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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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Madison Marathon

Madison, WI
Sunday, November 15, 2026


  2.9 Stars from 10 Reviews

Course Description
Conquer the cold! Sign-up for the Madison Marathon on November 10, 2024. View beautiful, iconic Madison, Wisconsin when you challenge yourself with this Boston Marathon qualifying event. See you at the Capitol!

November Other Marathons in November Other Marathons in Wisconsin Marathons near Madison, WI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, November 15, 2026
2025: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 40°F (4°C)
Average High: 49°F (9°C)
Average Low: 31° F (0°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.07
Course Score: 98.07

Race Size

2025: 1,911 Finishers
2024: 1,845 Finishers
2023: 1,627 Finishers
2022: 1,085 Finishers
2021: 1,016 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 6%
2024: 7.3%
2023: 8%
2022: 7.8%
2021: 8.7%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 45°F  (7°C)
Low: 32°F  (0°C)

Race Start Conditions

35°F  (2°C)
Humidity: 78%

Overcast
S 8 mph

PR Score

97.89

Course Score

97.9






Madison Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Madison Marathon was the 49th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 42nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 6% of Madison Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 7.3% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Madison Marathon ranked 240th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 227th in 2024. In Wisconsin, it ranked 18th in 2025 and 17th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Madison Marathon has a Course Score of 98.07, ranking it as the 339th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 17th fastest marathon course in Wisconsin.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Madison Marathon a PR Score of 98.07. The PR Score ranks the Madison Marathon as the 278th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 13th best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin.

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

Madison Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed339th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 17th fastest marathon course in Wisconsin
Top 74% Nationally#17 of 19 in Wisconsin
PR Potential278th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 13th best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin
Top 61% Nationally#13 of 19 in Wisconsin
Boston Qualifier Rate240th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 18th highest BQ percentage in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 51% Nationally#18 of 22 in Wisconsin
Race Size49th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 results
Top 9% Nationally#1 of 26 in Wisconsin

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 938 feet (285m)
Min Elevation: 845 feet (257m)

Elevation Gain: 851 feet (259m)
Elevation Loss: 833 feet (253m)


Madison

Course updated 06/17/2026




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Compare the Madison Marathon to other Marathons

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Madison Marathon in 3:19:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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Race Reviews


2.9
Based on 10 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Beautiful Course and Hilly

Full Review:

I signed up knowing this was going to be a tuff one and not a flat or downhiller. I've done over a hundred marathon, ultras etc. The weather was the real challenge. It sleeted and snowed early in the race, then the northwest winds picked up and increased over the morning to 30mph. It was 27 degrees at the start and barely hit 30. The course has hills and one needs to pace for that or have trained for it. The course runs through an arboretum and also a botanical garden and many park like areas. I had planned it being more hilly the first half but it was the second half seemed more so. I liked the enthusiasm of the locals and while the finish was not down hill but up, it was a great time. The organization seemed top notch and parking was not a problem, just arrive early to the Capital. I still finished close to my usual time, and won my age group but did need to walk a bit the last 2 miles. It compares beauty wise to the TC Marathon. You feel like you accomplished something after this!
Reviewed by RW About 2025

Don't plan to run fast here

Full Review:

25 degrees and gusty winds 20+ with a wind chill. Outside of the 2007, 2008 Chicago marathon where the temps were over 85 this was the third hardest marathon of 31 I have run. Between the hills, the temps and the frozen Gatorade Id take a pass on this. Course has a lot of twists and turns. Course had a lot of hills

Race Tips:

Dont run this race unless running for fun.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Lots of close hotels lots of street parking
Reviewed by the Whammer About 2025

One of the worst marathons

Full Review:

I would strongly advise against running the Madison Marathon. From the moment the race started, it was clear this event was poorly organized. The starting area was incredibly narrow, which led to a lot of chaos. I actually witnessed several runners falling and getting stepped on because there was no space to move properly. This could have been dangerous, especially for runners trying to settle into their pace.

The marathon course itself is incredibly lonely, with very little support or cheering along the way. As the miles went on, I found myself running by myself for long stretches, which felt isolating and demotivating. There were hardly any spectators, and the course was hilly and long, definitely not ideal for anyone hoping to set a fast time. On top of that, the course was not measured properly. It was almost half a mile long.

I also had some parking-related questions and reached out to the race director. Her responses were unhelpful, rude, and lacked any kind of friendliness or professionalism. It was clear she wasn't interested in assisting or making the experience better for participants.

Overall, this race was a huge disappointment, and I would not recommend it to anyone. If you're looking for a well-organized, fast course with good support, there are plenty of better options out there.
Reviewed by AC About 2024

Tough Course, Well Organized

Full Review:

The start is a little crowded because it goes off with the half marathon, but thins out after the first mile. The aid stations are plentiful and the volunteers enthusiastic. Roads are well managed with plenty of police officers. This is the first year that there were quite a few spectators to cheer the first 13m. The next 12 are more desolate. The finish is packed.

Be prepared for a lot of rolling hills throughout the course. Mile 25 is tough--you are so close, yet you are climbing a monster hill to the finish.

I've BQ'ed here twice so it isn't impossible to do, but if you are looking for a sure thing, you may want to seek out a flatter course.

Race Tips:

Hills! Practice on them a lot before this race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is ample. There are ramps everywhere.
Reviewed by Suzy About 2024

Disappointing experience at Madison Marathon

Full Review:

I had high hopes for the Madison Marathon, but my experience was disappointing. First and foremost, the customer service was absolutely awful. When I reached out with questions and concerns, I received little to no support. It felt like my inquiries were brushed aside, which is not what you expect from an event of this caliber.

The course itself was extremely hilly, making it much more challenging than I anticipated. While I appreciate a good challenge, the constant inclines and declines were exhausting, especially when combined with the lack of support along the route.

What really detracted from my experience was how isolated I felt during the race. After the half-marathoners turned to finish, I found myself running alone for long stretches. The lack of fellow runners made the experience feel lonely and less motivating. It's discouraging to run such a distance without the camaraderie that typically comes with race day.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Madison Marathon unless you're prepared for a super boring and challenging course without the community support that makes racing so enjoyable.
Reviewed by JK About 2023

Disappointing experience at Madison Marathon

Full Review:

I had high hopes for the Madison Marathon, but my experience was disappointing. First and foremost, the customer service was absolutely awful. When I reached out with questions and concerns, I received little to no support. It felt like my inquiries were brushed aside, which is not what you expect from an event of this caliber.

The course itself was extremely hilly, making it much more challenging than I anticipated. While I appreciate a good challenge, the constant inclines and declines were exhausting, especially when combined with the lack of support along the route.

What really detracted from my experience was how isolated I felt during the race. After the half-marathoners turned to finish, I found myself running alone for long stretches. The lack of fellow runners made the experience feel lonely and less motivating. It's discouraging to run such a distance without the camaraderie that typically comes with race day.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Madison Marathon unless you're prepared for a super boring and challenging course without the community support that makes racing so enjoyable.
Reviewed by JK About 2023

Fun & Challenging

Full Review:

Great Atmosphere, Great Course! Lots of hills. Overall this marathon is fun and challenging. It gives you such a sense of accomplishment as you conquer each hill that comes your way.

Race Tips:

Hill train and don't hesitate to walk if you need too.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Canteen Is a great spot for pre-race tacos
Reviewed by JE About 2022

Poorly organized

Full Review:

Race goes through a lot of suburban neighborhoods with no crowd support. Lot of hills, including a pointless out and back to Mendota mental health institute. The last two miles are lonely with runners spread out and no spectators. Cops allow cars to cross the race route. And this year the race had to stop for a train! The end of the race "party" consists of a bagged sandwich and ONE 8oz chocolate milk. Yes, they refuse to give you two. Poorly organized and you feel like your are imposing on a city that doesn't want the race.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for a lot of small and not-so-small hills. It can be cold, and this year snow was predicted for race day (but thankfully stayed away). Finally, it is an uphill finish.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Why would you travel to this race?
Reviewed by AY About 2017

Full Review:

Very hilly but well organized, not crowded and good crowds.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Hills hills hills

Full Review:

Hills hills hills, running try suburban neighborhoods, no community support, no idea where gu was available on course, poor finish area with a bagged sandwich

They can and should do better.

Pro Free marathon photos

Race Tips:

At least 22 major hills and 12 minor hills.
Reviewed by Bl About 2016