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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!



Sleeping Bear Marathon

Empire, MI
Saturday, October 3, 2026


  4 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The out-and-back Sleeping Bear Marathon course will take runners by the "Dune Climb", past Little Glen Lake, and through the village of Glen Arbor.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Michigan Marathons near Empire, MI



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Race Information

Race Dates

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

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 51°F (10°C)
Average High: 61°F (16°C)
Average Low: 42° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.38
Course Score: 98.38

Race Size

2025: 262 Finishers
2024: 165 Finishers
2023: 148 Finishers
2022: 129 Finishers
2021: 154 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 0.8%
2024: 4.2%
2023: 2.7%
2022: 6.2%
2021: 4.6%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 63°F  (17°C)
Low: 49°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 87%

Clear
N 7 mph

PR Score

97.23

Course Score

98.38






Sleeping Bear Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Sleeping Bear Marathon was the 223rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 276th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 0.8% of Sleeping Bear Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 4.2% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Sleeping Bear Marathon ranked 442nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 339th in 2024. In Michigan, it ranked 17th in 2025 and 14th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Sleeping Bear Marathon has a Course Score of 98.38, ranking it as the 314th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 13th fastest marathon course in Michigan.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Sleeping Bear Marathon a PR Score of 98.38. The PR Score ranks the Sleeping Bear Marathon as the 251st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 9th best marathon for a PR in Michigan.

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

Sleeping Bear Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed314th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 13th fastest marathon course in Michigan
Top 68% Nationally#13 of 15 in Michigan
PR Potential251st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 9th best marathon for a PR in Michigan
Top 55% Nationally#9 of 15 in Michigan
Boston Qualifier Rate442nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 17th highest BQ percentage in Michigan
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 93% Nationally#17 of 17 in Michigan
Race Size223rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 9th largest marathon in Michigan
Based on 2025 results
Top 38% Nationally#9 of 19 in Michigan

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



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 809 feet (246m)
Min Elevation: 589 feet (179m)


Sleeping



Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Sleeping Bear Marathon

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

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Compare the Sleeping Bear Marathon to other Marathons

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

Do you want to see how the Sleeping Bear Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Sleeping Bear Marathon in 4:18:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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


Time Converter Tool

Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Full Review:

This marathon is a challenge with the hills. You run the hills both out and back. Typically a course that is difficult to PR. Do not expect many cheer squads unless you bring your own.

Race Tips:

Practice running on tired legs and lots of hill work. From mile 18.5 to mile 24.75 is mostly hills with climbs of nearly 200 feet.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The hotel in Empire fills fast so book early. If you want a pasta dinner at a restaurant make reservations early or have the pasta dinner at packet pick up. Parking is close by and plentiful.
Reviewed by JS About 2013