If you’re still working out your fall marathon plans, and if qualifying for the Boston Marathon is on your radar, we’ve got good news. Thanks to a unique 14-day window in early September, there’s a chance to double dip your BQ—qualifying for Boston in 2026 and 2027 with just one race.
What does double-dipping your Boston mean? Because applications for the 2026 Boston Marathon close on Sept. 12, 2025, and applications for the 2027 race open on Sept. 1, 2025, running a marathon within this 12-day overlap means your result can count toward qualifying for both races.Â
If you’re keen on lining up in Hopkinton, Mass., in 2026 or 2027, there are four Canadian marathons falling within this golden window. These four races (all ironically on Sept. 7) offer scenic routes, certified courses, and the perfect opportunity to check off Boston, twice.
The Georgina Marathon is flat, fast, and one of Ontario’s most scenic races. The marathon course runs along the southern shores of Lake Simcoe through the quiet lakefront communities of Georgina. The route is on a flat out-and-back 21.1km loop, which marathoners will complete twice, along a quiet road with lots of shade and views. Georgina is an hour north of Toronto, making it a reachable location for athletes from all over the GTA.
Newfoundland Provincial Marathon, Uniformed Services Run (Sept. 7) – St. John’s
The Uniformed Services Run is the oldest marathon in Canada and the third-oldest in North America (after New York and Boston). The race was first run in 1950, and is one of the biggest races in Newfoundland & Labrador. In addition to the marathon, there’s a marathon relay, a half-marathon and 10K options. The race uses a 21.1K loop, which marathoners complete twice, starting and finishing in Bowring Park with a scenic tour of downtown St. John’s and Quidi Vidi Lake.
The Queen City Marathon is the largest and most popular event in Saskatchewan’s provincial capital, offering a distance for every runner. The marathon starts near Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre and runs along the lake and around Wascana Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks. The marathon course loops the lake once, then follows a flat and scenic out-and-back along the creek using Regina’s pedestrian pathway system.
The Rimouski Marathon ranks among the fastest courses in North America while offering a breathtaking view of the city’s seashore. The course has been measured according to international standards and is certified by Athletics Canada. The times achieved there can be used as qualifying times for marathons in Boston or New York. The event is sanctioned at the gold level by the Quebec Athletics Federation.
