The marathon course is out-and-back along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The race starts in Pittsfield at the Crane Ave. trail head, travels to Adams and returns to Pittsfield.
The Steel Rail Marathon was the 406th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 351st largest in 2022.
This year 16.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 18.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Steel Rail Marathon the 62nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 69th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.25 ranks it as the 154th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in Massachusetts.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Steel Rail Marathon a PR Score of 98.75. This PR Score ranks it as the 188th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 8th fastest in Massachusetts.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Steel Rail Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1004 feet (306m) Min Elevation: 754 feet (229m)