Event Description
HOLIDAY VICTORY SUB-4 MARATHON CHALLENGE
December 14th at 10:00 AM | Pace Bend Park
A winter running celebration with stunning lake views and Boston Marathon qualification potential!
BOSTON QUALIFIER ALERT!
We are in the process of seeking USATF certification for the course which would offer a unique advantage for Boston hopefuls! Our 1.55-mile loop format allows runners to master the course with each lap, creating the perfect opportunity to strategically pace your way to a BQ time. With only 561 ft of total elevation gain, this course is designed for speed!
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Loop Design
1.55 miles per loop (17 loops for full marathon, 8.5 for half)
100% Paved Surface
Smooth, consistent running conditions for optimal performance
Minimal Elevation
Only 33 ft of gain per loop (561 ft total for marathon)
Perfect Pacing Opportunity
Learn the course quickly and optimize your speed on every section
Personal Aid Station
Set up your nutrition exactly how you want it and access it every 1.55 miles
COURSE DETAILS
The course features a gentle 50 ft descent in the first mile, followed by a 56 ft climb in the remaining 0.55 miles. This balanced profile prevents the quad fatigue of excessive downhill courses while providing enough variety to engage different muscle groups.
POTENTIAL BOSTON QUALIFICATION ADVANTAGE
Our unique loop course format offers strategic benefits for Boston hopefuls! As we work toward USATF certification, we've designed this course with qualification in mind. The 1.55-mile loop format lets you become intimately familiar with every turn and elevation change.
By your third lap, you'll know exactly where to push and where to conserve energy - a strategic advantage for hitting your BQ time! With only 561 ft of total elevation gain, this course creates ideal conditions for your qualification attempt once certification is complete.
EVENT FEATURES
Accurate splits and finish times for all participants
Track your progress every 1.55 miles to perfect your pacing
Your supporters can cheer you on multiple times without moving
Challenge coin and medal for all finishers
Advent Run to New Year Challenge and Winter Marathon Series
Course closes at 2:00 PM
PACE REQUIREMENTS
The Sub-4 Marathon Challenge (17 loops)
Maintain 9:09/mile pace or faster (14:12 per loop) to finish within cutoff
Checkpoint Guidance:
- 10:45 AM: Complete at least 3 loops (4.65 miles)
- 11:30 AM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
- 12:15 PM: Complete at least 9 loops (13.95 miles)
- 1:00 PM: Complete at least 12 loops (18.6 miles)
- 1:30 PM: Complete at least 15 loops (23.25 miles)
- 2:00 PM: Complete all 17 loops (26.35 miles)
Half Marathon (8.5 loops)
Maintain 18:13/mile pace or faster (28:15 per loop) to finish within cutoff
Checkpoint Guidance:
- 11:00 AM: Complete at least 2 loops (3.1 miles)
- 12:00 PM: Complete at least 4 loops (6.2 miles)
- 1:00 PM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
- 2:00 PM: Complete all 8.5 loops (13.175 miles)
Special Provision: Marathon participants who complete at least 8.5 loops (half marathon distance) but don't finish the full marathon by the 2:00 PM cutoff will receive official half marathon recognition and be awarded the half marathon medal.
10K & 5K Distances
10K participants will complete four full loops of our scenic course, while 5K runners will conquer two loops - all finishers earn a commemorative medal.
READY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY VICTORY?
Join us at Pace Bend Park on December 14th for a unique loop course experience with Boston Qualifier potential!
