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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Mill Race Marathon

Columbus, IN
Saturday, September 26, 2026


  5 Stars from 7 Reviews

Course Description

No course description available at this time.






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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, September 26, 2026
2025: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Course Information

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

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 60°F (15°C)
Average High: 72°F (22°C)
Average Low: 49° F (9°C)





PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.47
Course Score: 99.59


Race Size

2025: 211 Finishers
2024: 180 Finishers
2023: 164 Finishers
2022: 171 Finishers
2021: No Results
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 6.2%
2024: 6.7%
2023: 5.5%
2022: 12.9%
2021: N/A
2020: N/A


Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 80°F  (27°C)
Low: 58°F  (14°C)

Race Start Conditions

62°F  (17°C)
Humidity: 85%

Clear
E 5 mph

PR Score

96.19

Course Score

99.58









Mill Race Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Mill Race Marathon was the 255th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 257th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 6.2% of Mill Race Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 6.7% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Mill Race Marathon ranked 233rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 243rd in 2024. In Indiana, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 4th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.


The Mill Race Marathon has a Course Score of 99.59, ranking it as the 86th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest marathon course in Indiana.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Mill Race Marathon a PR Score of 98.47. The PR Score ranks the Mill Race Marathon as the 237th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Indiana.

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

Mill Race Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed86th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 1st fastest marathon course in Indiana
Top 19% Nationally#1 of 5 in Indiana
PR Potential237th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Indiana
Top 52% Nationally#5 of 5 in Indiana
Boston Qualifier Rate233rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Indiana
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 49% Nationally#5 of 6 in Indiana
Race Size255th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Indiana
Based on 2025 results
Top 43% Nationally#2 of 7 in Indiana

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




Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 641 feet (195m)
Min Elevation: 605 feet (184m)

Elevation Gain: 293 feet (89m)
Elevation Loss: 293 feet (89m)


Mill

Course updated 06/22/2026





Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Mill Race Marathon

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Compare the Mill Race Marathon to other Marathons

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Do you want to see how the Mill Race Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

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


If you ran the Mill Race Marathon in 3:43:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.




Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 7 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Great Route and the Chance to Win a Pick-up Truck

Full Review:

Cruise along a fast flat route past some of the city’s famous architectural gems. And the chance to win a brand new Dodge Ram diesel pick-up truck is a nice little bonus after the finish.

Great Small Town Race

Full Review:

This race takes place in the beautiful city of Columbus, Indiana and I must say it is top 3 in my all time favorite places to race. The setting is awesome, Columbus has beautiful architecture, and the support from the race is second to none. Highly recommend this race.

Race Tips:

Course is flat and fast, being in September, it can be a warm race for the full marathoners.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plan a weekend getaway to Columbus. Lovely town.

Small city glory

Full Review:

Good support, great combined race, second half got warm. City really supports it, great restaurant, after party is great, they give away a truck! Big enough race but not too big!

Outstanding Event

Full Review:

This race is held in Columbus Indiana and from an outstanding expo the day before it was an amazing experience and I had a great time! The marathon is not as crowded and leverages flat trails for part run. Will definitely be back !

Race Tips:

Marathoners start with the half runners and then split off around 13 miles. Gel is offered and water stations about every 1.5 miles. I have qualified for Boston there. Flat, Fast, and Fun!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is easy race morning and there are many hotels near I-65 too. Restaurants are great and a nice selection to rest and have a beverage before the winner of the Ram Truck giveaway…

Run this Marathon

Full Review:

I loved the atmosphere. Columbus may not be a huge city, but people showed up and supported the runners! The weather was perfect which helped - it could have been hot if it were the week before/after. The race had lots of support and residents had set up motivational signs at mile 18-19 which were good for a chuckle. I just loved this race. Oh and it's flat as can be - biggest hill is a bridge.

Race Tips:

They have pacers, the race is super flat so easy to either have fun or set a PR if that's what you're going for. Could be hot in the middle of September so beware.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

You don't have to worry about parking or getting there more than 30 minutes early. The race is well organized.

Great fall race

Full Review:

Columbus, Indiana is a cool little town. There was a nice atmosphere surrounding the race. I thought the race was well organized overall.

Nice swag and they give away a Dodge Ram truck to a finisher of the half or full every year. Everyone who finishers the half or full goes into the drawing.

Race Tips:

The course is flat and can be fast if you get a good weather day. 2018 was a good weather day, but it can apparently be hit or miss. There's not a ton of crowd support when you're running the full. There were many stretches when I was by myself.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at Hotel indigo for location and they are pet friendly. This made parking super easy as the hotel parking was a snap and we walked to the start.

Good flat course to PR

Full Review:

The race was very well organized and the support people were very friendly. The course is very flat. My watch registered 66 ft of total elevation change. The water stops were a little less frequent than I've experienced in other races, but it wasn't an issue when I ran the race (2018). The weather was cool and pleasant. There were several places along the course where people were out tailgating and cheering for the runners. Also, they give away a really nice full size Dodge Ram every year to one of the finishers.

Race Tips:

Good flat course to PR if you get a cool weather day like 2018. I would drink at every water stop you come to (even if this isn't your usual habit) because they were a little less frequent than most races.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stayed at hotel indigo at it was awesome. The play has a cool vibe. The rooms are really nice, clean and well maintained. Huge bonus we were able to bring our dog because the place is pet friendly. It was an easy, quick warm up walk over to the start line. Not dealing with parking on race morning is always my perseverance.