Here’s how to run in the Boston Marathon
The 2026 Boston Marathon is accepting applications.
Qualifier registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon has closed, but don’t fret — it’s not too late for those looking to run in 2026.
The 130th Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 20, 2026, is accepting applications.
If you missed out this year, here’s how you can participate the next go-round.
How to run in the 2026 Boston Marathon
Qualifying times are based on official submitted net time as well as each athlete’s age on the date of the 2026 Boston Marathon.
However, achieving the qualifying standard does not guarantee entry into the marathon.
If the total number of submissions surpasses the allotted field size for qualified athletes, runners who are the fastest among the pool of applicants in their age and gender group will be accepted to race, according to the Boston Athletic Association’s website.
Historically, runners who beat their qualifying standard by a larger amount of time have a higher likelihood of being accepted into the Boston Marathon.
The qualifying window for the 2026 Boston Marathon opened on Sept. 1, 2024, and will run through fall of this year.
The end date for registration has yet to be announced. Times for 2026 can be found here.
The “cut-off” time for the 2025 Boston Marathon was six minutes and 51 seconds. Over 24,000 qualified applicants have been accepted — or are in the process of being accepted pending verification of their qualifying performance — into this year’s marathon, while 12,324 qualifier applicants were unable to be accepted.
Running for charity
Invitation entries, such as those afforded through the B.A.A. Official Charity Program, do not require a qualifying time, according to the Boston Marathon’s rules and policies.
Over 170 organizations have been selected for this year’s charity program, which takes up about 10% of the total field size. The nonprofit organizations recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their cause. Fundraising minimums are established by each respective fundraising team.
Approximately 3,200 runners are fundraising this year, with a goal of surpassing $50 million raised, according to a B.A.A. spokesperson.
“Every year, the Boston Marathon combines the power of sport with the spirit of giving to create an unparalleled impact for organizations and communities who need it most,” David Tyrie, chief digital officer and chief marketing officer for Bank of America, said in a statement. “While the marathon is just one day, the work of these organizations and the runners who support them are reasons to celebrate every day.”
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