Date
May 3, 2026
Field Size
Small (<500)
PR Score
98.5 / 100
BQ Rate
4.7%
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PR Score of 98.49 indicates a net uphill energy cost, making this a challenging course for achieving personal records.
Elevation gains are significant, particularly in the second half, requiring strategic pacing and effort management.
Field size of 402 finishers ensures less congestion on the course, allowing for easier navigation and more space to find your rhythm.
The course is primarily urban, featuring a mix of road surfaces and scenic parks, providing a varied experience throughout the run.
Around 4.7% of finishers find their way to Boston via the Tacoma City Marathon, a relatively small race with just 402 finishers. The hilly course will test your endurance from start to finish, with elevation changes that are quite noticeable, particularly in the latter half. Expect to tackle steep inclines and descents that can be both challenging and exhilarating, offering views of the surrounding Pacific Northwest. The local atmosphere is vibrant, with community support along the route and a scenic backdrop that adds to the experience.
Tacoma 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 4.7% 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 a steady effort on the climbs while leveraging the descents to recover and regain speed. Plan your hydration and fueling around the hilly segments, ensuring you're well-prepared for the tougher inclines later in the race.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
64.3°F / 44.0°F
Conditions
Rainy
Precipitation
0.02 in
Wind
11.1 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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