In short
To run Boston, you need a qualifying time for your age and sex, on a certified marathon. But the time alone is not enough: for 2027, you needed to be 5 min 17 s faster. Registration expected from September 13 to September 17, 2027 (estimated).
The key facts
| What you book | A bib |
|---|---|
| Registration period | from September 13, 2027 to September 17, 2027 |
| Opening time | 10:00 a.m., New York time |
| Race day | Monday, April 17, 2028 estimated date Start time not announced yet.Estimated from previous editions, not official yet. |
| Price | $260 for accepted qualifiers (2026 edition)Price taken from the source, with its year. |
| How reliable these dates are | Estimated from previous years |
Requirements
- Qualifying time by age and sex (18-34: 2:55 for men, 3:25 for women), on a certified marathon during the qualifying period
Step by step
- Run your qualifying time On a certified marathon. For 2028, only marathons run since 19 September 2026 count.
- Apply from September 13, 2027 to September 17, 2027 On Athletes' Village, the B.A.A. site. The day you apply does not matter: applications are ranked after closing.
- Answer around September 28, 2027 By email, with the cut-off set (5 min 17 s for 2027). The fee is only charged once you are accepted.
- Not accepted? Two options remain The draw of about 1,000 places among qualifiers left out (automatic), or a charity place with a partner charity.
The time used is your chip time, and the B.A.A. checks it before confirming your entry: keep the link to your official results.
What our guide says
- Boston Marathon: The fastest get in first: for 2027, you needed to be 5 min 17 s under your qualifying time. 1,000 spots drawn among the other qualifiers. 2026 cycle: September 14 to 18.
2027 qualifying times, by age
| Age | Men | Women and non-binary |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35-39 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40-44 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:50:00 | 4:20:00 |
| 65-69 | 4:05:00 | 4:35:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:20:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:35:00 | 5:05:00 |
| 80 and over | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
Official B.A.A. table for 2027 (age on 19 April 2027, net chip time), checked October 2026.
Don't miss an opening
Add every opening on this page to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before and the day before each one.
Frequently asked questions
What time do you need to qualify for Boston?
Qualifying time by age and sex (18-34: 2:55 for men, 3:25 for women), on a certified marathon during the qualifying period.
Is the qualifying time enough?
Not always: the fastest get in first. For 2027, you needed to be 5 min 17 s under your qualifying time.