While the western United States often gets the spotlight for dramatic elevation drops, the eastern side of the Mississippi offers some excellent downhill marathon options that combine scenic routes with great opportunities for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying times. Here’s a look at seven fantastic eastern U.S. downhill marathons.
Location: New Hampshire
Net Elevation Loss: 2,357 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 25.6%
Course Description: The REVEL White Mountains Marathon takes place in the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire. Starting at an elevation of about 2,800 feet and dropping to around 500 feet, this marathon offers opportunities for very fast times. The course winds down the Kancamagus Highway, offering breathtaking mountain vistas. The cool mountain temperatures, reasonable starting elevation and consistent downhill gradient make it a new favorite for runners aiming to achieve personal bests and Boston qualifying times.
Location: Vermont/Massachusetts
Net Elevation Loss: 1,465 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 20.3%
Course Description: This marathon starts in Marlboro, Vermont, and finishes in Greenfield, Massachusetts. It offers a net elevation loss of approximately 1,500 feet, beginning at 1,700 feet. The course follows the Green River, providing runners with a serene and scenic route through covered bridges, farmland, and quaint New England towns. With about 20% of its participants qualifying for Boston, it's a top choice for competitive runners in New England.
Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania
Net Elevation Loss: 954 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 18%
Course Description: The Steamtown Marathon consistently ranks as one of the best marathons to earn a Boston qualifying time. Starting in Forest City at an elevation of 1,698 feet and descending to 744 feet in Scranton, it offers a net elevation loss of 954 feet. The course features a mix of urban and rural scenery, including a few covered bridges and sections along the Lackawanna River. The race also boasts enthusiastic local support and well-organized logistics.
Location: Michigan
Net Elevation Loss: 809 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 16%
Course Description: The Marquette Marathon starts at an elevation of 1,400 feet and ends at 600 feet, offering a net elevation loss of just over 800 feet. This course takes runners through the beautiful landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including stretches along Lake Superior and through wooded areas. The race is known for its challenging terrain, which includes a mix of road and trail sections, and its potential for cool, comfortable running weather in late summer.
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania
Net Elevation Loss: 575 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 20%
Course Description: The second of our three Pennsylvania marathons, the Jim Thorpe Marathon starts at around 1,100 feet and drops to 550 feet, providing a net elevation loss of 575 feet. The course follows scenic routes through the Pocono Mountains, with sections along the Lehigh River and through historic Jim Thorpe. This relatively new marathon is well-regarded for its small-town atmosphere and fast finishing times.
Location: Western Maine
Net Elevation Loss: 572 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 34%
Course Description: The Sugarloaf Marathon is one of the oldest continuously run races in Maine. Starting at an elevation of 1,160 feet and descending to around 600 feet, it offers a net elevation loss of 572 feet. The course follows Route 27 through the Carrabassett Valley, offering spectacular views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the surrounding wilderness. Known for its scenic beauty and fast times, the Sugarloaf Marathon is a favorite among marathoners.
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania
Net Elevation Loss: 537 feet
Boston Qualifying Percentage: 26%
Course Description: The Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon, Pennsylvania edition, doesn’t drop as dramatically as the Washington version. However, it is also a fast course with a net elevation loss of 537 feet. The course winds through the rolling hills and countryside, offering a mix of rural and small-town scenery. With a good portion of the course on a gentle downhill gradient, it’s a great race for those looking to set a personal best or qualify for Boston.
Choosing a downhill marathon east of the Mississippi gives you a great chance to set a personal best or qualifying for the Boston Marathon while enjoying beautiful scenery. Each of these races offers a unique experience, from the dramatic elevation drops of the REVEL White Mountains Marathon to the picturesque routes of the New England Green River Marathon and the more challenging terrains, but still downhill, of the Marquette and Steamtown Marathons. Whether you’re aiming for a fast time, a BQ, or simply a beautiful race experience, there’s a downhill marathon here that’s perfect for you.