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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.

2026 IS HERE!



New Hampshire Marathon

Bristol, NH
Saturday, October 3, 2026


  4.7 Stars from 3 Reviews

Course Description
Experience the quintessential New England charm on this picturesque loop course around the pristine Newfound Lake. Held during the vibrant fall foliage season, runners are treated to breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake surrounded by rolling hills and colorful forests. The course offers a mix of flat sections and gentle undulations, showcasing the natural beauty of rural New Hampshire. This marathon provides a serene and scenic running experience in a classic New England setting.





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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, October 3, 2026
2025: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Course Information

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

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 54°F (12°C)
Average High: 63°F (17°C)
Average Low: 44° F (6°C)





PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 95.06
Course Score: 95.52


Race Size

2025: 230 Finishers
2024: 202 Finishers
2023: 183 Finishers
2022: 156 Finishers
2021: 148 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 1.7%
2024: 2.5%
2023: 1.6%
2022: 7.7%
2021: 4.7%
2020: N/A


Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 63°F  (17°C)
Low: 46°F  (8°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 83%

Overcast
NNW 4 mph

PR Score

95.95

Course Score

96.51









New Hampshire Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The New Hampshire Marathon was the 244th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 240th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 1.7% of New Hampshire Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 2.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the New Hampshire Marathon ranked 417th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 385th in 2024. In New Hampshire, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 4th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.


The New Hampshire Marathon has a Course Score of 95.52, ranking it as the 428th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in New Hampshire.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the New Hampshire Marathon a PR Score of 95.06. The PR Score ranks the New Hampshire Marathon as the 420th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in New Hampshire.

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

New Hampshire Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed428th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in New Hampshire
Top 93% Nationally#5 of 5 in New Hampshire
PR Potential420th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in New Hampshire
Top 91% Nationally#5 of 5 in New Hampshire
Boston Qualifier Rate417th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in New Hampshire
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 88% Nationally#4 of 5 in New Hampshire
Race Size244th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 4th largest marathon in New Hampshire
Based on 2025 results
Top 42% Nationally#4 of 5 in New Hampshire

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




Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 746 feet (227m)
Min Elevation: 462 feet (140m)


New

Course updated 05/07/2025





Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the New Hampshire Marathon

View available accomodations around the New Hampshire Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.

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Compare the New Hampshire Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the New Hampshire Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

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


If you ran the New Hampshire Marathon in 4:42:00, 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


4.7
Based on 3 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Ideal Marathon

Full Review:

Beautiful views and the friendliest people of any race. Lots of hills but nothing too steep. With a little over 200 finishers the marathon is competitive and exciting but uncrowded and you can set your own pace.

Race Tips:

2025 was hot, nearly 80F at the finish, and lots of runners faded after the 1st half. Disciplined pacing is key. Plenty of water stations, no need to bring your own hydration.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Not many hotels nearby, book early.

Full Review:

Great small race - wonderful town support, everything was super easy, and the course was BEAUTIFUL! Logistically very straightforward - picked up my bib that morning, used the restrooms inside, walked right out to the start.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for some steep hills. It is a small field size, so not as much focus on where you line up as you might expect - however, this year we started with the 10k racers, which I imagine was much worse for them than the marathoners! But don't let those speedy 10k racers psyche you out!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Small town so hotels fill up - we stayed at a wonderful B&B (Henry Whipple House), but it did require a 2 night minimum. Drive up from Boston took twice as long as expected on Friday night. Did a great hike the day after (upon recommendation of Henry Whipple proprietor) at Cardigan Mountain. Great sandwiches and ice cream post-race at the Mill.

Full Review:

Very nice, small no stress race. Stay warm pre-race in a High School gym (with real toilets). No timing chip but you really don't need it. Very pretty course running around Newfound Lake. They have race day packet pick-up!

Race Tips:

The course is quite hilly. The hilliest I've ever run (25 marathons). Mercifully most of the hills are in the first half and after miles 17 or so its all flat or downhill. Plenty of water stops.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I drove in race morning so I can't comment on Hotels but Bristol is a small town so booking early is probably a necessity.