Boston Marathon Qualifying Times

Getting up Heartbreak Hill is hard enough . . . but first, you must meet strict Boston Marathon qualifying times to even enter the race.
For 2020, qualifying times remain the same as recent years - but that does not mean that meeting the mark will be easy.
Marathon qualifying times are based on what your age will be on the day when the Boston Marathon in which you want to participate will be held.
You must be at least 18 years old.
Furthermore, you must achieve the qualifying time on a certified course approved by U.S.A. Track and Field, or the international equivalents designated by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), which organizes the Boston Marathon.
Fastest runners get to register first - so think of these qualifying times as just the first step to getting admitted to this elite race.
See the list below to find the exact qualifying times for each class.
Can You Qualify for the Boston Marathon?
Are you thinking that if 36,000 athletes from all over the world can qualify for the Boston Marathon, you can too?
Use the following charts to figure out your chances . . .and see if you need to start a Marathon training program to get into shape.
Boston Marathon Qualifying Times
To compete in the Boston Marathon, you must meet the qualification requirements within a period of approximately 19 months prior to the date of the Marathon in which you wish to participate.
That means that for the 2021 Marathon, you need to have met these qualifying times on or after September 15, 2019.
Registration for the Boston Marathon opens in September prior to the April race. Look for the exact date to be published on the B.A.A. website in May. You can also find requirements for the Blind/Visually Impaired division, and the Mobility Impaired program. You can also find the date on Boston Discovery Guide's Event Calendar for September.
If these qualifying times see a little daunting, get out your running shoes and start your Boston Marathon training program today!
Qualifying Times
Age Group | Men | Women |
---|---|---|
18-34 | 3 hrs 05 min | 3 hrs 35 min |
35-39 | 3 hrs 10 min | 3 hrs 40 min |
40-44 | 3 hrs 15 min | 3 hrs 45 min |
45-49 | 3 hrs 25 min | 3 hrs 55 min |
50-54 | 3 hrs 30 min | 4 hrs 00 min |
55-59 | 3 hrs 40 min | 4 hrs 10 min |
60-64 | 3 hrs 55 min | 4 hrs 25 min |
65-69 | 4 hrs 10 min | 4 hrs 40 min |
70-74 | 4 hrs 25 min | 4 hrs 55 min |
75-79 | 4 hrs 40 min | 5 hrs 10 min |
80 and over | 4 hrs 55 min | 5 hrs 25 min |
Unlike earlier years, an additional 59 seconds will NOT be accepted for qualifying times.
For example, a qualifying time of 4:25:59 for a 62 year old woman will NOT be accepted.
Push Rim Wheel Chair Qualifying Requirements
To compete in the Boston Marathon, you must meet the qualification requirements within a period of approximately 19 months prior to the date of the Marathon in which you wish to participate.
That means that for the 2021 Marathon, you need to have met these qualifying times on or after September 15, 2019.
Registration for the Boston Marathon opens in September prior to the April race. Look for the exact date to be published on the B.A.A. website in May. You can also find requirements for the Blind/Visually Impaired division, and the Mobility Impaired program. You can also find the date on Boston Discovery Guide's Event Calendar for September.
Qualifying Times
Class | Age Group | Men | Women |
---|---|---|---|
Open: Classes 3 & 4 | 18-39 | 2 hrs 00 min | 2 hrs 25 min |
40-49 | 2 hrs 15 min | 2 hrs 40 min | |
50-over | 2 hrs 30 min | 2 hrs 55 min | |
Quad: Classes 1 & 2 | 18-39 | 2 hrs 45 min | 3 hrs 10 min |
40-49 | 3 hrs 00 min | 3 hrs 25 min | |
50-over | 3 hrs 15 min | 3 hrs 40 min |
An additional 59 seconds will NOT be accepted for qualifying times.
Example: a qualifying time of 2:25:59 for a 38 year old woman in Open Class will NOT be accepted.
Hotels Overlooking the Boston Marathon Route
For the best Boston Marathon views from your room, stay in a hotel over looking the Marathon route, such as the luxurious Lexox Hotel on Boylston Street:

More top hotels near Boston's North End:
How to Save on Boston Hotels
Check out all our tips on how to find discounts, deals, and promo codes for Boston hotels. Whether you're looking for bargain accommodations or want to pay less for luxury, we'll show you How to Save on Hotels in Boston.
Booking.comMore about how to save on Boston hotels
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- 217th Boston Marathon - See the Memorials
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