How to get an entry into the Boston Marthon

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and popular marathons included in the elite Abbott World Marathon Majors, with thousands across the globe entering the ballot each year. Unfortunately, not all that apply get a place.

This marathon is known for its challenging course and has quickly become a goal for runners, especially those chasing their six star medal (Abbott World Marathon Majors). However this event has limited field capacity and strict qualifying criteria that has made it difficult to get a place.

This post will list the different options available to get a place in the Boston Marathon and outline some of the key qualifying standards that all runners should know.

Boston Marathon Ballot

The first option is to enter the ballot for the Boston Marathon with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), however runners are required to achieve a Boston Marathon qualifying time to even be considered for a place at the event.

Although athletes are required to run a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon, this does not guarantee them a spot in the event. The qualifying times criteria is split into groups based on age and gender.

What are the qualifying times for the Boston Marathon?

Additional to achieving a Boston Marathon qualifying time, athletes must ensure this is done on a certified race-course.

The course needs to be certified by USA Track and Field (USATF), Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) or a national governing body for distance running, which the race is being held. This also means that the Boston Marathon Association will not accept time-trails, treadmill marathon or any marathon done indoors as a qualifying time.

To find out more information regarding the qualifying criteria for the event, visit the Boston Marathon website.

Boston Marathon Charity Program

Athletes also can receive their Boston Marathon entry from a charity.

This is part of the Boston Marathon charity program, which the B.A.A. allocates non-profit organisations with a limited number of entries to recruit runners to take part in the race in-exchange for raising money for their charity.

To be considered as a non-profit organisation, who can offer entries to athletes they must meet the following criteria:

• Non-religious or political charity
• Focused on building healthy communities
• Must benefit local one or more of the local communities around Boston
• Working towards enhancing diversity, inclusion and sustainability.

Enter Boston through Abbott World Marathon Majors

The Abbott World Marathon Majors have their AbbottWMM Global Run Club, The Road to the Majors.

This includes a series of six virtual challenges for athletes on their Six Star journey more opportunities to enter the ballot for events included in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, by completing a virtual half marathon.

However, only runners who have a specific number of marathons left in their journey can be considers in the draw for an extra entry.

For more information on the Abbott World Marathon Majors draw.

Boston Marathon Tour Operators

Another option for runners looking to enter the Boston Marathon is to book through a Tour Operator.

Sports Tours international is the leading UK tour operator for the Boston Marathon. We help athletes complete their Six Star journey and take the hassle out of traveling with our entry and accommodation packages.

However, as Boston Marathon is one of our most sought-out marathons, we do not offer general sale on our website. Instead, we allocate places based on our runners’ past booking history. Simply put, the more events you’ve participated in with us, the greater your likelihood of securing an entry.

Eligible runners will receive a priority booking link, allowing them to select their preferred package, which may include the option to reserve a spot in the upcoming Boston Marathon with a deposit.

Now, some important details:

• Only events attended before the upcoming Boston Marathon, count.
• If you cancel a booking after being allocated a Boston place and this affects your place on the list we have the right to cancel your Boston booking and issue a refund of monies paid.
• Entry-only and our One-day cycling experiences don’t count.
• Cancelled bookings will not be counted as an event.
• Packages are only for residents of the UK.
• If you’ve been to Boston with us before, you will not be eligible for a second trip unless you meet the above and additional criteria below:
• You’ve completed the following events with us after your last trip to Boston (Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York and Sydney).
• You’ve booked with us at least seven times, including those events.
• Second trip places are limited and eligibility is based on your booking history.
• Please note a maximum of 10% of our allocation is for second Boston bookings.

Securing a place at the Boston Marathon is not easy, with strict qualifying standards and limited entry for runners. Whether you are entering for your personal goals, chasing your Six Star medal or running for a charity, there are multiple options to enter the Boston Marathon. No matter which route you pursue, careful planning and preparation is key to making your Boston Marathon dream a reality.