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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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Louisiana Marathon

Baton Rouge, LA
Sunday, January 17, 2027


  5 Stars from 13 Reviews
Top 50 Best Boston Qualifying Marathon for 2026

Course Description
The Louisiana Marathon course is very flat with only about 40 feet separating the high and low points on the course. Race time temperatures are typically in the mid-50s with high humidity levels.

The course features a fast, flat, runner-friendly path through the lakes, along the river, around downtown, on the university campus and in historic neighborhoods.

January Other Marathons in January Other Marathons in Louisiana Marathons near Baton Rouge, LA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, January 17, 2027
2026: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 52°F (11°C)
Average High: 62°F (16°C)
Average Low: 41° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.05
Course Score: 99.05

Race Size

2026: 1,477 Finishers
2025: 1,224 Finishers
2024: 999 Finishers
2023: 750 Finishers
2022: 586 Finishers
2021: 642 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 9%
2025: 9.1%
2024: 12.2%
2023: 13.2%
2022: 11.6%
2021: 15.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 61°F  (16°C)
Low: 37°F  (3°C)

Race Start Conditions

40°F  (4°C)
Humidity: 80%

Clear
N 6 mph

PR Score

99.03

Course Score

99.29






Louisiana Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Louisiana Marathon was the 69th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 83rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 9% of Louisiana Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 9.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Louisiana Marathon ranked 154th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 78th so far in 2026. In Louisiana, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Louisiana Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Louisiana Marathon has a Course Score of 99.05, ranking it as the 208th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Louisiana.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Louisiana Marathon a PR Score of 99.05. The PR Score ranks the Louisiana Marathon as the 155th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Louisiana.

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

Louisiana Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed208th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Louisiana
Top 46% Nationally#4 of 4 in Louisiana
PR Potential155th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Louisiana
Top 34% Nationally#2 of 4 in Louisiana
Boston Qualifier Rate154th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Louisiana
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 33% Nationally#1 of 3 in Louisiana
Race Size69th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Louisiana
Based on 2025 results
Top 12% Nationally#2 of 4 in Louisiana

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 89 feet (27m)
Min Elevation: 21 feet (6m)

Elevation Gain: 436 feet (132m)
Elevation Loss: 436 feet (132m)


Louisiana

Course updated 12/23/2025




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 13 reviews
Write Your Own Review

This is the race to choose for Louisiana

Full Review:

This marathon was well organized. The crowd was surprisingly large and it was great to go out with a mass crowd that included the half marathoners. The trip through the LSU campus was a treat and then we went through multiple beautiful neighborhoods. The course took place in one area of the city, but the course was done well. The crowd support really added to the overall positive feel of the race. This race delivered on the need for an LA marathon.

Bonus- The downtown area of Baton Rouge was beautiful and full of life.

Race Tips:

Overpass located at Mile 1 and mile 25 (prepare mentally) it's a very small bridge. There are a couple streets with rough surfaces. Be mindful and it will be no problem.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Arrive early to settle in. The porta potty lines were very long and there were people still there as the race started. Prepare accordingly.
Reviewed by HQ About 2025

Best ever, period.

Full Review:

Parking beforehand, a breeze. Course was scenic, fast and pancake flat. Weather, perfect. Crowds, terrific. Food afterwards, delicious. My second time doing it and signing up for another. Next time, BQ!

Only complaint, didn't receive email reminders that the fateful day was approaching.

Race Tips:

If you've done your training, you should expect to run a personal best.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you arrive one hour before the start, you'll easily find parking within 10 to 15 minutes stroll of starting line.
Reviewed by Brian O' Nuanain About 2024

Scenic flat smaller race

Full Review:

Very nice organization and lots of aid stations. Pretty good crowd support, too, for a smaller race. Official aid stations were smaller, but well staffed and provisioned, and in the second half (after the split) there were lots of unofficial stations staffed by kids with orange slices and smiles.

Race Tips:

The bridge hill at the beginning and the end is pretty much the only hill. There are a couple other 1% slopes here and there, but really this is a flat race. Mostly partially shaded, too. Weather was perfect in 2023.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The Hampton Inn is within a couple of blocks of the start which is nice if its colder before the sun comes up. There are quite a few good restaurants in walking distance downtown.
Reviewed by wer About 2022

Best marathon!

Full Review:

If you want a marathon with plenty of fun, a beautiful course, tons of course support, and the best ever post race party you HAVE to run this race!

Race Tips:

It's a flat course that winds through beautiful neighborhoods of Baton Rouge. Lots of families are out with some of the best signs, food, and beverages I've ever seen. Every intersection is policed and every mile is clearly marked with a 7 foot sign.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at the Holiday inn Express Downtown which was perfect walking distance to the expo and the start.
Reviewed by Anna S. About 2020

Course is flat and fast.

Full Review:

Finish festival is 2nd to none. Course is flat and fast. Easy to BQ

Race Tips:

Soak it in. The course us beautiful around LSU Lakes and campus, enjoy the atmosphere

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is easy. Park on 5th street, start and finish line is around the corner in 4th. Stay at Holiday Inn downtown and you can walk UK expo and start/finish
Reviewed by AN About 2018

Full Review:

Pros: Great organization. Voluntary corrals. LOTs of bathrooms. Flat and fast. Great t-shirt/medal. Beautiful course.

Cons: Only that it was warm. Baton Rouge has a nice little gem of a run. I'm surprised it isn't growing in popularity.

Race Tips:

More times than not I run a BQ time. This race was no exception. 325 ft. of gain. Start off easy and enjoy!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Watermark was nice. 5 blocks from the start - easy walk. Go to the Federal Building after the run. You can see the finish line and all the events from the 27th. Floor.
Reviewed by KOS About 2017

Full Review:

Great organization, well placed fuel/water/bathroom stops, best finish line festival + food of any race I've ever been at.

Race Tips:

Very flat course, good shade through the first 15 miles then in the sun off and on through 18-22
Reviewed by DT About 2017

Full Review:

The race was really well organized and the course was a real pleasure. Support along the course was fantastic - especially for a smaller race. The post race parties (both Saturday and Sunday) are fantastic with a great selection of local food, beer and entertainment.

Race Tips:

There is a 5k race on Saturday which I ran as a shakeout for Sunday's marathon. The 5k is really well done and completing the races on both days gets you additional swag.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I was able to find a hotel within about six blocks for the start/finish area which worked out pretty well.
Reviewed by KJM About 2017

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2017

Full Review:

The course is flat, fast, and fantastic. Running through LSU, around the lake, and through the neighborhoods kept it from being monotonous. The spectators are wonderful. The finish festival is second to none. Great music, fantastic Louisiana food, beer, and great swag for award winners. The expo had many good vendors and high quality race merchandise.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Very convenient to stay in downtown hotels, many of which are walking distance to both the expo and the start/finish.
Reviewed by SAH About 2017

Best post race food ever

Full Review:

Fast, flat course. Best post race food ever.
Reviewed by JB140.6 About 2017

Full Review:

Well administered, best manned aid stations, excellent after party, nice weather, good location. Was a little disappointed in the expo but other than that this is an excellent race.
Reviewed by wfw About 2016

Full Review:

A nice mid-sized (900 full, 1800 half) race. In only its second year it is well organized. Abundant water stops and on course port-a-potties. First half is very nice running thru LSU campus, some pretty parks and often running along water. The second half is more boring. A long out and back and run through repetitive neighborhoods. Some very bad roads the first 2 miles or so (I saw 3 folks fall) but after that fine.

Race Tips:

It is a very flat course. A few overpasses mainly in the early miles (although one at mile 25) but otherwise flat. In 2013 we had great weather. 40ish at the 7:00 start and 50's at 11:00. Lots of water stops (all had poweraid) and lots of gel handouts too. For a race in its second year the fan turnout was impressive.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at a motel 6 about 10 minutes from the start line. I arrived about an hour early and easily found parking. Also even 20 minutes before the start I was able to quickly use the port-a-potty.
Reviewed by EMR About 2012