The double loop bg26.2 Marathon course starts at the Bowling Green Ball Park and runs through downtown Bowling Green and the Western Kentucky University campus.
The bg26.2 Marathon was the 382nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 343rd largest in 2022.
Last year 4.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the bg26.2 Marathon the 349th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 379th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 96.81 ranks it as the 385th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Kentucky.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the bg26.2 Marathon a PR Score of 96.81. This PR Score ranks it as the 347th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Kentucky.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
bg26.2 Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 618 feet (188m) Min Elevation: 476 feet (145m)
Justin Wilkins - Psalm 26.2's review of 2017 bg26.2 Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I liked this race, a lot harder than Chicago, but easier than Nashville. It is a double loop course, not my favorite. The first mile is brutal, first 6 is hilly around WKU campus. Swag is awesome. Wish finisher medal was different for half vs whole, but classic and heavy. The course is pretty neat. Plenty of water, Gatorade, pickle juice, watermelon, gel ect... 6th year of race, first half is nice when you are running with the halfers, only 160 run the full. Nice meal at Corvette Museum night before race. Raises money for MS. Can't be compared to the big races, that would not be fair. If you Boston qualify on this course, you are a beast. I finished 57 of 166, time 4:35. My PR Chicago 4:23. Just started running distance last year. Warmer than usual 2017, and was quite windy. Course marked very well. Bowling Green is very nice. I run this honestly to help me prepare for Disney in January. Race has pacers, no splits called. I would rate the half very high because you get hills out of the way at begging of race. Young marathon and poised to grow! Price around $100. Very fair considering great cause at great swag!
Race Tips
Major hills at beginning, double loop course, so hills again at 14 mile mark. Well organized!
Plenty of choices, adequate parking. No issues. Tons of restaurants.
C.B.'s review of 2017 bg26.2 Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Well organized small town marathon on a challenging course. You won't see spectators other than around the start/finish line, but there are enough runners that you are unlikely to be alone. Weather is very unpredictable, but that's part of the challenge.
Race Tips
The marathon course is two laps on the half marathon course. The first half of the course is very hilly, and you'll run all those hills twice.
