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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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P tit Train du Nord Marathon

Saint-Jerome, QC
Sunday, October 4, 2026


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The P'tit Train du Nord Marathon offers a unique and incredibly fast point-to-point race through the beautiful Laurentian region of Quebec. Run on Le P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park, a converted railway line, the course is renowned for its straight layout and significant net downhill elevation drop of 220 meters (over 700 feet) from the start in Val-David to the finish in Saint-Jérôme. This consistent, gradual descent, combined with the ideal fall running conditions and breathtaking scenery, makes it a prime destination for runners seeking a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualifying time.

The surface of the course is primarily hard-packed gravel, offering a forgiving yet fast track, with a few short asphalt sections at the start, finish, and road crossings. The route is entirely traffic-free, winding through the vibrant colors of the Laurentian forest during the prime autumn foliage season. Its linear nature minimizes turns and maximizes a consistent running rhythm, solidifying its reputation as one of the fastest and most picturesque nature marathons in the world.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Quebec Marathons near Saint-Jerome, QC



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 4, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Mostly on Trails

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 47°F (8°C)
Average High: 56°F (13°C)
Average Low: 38° F (3°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 100.42
Course Score: 100.42

Race Size

2025: 2,036 Finishers
2024: 1,828 Finishers
2023: 1,819 Finishers
2022: 1,750 Finishers
2021: 1,468 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 15.2%
2024: 18.8%
2023: 18%
2022: 23.5%
2021: 27%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 8 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 61°F  (16°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

48°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 81%

Partly Cloudy
NNE 6 mph

PR Score

99.71

Course Score

100.57






P tit Train du Nord Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The P tit Train du Nord Marathon was the 5th largest marathon in Canada in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 7th largest marathon in Canada.

In 2025, 15.2% of P tit Train du Nord Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 18.8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the P tit Train du Nord Marathon ranked 7th among marathons in Canada in 2025 and 7th in 2024. In Quebec, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The P tit Train du Nord Marathon has a Course Score of 100.42, ranking it as the 1st fastest marathon course in Canada and the 1st fastest marathon course in Quebec.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the P tit Train du Nord Marathon a PR Score of 100.42. The PR Score ranks the P tit Train du Nord Marathon as the 1st best marathon in Canada for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 1st best marathon for a PR in Quebec.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the P tit Train du Nord Marathon compares with other marathons in Canada and Quebec for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

P tit Train du Nord Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed1st fastest marathon course in Canada
Ranked 1st fastest marathon course in Quebec
Top 4% Nationally#1 of 5 in Quebec
PR Potential1st best marathon for a Personal Record in Canada
Ranked 1st best marathon for a PR in Quebec
Top 4% Nationally#1 of 5 in Quebec
Boston Qualifier Rate7th highest BQ percentage in Canada
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Quebec
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 25% Nationally#1 of 4 in Quebec
Race Size5th largest marathon in Canada
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Quebec
Based on 2025 results
Top 17% Nationally#2 of 4 in Quebec

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1054 feet (321m)
Min Elevation: 309 feet (94m)

Elevation Gain: 588 feet (179m)
Elevation Loss: 1315 feet (400m)


P

Course updated 06/17/2026




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Compare the P tit Train du Nord Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

The most beautiful and fast marathon I've ever done.

Full Review:

I have no complaints for this marathon I did it in 2021 and 2022 and both times I had a great PB. It felt like heaven with all the scenery.

Race Tips:

Take your own hydration do not be dependent on hydration stations. Start slower do not go down the hills too fast.
Reviewed by Desiree Welch About 2022