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BHM 26.2 Marathon

Birmingham, AL
Sunday, October 4, 2026


  3 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description

No course description available at this time.


October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Alabama Marathons near Birmingham, AL



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 4, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 5, 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.: 62°F (16°C)
Average High: 74°F (23°C)
Average Low: 50° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 96.38
Course Score: 97.24

Race Size

2025: 185 Finishers
2024: 156 Finishers
2023: 173 Finishers
2022: 161 Finishers
2021: 102 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 1.6%
2024: 1.3%
2023: 0.6%
2022: 3.1%
2021: 0%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 6 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 80°F  (27°C)
Low: 61°F  (16°C)

Race Start Conditions

66°F  (19°C)
Humidity: 86%

Clear
ESE 5 mph

PR Score

93.01

Course Score

97.08






BHM 26.2 Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The BHM 26.2 Marathon was the 272nd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 288th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 1.6% of BHM 26.2 Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 1.3% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the BHM 26.2 Marathon ranked 422nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 407th in 2024. In Alabama, it ranked 7th in 2025 and 7th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The BHM 26.2 Marathon has a Course Score of 97.24, ranking it as the 398th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest marathon course in Alabama.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the BHM 26.2 Marathon a PR Score of 96.38. The PR Score ranks the BHM 26.2 Marathon as the 390th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 7th best marathon for a PR in Alabama.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the BHM 26.2 Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Alabama for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

BHM 26.2 Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed398th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 8th fastest marathon course in Alabama
Top 86% Nationally#8 of 8 in Alabama
PR Potential390th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 7th best marathon for a PR in Alabama
Top 84% Nationally#7 of 8 in Alabama
Boston Qualifier Rate422nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 7th highest BQ percentage in Alabama
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 89% Nationally#7 of 7 in Alabama
Race Size272nd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Alabama
Based on 2025 results
Top 46% Nationally#3 of 7 in Alabama

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 537 feet (163m)
Min Elevation: 401 feet (122m)

Elevation Gain: 1167 feet (355m)
Elevation Loss: 1167 feet (355m)


BHM

Course updated 07/08/2026




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Compare the BHM 26.2 Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


3.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Hilly and hot! 100% proceeds to charity

Full Review:

100% of race proceeds go to charity. The course runs through nice parts of Birmingham which is a nice city. The venue for the start, finish, and after party is very nice.

Race Tips:

Prepare for monster hills and heat. There are two BIG hills. The second at mile 16.5 is huge. The rest of the course rolls. By the end of the second hill I was wiped out. The heat didn't help.

There aren't many runners in the marathon. Most of the runners are on marathon relay teams. I got lonely at times.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The Hilton Garden Inn is very close to the start and finish. The hotel gave a me a 1:00pm check out which meant I had plenty of time to race and then go back and shower.
Reviewed by TM About 2019