Date
April 4, 2026
Field Size
Medium (500 - 1,999)
PR Score
98.9 / 100
BQ Rate
31.3%
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Rolling hills throughout the course, providing a mix of ascents and descents that can challenge pacing strategies.
A respectable BQ rate of 31.3%, showing that a significant number of runners meet Boston qualifying times here.
Field size of 550 finishers, allowing for a community feel without being overwhelmed by crowds.
Course profile yields a PR score of 98.94, suggesting manageable energy expenditure with careful pacing.
With a PR score of 98.94, runners can expect a course that is rolling but still presents opportunities to chase down personal bests. Located in the quaint town of Derry, NH, this marathon draws a diverse group of 550 finishers, making for a competitive yet intimate atmosphere. Notably, over 31% of participants manage to qualify for Boston, indicating that many athletes find success here, despite the undulating terrain.
Cheap Marathon is a High qualifier likelihood race — one of the more reliable venues in the country for runners targeting a Boston qualifier. Historically, around 31.3% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.
To maximize BQ chances, focus on maintaining a consistent effort, especially on the hills. Save energy on the descents, and consider a slightly conservative start to avoid burning out early.
Cheap Marathon is a medium-size Derry spring race with a practical, runner-first feel rather than a large expo production. The rolling course and 550-finisher field usually mean easier parking and start access, but runners should still confirm official packet pickup, bag check, and course-support details. Spectator access is best planned around the start/finish and reachable road crossings instead of assuming big-city viewing density.
Train rolling marathon-pace efforts so you can keep effort steady on Derry's climbs and descents instead of chasing flat splits.
Practice late-race downhill running after uphill work, since rolling courses can leave quads and calves tired before the final miles.
Use small-field workouts or solo tempos to prepare for stretches without a large pace group.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
52.2°F / 39.8°F
Conditions
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation
0.42 in
Wind
15.5 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
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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Last reviewed:July 2026