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Veterans Marathon

Columbia City, IN
Saturday, November 14, 2026


  2.5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
Starting on East Van Buren Street, the route heads west through downtown Columbia City before looping out into the tranquil surrounding countryside. Marathoners will complete this scenic loop twice, passing the energetic starting area to begin their second lap before heading down the final stretch to cross the finish line right next to the landmark Whitley County Courthouse.

November Other Marathons in November Other Marathons in Indiana Marathons near Columbia City, IN



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, November 14, 2026
2025: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 42°F (5°C)
Average High: 50°F (10°C)
Average Low: 34° F (1°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.66
Course Score: 98.66

Race Size

2025: 134 Finishers
2024: 82 Finishers
2023: 124 Finishers
2022: 108 Finishers
2021: 90 Finishers
2020: 201 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 9%
2024: 13.4%
2023: 15.3%
2022: 16.7%
2021: 7.8%
2020: 19.9%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 45°F  (7°C)
Low: 28°F  (-2°C)

Race Start Conditions

31°F  (-1°C)
Humidity: 81%

Overcast
WSW 8 mph

PR Score

98.57

Course Score

98.57






Veterans Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Veterans Marathon was the 320th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 386th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 9% of Veterans Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 13.4% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Veterans Marathon ranked 156th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 108th in 2024. In Indiana, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Veterans Marathon has a Course Score of 98.66, ranking it as the 276th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Indiana.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Veterans Marathon a PR Score of 98.66. The PR Score ranks the Veterans Marathon as the 215th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 3rd best marathon for a PR in Indiana.

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

Veterans Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed276th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Indiana
Top 60% Nationally#4 of 5 in Indiana
PR Potential215th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd best marathon for a PR in Indiana
Top 47% Nationally#3 of 5 in Indiana
Boston Qualifier Rate156th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Indiana
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 33% Nationally#3 of 6 in Indiana
Race Size320th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Indiana
Based on 2025 results
Top 54% Nationally#3 of 7 in Indiana

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 887 feet (270m)
Min Elevation: 828 feet (252m)

Elevation Gain: 659 feet (200m)
Elevation Loss: 659 feet (200m)


Veterans

Course updated 05/27/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Veterans Marathon

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Compare the Veterans Marathon to other Marathons

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Veterans Marathon in 5:15:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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Race Reviews


2.5
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Cute race

Full Review:

It was really well organized, and the volunteers were very friendly. It is held in Columbia City, IN, and it was 24 degrees the day I ran it. It was disappointing that there was no place to wait inside and stay warm prior to the start. A little coffee shop was open, so I waited there. I feel that the town should support the race a little bit more.

Race Tips:

The course is 2 loops on rural roads. It is rolling hills. The first loop I felt fine, but I did think to myself that some of the hills would be difficult the second time around as fatigue set in. I was right!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I drove in for the race, so no hotel review, and as I said most businesses were closed. It’s easy to find parking close to the start, so no issue there. I went back to the coffee shop after the race since I felt very cold. The coffee was excellent! It’s a cute race, and I had run out of options for a fall race, so I decided to try it. I think the cold weather really impacted me more than the hills. I would definitely consider it again as a late fall option.
Reviewed by Linny About 2017

Full Review:

Pros: start/finish at cute, small town square

Cons: I did not see another runner from mile 13.1-17 and was running in very rural areas. It was a bit creepy.
Reviewed by kf About 2016