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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!



Shamrock Marathon

Virginia Beach, VA
Sunday, March 21, 2027


  4.7 Stars from 19 Reviews

Course Description

The Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach is a long-standing St. Patrick’s Day tradition known for being one of the flattest and fastest courses in the United States. A premier Boston Qualifier, the race is designed for speed, with the vast majority of the route sitting just a few feet above sea level.

Course Layout and Terrain

The marathon follows a paved road course that features mostly out-and-back sections. Starting near 42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue, runners head north into the residential neighborhoods of Virginia Beach before winding through the tree-lined paths of First Landing State Park and Fort Story. The second half of the race takes runners south toward Rudee Inlet before returning for a high-energy finish on the world-famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Elevation and Notable Sections

The elevation profile is almost entirely flat, with a total gain of only approximately 270 feet across 26.2 miles. However, there are specific tactical points to keep in mind:

  • Fort Story: Runners pass through this military installation twice (once heading north and once returning south). This section features views of two historic lighthouses but can be mentally challenging due to thinner crowds.
  • Rudee Inlet Bridge: This is the only significant "hill" on the course. While not steep by most standards, it must be crested at Mile 15 and again at Mile 23, which can feel taxing late in the race.
  • The Boardwalk Finish: The final stretch is a straight, flat 1.5-mile sprint along the oceanfront boardwalk, ending at the majestic King Neptune statue.

This is a top-tier PR (Personal Record) course due to the lack of hills, but its coastal location introduces one major variable: the wind. Because the course is highly exposed along the Atlantic, a strong headwind on the return trip can derail a race if a runner pushes too hard during a tailwind-assisted first half. It is the ideal course for "flat-landers" and those looking to lock into an even pace, provided they have a strategy for the wind and the double-climb over the Rudee Inlet Bridge.


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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, March 21, 2027
2026: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Very Flat
Type: Mostly Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 48°F (8°C)
Average High: 57°F (13°C)
Average Low: 39° F (3°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.68
Course Score: 99.68

Race Size

2026: 2,435 Finishers
2025: 1,951 Finishers
2024: 2,005 Finishers
2023: 1,692 Finishers
2022: 1,811 Finishers
2021: 340 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 5%
2025: 6%
2024: 10%
2023: 12.5%
2022: 10.3%
2021: 3.2%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 18 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 56°F  (13°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

48°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 75%

Partly Cloudy
N 11 mph

PR Score

99.24

Course Score

99.68






Shamrock Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Shamrock Marathon was the 46th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 39th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 5% of Shamrock Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Shamrock Marathon ranked 242nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 162nd so far in 2026. In Virginia, it ranked 7th in 2025 and 4th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Shamrock Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Shamrock Marathon has a Course Score of 99.68, ranking it as the 71st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Virginia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Shamrock Marathon a PR Score of 99.68. The PR Score ranks the Shamrock Marathon as the 54th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 3rd best marathon for a PR in Virginia.

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

Shamrock Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed71st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Virginia
Top 16% Nationally#4 of 10 in Virginia
PR Potential54th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd best marathon for a PR in Virginia
Top 12% Nationally#3 of 10 in Virginia
Boston Qualifier Rate242nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 7th highest BQ percentage in Virginia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 51% Nationally#7 of 13 in Virginia
Race Size46th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Virginia
Based on 2025 results
Top 8% Nationally#3 of 16 in Virginia

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 31 feet (9m)
Min Elevation: 6 feet (1m)

Elevation Gain: 270 feet (82m)
Elevation Loss: 272 feet (82m)


Shamrock

Course updated 02/27/2026




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Race Reviews


4.7
Based on 19 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Pancake Flat, Great first marathon

Full Review:

This was my first ever marathon and I signed up because the weather was supposed to be decent and it was flat. In past years it was colder but much windier, in 2026 it was mild wind and warmer. I would say the wind on the boardwalk was the worst part but it was pretty early on so it was not a long term issue. I ran 2:49 that day and felt wonderful. You go over one bridge but its not super steep and its not super tall either.

The race was organized well and while there isn't a ton of cheering in the second half it is still a fun race to be apart of.

Race Tips:

Start slow in the first half. So many people just died out, The first half gives you a false sense of speed so you definitely need to hold back there. They have dry bag drop offs up to 15 minutes before the race so you can plan for that.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I got an airbnb and lyfted to the start. Probably not the best idea. You can find pretty affordable hotels near the start and jog to the start.
Reviewed by Brandon About 2026

Best race, best weekend, MUST DO!

Full Review:

This race is the absolute best. Incredible events all weekend, amazing energy, beautiful location, perfect course, best bling, BEST afterparty ever. If you need a spring race, it's worth the trip.

Race Tips:

Be prepared that you will either have a head wind or a tail wind during the beach section, and plan it into your pace time. It's only about 1.5 miles, and it is a beautiful stretch!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Pick one of the many hotels right near the finish line. Short walk to the start, and then you can take a quick shower before going to the EPIC post race party on the beach. Live music, beer, food, dancing, merch, photo ops - this race has them all!
Reviewed by Shamrock #1 marathon About 2026

Super fun!

Full Review:

Great swag, expo, race directors, course, participants, crowd!!!

Race Tips:

Have fun and enjoy the surroundings. For the marathon, be ready for mile 17-18 and use momentum and your endurance to finish strong!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay local if traveling in so you can enjoy the events and location!!!
Reviewed by ALMW About 2024

The best half marathon

Full Review:

Absolutely loved it!! Lots of swag, 4 beers, and food. Tons of port-pots, water stations, and GU.

Race Tips:

Flat easy course.
Reviewed by NJ About 2024

Windy

Full Review:

Great Race, plenty of friendly spectators throughout the course, great after party.

Race Tips:

If the wind is out of the North(which it typically is), the last 7 miles are going to be tough. Had a 19MPH wind hitting you front and center for the last 2 miles that you are on the boardwalk. Best strategy I saw was a group of 6 people all running single file towards the end taking turns up at the front of the pack. It would be beneficial if you had some friends in front of you to help break the wind.
Reviewed by JB About 2023

Get Ready for a Windy Challenge

Full Review:

Great -- Course begins on the main road (Atlantic Ave) in the center of most hotels, making it easy to walk to the start. The expo is at the Virginia Beach Convention Center: loads of space, and photo opportunities. The event centers around their sponsor Yuengling. They love their beer and their St. Patty's weekend festivities! Wear your GREEN!

Not so great -- They could use more snacks/food at aid stations. I think they were only 2-3. Water/Nuun aid was plentiful and often. Stations could use more trash cans to avoid a mess. The last comment, for the finish, it would be best if they handed the string bag first before receiving all of the goodies. I had to juggle everything.

Race Tips:

The course is 90% flat. There is a semi-out and back on the back end that features a distinguished bridge. You'll be going up that sucker on miles 17 and 23.

This last comment is about wind direction (and this can change by year). We had a strong 20mph wind that gave us a tailwind from Mile 9 to 19 going southbound, but the return north to the finish is full headwind! Prepare for this on marathon weekend for any last-minute pacing adjustments.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I recommend staying at the hotel/lodgings near the course. The street is closed off, but arriving early helped in finding a great spot and leaving it there. Plan accordingly so you don't lose your parking space on an unnecessary errand.
Reviewed by bg About 2023

Nice Flat course, but terrible headwind the last 4 miles

Full Review:

Nice Flat course, but terrible headwind the last 4 miles.

Easy town to navigate and vibe.

Race Tips:

Expect late headwind during your last 10K, it will cost you 1-2 min.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2023

Excellent race, but windy

Full Review:

Great race to run. Very well-organized and with a relatively flat course. It's just windy, which adds a little more challenge to the distance. Finishing up right next to the King Neptune statue is a treat.

After they weigh you down with swag and snacks after crossing the finish, you can go to the post-race party in a circus tent on the beach where they give out beer, soda and Irish Stew.

Race Tips:

The course is mostly flat. The only real hill is a bridge you run up twice, by miles 15 and 23. It's windy, though. This year, like most, there was a nasty headwind from miles 18.5 through 26, though a nice tailwind from miles 8 - 18.5.

There's also a half marathon. Both races start at the same time and go through the first 12.5 miles together. Be careful not to get sucked into their pace.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are at least two dozen hotels within half a mile of the finish. If you're willing to drive about a mile, there's at least 2 dozen more. And since it's a beach resort, prices tend to be reasonable in March. A good trick is to make a reservation with a cancellation policy, and then to keep monitoring sites for cheaper rates. Just realize that there's about a mile distance between the start and the finish, and if you stay near the start you'll likely be walking back into a headwind.
Reviewed by MF About 2023

One of the best!

Full Review:

2nd time running this race! J&A racing does an excellent job with all aspects. The shamrock theming is so much fun. The expo had plenty of swag and giveaways along with running smoothly. The race is flawless and water stations are prevalent. The post race party is awesome. The stew is perfect after running. They do need more free water at the post race party. The only water you receive for free is through the finish corral. There is no doubt why so many people run this over and over

Race Tips:

Pacers kept a great strategy. Prepare for wind, but this year the majority of the race was shielded.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Any hotel along the boardwalk is within walking distance to the start and finish. Port o pots are plenty at the start, finish and long the course.
Reviewed by LC About 2023

Very flat course, Ocean views, large crowds

Full Review:

Very flat course, Ocean views, large crowds along some of the route, cool afterparty on the beach, nice swag. Also, the whole town gets involved in this event. On race weekend, you will see that the hotel and restaurant workers are wearing race jerseys in support of the event and the runners. I BQ'd at this event partly due to the flat course, but also my awesome marathon pacers.

Race Tips:

Use the pace groups provided. They are free and all you need to do is visit the booth at the Expo center. Stay on the oceanfront or very nearby, most of the roads around the beachfront will be closed by 4:30 AM. Plan for all weather conditions. The wind off the ocean can be cold and cause a daunting headwind. There are some portions of the course (Two sections that run through military bases) that are very drab and boring. The second one is around Mile 18 so plan to have something to occupy your mind in these sections.
Reviewed by Shawn About 2022

Super flat except for the bridge...

Full Review:

A great place to run, to set your personal best, and to have a memorable weekend!

Race Tips:

Don't get carried away and stick to your plan to the letter.
Reviewed by Orlando Zorro Zamora About 2022

Flat and entertaining.

Full Review:

It covers a large portion of the coast and historical sites. There are stretches with very little support from residents.

Race Tips:

A very good pacing team. It is recommended to run your race with the group that corresponds to your pace. It is easy to find accommodation near the start and finish lines.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

You can easily walk to the finish line.
Reviewed by José Orlando Zorro Zamora About 2022

Full Review:

I loved the course in Virginia Beach, nice and flat, passing through 2 military installations, the crowd support was great for most of the race. And my favorite part is running up Shore Drive. The race was well organized and the swag is sweet. You get a medal, towel, drawstring bag with quite a few recovery goodies, a hat and the finish festival is really nice, with Murphy's Irish Stew and Yuengling beer. Now if only the weather would cooperate, it would be the almost perfect race.

Race Tips:

The course is flat, so no guesswork there. Just be prepared for stormy weather since it is the middle of March on the East coast.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book your hotel well in advance just for availability. The Host hotel is a little far from the action, I always stay right on the beach, you can cheer other runners coming in from your balcony.
Reviewed by AM About 2017

Flat and Fun (2x finisher)

Full Review:

Love this course. You never know what the weather will be - but the course is flat and fast. The people are fabulous and the after party is the best!
Reviewed by LL About 2017

Full Review:

Well run marathon with a great party afterwards. A couple areas can be very windy depending on the weather.

Race Tips:

Very flat with just a couple of bridges. In the windy areas of the boardwalk and fort story run behind someone to block the wind.
Reviewed by hr About 2016

Full Review:

Overall a nice race. Very well run. The organizers do a great job. The expo was good (not the best I have been to but good). The after party is the best I have been to - warm tent, plenty of beer, food, bands, and runners trying to build beer cup towers in the sand! (been running for years and it still amazes me how much runners like to party after a race!...including me :). Plenty of accommodations in the area. Stayed on a no-name place right on the boardwalk and it was great....walked to the start.

The course is flat except the slow incline between 16 and 19. I wasn't really prepared for that (my fault for not reading the elevation chart more carefully). And like others have said - the head winds. Two days before the winds were below 10 mph and I thought we were good. But a storm was coming in and by race day they were gusting over 20. Running through Camp Pendelton was cool - nice to see the solders out cheering you on and to say thanks to them. But there are some "lonely" spots on the course. Very nice metal and plenty of post race food.

Race Tips:

Expect wind...then if there isn't you should do even better. Its flat but be prepared for the late incline. Some lonely spots, particularly late in the race when runners are spread out.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of accommodations in the area. Some of the no-name places are pretty good and not as expensive (do your research but dont wait - particularly if you want to get into one of the big name hotels). You can get on the boardwalk with a ocean view and then walk right to the start. If you are there the day before and stay south of the race hotel and start you can see the Saturday races run by. There\'s no pasta dinner and since it is off season not all of the restaurants are open. Plan ahead and research where you want to eat.
Reviewed by Tripp About 2014

Full Review:

This was my fourth marathon, and I wasn't a huge fan. Whereas it was a nice flat course, it was incredibly boring and had little to no crowd support except at the end. Running into the wind most of the marathon was draining and that paired with nothing to see or experience, made this a terrible choice. I still did a sub 4, but definitely would not do this one ever again. On a positive note... you do get free beer and a pretty decent stew at the end... and they do a good job with the medal.

Race Tips:

You will be running into the wind, so run all the windy days you can. Also, this course requires a lot of mental strength! There is nothing to see and very little crowd support.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

You can get pretty good discounts on ocean front hotels since it is outside the tourist season. The expo wasn\'t great, but there are a lot of neat little restaurants all walking distance from the hotels.
Reviewed by Ambyr About 2013

Really flat, but boring course

Full Review:

It is a pretty good race. Really flat, but boring course. The management of the race seemed a bit chaotic to say the least. It really surprised me for a race that size and that has been held for many years.

Race Tips:

From about mile 16 to about mile 23 it is a lonely stretch with little fans. You really need to stay mentally focused in this area. Other than that it is a really flat and fast course. It was pretty windy especially along stretches close to the beach.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at the Hilton right on the beach which was nice. Very convenient also. They even asked us if we were with the marathon and gave us a discount at check in.
Reviewed by Deb About 2011

Full Review:

Very flat, PR type of course. The full and the half do not begin together so crowding isn't an issue. Course is somewhat boring. There is a great section in Camp Pendleton where soldiers line the course and cheer you on. Nice swag. The final 3/4 mile on the boardwalk is also great for a final push. Beyond an excellent medal and shirt you get a finishers shirt and cap!

Race Tips:

Since the course is flat you can settle into a steady pace. Not many fans especially on the second half so you must be self motivated. In 2011 we had great cool weather.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

In Virginia Beach there are tons of Hotel options. I stayed just outside of town to save money but was only 15 minutes away. I got to the race early and found free parking just a few blocks away.
Reviewed by EMR About 2011