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Marshall University Marathon

Huntington, WV
Sunday, November 1, 2026


  4.5 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
The Marshall University Marathon course is flat and fast. The course starts on 3rd Avenue next to football stadium and travels through downtown Huntington past Pullman Square, next to the Ohio River, and through Ritter Park. The race finishes on the Marshall University football field.

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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, November 1, 2026
2025: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Mostly on Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 49°F (9°C)
Average High: 58°F (14°C)
Average Low: 39° F (3°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.27
Course Score: 99.27

Race Size

2025: 379 Finishers
2024: 359 Finishers
2023: 330 Finishers
2022: 187 Finishers
2021: 224 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 13.5%
2024: 12.8%
2023: 9.1%
2022: 13.4%
2021: 17%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 65°F  (18°C)
Low: 40°F  (4°C)

Race Start Conditions

44°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 84%

Clear
N 2 mph

PR Score

98.66

Course Score

99.34






Marshall University Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Marshall University Marathon was the 176th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 170th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 13.5% of Marshall University Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 12.8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Marshall University Marathon ranked 87th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 118th in 2024. In West Virginia, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Marshall University Marathon has a Course Score of 99.27, ranking it as the 171st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in West Virginia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Marshall University Marathon a PR Score of 99.27. The PR Score ranks the Marshall University Marathon as the 122nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in West Virginia.

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

Marshall University Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed171st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in West Virginia
Top 38% Nationally#2 of 3 in West Virginia
PR Potential122nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in West Virginia
Top 27% Nationally#2 of 3 in West Virginia
Boston Qualifier Rate87th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in West Virginia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 19% Nationally#1 of 3 in West Virginia
Race Size176th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in West Virginia
Based on 2025 results
Top 30% Nationally#1 of 6 in West Virginia

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 567 feet (172m)
Min Elevation: 531 feet (161m)

Elevation Gain: 354 feet (107m)
Elevation Loss: 357 feet (108m)


Marshall

Course updated 05/07/2025




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Race Reviews


4.5
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Flat and fast double loop

Full Review:

Very happy volunteers. Easy parking at start. Flat and fast with two tiny hills on each loop.

Race Tips:

If you intend to bq line up early as half walkers crowded the start and the first mile. Thinned out after that. Mostly on pavement but some brick and a little sand/gravel trail. The bricks seemed a little slick in a light rain.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

You can arrive half hour before start but line up right away. Lots and lots of bathrooms at start in stadium. If you have spectators, they can catch you multiple times because of double loop. They said the race app was pretty accurate on my location.
Reviewed by Wer About 2025

Flat and Fast

Full Review:

MC was top notch piping some of the best music I've ever experienced at a race which helps more than you might think! Course was well organized with what seemed like thousands of volunteers directing through the turns. Ample water availability, parking and easy bib pickup. Wasn't too sure about the double loop but it kept the run engaging by continuously being able to see runners and hear the excitement at the stadium. Who would have thought WV has a flat, FAST race?? Great for a BQ and/or a PR! First time going #sub3

Race Tips:

Pacers for marathon only went from 3:30hr to 6hr (half 1:30hr - 3hr) so dial it in if you are faster and need xtra guidance. Course did not provide gels on course so pack your own. A couple of spots are pretty tight for 2-way traffic but it wasn't too heavy of a distraction.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Occasionally as the signups progress, they will post a 10% off code, you also get a discount code if you signup and are accepted as an ambassador. Bib pickup and stadium have ample parking. Delta hotel by Marriott is very nice and in a fantastic spot for race day and walking to countless lunch/dinner/breakfast options.
Reviewed by Jon Andrews About 2024

Decent race, unfortunate weather

Full Review:

Decent race and probably your best bet for a fast race in West Virginia being flat and expected cooler temps (not in 2017 though). Really nice Asics half-zip shirt (despite angry people on Facebook that it wasn't a jacket) and nice medal. They even hand you a football to carry across the goal line for the finish. I fumbled mine as it was patent leather material and I was a sweaty mess at that point. Award winners just collect their award outside the stadium. Age group place scored me a glass leaf bowl thingy. I suppose it will get more use than a medal or plaque, maybe.

Race Tips:

Course was extremely flat with only 2 notable hills of maybe 15ft. There is a lot of 2 way traffic on along the course, including a tight section on the riverwalk, and you can catch slower half marathoners on the 2nd loop. There a nice gravel trail section miles 6-9 and 19-22 that was quite pretty, especially with the leaves falling. Most of the rest of the course is forgettable.

The section through the college (marathon only) was a bit confusing both times, but the course was fairly well marked. There were at least a couple of guys that thought you run the 2nd loop backwards though. It should be a very good setup for fast times. Unfortunately the weather was unseasonably warm in 2017. 65F at the start and almost no cloud cover during the race. Temps reached close to 80F for the 4+ hour marathoners. The gravel trail was the only area with shade.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

They had a free pasta dinner that ended at 5:30? It was about what you'd expect from a free pasta dinner. Stayed at Fairfield Inn just a few minutes outside of town. Arrived at the stadium to park around 6am and got a spot within 100yds of the start line. Need to keep you stuff in your car as there is no gear check.
Reviewed by DA About 2017

Full Review:

Great small town marathon. Carrying a football and running the final 100 yards on Marshall Football field is nice touch. Very moving dropping a flower on the memorial within the Marshall campus. Indoor bathrooms before race. Grilled burgers after race.

Race Tips:

It is a flat two loop course. There is a lovely 3 miles section (run twice thru Ritter Park) that is great. I dressed warmly fior the cold start then peeled off clothes and dropped them on my car at the half way point.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is easy at the Marshall University football stadium parking lot.
Reviewed by EMR About 2011