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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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Two Cities Marathon

Fresno, CA
Sunday, November 1, 2026


  5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The flat Two Cities marathon starts and finishes at Clovis Community College. Much of the race is run on the Fresno Clovis Rail Trail.

This Boston qualifying marathon course was redesigned in 2021 to offer a scenic and truly flat course. Just 60 miles from Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, home of the largest and oldest redwoods in the World.





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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, November 1, 2026
2025: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

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


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 56°F (13°C)
Average High: 67°F (19°C)
Average Low: 45° F (7°C)





PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.32
Course Score: 99.32


Race Size

2025: 710 Finishers
2024: 550 Finishers
2023: 481 Finishers
2022: 411 Finishers
2021: 358 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 7.8%
2024: 9.5%
2023: 11.9%
2022: 11.7%
2021: 14.5%
2020: N/A


Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 71°F  (22°C)
Low: 50°F  (10°C)

Race Start Conditions

52°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 76%

Mostly Cloudy
NW 4 mph

PR Score

98.73

Course Score

99.41









Two Cities Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Two Cities Marathon was the 113th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 127th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 7.8% of Two Cities Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 9.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Two Cities Marathon ranked 190th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 177th in 2024. In California, it ranked 13th in 2025 and 12th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.


The Two Cities Marathon has a Course Score of 99.32, ranking it as the 156th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 13th fastest marathon course in California.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Two Cities Marathon a PR Score of 99.32. The PR Score ranks the Two Cities Marathon as the 111th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 9th best marathon for a PR in California.

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

Two Cities Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed156th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 13th fastest marathon course in California
Top 34% Nationally#13 of 34 in California
PR Potential111th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 9th best marathon for a PR in California
Top 25% Nationally#9 of 34 in California
Boston Qualifier Rate190th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 13th highest BQ percentage in California
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 40% Nationally#13 of 34 in California
Race Size113th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 15th largest marathon in California
Based on 2025 results
Top 20% Nationally#15 of 49 in California

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




Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 387 feet (117m)
Min Elevation: 337 feet (102m)

Elevation Gain: 354 feet (107m)
Elevation Loss: 354 feet (107m)


Two

Course updated 09/02/2024





Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Two Cities Marathon

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Compare the Two Cities Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


If you ran the Two Cities Marathon in 4:21:00, 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 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Flat course, support excellent

Full Review:

Very nice people giving support all over the course

Race Tips:

Flat course

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Water, bathrooms all over the course

Full Review:

Great, flat course. Not too crowded. Organized very well. Perfect for first timers.