Mathews Marathon
Mathews Half Marathon: a flat, fast course ideal for Boston Qualifier attempts.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Mathews, VA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Mathews, Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 220
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Mathews Half Marathon, first run in 2021 and now in its third edition, is celebrated as one of the world's flattest race courses. This USATF-certified path offers a remarkable opportunity for runners aiming for a Boston Qualifier, with a minimal net drop and no significant elevation changes.
With a typical field size of around 72 finishers and a steady trend over its editions, this race provides an intimate yet competitive atmosphere. While the repeat-runner loyalty is modest at about 10%, the course's speed and certification draw dedicated athletes. The race is capped at 500 participants, ensuring a focused experience.
Runners can expect cool to mild race-day temperatures, averaging between 54–67°F, making for comfortable racing conditions. The event also offers a full marathon and a relay option, catering to various running goals.
Race-provided description
Mathews Marathon & Half Marathon World's Flattest Race Course A Boston Qualifier RaceParticipant limit is 500 Sponsoring View our sponsors and see how you can become a race sponsor. Relay Option Build a team to conquer the marathon course. Routes Do a virtual drive by of the race courses before you arrive. Schedule Schedule of…
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
VA25015RT · Mathews Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Solid Pick523 years running
~72 finishers a year
shrinking
10% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:21:53
typical high 67°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
54°
Afternoon (High)
67°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
67%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 220 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
220
Median time
2:16:08
Latest turnout
72
States
1
Turnout by year
2021–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Mathews Marathon?
The Mathews Marathon is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Where does the Mathews Marathon take place?
It takes place in Mathews, Virginia.
What distances does the Mathews Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M.
Is the Mathews Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Mathews Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Mathews Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 220 runners who have completed the Mathews Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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