How to Qualify for the Boston Marathon (BQ Times)

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon — earning a 'BQ' — means running a marathon time under the qualifying standard for your age group and sex on a certified course. Because demand exceeds available spots, simply meeting the standard isn't always enough; the field fills from the fastest qualifiers down, so beating your standard by a comfortable margin is the safe target.

How Boston qualifying works

The Boston Athletic Association sets qualifying time standards that vary by age and sex, getting more lenient as runners age. You must run under your standard at a certified marathon within the qualifying window. Registration then opens, and if more runners qualify than there are spots, those who beat their standard by the largest margins are accepted first.

Aim to beat your standard

• Meeting the exact standard often isn't enough due to the cutoff.
• In recent years, runners have needed to beat the standard by several minutes.
• Target a comfortable cushion rather than squeaking under to the second.
• Always confirm the current standards and window on the official BAA site.

Training to qualify

A BQ is a demanding goal that usually requires a structured, higher-mileage marathon build: consistent weekly volume, long runs with marathon-pace segments, threshold work to raise your sustainable pace, and a disciplined taper. Choosing a fast, flat, well-paced certified course also meaningfully improves your odds.

The role of pacing

Even the fittest qualifier can miss a BQ with poor pacing. Run the first half controlled, aim for even or slightly negative splits, and fuel consistently. A blown-up second half from going out too fast is one of the most common reasons strong runners miss their standard.