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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Railway Marathon

Fultondale, AL
Saturday, February 6, 2027


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
Starting at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, AL, the Railway Marathon & Half Marathon will be held on the Five Mile Creek Greenway, a rails-to-trail project located 15 minutes north of Birmingham. Runners will race through the Cities of Fultondale, Gardendale.

The course consist of hard-packed crushed gravel. Marathoners will run the out-and-back course twice.

February Other Marathons in February Other Marathons in Alabama Marathons near Fultondale, AL



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, February 6, 2027
2026: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 46°F (7°C)
Average High: 56°F (13°C)
Average Low: 36° F (2°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.62
Course Score: 98.62

Race Size

2026: 59 Finishers
2025: 55 Finishers
2024: 70 Finishers
2023: No Results
2022: No Results
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 15.3%
2025: 5.5%
2024: 11.4%
2023: N/A
2022: N/A
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 3 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 66°F  (19°C)
Low: 43°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 85%

Clear
N 4 mph

PR Score

97.12

Course Score

98.62






Railway Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Railway Marathon was the 453rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 411th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 15.3% of Railway Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 5.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Railway Marathon ranked 263rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 36th so far in 2026. In Alabama, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 2nd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Railway Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Railway Marathon has a Course Score of 98.62, ranking it as the 281st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest marathon course in Alabama.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Railway Marathon a PR Score of 98.62. The PR Score ranks the Railway Marathon as the 222nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Alabama.

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

Railway Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed281st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 6th fastest marathon course in Alabama
Top 61% Nationally#6 of 8 in Alabama
PR Potential222nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Alabama
Top 49% Nationally#5 of 8 in Alabama
Boston Qualifier Rate263rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Alabama
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 55% Nationally#6 of 7 in Alabama
Race Size453rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 7th largest marathon in Alabama
Based on 2025 results
Top 77% Nationally#7 of 7 in Alabama

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 633 feet (192m)
Min Elevation: 493 feet (150m)

Elevation Gain: 628 feet (191m)
Elevation Loss: 628 feet (191m)


Railway

Course updated 12/09/2024




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Compare the Railway Marathon to other Marathons

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


Comparison Tool

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


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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Excellent Birmingham area marathon

Full Review:

It's two out and backs, which I liked because I knew what to expect. Really small field size, but the out and backs mean that there's always someone going the other way so you're not alone much.

Race Tips:

Don't get it twisted, it's kinda hilly. The big hill is a nice gradual slope but the little hills before and after are what killed me. Also watch out for the loose gravel at start and finish!
Reviewed by Emily McEachern About 2024