Walter Childs Marathon
Race Day Weather
Cool conditions, moderate winds
Runners will face temperatures starting at 41°F and rising to 55°F. With a steady wind from the NW at 20 mph, pacing adjustments may be necessary, particularly in open areas. Humidity is low at 45%, allowing for a comfortable run without hydration concerns.
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Race Info
The Walter Childs Marathon, also called the Race of Champions, is held in memory of Walter H. Childs Sr., who founded the race and died in 1991. It served as the AAU National Championship and Pan American Games marathon trial in the late 1960s. The 2026 edition was the 62nd running, making it one of the oldest marathons in the United States. The course consists of six loops around Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on a certified dirt-and-gravel surface that qualifies for Boston Marathon entry.