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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!



Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon

Chesapeake, VA
Sunday, December 7, 2025


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The marathon course is on the closed 2-lane roadway at the Dismal Swamp Trail Park in Chesapeake.

The marathon is run on the same fast course as the Tidewater Strider Marathon in the Spring.

December Other Marathons in December Other Marathons in Virginia Marathons near Chesapeake, VA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: TBD
2025: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Very Flat
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 49°F (9°C)
Average High: 57°F (13°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.70
Course Score: 99.70

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 133 Finishers
2024: 73 Finishers
2023: 68 Finishers
2022: 36 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 22.6%
2024: 15.1%
2023: 14.7%
2022: 0%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 3 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 48°F  (9°C)
Low: 31°F  (-1°C)

Race Start Conditions

31°F  (-1°C)
Humidity: 91%

Overcast
N 4 mph

PR Score

99.7

Course Score

99.7






Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon was the 324th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 405th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 22.6% of Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 15.1% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon ranked 30th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 84th in 2024. In Virginia, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon has a Course Score of 99.70, ranking it as the 68th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd 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 Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon a PR Score of 99.70. The PR Score ranks the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon as the 51st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Virginia.

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

Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed68th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in Virginia
Top 15% Nationally#3 of 10 in Virginia
PR Potential51st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Virginia
Top 12% Nationally#2 of 10 in Virginia
Boston Qualifier Rate30th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Virginia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 7% Nationally#1 of 13 in Virginia
Race Size324th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 9th largest marathon in Virginia
Based on 2025 results
Top 55% Nationally#9 of 16 in Virginia

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 22 feet (6m)
Min Elevation: 15 feet (4m)

Elevation Gain: 134 feet (40m)
Elevation Loss: 124 feet (37m)


Tidewater

Course updated 12/08/2024




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon

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Compare the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon to other Marathons

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

Do you want to see how the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon in 4:19:00, 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


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Flat + Straight = FAST!

Full Review:

The Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon gives an outstanding opportunity for PRs and BQs. It's a 6.55 mile double-out-and-back course that is just about as flat and straight as is possible, so no need to worry about running the tangents or strategies for dealing with hills. You'd have to REALLY weave a lot to run more than around 26.27ish on this race course. I got a 13 1/2 minute marathon PR and a BQ time!

Race Tips:

Plenty of parking close to the start line. Very laid back. No bag drop, but with it being a double out-and-back with people sitting at the start/finish area, I felt completely comfortable just leaving my backpack with a group of strangers. Also, I was able to run the first half with a handheld water bottle and just toss it to the people who had my backpack halfway through. If you wanted, you could have someone toss you a second bottle if you don't want to do on-course at all!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I arrived less than 45 minutes before start time and that was plenty of time.
Reviewed by Ben Lewis About 2023