Boston Marathon Qualifying Times

2021 Race - Can You Qualify?

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.

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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.

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:

Lenox Hotel, overlooking the Boston Marathon route

More top hotels near Boston's North End:

Check out more Boston Marathon hotels

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.

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More about how to save on Boston hotels