Capital City Marathon

    Emerging BQ Likelihood
    Olympia, WA

    Date

    May 17, 2026

    Field Size

    Small (<500)

    PR Score

    97.3 / 100

    BQ Rate

    3.0%

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    Rolling Hills
    Small race fansFirst-time qualifiers

    Why It's BQ-Friendly

    Rolling hills throughout the course, making pacing critical as you navigate the ups and downs.

    PR Score of 97.26 suggests a net uphill energy cost, meaning expect to work harder for the same speed compared to flatter courses.

    A small field size with only 301 finishers creates a more intimate atmosphere but can also lead to fewer runners to pace off of.

    Set against the backdrop of Olympia, the course includes sections near the waterfront, adding both beauty and challenge.

    About This Race

    A surprisingly low Boston Qualifying rate of just 3% reflects the challenge of the Capital City Marathon in Olympia. With a PR Score of 97.26, this is not the flat course you might expect; rolling hills dominate the landscape, testing your endurance throughout. The quaint setting of Olympia means you’ll be navigating through scenic views that can either lift your spirits or drain your energy, depending on how you handle the terrain.

    Boston Qualifier Outlook

    Capital City Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 3.0% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.

    Race Strategy

    Focus on maintaining a steady effort throughout the rolling hills, using downhill sections to recover. Energy management is key; avoid going out too fast on the initial downhill to prevent fatigue later in the race.

    Course & Elevation

    No Elevation Data

    No elevation data was found in the course profile file.

    Typical Race Day Weather

    Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date

    🌡️

    Temp

    68.1°F / 48.9°F

    ☁️

    Conditions

    Partly Cloudy

    🌧️

    Precipitation

    0.09 in

    💨

    Wind

    11.7 mph

    Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary

    Race-Day Conditions

    Typical conditions: Cool to mild (45–65°F), variable conditions. Spring race-day temperatures can shift quickly — check the forecast in the week before and plan your kit for a range of conditions.

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