Date
November 1, 2026
Field Size
Medium (500 - 1,999)
PR Score
96.6 / 100
BQ Rate
4.8%
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Course features numerous rolling hills, providing a cumulative elevation gain that demands endurance and strength.
A limited field of 828 finishers means less congestion on the course, allowing more room to find your rhythm.
Only 4.8% of finishers secure a BQ, indicating that this race is more suitable for seasoned runners familiar with hilly courses.
The marathon date in early November often sees cooler temperatures ideal for racing, enhancing your performance potential.
With a PR score of 96.6, this marathon is a workout for your legs, especially with its rolling hills that challenge runners from start to finish. Located in Raleigh, NC, the City of Oaks Marathon showcases the area’s vibrant autumn foliage and scenic neighborhoods. Expect to navigate a course that requires attention to elevation, particularly in the latter half, where fatigue can set in as you tackle the hills.
City of Oaks Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 4.8% 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.
To maximize your chances of qualifying for Boston, focus on maintaining an even effort rather than pace, especially on the climbs. Save energy for the second half of the race, as the hills can drain you; having a solid plan for hydration and nutrition will also be crucial.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
63.5°F / 47.9°F
Conditions
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation
0.00 in
Wind
10.5 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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