Looking to BQ for 2015, what date do I need to run my marathon by? Fall of 2014 or earlier?
What is the process after I run the marathon do I need to sign up for an application with BAA? Say if my marathon time needs to be 3:05 and I break 3hours am I “Safe” for qualification?
baa.org has the answers to almost every thing asked. Go there first. If you have more questions, let us know.
Last year they opened/closed Boston registration in a short space of time in September. So assuming they do that again, you would want to run your marathon before then.
As long as your marathon is run on a certified course, you should be fine. Then when Boston entry opens up in September, you just go to the website and enter normally.
Most years I’d say being 5 minutes under the qualifiying time would be plenty. Obviously things were different this year with the post-bombing running. I don’t know how it will be next year so there are no guarantees.
One recommendation I would make about qualifying – and I always recommend this if you are trying to run a marathon purely for time: Pick two marathons that you could run to qualify – the second one being just 2 or 3 weeks after the first. Ideally the second one would be a smaller one that you could enter at the last minute. Consult the calendar at marathonguide.com to find one.
When the first marathon comes, go for it but if you get to a point where you know you aren’t going to make it (sometimes you just have those days) then plan to drop the hell out and save it for the second one where you can try again. If you drop out before 30k, you really can be ready to try again at peak fitness in just a couple of weeks. If you insist on running the full distance, you seriously diminish your chances at the second one. Marathon fitness is very hard won. Don’t waste it on “just finishing”.
“For the 2015 Boston Marathon, registration will begin in the Fall of 2014. Registration will remain open until the maximum field size is reached. Exact dates of registration will be coming soon.”
From the website. I don’t want to run a marathon in the fall if registration opens in the fall and it sells out.
When did the 2014 registration open up?
Last year they opened/closed Boston registration in a short space of time in September. So assuming they do that again, you would want to run your marathon before then.
As long as your marathon is run on a certified course, you should be fine. Then when Boston entry opens up in September, you just go to the website and enter normally.
Most years I’d say being 5 minutes under the qualifiying time would be plenty. Obviously things were different this year with the post-bombing running. I don’t know how it will be next year so there are no guarantees.
One recommendation I would make about qualifying – and I always recommend this if you are trying to run a marathon purely for time: Pick two marathons that you could run to qualify – the second one being just 2 or 3 weeks after the first. Ideally the second one would be a smaller one that you could enter at the last minute. Consult the calendar at marathonguide.com to find one.
When the first marathon comes, go for it but if you get to a point where you know you aren’t going to make it (sometimes you just have those days) then plan to drop the hell out and save it for the second one where you can try again. If you drop out before 30k, you really can be ready to try again at peak fitness in just a couple of weeks. If you insist on running the full distance, you seriously diminish your chances at the second one. Marathon fitness is very hard won. Don’t waste it on "just finishing".
JoeO- Your the man! Thanks you just answered all my questions, so I should try to find a marathon in August to run then and great idea on 2 marathons to pick and dropping out of the first one if I am not on track. Wish me luck!
The cut-off for Boston 2014 was BQ minus 1:38. I didn’t make it.
This spring I ran a BQ minus 4:00, so I think I’m good for 2015.
September will be the online registration. First two days for BQ minus 20 min or better. Next two days for BQ minus 10 min or better. Next three days for BQ minus 5 min or better. After that, everyone else until it fills up. Then they will line everyone up by qualifying time and set the cut-off. Everyone who registers will get an email telling them whether they made it in or not.
Good luck!
Thanks, Good Luck to you too
BTW did you follow a certain training plan?
Looking to BQ for 2015, what date do I need to run my marathon by? Fall of 2014 or earlier?
What is the process after I run the marathon do I need to sign up for an application with BAA? Say if my marathon time needs to be 3:05 and I break 3hours am I “Safe” for qualification?
Keep in mind that your qualifying time is based on your age on RACE DAY, not when you qualify. I have no chance to do it this year (other fish to fry), but when I qualify in 2015, I will only need to make the 40 year old time (birthday is 2 weeks before Boston 2016).
might be able to buy yourself five minutes if you are lucky like I am!
I ran Boston in 2013, qualifying through the Chicago Marathon. I used Greg McMillan’s custom plan. See mcmillanrunning.com. A little more pricey than a stock plan, but worked for me at the time.
For the top qualifying races check out http://www.marathonguide.com/races/bostonmarathonqualifyingraces.cfm
Good luck.
Unfortunately no additional time for me.
Good luck at Kona
I did Pfitzinger’s 18/70 training plan.
For running (unlike IM), it really is true that you don’t need to get faster, you just need to get older and not slow down! That’s my plan at least, BOSTON 2016 baby!
I’m still searching my soul to do the same…my plan to run the California International last year blew up because of a storm that hit Oregon, but picking a flat and fast course is the way to go IMO…why make it harder on yourself if you don’t have to. The way the race has gone in the last few years, just reaching your BQ time isn’t enough anymore, you almost have to be in the age group below you that’s why I’m training for a sub 3 hour time at 40 so I know I will get in…good luck and keep training!!!
Looking to BQ for 2015, what date do I need to run my marathon by? Fall of 2014 or earlier?
What is the process after I run the marathon do I need to sign up for an application with BAA? Say if my marathon time needs to be 3:05 and I break 3hours am I “Safe” for qualification?
Keep in mind that your qualifying time is based on your age on RACE DAY, not when you qualify. I have no chance to do it this year (other fish to fry), but when I qualify in 2015, I will only need to make the 40 year old time (birthday is 2 weeks before Boston 2016).
might be able to buy yourself five minutes if you are lucky like I am!
that 3:15 is nice isn’t it? Big jump from 3:10…you got this!!!
baa.org has the answers to almost every thing asked. Go there first. If you have more questions, let us know.
Excellent response.
One recommendation I would make about qualifying – and I always recommend this if you are trying to run a marathon purely for time: Pick two marathons that you could run to qualify – the second one being just 2 or 3 weeks after the first. Ideally the second one would be a smaller one that you could enter at the last minute. Consult the calendar at marathonguide.com to find one.
When the first marathon comes, go for it but if you get to a point where you know you aren’t going to make it (sometimes you just have those days) then plan to drop the hell out and save it for the second one where you can try again. If you drop out before 30k, you really can be ready to try again at peak fitness in just a couple of weeks. If you insist on running the full distance, you seriously diminish your chances at the second one. Marathon fitness is very hard won. Don’t waste it on “just finishing”.
I have run dozens of marathons. Never taken a DNF. Certainly couldn’t plan one as a contingency. I would prefer to have them 5 to 6 weeks apart and race both of them. But, that is not a viable answer if the 2nd one needs to be by late Sept. The OP will find ‘slim pickings’ when it come to August marathons. Especially any that are favorable to BQing. Sept is pretty slim pickings too. Marathon season doesn’t get going strong until Oct. Most are run in the cool/cold months.
2014 Boston filled up by the end of Sept. 2013 Boston filled up in early Oct (Chicago). If you run one in Oct '14 or later and BQ it will likely be for 2016 Boston.
I qualified for Boston 2015 last fall. Not an issue for me.
that 3:15 is nice isn’t it? Big jump from 3:10…you got this!!!
Hell yes, I was thinking that I needed to beat 3:10 by a bunch, 3:05 was nowhere near a sure thing for me. I feel like with appropriate training though, I can do 3:10. Really takes the pressure off for qualifying (though I still will be trying to get to 3:00)
Yes…the way I’m approaching training is to train for a sub 3, that allows for some “bad day” gremlins that have been known to blow up in ones face around mile 20…
For running (unlike IM), it really is true that you don’t need to get faster, you just need to get older and not slow down! That’s my plan at least, BOSTON 2016 baby!
lol This is one reason why I’ll be happy when I turn 40.
not sure if that was to be in pink but actually poor response. the baa website doesn’t have much.