Cedar Rapids Marathon
The Lowdown
The Cedar Rapids Marathon is a USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying marathon that anchors Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend, an annual race weekend in Cedar Rapids, Iowa produced by Endurance Sports Marketing Corporation - the team behind the IMT Des Moines Marathon - in partnership with Cedar Rapids Tourism and the City of Cedar Rapids. The course starts and finishes in downtown Cedar Rapids and is marketed as flat and fast, running through historic neighborhoods, the city's business district, and an extended stretch of the paved Cedar River Trail along the riverfront. Marathon Weekend also includes a half marathon, a marathon and half marathon team relay, a 10K, a 5K, and a free Kids Run, plus a post-race party with food and complimentary Big Grove Brewery beer. The inaugural 2026 race drew nearly 3,000 runners across all distances, with 602 marathon finishers; the event moves from its original June date to a new April slot starting with the 2027 edition.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Downtown Cedar Rapids
Cedar River Trail
Cedar River riverfront
Historic neighborhoods and city parks
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Marathon runners must be at least 18 years old on race day
Required Documents
- Photo ID for bib pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via RunSignUp
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the official RunSignUp registration page for the current transfer, deferral, and refund policy before registering.
Inaugural race held June 7, 2026; produced by Endurance Sports Marketing Corporation (also behind the IMT Des Moines Marathon) in partnership with Cedar Rapids Tourism and the City of Cedar Rapids.
2026 inaugural marathon: 602 finishers (388 men, 214 women); men's winner Matt Lorenz (Cedar Rapids Prairie coach) in 2:30:55, women's winner in 3:19:27; average finish time 4:45:54. Nearly 3,000 runners across all Marathon Weekend distances.
Registration includes race bib, finisher medal, on-course aid stations, complimentary Big Grove Brewery beer for finishers, athlete shirt, and a post-race party with food.
Marketing materials describe the course as flat and fast with minimal elevation gain; third-party course data (FindMyMarathon) lists total elevation gain around 775 ft (236 m), so the course has some mild rolling sections despite the 'flat and fast' branding.
Race date moved from June (2026 inaugural edition) to April, starting with the 2027 edition.
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Community
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