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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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Trailbreaker Marathon

Waukesha, WI
Sunday, March 29, 2026


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The Trailbreaker Marathon course covers approximately 4 miles of city streets and sidewalks, 15 miles of improved trails (including the Fox River Trail & Glacial Drumlin Trail) and 7 miles of the Ice Age Trail.

Miles ten through sixteen are extremely rugged. Except for the Ice Age Trail, the trail is subject to only gentle grades.

The unique turn-around is at the top of the 40' Lapham Peak Tower.

March Other Marathons in March Other Marathons in Wisconsin Marathons near Waukesha, WI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Mostly on Trails

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 38°F (3°C)
Average High: 46°F (7°C)
Average Low: 29° F (-1°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.40
Course Score: 98.40

Race Size

2026: 89 Finishers
2025: 74 Finishers
2024: 121 Finishers
2023: 73 Finishers
2022: 109 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 7.9%
2025: 8.1%
2024: 8.3%
2023: 2.7%
2022: 8.3%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 48°F  (9°C)
Low: 28°F  (-2°C)

Race Start Conditions

33°F  (1°C)
Humidity: 71%

Clear
W 8 mph

PR Score

98.4

Course Score

98.4






Trailbreaker Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Trailbreaker Marathon was the 425th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 335th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 7.9% of Trailbreaker Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 8.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Trailbreaker Marathon ranked 182nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 94th so far in 2026. In Wisconsin, it ranked 11th in 2025 and 8th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Trailbreaker Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Trailbreaker Marathon has a Course Score of 98.40, ranking it as the 309th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 15th fastest marathon course in Wisconsin.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Trailbreaker Marathon a PR Score of 98.40. The PR Score ranks the Trailbreaker Marathon as the 247th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 11th best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin.

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

Trailbreaker Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed309th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 15th fastest marathon course in Wisconsin
Top 67% Nationally#15 of 19 in Wisconsin
PR Potential247th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 11th best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin
Top 54% Nationally#11 of 19 in Wisconsin
Boston Qualifier Rate182nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 11th highest BQ percentage in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 38% Nationally#11 of 22 in Wisconsin
Race Size425th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 17th largest marathon in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 results
Top 72% Nationally#17 of 26 in Wisconsin

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



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 1274 feet (388m)
Min Elevation: 795 feet (242m)


Trailbreaker



Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Trailbreaker Marathon

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Compare the Trailbreaker Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Trailbreaker Marathon in 3:37:00, 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

Full Review:

This is not a fast race. It is not only limited to trails for the most part, but its mid-portion contains a steep climb toward a fire tower at which you must climb 6 flights of stairs to ring a bell to mark your halfway point. But oh my gosh it is fun. The scenery is lovely, the course is very well supported, and the runners are a nice mix of hard-core and those just out to have an adventure. The lack of stress to perform inherent in this run-and-hike course make it an ideal first marathon of the year, and at this price you cannot get a better deal. Sign up!

Race Tips:

Go out slow and enjoy yourself. If you must race it, wait until after you've rung the bell.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

This is close to my home in Madison, WI. But I would say it is worth travel long to.
Reviewed by DD About 2012