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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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Modesto Marathon

Modesto, CA
Sunday, April 4, 2027


  5 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
The very flat fast Modesto Marathon course travels through scenic shaded historic college neighborhoods. Runners will then head past Modesto Junior College's west campus, and into the countryside viewing the Diablo Mountain Range, passing the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. The course then heads back toward town, finishing near the host Doubletree Hotel/Modesto Convention Center.

April Other Marathons in April Other Marathons in California Marathons near Modesto, CA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, April 4, 2027
2026: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 59°F (15°C)
Average High: 71°F (21°C)
Average Low: 47° F (8°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.63
Course Score: 99.63

Race Size

2026: 366 Finishers
2025: 325 Finishers
2024: 343 Finishers
2023: 299 Finishers
2022: 283 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 7.7%
2025: 14.5%
2024: 14%
2023: 11.4%
2022: 12.4%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 74°F  (23°C)
Low: 48°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

49°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 84%

Clear
NW 3 mph

PR Score

99.13

Course Score

99.48






Modesto Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Modesto Marathon was the 199th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 172nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 7.7% of Modesto Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 14.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Modesto Marathon ranked 73rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 97th so far in 2026. In California, it ranked 7th in 2025 and 6th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Modesto Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Modesto Marathon has a Course Score of 99.63, ranking it as the 79th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest marathon course in California.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Modesto Marathon a PR Score of 99.63. The PR Score ranks the Modesto Marathon as the 61st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 7th best marathon for a PR in California.

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

Modesto Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed79th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 8th fastest marathon course in California
Top 18% Nationally#8 of 34 in California
PR Potential61st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 7th best marathon for a PR in California
Top 14% Nationally#7 of 34 in California
Boston Qualifier Rate73rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 7th highest BQ percentage in California
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 16% Nationally#7 of 34 in California
Race Size199th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 19th largest marathon in California
Based on 2025 results
Top 34% Nationally#19 of 49 in California

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 108 feet (32m)
Min Elevation: 34 feet (10m)

Elevation Gain: 177 feet (53m)
Elevation Loss: 177 feet (53m)


Modesto

Course updated 02/27/2026




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Compare the Modesto Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Full Review:

Liked how there was people at every corner cheering you on and telling you don't give up. There wasn't anything I didn't like, it was a great run.

Race Tips:

I would say run at what ever pace makes you feel comfortable like some people do a slow jog, some do a fast jog, some people sprint like ⟟ recommend trying to keep a slow run or jog but don't stop moving. Expect a lot of people and try and get there early so you can get parking and stretch.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I would say Parkin a parking garage and try and get there about a 1-2 before so you have time to warm up and stretch take pictures etc
Reviewed by Af About 2022

BQ'd with this race

Full Review:

Super flat out and back, the two hills are crazy short and took only a couple minutes to do. You have a ton of shade the first 70% of the course and also low wind in the morning with a high percent chance that the wind will be blowing at your back (eastward) when you turn around and head back

Race Tips:

-Lots of crowding from walkers and half marathoners at the end. I was trying to run a BQ and kept having to weave between them. Definitely slowed me down but I got the BQ so 🤷 -Definitely use a portapotty early, there were massive lines 15min before start time
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2019

Flat, uncrowded, lots of almond blossoms

Full Review:

Flat out and back course. Only two short climbs. After the first couple of miles, lots of room to run or run/walk. Most of the race has a very rural feel to it ... mountains in the background; a thousand almond trees with beautiful white blossoms along the way. Uncrowded town, with some decent restaurants and entertainment venues in the area of the race start and finish. Only real complaint was that there were insufficient numbers of porta potties for the first 10K of the race, where the marathoners and half marathoners "competed" for their use. My suggestion would be to send the half marathoners off one half hour AFTER the start of the marathon, instead of sending both groups off together.
Reviewed by Larry Weisenthal About 2018

Full Review:

Awesome small town race, well organized, very flat course with few turns.
Reviewed by DT About 2014