Date
February 22, 2026
Field Size
Small (<500)
PR Score
96.9 / 100
BQ Rate
3.3%
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Course profile rated at 96.94, indicating mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain.
BQ rate of 3.3% means that while qualifying is challenging, it’s still an achievable goal for many runners.
Field size of 431 finishers allows for less congestion and a more personal race experience.
Race occurs in February, providing cooler winter conditions that are generally favorable for marathon racing.
With a PR score of 96.94, you’ll find the El Paso Marathon offers a relatively flat course that can help runners maintain their rhythm. The race, set against the backdrop of the Southwest, is known for its open roads and unique desert landscape. Though only a small field of 431 finishers participate, the atmosphere remains spirited and supportive, making it a solid option for those aiming for a Boston Qualifier.
El Paso Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 3.3% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.
To maximize your chances of qualifying for Boston, focus on maintaining a consistent effort throughout the race, particularly since there are few significant hills to disrupt your rhythm. Make sure to conserve energy early on, and consider using the last few miles to push your pace if you’re feeling strong.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
61.7°F / 39.2°F
Conditions
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation
0.00 in
Wind
16.2 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Mild (50–65°F), low humidity. Winter races reward layers at the start line — most runners strip down after the first few miles as effort warms them up.
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