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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

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Humboldt Bay Marathon

Eureka, CA
Sunday, August 9, 2026


  5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The first half of the Humboldt Bay Marathon has several rolling hills. However, runners will be treated to a flat last half.

August Other Marathons in August Other Marathons in California Marathons near Eureka, CA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, August 9, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 58°F (14°C)
Average High: 64°F (17°C)
Average Low: 52° F (11°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.03
Course Score: 98.12

Race Size

2026: 96 Finishers
2025: 61 Finishers
2024: 70 Finishers
2023: 47 Finishers
2022: 62 Finishers
2021: 20 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 14.6%
2025: 16.4%
2024: 18.6%
2023: 25.5%
2022: 17.7%
2021: 15%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 66°F  (19°C)
Low: 55°F  (13°C)

Race Start Conditions

58°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 91%

Partially cloudy
N 3 mph

PR Score

96.11

Course Score

98.12






Humboldt Bay Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Humboldt Bay Marathon was the 445th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 409th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 14.6% of Humboldt Bay Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 16.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Humboldt Bay Marathon ranked 53rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 63rd so far in 2026. In California, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 4th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Humboldt Bay Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Humboldt Bay Marathon has a Course Score of 98.12, ranking it as the 337th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 29th fastest marathon course in California.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Humboldt Bay Marathon a PR Score of 97.03. The PR Score ranks the Humboldt Bay Marathon as the 354th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 26th best marathon for a PR in California.

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

Humboldt Bay Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed337th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 29th fastest marathon course in California
Top 73% Nationally#29 of 34 in California
PR Potential354th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 26th best marathon for a PR in California
Top 76% Nationally#26 of 34 in California
Boston Qualifier Rate53rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in California
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 12% Nationally#4 of 34 in California
Race Size445th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 32nd largest marathon in California
Based on 2025 results
Top 75% Nationally#32 of 49 in California

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



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 168 feet (51m)
Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)


Humboldt



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Compare the Humboldt Bay Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Humboldt Bay Marathon in 5:54:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

New course with no bridges

Full Review:

A very nicely organized tiny hometown-race-type event. Ran as an out-and-back-twice route along the Eureka, CA waterfront trail, with the half-marathon field starting an hour later, so you're coming across faster and slower runners as they go in the other direction. Zero congestion at any point as there were only about 50 marathon runners and 130 half marathon runners on the course in 2023. The race is USATF certified and thus BQ eligible.
Reviewed by SL About 2023

Chickens, Cows, Fog!

Full Review:

You'll be able to earn your BQ at this race, but be prepared for some lonely running. The course is mostly flat, except for the end where you run over three bridges before entering Eureka and the finish line. Part of the race (miles 2-5 approximately) are run on the Waterfront Trail--smooth running here. For miles 10-16, you'll run on some gnarly country roads. They're paved, but watch your step! There are aid stations every 2 miles (water, electrolyte drink, and sometimes energy gels) and the volunteers are awesome--they will be your biggest cheering block (besides the chickens and cows). It is fun running in fog, I had never done it before, and you might feel as though you've made a wrong turn and that you're the only person left on the planet. This is a scary, intoxicating feeling, kind of like the first time you tried whippets. Whaaa?! Anyway, I had fun running this race and recommend it highly!

Race Tips:

It's a small race (80 people this year). Stick to your goal pace...the hills at the end aren't killers, but they're substantial. What to expect on race day: cool temps (54 degrees F) and high humidity (100%).
Reviewed by lbj About 2018