These Flat and Fast Downhill Marathons May Score You a PR, or Maybe Even Yet a BQ
Although fast, the downhill marathon brings its own set of challenges runners need to prepare for.
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If you’re looking to nab that elusive Boston-qualifying time, the race you pick definitely matters. Many runners seek flat courses—like the Chicago Marathon—thinking that a lack of major hills will equate to faster finishing times.
But aside from flat courses, there’s an entirely separate type of marathon that promises speed that runners are flocking to: downhill marathons. Yes, that’s right— fast downhill marathons are a category in and of themselves.
“As the Boston-qualifying frenzy has heated up in recent years, so has the search for downhill marathons,” said Mike Sohaskey, cofounder of RaceRaves. Yes, there is an entire category of downhill marathons designed to help runners PR and potentially nab a BQ. And while some may debate the legitimacy of running your PR on a downhill marathon, they’re here and happening, and many runners are nabbing Boston times on the downhill marathons.
But, before you get excited about flying down these courses, there are some important caveats. One: If you’re signing up for a downhill marathon, you should definitely incorporate downhill running into your training program.
“Many of the courses with 5,000 feet of drop [several are on this list] will absolutely crush your quads,” warned Jessica Murphy, cofounder of BibRave. “While you may benefit from the elevation drop early on, you may overly fatigue your legs later on if they’re not used to the pounding.”
Another tip: Practice downhill running in your race day shoes before you toe the starting line, Murphy added. Why? “Running downhill can give you different hot spots on your feet, and if you haven’t practiced for it, you may be in for some race day foot pain or blisters, especially with some of the newer shoes that have a more significant heel-toe drop.”
Lastly, know that a downhill course is usually significantly above sea level. Racing at high altitude can be challenging, particularly if you’re a runner who lives and trains at a lower elevation. Sohaskey points out the ease of running downhill may help counteract the elevation. In any case, note the race’s starting altitude and take that into account when selecting a downhill race. (Also, keep in mind that race courses must be certified by USA Track and Field, Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), or a national governing body for distance running for the country in which the race is held in order to be eligible as a BQ race.)
With these pointers in mind, read on for a list of nine downhill marathons that might just help you achieve your Boston dreams. We compiled these suggestions with input from Sohaskey and Murphy and also reviewed info pulled from the Boston Marathon website. You can thank us when you get your BQ.
Jenny is a Boulder, Colorado-based health and fitness journalist. She’s been freelancing for Runner’s World since 2015 and especially loves to write human interest profiles, in-depth service pieces and stories that explore the intersection of exercise and mental health. Her work has also been published by SELF, Men’s Journal, and Condé Nast Traveler, among other outlets. When she’s not running or writing, Jenny enjoys coaching youth swimming, rereading Harry Potter, and buying too many houseplants.
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