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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!


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Sun Marathon

Santa Clara, UT
Saturday, January 23, 2027


  5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The Sun Marathon starts at the Fairgrounds in Veyo and crosses the intersection at the Veyo Gas Station (Same intersection of Mile 6 of St George Marathon). The race then goes down a unique route down the Gunlock Road passing Gunlock Reservoir, Follows along the Shivwits Paiutes Tribe land. This route is primarily downhill 2600 feet over 26.2 miles, however this route does have some climbs. The beauty of this course is hard to match. A great way to get some Sun during this time of winter in Utah.

January Other Marathons in January Other Marathons in Utah Marathons near Santa Clara, UT



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, January 23, 2027
2026: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 40°F (4°C)
Average High: 50°F (10°C)
Average Low: 29° F (-1°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 101.11
Course Score: 101.11

Race Size

2026: 174 Finishers
2025: 171 Finishers
2024: 159 Finishers
2023: 147 Finishers
2022: 212 Finishers
2021: 185 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 8.6%
2025: 11.1%
2024: 12%
2023: 12.9%
2022: 9.9%
2021: 18.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 9 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 57°F  (14°C)
Low: 34°F  (1°C)

Race Start Conditions

36°F  (2°C)
Humidity: 57%

Clear
E 4 mph

PR Score

99.88

Course Score

99.88






Sun Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Sun Marathon was the 283rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 282nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 8.6% of Sun Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 11.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Sun Marathon ranked 119th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 83rd so far in 2026. In Utah, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 2nd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Sun Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Sun Marathon has a Course Score of 101.11, ranking it as the 28th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Utah.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Sun Marathon a PR Score of 101.11. The PR Score ranks the Sun Marathon as the 20th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Utah.

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

Sun Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed28th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Utah
Top 7% Nationally#4 of 17 in Utah
PR Potential20th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Utah
Top 5% Nationally#4 of 17 in Utah
Boston Qualifier Rate119th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Utah
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 25% Nationally#3 of 14 in Utah
Race Size283rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 10th largest marathon in Utah
Based on 2025 results
Top 48% Nationally#10 of 24 in Utah

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 4584 feet (1397m)
Min Elevation: 2902 feet (884m)

Elevation Gain: 692 feet (210m)
Elevation Loss: 2346 feet (715m)


Sun

Course updated 06/11/2026




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Compare the Sun Marathon to other Marathons

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Sun Marathon in 3:16:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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


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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Ideal for downhill runners who like it cold

Full Review:

This course is FAST if you like it cold. The historic race temps are not accurate because it is so much colder at the start than it is at the finish. It was below 20 F with wind chill at the start and we had a significant tail wind.

The course is a nice gradual downhill for most of it. However, there are several steep downhill sections but they aren’t exceptionally long. This isn’t the quad killer course that some of the Revel races are.

There are several uphill sections. None of them are exceptionally steep but you have to make sure not to push too hard on them and burn out.

Definitely prepare for the cold and wear layers. I was able to peel off my long sleeve shirt and wind breaker by mile 5 but it did get a little cooler when the mountains blocked the sun around the half way point.

If you want a small COLD downhill race to help you get into Boston then this is actually a perfect race. After 11 tries at the marathon I finally got a BQ(3:19:22) at this race in 2022. I will be back in 2023 to try to improve on my time.

Race Tips:

The race isn't super well organized. It is small and you just have to go into it expecting to not have the support of a major marathon. They have aid stations and plenty of drinks. However, there aren't as many volunteers as the larger races.

You will encounter slow moving half marathon runners throughout the second half. That is just part of this race. If that bothers you then definitely skip this one. You will also encounter 5k and 10k runners running in the opposite direction on your side of the road near the finish if you are done about the 3:20:00 mark. Again, if that would bother you then skip this race.

If you are struggling to BQ and you need every advantage you can get then this is the COLD weather downhill course for you.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I didn't ride the buses to the start. I just got dropped off by car early. There was a great fire pit to keep you warm so that seemed like the best option for me.
Reviewed by Travis About 2022

Beautiful and fast course!

Full Review:

I really enjoyed this marathon. It was a fast course with a lot of downhill. The course had beautiful scenery. The marathon is well run and well supported.

Race Tips:

There were a couple up hills. Know where there are and plan for them.
Reviewed by Michael Nash About 2019