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Mankato Marathon

Mankato, MN
Saturday, October 17, 2026


  3.8 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
From the Race Organizers:

Welcome to the heart of the Minnesota River Valley, where you will experience amazing fall views, great people and the bold race you’ve been looking for. Mankato has no shortage of spectators to cheer you on, including cheer teams, aid stops and spectators. Mankato has definitely embraced this as a community event and pulled out all the stops!

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Minnesota Marathons near Mankato, MN



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Course Information

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

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 45°F (7°C)
Average High: 53°F (11°C)
Average Low: 36° F (2°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.21
Course Score: 99.21

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 381 Finishers
2024: 346 Finishers
2023: 556 Finishers
2022: 236 Finishers
2021: 366 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 2.4%
2024: 4.9%
2023: 10.3%
2022: 4.2%
2021: 6.3%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 64°F  (18°C)
Low: 42°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

44°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 77%

Clear
S 8 mph

PR Score

98.55

Course Score

98.67






Mankato Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Mankato Marathon was the 175th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 171st largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 2.4% of Mankato Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 4.9% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Mankato Marathon ranked 395th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 308th in 2024. In Minnesota, 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 Mankato Marathon has a Course Score of 99.21, ranking it as the 179th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest marathon course in Minnesota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Mankato Marathon a PR Score of 99.21. The PR Score ranks the Mankato Marathon as the 128th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Minnesota.

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

Mankato Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed179th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in Minnesota
Top 39% Nationally#3 of 7 in Minnesota
PR Potential128th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Minnesota
Top 28% Nationally#2 of 7 in Minnesota
Boston Qualifier Rate395th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 8th highest BQ percentage in Minnesota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 83% Nationally#8 of 8 in Minnesota
Race Size175th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Minnesota
Based on 2025 results
Top 30% Nationally#3 of 9 in Minnesota

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1008 feet (307m)
Min Elevation: 776 feet (236m)

Elevation Gain: 583 feet (177m)
Elevation Loss: 790 feet (240m)


Mankato

Course updated 05/26/2026




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Compare the Mankato Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


3.8
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Beautiful race

Full Review:

This race coincides perfectly with the fall colors of southern Minnesota. There aren't a ton of spectators cheering nor is it a fast course, but it's a well organized small city race.

Race Tips:

This course is hilly. Don't attempt even splits. Start slower than goal pace and go for even efforts.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Was very easy to find parking within a half a mile of the start. One of the perks of a smaller race.
Reviewed by MP About 2025

A Fair Amount of Turns

Full Review:

The first 10 miles are spent weaving throughout city streets, parks, schools, and neighborhoods. Lots and lots of turning corners. By the time you make it to the half you're on some wide open countryside. Mile 16 through 20 are spent in a beautiful woodland (former railway?).

Race Tips:

It's Autumn in Minnesota so it could be 55 and sunny or 35 and raining. Be prepared for either.
Reviewed by Shane About 2024

Beautiful Fall Marathon

Full Review:

They recently changed this course and I wouldn't consider this a downhill course by any means. Over 900 feet of elevation gain. Mile 17-18 is a hill and the first few miles are pretty hilly. When I ran there was also a pretty strong headwind for awhile. That being said it was a beautiful fall course and I would probably run it again!
Reviewed by Kristin About 2023

Beautiful course

Full Review:

The course is beautiful in the fall and the folks setting it up are great. Love the crowd support.
Reviewed by KW About 2019

Full Review:

Pretty fast course overall. They could improve the course by taking out some of the sharp turns, especially in the middle section. Long sections of open, exposed country roads, which caused some slowdowns due to headwinds. Well organized with nice crowd support for a race of this size.

Race Tips:

Our pacer took us out too fast, and I think a more conservative up-front strategy would have been smarter for me. There are a couple of decent rolling hills in miles 4-8. Nothing insurmountable, but worth being aware of. There's a good opportunity to bank time between miles 17 and 19 with a good, steep decline.
Reviewed by ML About 2013