Dreaming of running Boston someday? You’re not alone.
The race is one of the most prestigious and historic marathons in the world, and qualifying requires a fast, certified time on a race course that meets specific criteria.
Whether you’re chasing your first BQ or trying to shave off those final few seconds, these 10 races are known for being flat, fast, and runner-friendly—making them ideal for a Boston Qualifier (BQ).
🥇 1. California International Marathon (Sacramento, CA)
Known as the BQ factory, CIM has a net downhill course with cool December weather and exceptional pacing groups. Many elites and amateur runners alike choose this race to hit their Boston goals.
- Fast course
- Point-to-point with slight downhill
- High BQ rate every year
🥈 2. Eugene Marathon (Eugene, OR)
Run in TrackTown USA and finish inside Hayward Field. The flat, scenic course and race-day energy help bring out personal bests.
- Flat + fast
- Spring race (May) for early qualification
- University town energy
🥉 3. Grandma’s Marathon (Duluth, MN)
This lakeside summer race is point-to-point and net downhill, with an incredible track record for BQs.
- Consistent BQ rates
- Scenic route along Lake Superior
- Cool June temps
🏃 4. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (Indianapolis, IN)
A Midwest favorite with a flat, urban course and great fall weather. It’s a November race, perfect for qualifying before the year ends.
- Fast, no-nonsense course
- November timing = one more shot
- Great race support
🏞️ 5. Mohawk Hudson River Marathon (Albany, NY)
This quiet, net downhill course is fast and scenic. It’s a hidden gem for serious BQ chasers.
- Net downhill
- Smaller field = less crowding
- High BQ conversion rate
🌄 6. St. George Marathon (St. George, UT)
This high-desert race features a stunning point-to-point downhill route through Utah’s red rock country. Not for the unprepared, but ideal if you’ve trained for downhill.
- Big descent
- Cool October start
- Spectacular scenery
🌉 7. Baystate Marathon (Lowell, MA)
Known for being “by runners, for runners,” this fall race in Massachusetts is built to help you BQ. Flat and fast with excellent pacing support.
- Boston vibe without the travel
- Local feel + flat course
- High BQ rate
🍂 8. Erie Marathon at Presque Isle (Erie, PA)
Limited to a small field and run on a flat loop around Presque Isle State Park, this is one of the most successful BQ races out there.
- Near sea level
- Perfect September timing
- Small, no-fuss logistics
🛤️ 9. REVEL Mt. Charleston (Las Vegas, NV)
Like downhills? This one’s for you. A big drop in elevation makes this one of the fastest BQ-eligible races in the country—if your quads are ready.
- Major elevation loss
- April race = early BQ attempt
- Gorgeous mountain-to-desert transition
🇨🇦 10. Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Toronto, Canada)
A World Athletics Gold Label race with a super-flat course and a big-city feel. Yes, Canadians can BQ too—and so can visiting Americans!
- International + certified
- Flat and scenic
- October timing
🏁 Train for Your BQ with RunBetter
Many of these BQ-friendly marathons are flat and fast—others come with long descents that require strategic prep. With the RunBetter App, you can train on real race course profiles right from your treadmill. Practice pacing, elevation, and race-day strategy no matter where you live.
🎯 Download the RunBetter App and start training like you mean it.