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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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Whitefish Marathon

Whitefish, MT
Saturday, May 22, 2027


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description

No course description available at this time.


May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Montana Marathons near Whitefish, MT



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, May 22, 2027
2026: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Hilly
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 54°F (12°C)
Average High: 70°F (21°C)
Average Low: 38° F (3°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 96.12
Course Score: 96.12

Race Size

2026: 257 Finishers
2025: 208 Finishers
2024: 178 Finishers
2023: 127 Finishers
2022: 148 Finishers
2021: 162 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 5.8%
2025: 5.8%
2024: 5.6%
2023: 3.9%
2022: 5.4%
2021: 6.8%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 8 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 65°F  (18°C)
Low: 40°F  (4°C)

Race Start Conditions

44°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 74%

Clear
N 4 mph

PR Score

96.02

Course Score

96.17






Whitefish Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Whitefish Marathon was the 259th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 261st largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 5.8% of Whitefish Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 5.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Whitefish Marathon ranked 250th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 118th so far in 2026. In Montana, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 1st so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Whitefish Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Whitefish Marathon has a Course Score of 96.12, ranking it as the 421st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Montana.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Whitefish Marathon a PR Score of 96.12. The PR Score ranks the Whitefish Marathon as the 397th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Montana.

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

Whitefish Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed421st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Montana
Top 92% Nationally#4 of 4 in Montana
PR Potential397th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Montana
Top 86% Nationally#4 of 4 in Montana
Boston Qualifier Rate250th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Montana
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 53% Nationally#3 of 4 in Montana
Race Size259th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Montana
Based on 2025 results
Top 44% Nationally#3 of 6 in Montana

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 3272 feet (997m)
Min Elevation: 2999 feet (914m)

Elevation Gain: 1170 feet (356m)
Elevation Loss: 1166 feet (355m)


Whitefish



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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Whitefish Marathon (f/k/a Two Bear)

Full Review:

I really enjoyed this marathon. It's now known as Whitefish Marathon and it starts in the small town of Whitefish. There were plenty of aid stations throughout the course, and the scenery is fantastic.

Race Tips:

The first half of the marathon is run alongside the 1/2 marathoners along a slightly rolling (but mainly flat) loop. Back at downtown Whitefish, the full marathoners continue on into a hillier section (running above a lake and up toward the ski resort). The elevation gain isn't too bad, but it's something to keep in mind as you pace yourself through the first half.

I thought the course volunteers were plentiful and very helpful. They had plenty of water, gatorade and even gels at certain stations.

The scenery is outstanding. At different points throughout the course, you have inspiring views of the snow-capped mountains.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I flew in from Philadelphia for this race. There are a good number of airbnb options as well as some nice hotels. If you're traveling to this race, I'd recommend coming in a day or two early so that you can have a chance to hike through a portion of Glacier National Park while you're there.
Reviewed by Greg About 2019