COMBO FILTER

    Best Hilly Marathons in the Northeast for a BQ

    13 Boston-qualifying marathons · Northeast · Hilly

    These 13 hilly marathons across the Northeast are certified Boston qualifiers. Compare BQ rates and course details to find your best shot.

    Planning context

    How to evaluate hilly qualifiers in the Northeast

    This collection helps runners compare similar terrain inside one travel region. Keeping geography steady makes it easier to judge whether the main difference is course profile, race size, weather, or BQ history. Start with the strongest race cards, then compare two or three finalists side by side before registering.

    For Boston qualifying, this page should be a short-list tool rather than the final answer. A race with a strong BQ rate may still be the wrong fit if it falls too soon after your peak training block, requires difficult travel, or uses terrain you have not practiced. A quieter race can be a better choice when the logistics are simple and the course matches your strengths.

    Before you register

    Regional familiarity can reduce uncertainty, but it does not replace race-specific research. Confirm the current course certification, date, packet pickup, and start plan on the official race site.

    Open each finalist, check the official race link, and compare the target pace against your Boston standard. If the decision is close, use BMQR's comparison tool so BQ rate, PR Score, course profile, date, and field size are visible in one place.

    Wicked Fast (PA) Marathon

    Jim Thorpe, PA
    Emerging BQ
    September 12, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    Manchester City Marathon

    Manchester, NH
    Emerging BQ
    November 8, 2026
    Medium (500 - 1,999)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    Veterans Marathon (PA)

    Black Lick, PA
    Emerging BQ
    November 1, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    Run for the Elk Marathon

    Emporium, PA
    Emerging BQ
    July 26, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Warm to hot (65–80°F), humidity varies
    Hilly

    Gettysburg North-South Marathon

    Gettysburg, PA
    Emerging BQ
    April 26, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Cool to mild (45–65°F), variable conditions
    Hilly

    Baltimore Marathon

    Baltimore, MD
    Emerging BQ
    October 17, 2026
    Medium (500 - 1,999)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    Mount Desert Island Marathon

    Bar Harbor, ME
    Emerging BQ
    October 18, 2026
    Medium (500 - 1,999)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    Adirondack Marathon

    Schroon Lake, NY
    Emerging BQ
    September 27, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    New Hampshire Marathon

    Bristol, NH
    Emerging BQ
    October 3, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions
    Hilly

    Conquer the Canyon Marathon

    Wellsboro, PA
    Emerging BQ
    July 25, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Warm to hot (65–80°F), humidity varies
    Hilly

    Millbrook Marathon

    Millbrook, NY
    Emerging BQ
    April 12, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Cool to mild (45–65°F), variable conditions
    Hilly

    Mad Marathon

    Waitsfield, VT
    Emerging BQ
    July 12, 2026
    Small (<500)
    Warm to hot (65–80°F), humidity varies
    Hilly

    Great Waterville Marathon

    Waterville, ME
    Emerging BQ
    August 9, 2026
    Warm to hot (65–80°F), humidity varies
    Hilly

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