Nebraska State Fair Marathon
Nebraska State Fair Marathon starts and finishes on the Grand Island fairgrounds, combining fair-week energy with a certified Boston qualifying course.
Quick facts
- Boston qualifying certified course
- State fairgrounds start and finish
- Marathon entry through Race Roster
- Late-August heat that builds quickly after the early start
About the Nebraska State Fair Marathon
The marathon gives runners an unusual way to open a day at the Nebraska State Fair. Packet pickup falls on the fair's Friday opening, while the full race is held Saturday morning.
Course
The certified road route leaves and returns to the fairgrounds in Grand Island. Central Nebraska's open terrain supports steady running, but wind can change the effective difficulty of long exposed segments.
Race-day weather
Late August in Grand Island is often warm, sunny and humid, with thunderstorms possible. An early start helps, though temperatures can rise rapidly before marathoners return to the fairgrounds.
Past Nebraska State Fair Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
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Nebraska State Fair Marathon FAQ
When is the Nebraska State Fair Marathon?
We're waiting for the finalized date for the 2027 Nebraska State Fair Marathon. The most recent running was on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Is Nebraska State Fair Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Nebraska State Fair Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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