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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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South Texas International Marathon

Harlingen, TX
Sunday, December 7, 2025


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
South Texas International Marathon’s (STIM) unique course will take runners through four cities and two counties! This Boston Qualifier marathon will make its start at the “Heart of the Valley”, Donna, Texas. Runners will then cross through historic downtown areas of Weslaco, Mercedes and La Feria. The grand finish line will be at the Mercedes FEMA Dome in Mercedes, Texas..





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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: TBD
2025: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Very Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 64°F (17°C)
Average High: 75°F (23°C)
Average Low: 54° F (12°C)





PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.41
Course Score: 99.82


Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 103 Finishers
2024: 123 Finishers
2023: 206 Finishers
2022: No Results
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 4.9%
2024: 8.9%
2023: 8.7%
2022: N/A
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 3 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 74°F  (23°C)
Low: 56°F  (13°C)

Race Start Conditions

58°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 94%

Partially cloudy
WSW 3 mph

PR Score

96.82

Course Score

99.82









South Texas International Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The South Texas International Marathon was the 367th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 329th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 4.9% of South Texas International Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 8.9% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the South Texas International Marathon ranked 286th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 185th in 2024. In Texas, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.


The South Texas International Marathon has a Course Score of 99.82, ranking it as the 46th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Texas.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the South Texas International Marathon a PR Score of 97.41. The PR Score ranks the South Texas International Marathon as the 333rd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 20th best marathon for a PR in Texas.

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

South Texas International Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed46th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Texas
Top 10% Nationally#2 of 26 in Texas
PR Potential333rd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 20th best marathon for a PR in Texas
Top 73% Nationally#20 of 26 in Texas
Boston Qualifier Rate286th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Texas
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 60% Nationally#6 of 29 in Texas
Race Size367th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 22nd largest marathon in Texas
Based on 2025 results
Top 62% Nationally#22 of 37 in Texas

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




Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 100 feet (30m)
Min Elevation: 37 feet (11m)

Elevation Gain: 172 feet (52m)
Elevation Loss: 234 feet (71m)


South

Course updated 08/17/2023





Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the South Texas International Marathon

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Compare the South Texas International Marathon to other Marathons

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Compare the details of the South Texas International Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


If you ran the South Texas International Marathon in 3:34:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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




Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Top Tier Race in South Texas

Full Review:

Everything about this marathon S.T.I.M. was great, absolutely no complaints. This was my second year running the marathon race and it continues to get better with each passing year. The course was as advertised, "fast and smooth"! Trafffic control, hydration stations and race swag (medals, shirts, jackets etc.) was all top tier.

Race Tips:

Marathon pacers for different finishing goals. Additional porta-pottys at the starting area, course and finishing area would be great as the popularity of S.T.I.M. grows.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Maybe designated parking areas at the start and finishing areas would greatly assist all participants and the general community in the surrounding areas.