The Boston Marathon is the crown jewel for marathon runners. Being the world’s oldest and also most well known, it is certainly a bucket list race for most marathon runners. The iconic race is traditionally held every year on Patriot’s Day (3rd Monday of April) as the entire city of Boston celebrates the holiday festivities. The race is also part of the coveted Abbott World Majors series which consists of the 6 Major International Marathons. They are located in Chicago, New York City, Berlin, London, Tokyo, & Boston. While the race is not only famous for its history and prominence, it is also noteworthy in that runners must meet age & gender specific time qualifications to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
What Times You Need To Qualify For The Boston Marathon
Boston earns its reputation because it is the only marathon in the world where all participants must meet time qualifications to enter. The times needed to qualify for the Boston Marathon have fluctuated over the years as demand has picked up. The Boston Marathon sets an annual capacity limit at around 30,000 per year. Part of that number is always reserved for charity entries and other special invitations. The B.A.A. estimates they set aside ~20% of the field for non-qualifies, so that leaves around 24,000 spots open for general applicants. Below are the most recent time qualification standards that were used to qualify for the Boston Marathon 2023 edition.
| Age Group | Men’s Standards | Women’s Standards |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 3:00 | 3:30 |
| 35-39 | 3:05 | 3:35 |
| 40-44 | 3:10 | 3:40 |
| 45-49 | 3:20 | 3:50 |
| 50-54 | 3:25 | 3:55 |
| 55-59 | 3:35 | 4:05 |
| 60-64 | 3:50 | 4:20 |
| 65-69 | 4:05 | 4:35 |
| 70-74 | 4:20 | 4:50 |
| 75-79 | 4:35 | 5:05 |
| 80+ | 4:50 | 5:20 |
For many years, if you met your qualification standard you were able to make it into the race. However, in recent years demand for the race has exceeded the number of available spots for the race. This has led to many runners who have a qualifying time being left out of the race. If the B.A.A. receives more applicants than spots available, then they will start rejecting applicants based on their time under the qualification standard. For example, runners who finished 1 second under their standard would be the first to be cut and so forth until the field size is reached. The number of applicants cut has varied by year, so it is always nerve wracking waiting to find out if your time is good enough. The past 2 Boston Marathons have seen all qualified applicants make it as demand has not exceeded the race limits.
Top 10 Marathons To Qualify For the Boston Marathon
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
When: First Weekend of November
Field Size: ~4,000-5,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 20.9%
Race Description: One of my favorites, the Monumental Marathon tours Indianapolis and features a fast, looped course. The race starts and finishes near the state capitol and is highlighted by running through Monument Circle, Butler University, and through many scenic neighborhoods. Featuring only around 300 feet of total gain, the annual fall race consistently provides fast times and predictable weather. Expect 30-40 degrees and fast conditions most years. With a fairly large field size, you are bound to have many other runners around you to support you to the finish. Check out my guide to running your best Monumental Marathon.
Erie Marathon
Where: Erie, Pennsylvania
When: Middle of September
Field Size: ~1000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 27.7%
Race Description: The Erie Marathon times itself up with the Boston Marathon registration each year to provide runners with a “last chance”. Run in the middle of September just before Boston Registration, runners enjoy a flat course that offers plenty of shade and mild temperatures. The course makes great use of Presque Isle State Park, as it makes 2 loops around the park. This is a very scenic course, but also fast with an incredible 46% of runners in 2018 hitting a BQ.
California International Marathon
Where: Sacramento, California
When: First Week of December
Field Size: ~7,500
Last 3 Years BQ %: 30.0%
Race Description: This race has really grown over the years and is now one of the largest races in the US. Boasting a net downhill of over 300 feet, this course is fast and fun. It is repeatedly billed as the “fastest course in the west”. This course starts outside of Sacramento and winds its way into the city for the finish. The race traditionally sees the highest % of BQ runners for large races (excluding Boston itself). Beware, this race typically sells out in advance, so get your registration in early!
Glass City Marathon
Where: Toledo, Ohio
When: End of April
Field Size: ~1,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 22.3%
Race Description: When you think of places to run a marathon, Toledo, Ohio probably isn’t the first name on your list. Toledo has a long history of companies producing glass, so this marathon honors that heritage. The race starts and finishes on the campus of the University of Toledo. The race features a lot of turns, but the smaller size race and flat course provide a great BQ opportunity. The course features many miles through parks and offers a chance to finish inside a football stadium. Beware of lots of turns throughout the course, so study up on your tangents.
Eugene Marathon
Where: Eugene, Oregon
When: End of April
Field Size: ~2,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 25.4%
Race Description: Home to TrackTown USA, Eugene is arguably the mecca for runners. The rich history of the University of Oregon and the history of Nike combine to provide quite the atmosphere. A fast, flat course rewards you with an exciting finish in the newly renovated Hayward Field. The people of Eugene appreciate and are are knowledgeable about running, so be prepared for some great spectators along the way. Temperatures are typically cool and ideal for a great race, so get out there and Just Do It!
Chicago Marathon
Where: Chicago, Illinois
When: Second Weekend of October
Field Size: ~45,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 10.3%
Race Description: The Chicago Marathon comes in with the lowest BQ % on this list, but it still rightfully deserves mention. The Windy City loop features a fast, flat course packed with landmarks and huge crowds. The BQ % is on the lower end due to the large number of participants. As one of the 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors, it boasted the 2nd largest marathon field in the United States (only trailing NYC). You will certainly not be lacking other runners near you in this race. Weather can be variable, as I encountered upper 70 degree weather in 2021. However, the 2022 version featured gorgeous 40 degree temperatures.
Mesa Marathon
Where: Mesa, Arizona
When: Beginning of February
Field Size: ~2,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 20.5%
Race Description: The Mesa Marathon is well laid out for a BQ attempt. With a net downhill of close to 1000 feet, runners will fly to the finish line in this point-to-point race. While some races with this much decline could kill the quads, the decline is gradual and spread out over most of the course. This suburb of Phoenix features dry dessert air and lots of sunshine. The early February date is the only time when you would want to run in Arizona. The race organizers have boasted about featuring sell-out races for each of its 8 years, so make sure to sign up in advance.
Grandma’s Marathon
Where: Duluth, Minnesota
When: Middle of June
Field Size: ~6,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 17.2%
Race Description: While you wouldn’t want to be here in January, Duluth in June is a great place for a summer BQ attempt. One of the few marathons you will find in the summer, this large race has a large number of BQ’ers. The race loses a net of around 100 feet of elevation gain as the course traverses along Lake Superior. There is a little risk with this one as temperatures can sometimes swing to warm and humid. If the weather stays cooperative, this race is one of the best. It is the 13th largest marathon in the US, so finding similar paced runners shouldn’t be a problem.
Carmel Marathon
Where: Carmel, Indiana
When: Beginning of April
Field Size: ~1,000
Last 3 Years BQ %: 21.9%
Race Description: An early spring running captures the cool Indiana climate and gives you your chance at a BQ. This northern suburb of Indianapolis is booming with art & culture. While this race may have the charm of a small town race, it has quickly grown into a full scale weekend of racing. Carmel features a smaller race field and a very low maintenance weekend experience. The course is a big figure 8 with the half marathon course running along the full for the first half. This course is fast and pretty flat, but the back half can get a little lonely with the smaller race field. Carmel is known for its many roundabouts, so brush up on your tangents before starting!
Baystate Marathon
Where: Lowell, Massachusetts
When: Middle of October
Field Size: ~1,500
Last 3 Years BQ %: 27.7%
Race Description: While Boston hogs the Massachusetts spotlight, the Baystate Marathon flies under the radar as a great race. Fall in New England is a bucket list must have, and this race delivers. The course is flat and fast and features a 2 loop track. The race was also organized by runners, so attention to detail provides participants with a great race experience. This race boasts some of the highest BQ rates of any race, so head up to Lowell and get yourself a BQ next fall!
