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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Monument Marathon

Gering, NE
Saturday, September 26, 2026


  5 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
The Monument Marathon is downhill point-to-point course with approximately 20% on dirt roads.

The course begins with a significant downhill grade for nearly five miles and flattens out as the course nears mile 13. After the halfway point, the course rises through Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument.

The remainder of the course is mostly flat with a few rolling hills. The race finishes through town.

The course starts at 4,600 feet and finishes at 4,000 feet.

September Other Marathons in September Other Marathons in Nebraska Marathons near Gering, NE



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Race Information

Race Dates

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

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Mostly on Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 56°F (13°C)
Average High: 72°F (22°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.33
Course Score: 98.33

Race Size

2025: 124 Finishers
2024: 79 Finishers
2023: 76 Finishers
2022: 76 Finishers
2021: 49 Finishers
2020: 110 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 4.8%
2024: 3.8%
2023: 17.1%
2022: 6.6%
2021: 18.4%
2020: 9.1%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 14 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 78°F  (26°C)
Low: 47°F  (8°C)

Race Start Conditions

55°F  (13°C)
Humidity: 66%

Clear
W 8 mph

PR Score

96.26

Course Score

96.87






Monument Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Monument Marathon was the 333rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 393rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 4.8% of Monument Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 3.8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Monument Marathon ranked 287th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 351st in 2024. In Nebraska, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Monument Marathon has a Course Score of 98.33, ranking it as the 318th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Nebraska.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Monument Marathon a PR Score of 98.33. The PR Score ranks the Monument Marathon as the 256th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 3rd best marathon for a PR in Nebraska.

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

Monument Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed318th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Nebraska
Top 69% Nationally#5 of 6 in Nebraska
PR Potential256th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd best marathon for a PR in Nebraska
Top 56% Nationally#3 of 6 in Nebraska
Boston Qualifier Rate287th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Nebraska
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 60% Nationally#3 of 4 in Nebraska
Race Size333rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Nebraska
Based on 2025 results
Top 57% Nationally#3 of 4 in Nebraska

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 4635 feet (1413m)
Min Elevation: 3879 feet (1182m)

Elevation Gain: 624 feet (190m)
Elevation Loss: 1240 feet (378m)


Monument

Course updated 07/01/2024




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Monument Marathon

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Compare the Monument Marathon to other Marathons

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Monument Marathon in 4:24:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Amazingly scenic!

Full Review:

Awesome small town race. Expo was easy. Above average bathrooms before you get on the bus shuttle as well as at the start line. After party at Flyover Brewing in Scotts Bluff was a good time.

Race Tips:

First few miles are incredibly downhill. You'll bank lots of time there but you pay for it with a few dirt miles later in the race. Last mile is a toughie!
Reviewed by gp About 2025

Small but Mighty

Full Review:

Organization was great
Gravel by cemetery two miles out was slippery.

Race Tips:

Check out the course first. It is challenging.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

El Charrito a good Mexican restaurant. Fly Over Brewery is very nice.
Reviewed by Ks About 2022

Nice Small Town Race

Full Review:

Such a well run event considering the size of the field and the size of the town. I have run much larger races with less support and less organization. The scenery is beautiful and if you are accustomed to running against yourself, you will do just fine. If you prefer to run with a herd or a pace group, however, just forget it, because the field is small. My main complaints would be the relatively late start, which had many runners finishing past noon (luckily, the weather was cooler than forecast) and the lack of readily available aid (Vaseline, etc.) on the course. But there was plenty of water, Gatorade, gel, and other nutrition along the way. Really well done, organizers!

Race Tips:

Dress in layers and be prepared to shed some as the temperature and elevation changes will get to you eventually. Take the hills from 11.5-14.5 easy and you should finish strong.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Our hotel (a race sponsor) was sold out for those arriving late. Don’t count on a room in these small towns unless you have made reservations early.
Reviewed by Mike N. About 2018

Full Review:

Beautiful scenery, challenging course. Mostly pavement except approximately 6 miles on dirt.

Race Tips:

First 4 miles are down hill, mile 13-15 are significant up hill, plan accordingly.
Reviewed by Carl B. About 2013