Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards

Current BAA qualifying standards by age group. Meeting the standard does not guarantee entry. See the cutoff history below.

BQ Standards 2024-2025 Cycle

Age Group	Men	Women	Likely Needed*
18-34	3:00:00	3:30:00	2:54:31 / 3:24:31
35-39	3:05:00	3:35:00	2:59:31 / 3:29:31
40-44	3:10:00	3:40:00	3:04:31 / 3:34:31
45-49	3:20:00	3:50:00	3:14:31 / 3:44:31
50-54	3:25:00	3:55:00	3:19:31 / 3:49:31
55-59	3:35:00	4:05:00	3:29:31 / 3:59:31
60-64	3:50:00	4:20:00	3:44:31 / 4:14:31
65-69	4:05:00	4:35:00	3:59:31 / 4:29:31
70-74	4:20:00	4:50:00	4:14:31 / 4:44:31
75-79	4:35:00	5:05:00	4:29:31 / 4:59:31
80+	4:50:00	5:20:00	4:44:31 / 5:14:31

* Based on recent ~5:29 average cutoff. "Likely needed" = BQ standard minus 5:29.

Historical Cutoffs

Race Year	Cutoff Under BQ	Field Size
2025 (129th)	5:29	~30,000
2024 (128th)	5:29	~30,000
2023 (127th)	6:02	~30,000
2022 (126th)	2:09	~28,000
2020 (virtual)	N/A	Qualifier only
2019 (123rd)	4:52	~30,000

How registration works

Registration opens in mid-September. Runners with the largest buffer over their BQ standard register first. After the initial open period, remaining spots fill in wave order until the field closes. If you qualified by 5+ minutes, you can typically register immediately; if close to the standard, you may be in a later wave or cut off.

Qualifying race rules

Your qualifying race must be an official marathon (26.2 miles / 42.195 km) held within the qualifying window (roughly September of the prior year through registration close). Half marathons and ultra distances do not qualify. BAA certifies specific races, check baa.org for the approved list.

Check your BQ status