Overview
The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each May on an urban and greenbelt road in Boise, United States. The event's branding is playful, but the course is a serious spring marathon with a loyal regional following. The course passes the Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views. The Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views carry May's playful but serious spring marathon through Idaho's capital.
Famous Idaho Potato Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Famous Idaho Potato Marathon 2027 race day
The next Famous Idaho Potato Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Famous Idaho Potato Marathon course route
Starts and finishes near downtown Boise's park system. The course passes the Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Famous Idaho Potato Marathon elevation profile
The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon uses open online registration at famousidahopotatomarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon elevation profile?
- The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon?
- The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban and greenbelt road starts and finishes near downtown Boise's park system.
- What time does the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon start?
- The 2027 Famous Idaho Potato Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.famousidahopotatomarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- When is the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon and how do I register?
- Famous Idaho Potato Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://www.famousidahopotatomarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Famous Idaho Potato Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon pass?
- The course passes the Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views.
- What weather should runners expect at Famous Idaho Potato Marathon?
- Usually cool and dry with clear skies and quick warming once the sun rises.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
