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Jacksonville Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Race Date: 12/12/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Jacksonville Marathon Description
The Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon is a flat, fast, Boston-qualifying course through North Florida each December, starting at the Bolles School and heading south into Mandarin before looping back along the scenic St. Johns River. With no hills, bridges, or overpasses and roughly 85% shade, it’s one of the most forgiving courses on the calendar. The half marathon follows the same route before splitting off near mile 7. Large custom finisher medals and technical shirts add to the appeal of this welcoming Southern race.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Jacksonville Marathon Additional Details:
Now in its fifth decade, the Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon holds the distinction of being North Florida’s oldest marathon, and race-day traditions reflect it. Aid stations arrive roughly every two miles, staffed by volunteers who cheer runners through with water, Gatorade, and energy gels at the later stops, and one aid station is known for volunteers who break into song as runners pass. Finishers can personalize their race keepsake with an optional iTaB medal insert, a small but popular touch that lets runners commemorate a specific goal or dedication. Combined with the course’s reputation for consistency year after year, this is a race that regulars return to again and again rather than treat as a one-and-done bucket-list stop.
Course Information
Profile: Very Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,000
Marathon: 650 to 700
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 219 ft
Elevation Loss: 220 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 54°F
- High: 69°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Shopping
St. Johns Town Center
Browse more than 175 retailers at the St. Johns Town Center, a 1.2-million-square-foot open-air shopping destination — an easy, flat, walkable stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Southbank Riverwalk
Walk the 1.25-mile Southbank Riverwalk along the St. Johns River, taking in riverboats and the downtown skyline — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Arts & Culture
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
See diverse, dynamic art alongside riverfront gardens at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens — a relaxed, indoor-outdoor way to spend a taper day.
Museums & History
MOSH (Museum of Science & History)
Explore Jacksonville’s history and science exhibits at MOSH, the Museum of Science & History, on the Southbank Riverwalk — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
See exotic animals and botanical displays at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens along the Trout River — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Outdoors & Trails
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
Hike the trails of the 120-acre Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens in the historic Arlington neighborhood, passing streams and a lily-covered pond — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Food & Drink
Riverside Arts Market
Browse local food vendors and craft goods at the Riverside Arts Market, held Saturdays beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge — a relaxed, low-impact way to refuel after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Jacksonville Marathon
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Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Other Races In Florida
Boston Qualifier: Yes
World Major Qualifier: No