HalfRuns
Valentine Marathon

Valentine Marathon

Valentine Marathon offers a flat, fast course through Nebraska's Sandhills.

Race Date

Aug 1, 2026

Location

Valentine, NE

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Location
Valentine, Nebraska
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 52K, 26.2M, 10K, 5K, 1M run
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Well Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Valentine Marathon is a testament to the quiet beauty of Nebraska's Sandhills. This race is known for its exceptionally flat and fast certified course, making it a prime destination for runners seeking a personal best.

Set in Valentine, Nebraska, the marathon winds through the unique landscape of the Sandhills. While the provided details don't specify the exact scenery, the location suggests an open, potentially rural or prairie environment. The course is designed for speed, with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for those chasing a Boston Qualifier or simply aiming for their fastest marathon.

The race, though not detailed in terms of crowd size or repeat runner rates, is a fixture in the running calendar, offering a straightforward, performance-focused event. Participants can expect a well-organized race focused on delivering a solid marathon experience.

Race-provided description

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Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Valentine, NE

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

52K26.2M10K5K1M run

USATF Certified Course

NE25007GM · Valentine Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details15/15

USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 5 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 87°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

66°

Afternoon (High)

87°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.0"

Precipitation

15 mph

Wind

61%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Valentine Marathon?

The Valentine Marathon is held on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Where does the Valentine Marathon take place?

It takes place in Valentine, Nebraska.

What distances does the Valentine Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 52K, 26.2M, 10K, 5K, 1M run.

Is the Valentine Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Valentine Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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