How to Qualify for the Boston Marathon

Ever since the venerable Boston Marathon instituted mandatory qualifying times in 1970, the race has become a critical goal for dedicated marathoners. Qualifying to run the Patriots’ Day race requires discipline, patience and plenty of miles.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running shoes
• Running clothes
• 6-15 hours/week for training

1. Determine your qualifying time by visiting the official website of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) (www.bostonmarathon.com). Qualifying times correspond with age groups. Once you qualify, you have approximately 18 months before your qualification expires.

2. Pick a marathon that is suited to your success. The race must be a certified course—check with BAA if in doubt. Flat, fast courses are helpful, but so are local ones for their familiarity and fan base.

3. Train as if you need to race at least 10 minutes faster than your qualifying time. Nobody wants to run for three-plus hours, only to miss a qualifying time by two minutes.

4. Follow a marathon training plan that combines speed, strength, and endurance workouts. Consider joining a Boston-specific training group. An experienced coach will help you reach your goal.

5. Recruit a cheering squad for race day. Place them strategically at tough spots along the course—before and after “the wall,” which most runners hit around mile 18.

6. Know your pace and race strategy. Run with a pace group or an experienced marathoner. Even then, watch your pace and stick with your strategy.

7. It takes most dedicated runners several attempts before qualifying; so don’t beat yourself up if you miss it the first time. Just go back to step one and keep running.

Tips & Warnings

• The Boston Marathon is held each April. Consider this when planning your qualifying race(s). Try to leave enough time between your qualifying race and Boston so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll need the energy once you hit the Heartbreak Hills.
• The Boston Marathon is held each April. Consider this when planning your qualifying race(s). Try to leave enough time between your qualifying race and Boston so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll need the energy once you hit the Heartbreak Hills.
• As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before beginning. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
• Listen to your body and have any persistent pain checked out by your doctor.
• As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before beginning. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
• Listen to your body and have any persistent pain checked out by your doctor.

Resources

• Boston Athletic Association

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