Mississippi River Marathon

Mississippi River Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Mississippi River Marathon is a full marathon held in Bettendorf, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 7 February 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 66m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 67m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Mississippi River Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very flat course with only 66m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 35m to 67m above sea level — a 32m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for February, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Cold conditions are expected, with temperatures between -11°C and -1°C. While cold weather reduces overheating risk, runners should dress in layers and be prepared for potential wind chill. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

Mississippi River Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Mississippi River Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Mississippi River Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Mississippi River Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.