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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

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Med City Marathon

Rochester, MN
Sunday, May 17, 2026


  3.3 Stars from 3 Reviews

Course Description
From the race organizer - "This is a point to point marathon starting in Byron and finishing downtown at the Mayo Civic Center. Other events include a 5K on Saturday and a half/20 mile or relay marathon on marathon day. Live band at the finish and free beer to 21+ participants."

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Minnesota Marathons near Rochester, MN



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 62°F (16°C)
Average High: 73°F (22°C)
Average Low: 51° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.65
Course Score: 99.55

Race Size

2026: 453 Finishers
2025: 360 Finishers
2024: 302 Finishers
2023: 231 Finishers
2022: 88 Finishers
2021: 218 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 8.4%
2025: 10%
2024: 7.6%
2023: 7.8%
2022: 15.9%
2021: 7.8%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 72°F  (22°C)
Low: 55°F  (13°C)

Race Start Conditions

57°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 75%

Clear
ESE 6 mph

PR Score

97.93

Course Score

99.57






Med City Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Med City Marathon was the 183rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 184th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 8.4% of Med City Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 10% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Med City Marathon ranked 138th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 128th so far in 2026. In Minnesota, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 5th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Med City Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Med City Marathon has a Course Score of 99.55, ranking it as the 94th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Minnesota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Med City Marathon a PR Score of 98.65. The PR Score ranks the Med City Marathon as the 218th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 6th best marathon for a PR in Minnesota.

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

Med City Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed94th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Minnesota
Top 21% Nationally#2 of 7 in Minnesota
PR Potential218th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 6th best marathon for a PR in Minnesota
Top 47% Nationally#6 of 7 in Minnesota
Boston Qualifier Rate138th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in Minnesota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 29% Nationally#4 of 8 in Minnesota
Race Size183rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 4th largest marathon in Minnesota
Based on 2025 results
Top 31% Nationally#4 of 9 in Minnesota

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1283 feet (391m)
Min Elevation: 977 feet (297m)

Elevation Gain: 513 feet (156m)
Elevation Loss: 778 feet (237m)


Med

Course updated 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Med City Marathon

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Compare the Med City Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Med City Marathon in 4:16:00, 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


3.3
Based on 3 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Poorly Run

Full Review:

Family member ran this race and they were not prepared. Water stations not set up, course not marker well, overall huge disappointment.

Race Tips:

Pick another race. Not worth the hassle. Unsecured gear claim, confusions on race day gear drop off, course misdirection to name a few.

You train hard and invest a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Don't "hope" the race will run well when clearly they aren't serious about ensuring all runs well before and on race day.
Reviewed by WH About 2025

Great Race

Full Review:

This was my second marathon I have run. The race started near the Rochester Airport and slowly went North towards the city. I enjoyed the first 8-9 miles because it was on open country roads which allowed me to get into a rhythm and run my race. At about mile 10 the race transitioned onto paths/paved trails that winded around the city, which was not my favorite part, hard to stay in a rhythm. We ran about 12 miles around the city and came back to where we intersected mile 10 and finished the final 4 miles. For the final .4 miles you run on a sidewalk where the road is not blocked off and then make a sharp turn and run 100ish yards to the finish. Great on course support and it was easy for my friends and family to find us while running.

Race Tips:

My goal for the race was a sub 3 hour, I paced the first half of the race and then negative split the last 5-6 miles and that worked out well for me and ran a 2:58. First 8 miles went by really quick and then it was hard to get into a rhythm with the winding roads after that.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at a local hotel in Rochester and they charged us a late check out fee even though we were running the marathon, which wasn't great, check with the hotel before you book so you do not run into this issue. We drove to a parking garage near the convention center and hopped on a bus and it took us to the start line. Great plan, the convention center is near the finishing line. Would recommend. The post race festivities were great, live music, snacks, and great atmosphere.
Reviewed by Mike About 2024

Fast, well organized

Full Review:

Cool temps. Race organizers delayed the start by 5min bc the bathroom lines were longer than expected. That was greatly appreciated. Powerade and water were readily available roughly every 2 miles. Mostly flat with one hill at mile 21.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

This is a point to point. The buses are readily available from downtown Rochester, but the line gets lengthy as you get closer to start time. Get there early and avoid any stress.
Reviewed by MP About 2024