Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Jacksonville Marathon is a flat, fast course in northeast Florida, a smaller, no-frills race long favored by runners hunting a Boston qualifier or personal best. The gentle, smooth profile and modest field put the entire emphasis on even pacing and fitness. Held in December, it typically delivers cool, favorable conditions rare for the state, making it a genuine late-season speed target. The crowds are sparse and the atmosphere low-key and focused. It suits the time-driven runner who prioritizes a fast, reliable course and a qualifier over big-event spectacle.
Course Insight
Jacksonville is a small, flat December marathon in north Florida, cool and smooth and beloved by Boston hopefuls chasing a clean qualifier. The level terrain and modest field make it about even pacing rather than survival, so the discipline is your own early on. December air is crisp and fast. There's little drama in the course, which is exactly its appeal. Hold back early and the flat profile delivers the time you trained for.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 43m
- Elevation loss
- 43m
- Highest point
- 12m
- Lowest point
- 5m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- The Bolles School at 7400 San Jose Blvd
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:14:33 — Jerry Lawson (USA), 1992
- Women's
- 2:36:45
Race History
The Jacksonville Marathon has for decades been a flat, no-frills speed course in northeast Florida, long favored by runners hunting a Boston qualifier or personal best. Its gentle layout, modest field, and cool December conditions kept the focus squarely on fast times. Rather than big-event spectacle, it built a reputation as a focused, time-driven race. It remains a reliable late-season target for the qualifier-minded.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Jacksonville International (JAX)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown on the Southbank for proximity to the route, Riverside and Avondale for charming, characterful stays, and the Beaches for coastal options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is at The Bolles School on San Jose Boulevard in the San Jose/Mandarin area, south of downtown; drive or rideshare to the start early, as transit is limited.