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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

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Panama City Beach Marathon

Panama City, FL
Saturday, December 5, 2026


  3.5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The double out and back Panama City Beach Marathon course is very flat with only about 20 feet difference between the high and low points of the course.

December Other Marathons in December Other Marathons in Florida Marathons near Panama City, FL



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, December 5, 2026
2025: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Very Flat
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 56°F (13°C)
Average High: 65°F (18°C)
Average Low: 48° F (8°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.41
Course Score: 99.57

Race Size

2025: 295 Finishers
2024: 293 Finishers
2023: 263 Finishers
2022: 270 Finishers
2021: 202 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 2.4%
2024: 4.1%
2023: 6.1%
2022: 5.2%
2021: 4.5%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 10 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 67°F  (19°C)
Low: 54°F  (12°C)

Race Start Conditions

57°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 83%

Rain, Overcast
E 11 mph

PR Score

97.16

Course Score

99.62






Panama City Beach Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Panama City Beach Marathon was the 212th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 193rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 2.4% of Panama City Beach Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 4.1% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Panama City Beach Marathon ranked 396th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 343rd in 2024. In Florida, it ranked 16th in 2025 and 10th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Panama City Beach Marathon has a Course Score of 99.57, ranking it as the 91st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Florida.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Panama City Beach Marathon a PR Score of 99.41. The PR Score ranks the Panama City Beach Marathon as the 90th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 3rd best marathon for a PR in Florida.

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

Panama City Beach Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed91st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Florida
Top 20% Nationally#4 of 17 in Florida
PR Potential90th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd best marathon for a PR in Florida
Top 20% Nationally#3 of 17 in Florida
Boston Qualifier Rate396th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 16th highest BQ percentage in Florida
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 83% Nationally#16 of 18 in Florida
Race Size212th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 13th largest marathon in Florida
Based on 2025 results
Top 36% Nationally#13 of 18 in Florida

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 26 feet (7m)
Min Elevation: 6 feet (1m)

Elevation Gain: 211 feet (64m)
Elevation Loss: 211 feet (64m)


Panama

Course updated 06/25/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Panama City Beach Marathon

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Compare the Panama City Beach Marathon to other Marathons

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

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

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


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Panama City Beach Marathon in 4:01:00, 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


3.5
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Water stations

Full Review:

Need improvement on water stations. Need better directions for runners on return at Thomas drive and front beach connect

Race Tips:

Fast course
Reviewed by JH About 2023

Surviving a Marathon While Dodging Traffic

Full Review:

Race Tips:

The course for 2022 was awful. It ran along city streets to the 1/4 point then back to the start/finish, then back again to the 1/4 point then back again. Only the intersections were blocked off so runners had to run along the bicycle path alongside traffic. To make matters worse, runners had to dodge other runners coming the other way. The run could have been scenic if the route was designed better. It was a boring and, at times, a dangerous course. Mile markers helped but because the course was only 1/4 distance, not all 26.2 miles were marked. The lesson learned is to scope out the entire race course before you sign up. With marathons now costing $100 why would you pay for a bad experience.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you stay anywhere along the race course expect to pay 2x the hotel rate. I stayed 4 miles up the beach at a great place that had off-season pricing.
Reviewed by LT About 2022