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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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New River Marathon

Fleetwood, NC
Saturday, May 16, 2026


  4.5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
A North Carolina / Blue Ridge Mountain Marathon Experience! North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the spectacular New River valley are the backdrop for the New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 4 Mile. The New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers, is framed with views of horse farms, Christmas tree farms and the spectacular surrounding river valley. Experience why runners are raving: “I can honestly say New River Marathon is my absolute favorite race~the course is stunning and the people are genuinely kind” (50 Stater) and “one of the most spectacular scenic courses in the land!” Wooden finisher medallions locally crafted from Blue Ridge Mountain wood, locally crafted awards, live music, Stick Boy Bread Co. Kitchen finisher goodies (scones, bagels, fresh fruit), NC based Recover Brand race shirts, and so much more. USATF certified.

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in North Carolina Marathons near Fleetwood, NC



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 57°F (13°C)
Average High: 69°F (20°C)
Average Low: 44° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 96.38
Course Score: 96.53

Race Size

2026: 182 Finishers
2025: 297 Finishers
2024: 289 Finishers
2023: 164 Finishers
2022: 133 Finishers
2021: 93 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 2.8%
2025: 3%
2024: 4.2%
2023: 1.8%
2022: 7.5%
2021: 5.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 66°F  (19°C)
Low: 50°F  (10°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 89%

Clear
N 6 mph

PR Score

88.82

Course Score

90.12






New River Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The New River Marathon was the 210th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 196th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 2.8% of New River Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the New River Marathon ranked 373rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 176th so far in 2026. In North Carolina, it ranked 11th in 2025 and 8th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the New River Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The New River Marathon has a Course Score of 96.53, ranking it as the 416th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 14th fastest marathon course in North Carolina.

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 River Marathon a PR Score of 96.38. The PR Score ranks the New River Marathon as the 386th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 15th best marathon for a PR in North Carolina.

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

New River Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed416th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 14th fastest marathon course in North Carolina
Top 91% Nationally#14 of 16 in North Carolina
PR Potential386th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 15th best marathon for a PR in North Carolina
Top 84% Nationally#15 of 16 in North Carolina
Boston Qualifier Rate373rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 11th highest BQ percentage in North Carolina
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 78% Nationally#11 of 13 in North Carolina
Race Size210th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 7th largest marathon in North Carolina
Based on 2025 results
Top 36% Nationally#7 of 16 in North Carolina

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 3230 feet (984m)
Min Elevation: 2871 feet (875m)

Elevation Gain: 1071 feet (326m)
Elevation Loss: 1071 feet (326m)


New

Course updated 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the New River Marathon

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Compare the New River Marathon to other Marathons

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the New River Marathon in 5:03:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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


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Race Reviews


4.5
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Mayberry Meets Minimalism

Full Review:

This was my 14th marathon and by far the most scenic and beautiful stretch I've run. The organizers and volunteers are the kindest folk you'll ever meet. Everything else you need in a marathon? It's all covered without any clutter. Bathrooms and aid stations, the signage, the parking, the goodies at the finish, the T-shirts, and the wooden finisher's medallion--all simple and adequate but nothing overdone. This is a hometown, front porch type of run that will remind you that there are a lot of beautiful people in a world that houses soul-stirring, natural beauty. It's like a jog through the Garden of Eden.

Race Tips:

It was very humid on race day and the two hills (around miles 4 & 11) are steep.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

It's well-organized and small, so no need to get there super early or to fret about traffic or long lines at the restrooms, etc.
Reviewed by Karl About 2023

Full Review:

Low key and pretty area, some unexpectedly large hills.
Reviewed by SH About 2016