Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards
Official qualifying times by age group and gender, plus the 2027 registration timeline and downhill-course indexing rules verified from the B.A.A.
Race date
April 19, 2027
Registration
The 2027 Boston Marathon qualifier registration window is September 14-18, 2026, ending at 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 18, 2026. Registration is not first-come, first-served.
Qualification window
The 2027 qualifying window began September 13, 2025 for the 2027 Boston Marathon registration cycle.
Check your standard
Enter your age on Patriots' Day and select your division to see the qualifying time.
How standards work
Your BQ time is the starting line for planning
Boston qualifying standards are organized by age group and division. The relevant age is your age on Boston Marathon race day, not necessarily your age when you run the qualifying race. That detail matters for runners near an age-group boundary because a later Boston race date can move them into a different standard.
Running under the listed standard makes a result eligible for registration consideration, but it does not guarantee acceptance when demand is higher than available field size. In competitive years, the BAA applies a cut-off time, meaning accepted runners needed to beat their standard by an additional margin. That is why BMQR treats the official standard as a minimum requirement and encourages runners to plan a cushion whenever possible.
Course certification, timing, and net elevation loss also matter. A strong marathon performance only helps for Boston if the race is accepted as a qualifier, falls inside the qualifying window for the race year you are targeting, and is not affected beyond your margin by the B.A.A.'s downhill index. Before registering, confirm the event's current certification, date, course map, and official Boston eligibility details on the race site and with B.A.A. guidance.
How to use this page
First, identify your standard. Second, choose a goal time that includes a buffer. Third, convert that goal into training and race-day splits. Finally, pick a race whose course, weather, travel, and field size support the way you run best.
If you are far from the standard, use the readiness calculator to estimate the gap from a recent race. If you are close, use the race directory and comparison tool to reduce uncertainty around course profile, starting logistics, and conditions.
Boston Qualifier Selection
For the 2027 Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. is introducing the Boston Qualifier Selection after registration closes, qualifying times are verified, and the fastest qualifiers by cut-off are accepted. Applicants whose qualifying time was not faster than the cut-off will automatically be included in the selection. Approximately 1,000 qualifiers are expected to be randomly selected for entry from that group. This does not guarantee entry; due to field size limits, not all qualified applicants will be accepted. All qualifier applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by early October.
Looking ahead to 2028
The 2028 Boston Marathon qualifying window begins Saturday, September 19, 2026 and continues through 2028 Boston Marathon Registration Week in September 2027. The B.A.A. says 2028 qualifying standards currently match the 2027 standards. Downhill time indexes for courses with at least 1,500 feet of net elevation drop may change before 2028 registration.
2027 downhill indexing
Age is determined by the runner's age on the date of the 2027 Boston Marathon: April 19, 2027. 2027 qualifier registration window: September 14-18, 2026. The 2027 qualifying window began September 13, 2025. Starting with 2027 registration, certified courses with 1,500+ ft net downhill are indexed: +5:00 for 1,500-2,999 ft, +10:00 for 3,000-5,999 ft, and courses with 6,000+ ft net downhill are not eligible.
- 1,500-2,999 ft net downhill: +5:00 is added to the submitted qualifying time.
- 3,000-5,999 ft net downhill: +10:00 is added to the submitted qualifying time.
- 6,000+ ft net downhill: performances are not eligible for Boston Marathon qualifying.
BQ Standards Shortlist
Get your monthly BQ race shortlist based on your standard.
We'll send fast-course picks, deadline reminders, and timely qualifiers that fit runners chasing the latest Boston standard.
Boston qualifying standards FAQ
Which age group applies?
Use your age on Boston Marathon race day for the race year you are targeting. That can differ from your age on the day you run the qualifying marathon.
Is meeting the standard enough?
Meeting the standard makes the time eligible for registration consideration, but acceptance can require a faster cut-off when demand exceeds the field size.
What should I verify before registering?
Confirm the race is accepted as a Boston qualifier, falls inside the relevant qualifying window, and still uses the course and date you are planning around. For downhill races, review whether the B.A.A. will add a 5-minute or 10-minute index to the submitted time.
Planning with a buffer
A useful Boston goal is more specific than "run under the standard." Decide how much margin you want, then translate that margin into pace. For example, a three-minute cushion changes every mile by several seconds, which is small enough to train deliberately but large enough to matter during registration. That buffer can also absorb GPS error, crowded turns, or a slightly long tangent line on race day.
Standards should also guide race selection. If your required pace is already aggressive, choose a race with fewer unknowns. If you have a larger cushion, you may be able to prioritize travel, timing, or a course that feels more enjoyable without sacrificing the qualifying attempt.
Full qualifying standards
Times are listed in hours:minutes:seconds and reflect the official B.A.A. standards for the 2027 Boston Marathon.
| Age group | Men | Women | Non-Binary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35-39 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40-44 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:50:00 | 4:20:00 | 4:20:00 |
| 65-69 | 4:05:00 | 4:35:00 | 4:35:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:20:00 | 4:50:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:35:00 | 5:05:00 | 5:05:00 |
| 80+ | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 | 5:20:00 |
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