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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!



Columbus Marathon

Columbus, OH
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  4.8 Stars from 9 Reviews
Top 50 Best Boston Qualifying Marathon for 2026

Course Description
The Columbus Marathon is renowned for its flat and fast course, making it a favorite for runners aiming for a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualifying time. The route offers a scenic tour through some of Columbus's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Starting and finishing downtown, participants will journey through diverse areas like the picturesque German Village, the lively Ohio State University campus, and the charming streets of Bexley. The minimal elevation changes throughout the course provide an excellent opportunity for maintaining a consistent pace and focusing on performance.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Ohio Marathons near Columbus, OH



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Course Information

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

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 51°F (10°C)
Average High: 61°F (16°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.88
Course Score: 98.88

Race Size

2025: 4,122 Finishers
2024: 3,885 Finishers
2023: 3,017 Finishers
2022: 2,391 Finishers
2021: 1,738 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 6.7%
2024: 9.2%
2023: 12.4%
2022: 14.4%
2021: 13.6%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 65°F  (18°C)
Low: 42°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 79%

Clear
SSW 5 mph

PR Score

98.33

Course Score

98.98






Columbus Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Columbus Marathon was the 20th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 21st largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 6.7% of Columbus Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 9.2% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Columbus Marathon ranked 220th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 179th in 2024. In Ohio, it ranked 8th in 2025 and 7th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Columbus Marathon has a Course Score of 98.88, ranking it as the 240th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 9th fastest marathon course in Ohio.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Columbus Marathon a PR Score of 98.88. The PR Score ranks the Columbus Marathon as the 178th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 7th best marathon for a PR in Ohio.

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

Columbus Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed240th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 9th fastest marathon course in Ohio
Top 52% Nationally#9 of 13 in Ohio
PR Potential178th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 7th best marathon for a PR in Ohio
Top 39% Nationally#7 of 13 in Ohio
Boston Qualifier Rate220th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 8th highest BQ percentage in Ohio
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 47% Nationally#8 of 13 in Ohio
Race Size20th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Ohio
Based on 2025 results
Top 4% Nationally#2 of 17 in Ohio

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 835 feet (254m)
Min Elevation: 709 feet (216m)

Elevation Gain: 523 feet (159m)
Elevation Loss: 523 feet (159m)


Columbus

Course updated 07/08/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Columbus Marathon

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Compare the Columbus Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Columbus Marathon in 3:44:00, 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


4.8
Based on 9 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Great Race Year After Year

Full Review:

Over the years, I have run this Marathon 6 times. Every time, it's been GREAT! From Expo to Post Race Party everything is top notch. The downtown start is super convenient for out-of-towners. Plenty of hotels and places to eat. And everything is within easy walking distance. Great starting line experience and the course scenery changes every few miles so you never get bored. Water stops are well manned and stocked. One criticism is that the on-course port-o-Johns are too few. The lines (especially on the first half before the half marathoners split off) can get quite lengthy. If you need to go, wait until mile 14 if you can.

Race Tips:

Every mile has a Children's Hospital Patient Champion. When the going gets tough, look to them for inspiration. Give them a 'high 5' as you pass by and remember, your legs might be tired and your lungs might be burning, but every one of these kids would gladly trade you places. You are their hero!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you are coming from out of town, stay on the north end of downtown. Head to the Arena District for food and drink. If you are driving in on race day, arrive downtown early (by 6:00 AM) and park at the Convention Center. (east side of High St.) Parking west of High or in the Arena District will have you penned in by road closures.
Reviewed by Nick B. About 2019

Loved Everything

Full Review:

Amazing run through many neighborhoods of Columbus and the best part is meeting the Children's Hospital Child Champion every mile. They inspire me to finish each year!

Race Tips:

Get hotel room early and stay downtown. Columbus has great breweries too.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Get to the start line EARLY, you will want to soak it in.
Reviewed by Steve Calhoun About 2017

Fun Course - Bad Gear

Full Review:

I loved the course. I did not live the constant two miles of up hill from mile 19 to 21. It was my first marathon and I just signed up for another one so I'm still going!

Race Tips:

Prepare for the hill from 19-21.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Get there early! Traffic was not good. We didn't prepare as much as we should've.
Reviewed by JH About 2017

Full Review:

Ran this race multiple times. The new course last year was a lot tougher miles 16-22. The first half is pretty fast and the last not so much. Save yourself for later.

Race Tips:

Leave for the start line early, traffic is never good
Reviewed by mtm About 2016

Great Race Experience

Full Review:

This race is very well organized from beginning to end. Great Expo / Packet Pickup, start line, course support and finish line. The course is beautiful and offers a nice variety of environments...downtown, Old German Village, OSU Campus and quiet suburban streets. You couldn't ask for more in a marathon.

Race Tips:

This race supports the local Children's Hospital and each mile has it's own patient 'champion' to help motivate you along the way. Take a moment and give a 'high 5' to these kids and their families. The rush of energy you will receive when you look them in the eye and thank them for being there is like nothing else you will ever experience during a marathon!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you are coming in from out of town, take advantage of one of the downtown hotels. Great access to the start / finish line and lots of pre and post race dining opportunities.
Reviewed by nb About 2016

Full Review:

I've run this marathon twice, and both times it did not disappoint. Typically the weather in Columbus, mid October is perfect racing weather (starts in the low-mid 40's- and ends in the 50's). Last year was a little warmer than usual. The leaves are changing that time of year, there is a lot of crowd support, the people are friendly. The race has fireworks at the beginning, and they do a good job with corrals and wave starts.

Race Tips:

Wear layers, and The race is mostly flat, but there is a steady incline in the middle-late miles. If you live in a hilly area, this will not be an issue, but if you live where it is flat, you will certainly feel it in your calves.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Purchase the parking garage passes offered on the website, and arrive early (30-60 mins) if you would like to use the restroom.
Reviewed by MLS About 2015

Full Review:

Loved this marathon. One of the best organized races I've run.

Race Tips:

Flat and fast course.
Reviewed by HJS About 2014

Full Review:

Reviewed by ls About 2014

Full Review:

This is an awesome marathon. It's a flat, fast course that's very scenic and with great crowd support. The only negative (and it's an obvious one) is that the marathon is very large and crowded. But they handle it extremely well. The race expo was awesome too.

Race Tips:

Columbus does it right. Very well organized from beginning to end. The high energy start was the best of any race that I have done.
Reviewed by DRB About 2013