How to qualify for the Boston Marathon – in Detail
The Boston Marathon is one of the tick-box marathons giving the finisher a good dose of kudos from fellow marathon runners. The big difference between this race and many others is that you have to demonstrate a qualification standard. You might have heard the phrase ‘good for age’… you have to be a good marathon runner for your age to get a place.
More: Enter Boston Marathon Here (BAA.ORG)
Qualification Times & Dates
The qualifying window for results from qualifying races (examples here) that count towards the 129th Boston Marathon (2025) is now open and closes at 5 PM ET on 13 September 2024. You must register between September 9 and September 13, 2024
These are the minimum standards, you’ll likely need to do better to be offered a place.
| Age Group | MEN | WOMEN | NON-BINARY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 3hrs 00min 00sec | 3hrs 30min 00sec | 3hrs 30min 00sec |
| 35-39 | 3hrs 05min 00sec | 3hrs 35min 00sec | 3hrs 35min 00sec |
| 40-44 | 3hrs 10min 00sec | 3hrs 40min 00sec | 3hrs 40min 00sec |
| 45-49 | 3hrs 20min 00sec | 3hrs 50min 00sec | 3hrs 50min 00sec |
| 50-54 | 3hrs 25min 00sec | 3hrs 55min 00sec | 3hrs 55min 00sec |
| 55-59 | 3hrs 35min 00sec | 4hrs 05min 00sec | 4hrs 05min 00sec |
| 60-64 | 3hrs 50min 00sec | 4hrs 20min 00sec | 4hrs 20min 00sec |
| 65-69 | 4hrs 05min 00sec | 4hrs 35min 00sec | 4hrs 35min 00sec |
| 70-74 | 4hrs 20min 00sec | 4hrs 50min 00sec | 4hrs 50min 00sec |
| 75-79 | 4hrs 35min 00sec | 5hrs 05min 00sec | 5hrs 05min 00sec |
| 80 and over | 4hrs 50min 00sec | 5hrs 20min 00sec | 5hrs 20min 00sec |
Note that only chip times count. The time on your Garmin definitely won’t count.
Note that anyone 17 years old or younger cannot race.
The qualifying window for the 130th Boston Marathon (April 20, 2026), begins on September 1, 2024.
How old are you?
Your age on the day of the qualifying race is irrelevant. It’s your age on the day of the Boston Marathon that determines which group you are in.
So it’s normal that many people will, for example, achieve a qualifying time when they are 34 but race in the 35-39 age group. If you are younger you have an advantage.
How do I guarantee a place?
Answer: You CANNOT guarantee a place. You can only ensure that your qualifying time will allow you to register your interest.
Even if you achieve the qualifying time there could be hundreds of people in your age group that are not offered a place. The race is oversubscribed and the organisers determine a cut-off time each year to reduce the number of participants. The cut-off time has never been more than 7 minutes and 47 seconds (7:47). Whatever cut-off time is determined this year is applied equally to every age and sex category.
The cut-off time for this year’s race was 5:29. So if you raced in the 35-39 age group your qualifying time would have been better than 2:59:31.00 (3:05:00.00 less 0:05:29.00)
| YEAR | FIELD SIZE | “CUT-OFF TIME”* | QUALIFIERS NOT ACCEPTED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 27,000 | 1:14 | 3,228 |
| 2014 | 36,000 | 1:38 | 2,976 |
| 2015 | 30,000 | 1:02 | 1,947 |
| 2016 | 30,000 | 2:28 | 4,562 |
| 2017 | 30,000 | 2:09 | 2,957 |
| 2018 | 30,000 | 3:23 | 5,062 |
| 2019 | 30,000 | 4:52 | 7,384 |
| 2020 | 31,500 | 1:39 | 3,161 |
| 2021 | 20,000 | 7:47 | 9,215 |
| 2022 | 30,000 | 0:00 | 0 |
| 2023 | 30,000 | 0:00 | 0 |
| 2024 | 30,000 | 5:29 | 11,039 |
Qualifying Races
Generally speaking, qualifying races will be properly measured, organised and timed. The Boston Marathon organisers do NOT specify a list of qualifying races but every single one will be a full marathon run outdoors. Contact the organisers of your planned qualification race to ensure they have a valid certification, USATF, AIMS and other certified courses will generally be acceptable.
You can enter more than one qualifying race and it’s best to submit your best time.
Good luck
More: Enter Boston Marathon Here (BAA.ORG)
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