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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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Maine Marathon

Portland, ME
Sunday, October 4, 2026


  4.9 Stars from 12 Reviews

Course Description
The Maine Marathon features a rolling out-and-back course. The course starts and finishes along the inner bay - the Back Cove. The first and last four miles are mostly flat. In between, runners enjoy Mackworth Point in Falmouth (just north of Mackworth Island), a short detour off Route 1. The course then returns to Route 1 and turns onto Route 88, where runners pass many stately homes. The marathon continues along Route 88 to Yarmouth for a 2.5-mile loop around a rural neighborhood before rejoining Route 88 for the return trip to Portland.

The marathon course features a mixture of rolling hills and flat sections between Miles 5 and 17, and is mostly flat or downhill for the final nine miles.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Maine Marathons near Portland, ME



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 4, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Course Information

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

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

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: 97.97
Course Score: 97.97

Race Size

2025: 1,176 Finishers
2024: 1,037 Finishers
2023: 905 Finishers
2022: 747 Finishers
2021: 792 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 6.6%
2024: 7.9%
2023: 8.3%
2022: 12.2%
2021: 12.6%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 62°F  (17°C)
Low: 47°F  (8°C)

Race Start Conditions

49°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 87%

Clear
N 6 mph

PR Score

97.6

Course Score

98.15






Maine Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Maine Marathon was the 74th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 80th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 6.6% of Maine Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 7.9% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Maine Marathon ranked 224th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 212th in 2024. In Maine, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 5th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Maine Marathon has a Course Score of 97.97, ranking it as the 347th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Maine.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Maine Marathon a PR Score of 97.97. The PR Score ranks the Maine Marathon as the 292nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Maine.

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

Maine Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed347th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Maine
Top 76% Nationally#5 of 8 in Maine
PR Potential292nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Maine
Top 64% Nationally#5 of 8 in Maine
Boston Qualifier Rate224th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Maine
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 47% Nationally#5 of 10 in Maine
Race Size74th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Maine
Based on 2025 results
Top 13% Nationally#1 of 11 in Maine

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 166 feet (50m)
Min Elevation: 9 feet (2m)

Elevation Gain: 858 feet (261m)
Elevation Loss: 858 feet (261m)


Maine

Course updated 06/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Maine Marathon

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Compare the Maine Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


4.9
Based on 12 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Recommending this mid-sized, well-run race on a beautiful course in autumn

Full Review:

The Maine Marathon is run in Portland the first weekend of October. The course itself is beautiful, running along the water and on lovely country roads, and the time of year makes it very pleasant -- this year, the temps were in the 50s at start and they complained it was warmer than usual -- it did heat up, but not too badly. The race was very organized, with good communications, a really nice expo (for a mid-sized race), and great support along the course.

There were no negatives, but I would note the course is rolling hills and some of them felt daunting, especially on the way back. Would gladly do this race again. Portland is a lovely city and this race did it proud.

Race Tips:

Please see above -- rolling hills are something to watch for. The course is out and back -- the hills were OK going out and most were OK coming back, but there were a few that beat me up.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels in Portland were surprisingly expensive, but we found a very convenient AirBNB so I'd look for that.
Reviewed by MPG About 2023

Great Marathon Just a Bit Hilly

Full Review:

If you sign up be aware that there are hills. Not one or two, lots of hills! The course is fairly scenic as it winds through the local communities. The starting area is well organized. You should be able to park near the start and once there you will find a few vendors that can sell you a Gu or related item if you forgot it. My only complaint is that there were nearly no porta-potties along the course. Basically, just at the relay transfer points. Worse, the waiting relay racers create long lines so if you want to stop, it will not be a quick one.

Race Tips:

I would suggest driving the course if you can. The hills are significant and driving through will give you some idea as to where they are and how big they are. As to the race, the hills start in earnest at about mile 6 and then end at about mile 20. Just keep that in mind when you start out along the water and it is pancake flat.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The race parking seems to be plentiful and is near the start. If you decide to stay near the water (which I recommend) you will not have any problem finding a parking spot on race day.
Reviewed by MS About 2022

Well-supported race

Full Review:

Well-supported race, pretty course with nice crowds cheering
Reviewed by Ds About 2018

Scenic & Friendly

Full Review:

Lots of support along the course.
Reviewed by ld About 2018

Full Review:

The Spectators and Volunteers!!!!

The bling is always good too.

Race Tips:

Always check the weather the night before and morning of, New England's weather can change fast

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The website list specific parking areas
Reviewed by AMN About 2017

Everything a runner could ask for!

Full Review:

Beautiful views, great course, extremely well organized!

Race Tips:

Don't over dress! The day warms up as the sun comes out.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

You'll have to park a mile away. Use it as your warm up!
Reviewed by Christine About 2017

Full Review:

All volunteer marathon that is absolutely beautiful! All proceeds benefit local charities. The course is just beautiful and there are so many goodies!

Race Tips:

Expect to have a great time, you will find everyone to be especially helpful.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is free at the University of Southern Maine! Arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy prerace time.
Reviewed by J.M. About 2016

Full Review:

The Maine Marathon is all about the Maine experience. Exciting without being overly dramatic, scenic but never showy, friendly and genuine, and fun. The weather is always perfect temperature. The course is shaded, run under the oaks along the coast of southern Maine, starting and finishing in beautiful downtown Portland. The first 2 miles and the last 2 miles take you along the Back Cove. The crowds are out, cheering for you by name, the support tables are enthusiastically managed and evenly distributed along the course. The medals are always top of the line, and the director and finish line team are the best in the business!! There are three or four sections with small hills, otherwise this is a flat and fast run. I've done this marathon and half-marathon course numerous times and it always makes me smile to finish it. What a gem!! They celebrate their 25th year in 2016 and from I can see, this race has legs. Expect another 25 years easy!

Race Tips:

Slow and steady start. No hills until mile 6, when you hit the Falmouth Foreside section. Tree lined and shaded. Temps are typically in the low 50's at the start. Hills in mile 6, 7, 9, 15, 17. Easy hills for the most part. Tuttle Road section is the toughest one. Great crowds to help motivate you, especially at the route 88 pickup and the Tuttle Road intersection. They do run the half, marathon relay and marathon all concurrently, so for the first 6.5 miles, it's a bit crowded, especially at the half midpoint which is close to the first relay handoff. Other than that, it's easy running with room to spread out.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Eat at BreaLu cafe after the race. It's literally two blocks from the finish line on Forest Avenue. You've earned the sort of breakfast they can make for you!!
Reviewed by Gregory Lull About 2015

Full Review:

Awesome course. Amazing race goodie bag. Loved this marathon!

Race Tips:

Train on some hills.
Reviewed by Larissa About 2015

Full Review:

Well organized, nice gift bags to all runners, not a lot of turns on the race course mostly straight out and back.

Race Tips:

Expect a few hills between mile 17 and 21 otherwise mostly rolling hills. Course is normally about 1-2 tenths of a mile longer on my gps than the track mileage.
Reviewed by jc About 2015

Full Review:

The Maine Marathon is a very well run race. Volunteers are very friendly. Pleasant course hills are not overly hard

Race Tips:

Expect a slower first few miles as half marathon follows the same course. The pack thins out around mile 7 as the half marathon turns to head back. Hills are not as bad as advertised keep a steady pace until mile 17 after that race is flat or down hill.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is easy in the garage at Southern Maine Unv. Use the bathrooms at the parking garage clean and no crowds!
Reviewed by John Carter About 2014

Full Review:

Well run mid-sized race. They have race day packet pick-up. Run w/ a half and a relay. You get a nice T-shirt and Medal. They have an early start for walkers.

Race Tips:

The course is a modified out and back. Some rolling hills in the middle miles. If you've trained on hills these shouldn't scare you away. The last few miles are nice and flat. Post race area is a little cramped but they have some nice food.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I drove in on race morning so I don't know about hotels. I did find free parking super near by but I arrived early.
Reviewed by EMR About 2012