Date
October 17, 2026
Field Size
Medium (500 - 1,999)
PR Score
97.7 / 100
BQ Rate
4.2%
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Course elevation gain of 800 feet over 26.2 miles, with notable hills around miles 10 and 14.
A moderate-sized field of 1,633 finishers creates a competitive yet manageable atmosphere.
PR Score of 97.72 indicates a predominantly hilly course, making it essential to prepare for inclines and declines.
Race held in mid-October, ideal for fall foliage and cooler running conditions, despite the hills.
Not many marathons give you the chance to conquer 800 feet of elevation gain over the course. Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, this race will take you through diverse neighborhoods, including the picturesque waterfront and historic districts. Expect a challenging experience, especially around the halfway point where the hills become more pronounced. Although only 4.2% of finishers end up qualifying for Boston, the camaraderie and vibrant local support make the struggle worthwhile.
Baltimore Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 4.2% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The hilly course profile separates this race from the fast-course tier, requiring a disciplined strategy to run a BQ-quality time.
Focus on maintaining a consistent effort on the hills, particularly in the early miles. Save energy for the later stages, especially during the steepest sections, and use the downhills to recover without losing too much momentum.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
61.5°F / 45.3°F
Conditions
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation
0.00 in
Wind
10.1 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions. Fall conditions are typically the most reliable for marathon efforts, with cool mornings that hold through the finish for most runners.
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