Running the marathon

[Pittenger5]

So a little known fact about me is one of my goals in life was to run the Boston Marathon, and after the recent events, I'm determined to try to run it next year. My question becomes, how does one qualify for the event? I looked on their website, and they have cut off times that seem a little crazy (of course I know Boston is a tough event compared to other races) but for my age group, the qualifying cut off time is 3:05, which is less than an hour shy of the winners. But obviously a lot of runners were still running after 4 hours on Monday, so are they really an hour off their personal best? And then I read about a 33 year old guy who didnt finish, but was on pace to set his personal record. If that's the case, how did he qualify? Anyone know how this stuff works?

[burtonboarder23]

Run it as a bandit

[oVTo]

You can qualify, or bandit, or you might be able to find a charity to represent. But the charities usually require that you raise thousands of dollars for them. I expect that next year there will be a lot of competition for the charity spots.

[JettaJayGLS]

You qualify at a qualifying race running a time under 3:05.
You are an elite athlete and receive an invite to run.
You poach it and hop the fence like many many many others do. You do not get an official time, but in my book, you still ran it.
You fund raise what I believe to be $3,500 with an associated charity.

[Pittenger5]

Not gonna hop the fence, if I'm gonna bother to run, I want it to be official. Might have to find a charity and do some work. I really doubt I'll be able to run a 3 hour marathon anytime soon.

[RandyO]

Can you qualify for winning or placing in another long distance footrace? I know that in the past you could qualify that way, our town had a ½ marathon many years ago, the winner was automaticly qualified for the Boston Marathon (but that was many, 30? years ago)

[breakdirt916]

are they serious? 3:05 for 26 miles?? I commend them for their elite athleticism!

back when I was highschool, I was 33rd in the state for the indoor track 2 miles - my personal was a 10:26 for two miles but I was BEAT

I can't imagine running a 7 minute mile, twenty six times

[JettaJayGLS]

are they serious? 3:05 for 26 miles?? I commend them for their elite athleticism!

back when I was highschool, I was 33rd in the state for the indoor track 2 miles - my personal was a 10:26 for two miles but I was BEAT

I can't imagine running a 7 minute mile, twenty six times

You would be surprised at how many people can qualify...the spots all fill up every year and always will. There are a lot of fast mother effers out there, you'd be surprised who they are too.

[burtonboarder23]

Basically as a bandit you start in the pack with the hundreds of other bandits, run and cross, the only thing you do not get is the live timing. Charities are tough as well, your talking 5 - 10k in fundraising in order to qualify for one of those bibs

[oVTo]

At least some of the charities want the money up front. Then you raise money to pay yourself back. Many won't give you a number if you don't raise the minimum, so if you end up short you either cover the balance or no number for you.

Lots of people bandit (my daughter did this year, and all she needed to raise was $1,500 for a number). She said the BAA was pretty good about it, no hassles. But you start after all the registered numbers have left. That's fair, I'd be pissed if I raised $5 grand for charity for a chance to run, only to trip over a bunch of bandits.

[jwm2k3]

Richie, I will chip in $20 fundraiser for ya....

[kb1]

Go the charity route, that way you're doing good for the community as well...

I would be happy to donate as well.

[Doc]

are they serious? 3:05 for 26 miles?? I commend them for their elite athleticism!

back when I was highschool, I was 33rd in the state for the indoor track 2 miles - my personal was a 10:26 for two miles but I was BEAT

I can't imagine running a 7 minute mile, twenty six times

A 10:26 2 mile is MOVING. Best I ever did was an 12:16 2 mile. I used to click off 7 min miles for 6-8 miles when I was 19 and in the Army full time, no way I was going 26.

[Kitt]

A 10:26 2 mile is MOVING. Best I ever did was an 12:16 2 mile. I used to click off 7 min miles for 6-8 miles when I was 19 and in the Army full time, no way I was going 26.

This sir, was not relevant to the OP.

But shit... you have to be doing at least a 7 minute mile on the hawk these days, no? Don't be so ho-hum all the time.

[Stromper]

Any chance they meant 305 minutes ?

[TomBrady]

So a little known fact about me is one of my goals in life was to run the Boston Marathon, and after the recent events, I'm determined to try to run it next year. My question becomes, how does one qualify for the event? I looked on their website, and they have cut off times that seem a little crazy (of course I know Boston is a tough event compared to other races) but for my age group, the qualifying cut off time is 3:05, which is less than an hour shy of the winners. But obviously a lot of runners were still running after 4 hours on Monday, so are they really an hour off their personal best? And then I read about a 33 year old guy who didnt finish, but was on pace to set his personal record. If that's the case, how did he qualify? Anyone know how this stuff works?

Give this a read - it's an 18 week program, which is *just* right for the timing, as you'll need to run a qualifying marathon beforehand. 2:59 or bust for me!

http://www.amazon.com/Hansons-Marath...athon+training

Cheers,
Adam