Harrisburg Marathon
The Lowdown
The Harrisburg Marathon is the flagship event of the Harrisburg Area YMCA Race Series, presented by Enders Insurance and often called the "Mini-Boston" for its Boston Marathon qualifying status. First run in 1973, the 2026 race marks its 54th edition and starts and finishes on City Island near the Market and Walnut Street entrances in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, following a fast, flat course along the city's Greenbelt and Riverfront. Race day also includes a companion Half Marathon and a 4-person marathon relay, plus a walkers' division and virtual marathon/half marathon options for runners who cannot attend in person. All finishers receive a medal and a cotton hoodie. Organized by the Harrisburg Area YMCA, the race has been a Harrisburg staple for more than five decades.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Crowd data unavailable
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
City Island
Susquehanna River Greenbelt
Harrisburg Riverfront Park
Pennsylvania State Capitol
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Marathon and relay entrants must be at least 15 years old on race day
Entry Methods
- Online registration via RunSignUp
54th annual running in 2026; the YMCA Harrisburg Marathon race series has been a Harrisburg staple since 1973.
Also offered on race day: a walkers' marathon division, a 4-person marathon relay, and virtual marathon/half marathon options.
All finishers receive a finisher medal and a cotton hoodie.
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.