifying Marathon for 2026

Course Description
The Lincoln Marathon is run on a citywide course that starts and finishes on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Marathon and haf-marathon runners share a common start and run a loop route past the Nebraska State Capitol, along Sheridan Boulevard, past Union College, along the Highway 2 bike path, past the Lincoln County-City Building and back to the Half-Marathon finish on the UNL Campus. Marathoners then follow an out-and-back route to Holmes Park passing the Sunken Gardens, Folsom Children's Zoo and Antelope Park.

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Nebraska Marathons near Lincoln, NE



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, May 2, 2027
2026: Sunday, May 3, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 57°F (13°C)
Average High: 69°F (20°C)
Average Low: 45° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.86
Course Score: 98.86

Race Size

2026: 1,106 Finishers
2025: 801 Finishers
2024: 801 Finishers
2023: 803 Finishers
2022: 464 Finishers
2021: 725 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 8.7%
2025: 16.2%
2024: 13.7%
2023: 11.3%
2022: 12.9%
2021: 13.8%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 75°F  (24°C)
Low: 48°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

47°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 75%

Clear
N 7 mph

PR Score

97.86

Course Score

98.92






Lincoln Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Lincoln Marathon was the 106th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 102nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 8.7% of Lincoln Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 16.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Lincoln Marathon ranked 55th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 82nd so far in 2026. In Nebraska, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Lincoln Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Lincoln Marathon has a Course Score of 98.86, ranking it as the 243rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest marathon course in Nebraska.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Lincoln Marathon a PR Score of 98.86. The PR Score ranks the Lincoln Marathon as the 182nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 1st best marathon for a PR in Nebraska.

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

Lincoln Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed243rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in Nebraska
Top 53% Nationally#3 of 6 in Nebraska
PR Potential182nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 1st best marathon for a PR in Nebraska
Top 40% Nationally#1 of 6 in Nebraska
Boston Qualifier Rate55th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Nebraska
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 12% Nationally#1 of 4 in Nebraska
Race Size106th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Nebraska
Based on 2025 results
Top 18% Nationally#1 of 4 in Nebraska

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1306 feet (398m)
Min Elevation: 1146 feet (349m)

Elevation Gain: 520 feet (158m)
Elevation Loss: 522 feet (159m)


Lincoln

Course updated 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Lincoln Marathon

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Compare the Lincoln Marathon to other Marathons

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


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Race Reviews


4.6
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Best Choice for Nebraska

Full Review:

The best thing about this marathon is the volunteers. They were always looking at race bibs and encouraging us by name. Since there were only 800 full marathoners I guess each one was special.

Race Tips:

It seemed more hilly than advertised, rolling hills, but nothing not doable. It was actually a great course. We had great weather so that helped. The aide stations all have water and Gatorade. After the halfers split off they have Gu at most stations. Sometimes they are just on the table so you have to look for them.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The downtown hotels are definitely walkable. I was concerned that I would do too much walking before the race but it was fine. Don't drive and park---there's so much road closures it would be another marathon getting out!
Reviewed by Dena About 2024

Best ever

Full Review:

Great atmosphere
Pot holes
More port a potties at the start

Race Tips:

Leave the costs in the car.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay away from the capital on Sat. Kids run.
Reviewed by Tw About 2023

It can be a very very hot race

Full Review:

The half marathon is absolutely terrific - very well organized, lots of crowd support, great after party, and a fast flat easy course. Very highly recommended for a NE half marathon!

The marathon can be very challenging. My friends & I ran into very hot weather three of the last five years. Early May is too late in the spring in NE to have a good chance at cooler temps. There is almost no shade on the last 13 miles of the course and we encountered temps in the 80s & full sun for hours 3 and 4 of the race. Many racers who typically finish around 4 to 5 hours were impacted. The course is flat and the organizers did a great job with extra water stops & watching over the runners. The heat & sun may prevent a fast run or BQ on the full.

Race Tips:

Run the half - it is a terrific race!!! For a full in NE look for another race in April or October to have a better chance at cooler temps.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Watch the timing if you are traveling from out of town. Several years the event was scheduled the same weekend as Warren Buffetts annual conference in nearby Omaha which lead to high air fares & hotel prices. We flew into Kansas City & drove up for the race.
Reviewed by Rob G. About 2023

Fun race in a cool town!

Full Review:

Lincoln is a hidden gem, both the town and the race. It is a qualifier for the National Guard, so there a lot of military personnel and veterans groups, which is cool. The front half is a loop through town, and the back half is an out and back. You finish on the 50 yard line of Husker Stadium. If you're sub 4 hour you will likely pass within arms distance of the elites. Smaller expo, and after race amenities, but great community support, and the race seems like it is growing.

Race Tips:

It can get warm on the back half. Bring sunscreen. If you're in for the full

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book your hotels early and get out to dinner early. It is often the same weekend as the university's graduation ceremony, but it didn't seem to make much of an impact on availability for those who plan ahead. Plenty of parking near the start/finish.
Reviewed by DJD About 2019

Great course but a bit crowded

Full Review:

I did the half in 2016 and the full in 2017. Very well organized and lots of spectator support! The pacers are awesome! They base the splits on the course elevation and if you can stick with them the race will be a lot more fun! I would like to say this is a great PR course, and it could be if it wasn't so crowded. Unfortunately, the first 13 miles are crowded with half-marathoners so it is impossible to run the tangents and you will do some weaving. But if you are fast and can get out front, then this is a course for you!

Race Tips:

The course is mostly flat with some small hills. But nothing too bad. I am terrible on hills and they didn't bother me too much.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay downtown near the race start. There are several nice hotels within walking distance. The downtown area is very nice with lots of good restaurants. There is a downtown farmer's market on Saturday that is fun to visit.
Reviewed by RS About 2017