The Brookings Marathon course is flat with a few gentle hills. With the exception of Larson Hill (35 feet), the course stays between about 1,600 and 1,700 feet and never changes more than 40 feet over any mile.
The majority of the course consists of asphalt with a run-able grass strip alongside it.
Brookings, South Dakota, hosts the 25th oldest marathon in the US, 3rd oldest among those run every year since inception. Though the race has evolved since 1970, the course still includes historic neighborhoods, beautiful parks, bike paths, and tree-lined streets. Along the way, runners are supported by hundreds of wonderful volunteers, and opportunities abound for family and friends to cheer.
The Brookings Marathon was the 350th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 286th largest in 2022.
This year 8.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 7.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Brookings Marathon the 269th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 190th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.87 ranks it as the 221st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in South Dakota.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Brookings Marathon a PR Score of 98.87. This PR Score ranks it as the 164th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in South Dakota.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Brookings Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1690 feet (515m) Min Elevation: 1596 feet (486m)
Besides being a PR and BQ for me, I really enjoyed the race. The pacer was great, the support was really good. We did social distance at the start and finish. The swag was good. The course is flat and fast. I would recommend
Race Tips
The pacers were right on. My group and my friends group 15 minutes slower. Flat somewhat scenic. No need to hurry on race day, lots of close parking.
4 Stars from 2 Reviews
