Boston qualifying times explained: BQ, cut-offs and age groups

Boston qualifying times are the standards you must beat in a certified marathon to apply for the Boston Marathon. For ages 18 to 34 the standard is 2:55 for men and 3:25 for women and non-binary runners, and it gets slower with each age group. Runners call meeting it a BQ, but it does not guarantee a place, because the fastest applicants get in first. This guide explains how the times work, why the real cut-off is faster and what to do if you miss it.

What is a BQ?#

A BQ is a qualifying time that meets the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) standard for your age and gender on race day. Most other majors accept entries by lottery. Boston is different, because a qualifying time is the main way in, so almost every runner has already run a fast marathon.

The race itself is run every April from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. You can read more on our Boston Marathon page.

How do the Boston qualifying times work for each age group?#

The BAA sets the standards by age group and gender. For ages 18 to 34 they are 2:55 for men and 3:25 for women and non-binary runners. They then get slower as the age group goes up.

Because the BAA can update the table, always read the current one on the official Boston Marathon site before you plan. Your age is the one you will be on race day, so some runners get a slower standard than they expect.

To see what a standard asks of you, use the pace calculator. A 2:55 marathon is about 4:09 per kilometre, or 6:41 per mile. A 3:25 marathon is about 4:52 per kilometre, or 7:49 per mile.

Why is the real cut-off faster than the standard?#

Meeting your standard lets you apply. It does not let you in. If more qualified runners apply than there are places, the BAA accepts the fastest in each age group first, and it turns the rest away.

So in a busy year the real cut-off can be several minutes faster than the published time. For example, a runner who beats the standard by one minute can still miss out. That is why many runners aim for a buffer of five minutes or more.

How and when do you apply?#

Registration opens for a short window in mid-September for the race the following April. You send in the time from a certified course that you ran inside the qualifying window. The fee is about $260 to $270 USD, and the BAA charges it only if you get in.

Only certified courses count, and the BAA has rules on which courses are eligible, so check yours before you rely on the result. The official site lists the details.

What if you miss the Boston qualifying times?#

You have a few options.

1. Try again. Many runners qualify on a second or third marathon, and fresh legs on a flatter course can help.
2. Choose a charity place. Charities partner with the BAA, and raising money for them is the other route into Boston. Charities have limited places.
3. Pick a different race first. Berlin and Chicago offer guaranteed places for fast times, and how to get into a World Marathon Major lists the options.

If you are not sure what time you could run, enter a recent result in the race time predictor for an estimate.

How can family and friends help?#

A BQ attempt is stressful. The runner may be hard on themselves, so a calm, kind person at the finish makes a difference. If the time is missed, read what to say to a runner after a bad race.

On race day itself, plan where you will stand. The Wikipedia page on the Boston Marathon gives a good overview of the course, and Wellesley College and Kenmore Square are popular spots.

Frequently asked questions#

What is the Boston qualifying time for men aged 18 to 34?#

It is 2:55. For women and non-binary runners in the same age group it is 3:25.

Does a BQ guarantee a place in the Boston Marathon?#

No. If more qualified runners apply than there are places, the fastest in each age group are accepted first.

Which age do I use for my qualifying time?#

You use your age on race day, so check the current table on the official site.

Can I run Boston without a qualifying time?#

Yes, through a charity place, which means raising money for an official charity partner. These places are limited.

When does registration for Boston open?#

It usually opens for a short window in mid-September for the following April. Confirm the dates on the official site.