Date
March 15, 2026
Field Size
Small (<500)
PR Score
7.7 / 100
BQ Rate
7.7%
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Course features rolling hills that require sustained effort throughout the race.
Only 26 finishers in 2024, making it an intimate race experience with minimal crowd distraction.
Average BQ rate of 7.7% from past participants indicates a challenging environment for qualifying.
PR score of 7.7 suggests a demanding energy cost, especially on the hills, which can impact pacing strategies.
With a PR Score of 7.7, the Pistol Creek Run Marathon is a test of endurance set against the backdrop of rolling hills in Alcoa, TN. The 2026 edition is expected to face a small but dedicated field of just 26 finishers, adding a unique vibe to the race. If you're aiming for a Boston qualifier, be aware that only 7.7% of past finishers have hit that mark, so you'll need to be strategic in your approach.
Pistol Creek Run Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 7.7% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.
Focus on conserving energy during the initial uphill segments to avoid early fatigue. Use the downhill and flat sections strategically to recover and regain speed, but keep a close eye on your effort to maintain an optimal pace for a Boston qualifier.
Detailed elevation profile data is being prepared for this race. Check back soon for interactive course analysis.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
64.2°F / 46.7°F
Conditions
Rainy
Precipitation
0.29 in
Wind
13.6 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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