Boston Marathon Sets 4:34 Cutoff Time for 2026 Qualifiers

In its first year after adjusting its qualifying standards, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced that to participate in the 2026 Boston Marathon, athletes had to run four minutes and 34 seconds faster than the qualifying times for their gender and age group.

In a news release issued on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the B.A.A. announced that a total of 33,249 applications had been received for the race. Of this number, 24,362 runners were accepted, leaving 8,887 qualifiers unselected due to the 30,000-runner limit. Remaining spots will be filled by charity runners, sponsors, and invited athletes.

According to a Runner's World report, the 4:34 cutoff time is significantly lower than last year's requirement of six minutes and 51 seconds faster than qualifying times. In contrast, the 2018 cutoff was three minutes and 23 seconds.

“The sport of marathoning is gaining momentum worldwide, and we recognize the dedication it takes to qualify and earn a spot on the starting line for the Boston Marathon,” said Jack Fleming, the president and CEO of the B.A.A., in a statement shared with Runner's World. “Unfortunately, we're unable to accept all applicants into the event, but we do want to applaud all who train and aspire to participate in the Boston Marathon.”

According to the B.A.A. release, participants from 120 countries will compete in the 2026 Boston Marathon, scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026. These numbers include more than 13,800 men, 10,400 women, 110 non-binary runners, and 719 runners who earned entry from finishing 10 or more consecutive Boston Marathon finishes.

The B.A.A. announced in June that the 2027 race will have new rules for participants in net-downhill qualifying races. Courses that drop 1,500 to 5,999 feet in net elevation will face time adjustments.