Sunday, August 20, 2006

BOSTON MARATHON

DATE: Monday, April 16, 2007

I'm sure you've heard about it. The Boston Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in the world...if not the most famous. The legendary Boston Marathon course follows a point-to-point route from rural Hopkinton to Boston and is certified per the guidelines set forth by the IAAF and USA Track and Field.

If you want to run in the Boston Marathon though you have to plan ahead. To qualify for the 111th Boston Marathon, athletes must meet the designated time standard which corresponds to their age group. Qualifying times must be run on or after September 24, 2005. Seeding is based on qualifying times, which are subject to review and verification. All participants must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the B.A.A., USA Track and Field or foreign equivalent, International Paralympic Committee, Wheelchair Sports, USA, Disabled Sports, USA, and the United States Association for Blind Athletes. Qualifying times must be met in competitions observing these same rules. Proof of qualification must accompany the application. Participants must be 18 years or older on race day. The qualifying window for the 2008 Boston Marathon will begin on September 23, 2006.

Qualifying times are based upon your age on the date of the Boston Marathon in which you will be participating.

QUALIFYING STANDARDS

Age Group Men Women
8-34 3hrs 10min 3hrs 40min
35-39 3hrs 15min 3hrs 45min
40-44 3hrs 20min 3hrs 50min
45-49 3hrs 30min 4hrs 00min
50-54 3hrs 35min 4hrs 05min
55-59 3hrs 45min 4hrs 15min
60-64 4hrs 00min 4hrs 30min
65-69 4hrs 15min 4hrs 45min
70-74 4hrs 30min 5hrs 00min
75-79 4hrs 45min 5hrs 15min
>80 5hrs 00min 5hrs 30min

Proof of qualification, such as a copy of your finish certificate or results listing (non-returnable), must accompany your entry. Qualifying times attained at marathons using the ChampionChip timing and scoring device do not require submission of proof.

For more information check out the BAA website: bostonmarathon.org

No comments: