How to Qualify for the Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon stands as one of the most prestigious annual marathons worldwide, attracting runners from all corners of the earth.
The starting line in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, lies before a 26.2-mile journey to the finish line in Boston. Captivating runners since 1897, the Boston Marathon is a race for the running community not just for its rich history but also for its challenging qualifying standards.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox.
To qualify, runners primarily rely on achieving a qualifying time at certified marathon races, called BQ Races, within a specified period before the Boston Marathon. These times are competitive benchmarks, meaning runners also have to surpass these qualifying times due to the rolling admission process—faster times are accepted first.
It might sound intimidating enough just to qualify, but there are also a few other, less straightforward, ways to qualify that I will touch on below.
Key Takeaways
Achieving a Boston Qualifying time is the primary route to qualify for the Boston Marathon. However, there are alternative ways to participate, like with a charity group.
•Training smart is crucial, from goal-specific workouts to incorporating race simulations into your routine.
•Nutrition and hydration play critical roles in not just race day performance, but in overall training and recovery.
How to Quality for the Boston Marathon
Achieving a Boston Qualifying time (BQ) from certified marathons is a significant achievement due to its strict time-based standards. The difficulty depends on factors such as the runner’s age, gender, and running ability.
Specific qualifying times are set by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), and leniency is given to runners in higher age categories.
Time-Based Qualifications
Running for a qualifying time at a BQ Race is the primary route for runners aiming to qualify and register for the Boston Marathon. The qualifying window is open for about a year before the race, from one September to the September prior to the marathon.
Below are the time requirements set by the BAA for runners completing a certified Boston Qualifiers race as of 2024:
*Note that achieving a qualifying time does not guarantee entry into the Boston Marathon.
This is due to the number of applicants regularly exceeding the number of available spots, and so a rolling admission process is implemented. The fastest qualifiers in each age and gender category are accepted first until the race capacity is met.
Charity Entries
An alternative pathway for runners to participate in the Boston Marathon is through charity entries.
These entries are part of the race’s charity program, which partners with various nonprofit organizations each year to harness the event’s visibility to support various charitable causes.
Invitational Entries
Invitation entries provided by the BAA are special entries to individuals or groups that contribute meaningfully to the marathon and its surrounding community.
Recipients may include race volunteers, community leaders, members of running clubs affiliated with the BAA, or those with special circumstances or stories that align with the marathon’s values and goals.
How many spots are available for registration?
The number of spots available for the Boston Marathon varies from year to year, depending on decisions made by the BAA.
Historically, the total field size has been around 30,000 runners, including qualifiers, charity runners, and invitational entries.
Races Known for BQ
The BAA maintains a list of Boston Qualifer races that runners can find in their areas on the following sites:
Is it too late to Qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon?
The window to achieve a qualifying time and register for the 2024 Boston Marathon ended in September of 2023.
However, runners aspiring to race in 2025 have until this upcoming September to achieve a Boston Qualifier time and register after the qualifying window ends.
Train Smarter, Not Harder
Training for a BQ involves a multilayered approach, as it requires not only physical endurance but also strategic planning, mental strength, and appropriate recovery.
Below is an overview of different aspects to invest consideration into when training for a BQ time.
Goal-Specific Training
Runners will adapt their training strategies to mimic the conditions they will face in the BQ race they choose to compete in.
If the BQ race is known for its hills, runners will incorporate hill repeats and long runs on similar inclines to efficiently tackle the chances in elevation on race day.
Race Simulation
Participating in shorter races or creating mock race days that share conditions of your target race is a tactic commonly used by runners to adjust their pacing and fueling plans.
You can also break your workouts down into segments that replicate different parts of the course. Having a separate section of your training for a flat warm-up, hill repeats, and finishing with a fast flat section lets you prioritize any weak points more effectively.
Turning To Coaching
To facilitate your training progress, you can always turn to the expertise of a running coach to help you create a personalized training plan that will serve your goals.
If you’re interested in consulting with a running coach, check out how you can find a running coach to take your running routine to the next level!
A coach will help you fine-tune the little details of your BQ strategy that might not seem like a big deal, but they can make the difference between qualifying for the Boston Marathon and being time-cut.
Dial in your Nutrition and Hydration
Preparing for any intensive physical activity involves paying attention to your nutrition and hydration.
Nutrition
In the days before a race, runners often increase their carbohydrate intake (also known as “carb loading”) to maximize their storage of glycogen for energy.
For athletic lifestyles in general, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats ensures runners receive all the necessary nutrients for recovery and muscle repair.
Hydration
It is vital to practice proper hydration strategies to keep you hydrated leading up to and during any race. Drink fluids regularly instead of large quantities at once to help maintain optimal hydration levels.
During intense workouts, sweating will deplete your body of water and much-needed electrolytes, which can lead to cramps. Here are 9 ways to stay hydrated during your intense workouts to avoid unnecessary discomfort or cramps.
What comes after Qualifying?
After achieving your Boston Qualifying time and registering during the registration window, the months leading up to the Boston Marathon are as physically and mentally demanding as the pursuit of a BQ time!
Runners preparing for the Boston Marathon typically follow a tailored training plan to further build endurance, speed, and strength while tapering (reducing the distance and speed they train at for the last 2 to 3 weeks of training, or tapering). This ensures they arrive in peak condition at the big race.
Plan for the Big Day
Be sure to be on time! Arrive early to the transportation buses to make your way to the start village. Continue to be diligent with your nutrition and hydration the day of and before your race. If you’ve made it this far, you’re already a winner in our books! ????
More Running Resources
For more reading on running strategies and marathon training, check our these posts we’ve picked out for you!
How to Train for a Marathon with Peloton
Conclusion
Crossing the finish line is more than just finishing a race; it’s achieving a milestone for dedication and perseverance.
Whether you’re aiming for a BQ time, considering charity entries, or exploring invitational entries, the journey to Boston is a testament to your love for running and a healthy lifestyle!
