How to qualify for the Boston Marathon?

Three paths lead to the Boston Marathon:

• Qualifying time (BQ): an official time under your category standard, in a certified marathon, based on your age and sex
• Charity program: fundraising ($5,000–$10,000) for a charity approved by the BAA
• Accredited travel agency: bib included in an international package

Be careful: meeting the standard guarantees nothing— in 2026, you had to beat it by 4 min 34 to get a bib.