STATE FOCUS
Part of the Midwest region
PLANNING SNAPSHOT
Use this state page to compare local and travel-light Boston qualifier options before opening the full race directory. Start with upcoming dates, then check course profile and field-size context for the races that fit your calendar.
If Illinois has only a few options, nearby regional pages can help you widen the search without losing the same travel context.
For a Boston qualifier search, the strongest short list usually balances three signals: a course profile you can train for, a calendar slot that gives you a full build, and race-day logistics that will not add stress before the start. Use date, terrain, weather, field-size context, and travel recovery together before choosing where to race.
Use the race cards below as a first pass, then open the individual race pages for course notes, registration links, certification context, and practical planning details. If two races look similar on paper, compare them side by side before committing; small differences in temperature, descent, or start logistics can matter more than a one-point scoring gap.
Race count
13
Next race
Des Plaines River Trail Marathon
October 10, 2026
Useful links
Race data is compiled from official race sites, published results, and BMQR editorial review. Last reviewed: August 2026.
How to interpret this set
Treat this page as a planning filter, not a final ranking. A race can be excellent for one runner and risky for another depending on heat tolerance, downhill durability, travel distance, and whether the date fits the training cycle.
What to verify next
Confirm the current race date, registration status, course certification, aid-station plan, packet pickup, and start transportation on the official race site before booking travel or building a final pace plan.
Best next step
Pick two or three candidates from this list and run them through the comparison tool. That makes tradeoffs easier to see than scanning a long directory by memory.
Next 6 races with dates still ahead of us
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