The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon (since 1897) and the only World Marathon Major that requires a qualifying time for general entry. Getting a "BQ" (Boston Qualifier) is a milestone achievement for many runners.
But qualifying doesn't guarantee entry. You still need to register during the window, and in recent years, the cutoff has been well under the official qualifying standards. For the official entry and all details, head to the Boston Athletic Association website.
Key Dates
- Race Day: Apr 20, 2026 (Patriots' Day)
- Registration Window: Sep 2025
Registration fills fast. Even qualified runners can miss out. Set up a BibsAlert to know the exact moment registration opens.
How to Enter
1. Time Qualification (Primary Method)
You must run a certified marathon at or under the BAA qualifying standard for your age and gender. Example standards (2026):
- Men 18-34: 3:00:00
- Women 18-34: 3:30:00
Standards are more generous for older age groups. Check the official website for the full table.
IMPORTANT: In recent years, the actual cutoff has been 5-6 minutes faster than the official standard due to high demand. Qualifying doesn't guarantee entry. The BAA accepts the fastest qualifiers first.
2. Charity Entries
The BAA partners with official charities. Fundraising minimums are typically $5,000-$10,000+. These spots are highly competitive.
3. Invitational Entries
The BAA issues a limited number of invitational entries to running clubs, partners, and sponsors.
The Course
The Boston Marathon is a point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston. It's net downhill but deceptively hilly. The famous "Heartbreak Hill" section (Newton Hills, miles 16-21) has crushed many marathon dreams.
The finish on Boylston Street is iconic, but this is not the fastest course despite being net downhill. The Newton Hills make the second half very tough. If you want a fast time to qualify for Boston, consider running Berlin or Amsterdam first.
Didn't Get In?
If you weren't selected in the Boston Marathon qualifying time, you still have options:
- Charity entries: Many official charity partners offer guaranteed places in exchange for fundraising commitments. Check the official website for partner organizations.
- Run a faster marathon: Choose a flat, fast course like Berlin or Valencia to chase a BQ time. Check the related races below for options.
- Invitational entries: Some running clubs and organizations receive invitational bibs. Ask your local running community.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for marathons with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Apply again next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the next entry window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the actual cutoff vs. the official qualifying time?
In recent years, you've needed to run 5-6 minutes faster than the official BQ standard to actually get in. For example, if the standard is 3:00:00, you likely need ~2:54:00 or faster.
Can I transfer or defer my entry?
No. Boston Marathon entries are non-transferable and non-deferrable. If you can't run, you lose your entry.
Do I need to be a US resident?
No. The Boston Marathon is open to qualified runners worldwide.
Related Races
Chicago Marathon
Ballot
World Major. Flat & fast
Los Angeles Marathon
Registration
Stadium to the Sea
TCS New York City Marathon
Ballot
World Major. Largest marathon
Looking Ahead
The qualifying period for each year typically runs from September to September. Registration for qualified runners usually opens the Monday after Labor Day in September. Even qualified runners can miss out if they don't register quickly.