Top US Marathons for PR and BQ

Looking for fast, well organized US marathons that aren’t World Majors? 🇺🇸 Here’s your cheat sheet. Whether you’re chasing a PR, a BQ, or planning your next big race, these non major marathons deserve a spot on your radar. Save this for later and start mapping out your 2026 season.

Houston Marathon

Race Date: January 11, 2026

Course Elevation: 220 ft gain / 235 ft loss
Typical Temps: 40–55°F

Field Size: ~13,000 marathoners

Approx. BQ%: ~15%



Jersey City Marathon

Race Date: April 19, 2026

Course Elevation: 380 ft gain / 380 ft loss

Typical Temps: 45–55°F

Field Size: ~6,000–8,000 marathoners

Approx. BQ%: ~18%



Grandma’s Marathon

Race Date: June 20, 2026

Course Elevation:550 ft gain / 680 ft loss

Typical Temps: 45–65°F

Field Size: ~9,000 marathoners

Approx. BQ%: ~18%

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Race Date: November 7, 2026

Course Elevation: 300 ft gain / 300 ft loss

Typical Temps: 35–50°F

Field Size: ~5,000–6,000 marathoners

Approx. BQ%: ~20%



California International Marathon

Race Date: December 6, 2026

Course Elevation: 660 ft gain / 1,000 ft loss

Typical Temps: 35–50°F
Field Size: ~12,000 finishers

Approx. BQ%: ~30%



Los Angeles Marathon

Race Date: March 8, 2026

Course Elevation: 940 ft gain / 1,160 ft loss
Typical Temps: 55–70°F

Field Size: ~20,000+ runners

Approx. BQ%: ~3%



Honolulu Marathon

Race Date: December 13, 2026
Course Elevation: 450 ft gain / 450 ft loss

Typical Temps: 70–75°F

Field Size: ~22,000+ finishers

Approx. BQ %: 1.5%

Philadelphia Marathon

Race Date: November 22, 2026

Course Elevation: 650 ft gain / 640 ft loss
Typical Temps: 40–50°F

Field Size: ~10,000–12,000 finishers

Approx. BQ %: ~10%



Houston Marathon

Race Date: October 4, 2026
Course Elevation: 570 ft gain / 490 ft loss

Typical Temps: 40–55°F

Field Size: ~8,000–9,000 finishers

Approx. BQ %: ~8