I BQ’d on my first marathon in 2016 at the age of 47 with a 3:07. I picked up running as part of my health transformation that year. Seth, at this year’s Boston, I was struggling down the stretch with cramps in both hamstrings. At one point, after being frozen in the middle of the street, I startled hobbling when I looked up and saw your big smile and heard the roar of the crowds. That was a cool moment. Thank you!
Hi Tim.. I'm considering qualifying.. I'm 48.. live in Eugene, Oregon and would plan on running the Eugene marathon this or next year. It looks like a sub 3:20 is a qualifier for my age range. If I beat that am I guaranteed registration at Boston? or is there more to it? Thanks and congratulations!
@@tri0xin in years past, meeting the qualifying time didn’t automatically guarantee a spot. Some people got rejected if people with faster times filled all the available spots. The past couple of years, everyone who qualified and registered got accepted. I don’t know what’ll happen the next few years.
Aww. The Boston Bug! Welcome to us similarly afflicted runners! I have BQ’d on 7 courses. Most recent was the Myrtle Beach Marathon, March 2022 for entry into 2023 Boston. My favorite BQ course was the Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon. Fast downhill race with a 1-2% grade on packed gravel in the beautiful Cascades. You could easily beat that 2:19 Elite time there.
After registering, I believe that you can submit another qualifying time up until a couple of months before the race to improve your start corral. So you could run anything under 3:05 to get in and then send it at CIM to try to improve your place!
That’s true. They don’t assign bib number until a couple months before and you get and e-mail from the B.A.A. that you can submit another time if you ran a faster one. Seth will have no problem to BQ, he can likely run a 3hrs marathon as a recovery run!!
Yes, you can use a faster time to improve your wave/corral placement after you have already been accepted in the race. You could jog any marathon and qualify. Just FYI - Boston 2025 will be Easter weekend. Not sure if you’d be willing to travel over the holiday.
2011 my BQ was 3:25. Ran 3:28 at CIM. 2012 massive rain storm I ran 3:29. Didn't run another until CIM '22. New BQ is 3:35. I ran 3:12. Not planning to go to Boston but as the last kid picked for every team in HS, it's nice to know I could.
I ran my first two Bostons for MGH's charity team in 2017 and 2018 which was a great experience. After those I decided to try a few other marathons and see if I could improve my time and ended up qualifying for the 2022 Boston at the Loco marathon in NH. I went from a 4:59 marathon in 2017 to a 3:33 in 2021! After 2022's Boston I had my baby and am currently working on building up my speed again but when I'm ready I might try the Loco marathon in NH again and try for a sub 3:30
As a rec runner following this channel for over 4 years now. My dream is a BQ. At age 50-54 and still 35 mins to go it’s in my dream. Never giving up. Thank you and one word “mesmerizing”. Thank you for the sound tracks and footage. Hoping one day to measure those asphalt.
I got my BQ at Edinburgh (Scotland). Needed a 3:10 for my age group and ran a 3:07, followed by a 3:04 in Berlin. Ran my first Boston a week ago in 2023!!! Absolutely amazing event. Ran another BQ at Boston, but don’t think budget will stretch to running it again in2024 😂
Seth- food for thought, keep CIM (in December, after the qualifying window closes) as your “A” goal race this year. In the meantime, sign up for a flat & fast course in the next several months and run a 2:50ish, which is a moderate effort long run for you, to get your 2024 BQ before the qualifying window closes. Then use your time at CIM to improve your seeding position since there’s an “improve your qualifying time” window in January for accepted registrants.
Ran qualifiers at Grandma’s in 2018 and Houston in 2019, both can be very fast courses. Both ended in Boston heartbreak as my Grandma’s time wasn’t far enough below my qualifying standard and my Houston qualifier got me into Boston 2020, which was cancelled. Fortunately, I’ve run Boston twice before in my younger days but I really want to get back there at least one more time, it is really that special of a race!
Having transitioned from marathons last year to ultra’s after my first trip to Boston last April, I was happily on a new running journey with long distance adventures. Then I watch this video and it makes me hungry for Boston again. Aghhh!!!
My daughter and I BQed at the Virginia Creeper trail marathon. In March of 22. I was able to run at age 54 as a 55 year old. That age gap gave me an additional 10 min. And I needed it. So my advice to folks like me who are close on pace. Maybe look at running year before a time change. Like a 34 year old running to BQ as a 35 year old. It’s all based on how old you will actually be on race day in Boston
I first qualified in 2018, at the Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway, with a 3 min 8 second cushion. It wasn’t enough to get me in that year 😢 They then adjusted all the times by 5 minutes and it took me until 2021 to qualify again, at Dorney Lake in Eton, UK - this time with a 9 min 30 second cushion. I have now run 2 Bostons - best marathon in the world! And I have qualified for 2024 (BQ at Boston). Can’t wait to go back. The Boston crowds are just incredible.
Glad to hear that you are getting excited about running and racing again. I think sometimes we need a ‘pull back’ period to get that joy and excitement again. I’m particularly interested in how you’ll train or race differently now, a bit older, than previously. At age 48 I’m still learning how to push and recover properly to be able to run well in the long term. I ran Boston in 2007; I’m partial, but nothing beats NY.
QD: In Alberta 🇨🇦, I ran the Edmonton marathon last August that got me in Boston this year. It’s a fast and fairly flat course so pretty good for BQ. It was a 4 years process for me to be able to be fast enough to qualify in my age group (35-39). My first marathon in 2019 was 3:41 and got down to 3:03 in 2022. This is a long process…patience and consistency is the key. Don’t try to rush it cause you’ll have more risk of getting injured. Onward and Upward!
QOD: I qualified for Boston at CIM, my first and only marathon . I have not run Boston yet, and may not for a few years. Ever since I found out that the 2029 Boston Marathon falls on my birthday, I have made it a life goal to healthy and in peak condition at that point in my life. All of the racing and marathoning I do between now and then will be working towards that goal - All of my running buddies are aware of my goal, and hope to be there with me! It is a long ways away, but I can’t wait!!
I would’ve appreciated more a video explaining how to overcome the challenge of qualifying to Boston for non experienced and some experienced runners and trusting the process by being patient, but constant, persistent with smart training, fueling and rest. For some of us could take years Seth. All best.
Haven't qualified yet for Boston. Trying to. Ran Toledo full marathon last year. Course was great and fast, with near perfect weather. Will be racing in the Pittsburgh Marathon (supposed to be hillier) this May and Detroit Marathon this fall
Great vlog Seth, when you were talking about the sub-elite qualifying time of 2:19 I saw a glint in your eye & I think we all saw your excitement. Go get it Seth, DGR has your back!
QOD: I finally got to run in the 2022 Boston Marathon and am qualified, but not sure if I will get in for 2024. I qualified for the 2021 Boston Marathon (3:22), but did not get in due to the time cut. It took 18 years of being so close or missing the cut-off time to finally get in. Ironically, the time I needed when I was 30 is the same that I now need when I am 53…for the 2025 Boston, I move to the next age bracket, my guess is they will reduce it by 5 minutes and 3:25 will continue to stay with me.
QD: It took 5 years to get a BQ time, then Boston told me I didn't have enough "bump" meaning their were so many who Qualified that I didn't get in. The next year I had a 5 minute bump and got in. Then COVID hit. I ran in 2021 in Boston and had another BQ time to get me back in 2022. I've run New York, Tokyo, and Berlin. Boston is still the best. Light at the End of the Tunnel was my qualifying marathon all 3 times.
If you want a flat, fast course, and point to point along beautiful Lake Superior, consider Grandmas Marathon in Duluth Minnesota. You won't be disappointed. Small town feel with great spectator support and top notch management. It's in early June, but that far north, it's usually cool.
Seth I ran the Skagit flats marathon in Washington state. A pancake flat boston qualifier right before boston qualifying closes at the beginning of September. Would give you a ton of time to get fit before qualifying. Plus I will be running the half and it would be great to see you there!
I’m up to 22 marathons completed at this point (3 Bostons)and nothing quite compares to the Boston experience. NYC’s course is more grand, but the Boston Marathon is just the essence of the marathon itself. You can feel the history from the drive to Hopkinton on the bus right down to the finish line. The volunteers are exceptional and the spectators are phenomenal. I actually love how there are a few lulls in the crowds though as you go between the towns, that keeps the charm of the race intact. All I have to say to Seth or any other runner, if you have the opportunity to race Boston, don’t pass it up!! I’ll be back in 2024 for my 4th!
I've run the Colorado Marathon up in Ft. Collins many times to qualify for Boston. It is a net downhill course, first 20 miles just a gradual descent down the Poudre Canyon.
Last pre-COVID Boston marathon (cancelled 2020 race) had 1:39 required buffer under qualifying standard, with field size of 31,500. They have not gone back to that field size since, keeping it at 30,000. Doing back of the envelope math using that 1:39 @ 30k field size gets you to about 2:20 required buffer.
I BQ’ed with the Indianapolis Marathon in November of 2021. Had a perfect day: cold, not too windy, and it’s a pretty flat course. Chicago is even more flat, and a month earlier (so it gives you a bit more time if you have a bad day), but can be a bit warm to try and knock out fast miles.
Hey Seth, I met you out in New York City with Team Michelob Ultra back in 2021. I wish I could’ve caught up with you in Boston this year. I’m fortunate to be able to run the BQ standard pretty easily, but for a lot of my friends trying to qualify the best bet is to find a faster course with lots of people. Something like grandmas or CIM are good races. One thing a lot of people aren’t prepared for while chasing a BQ is running hard by yourself so chasing a BQ without other runners or crowd support is hard.
Well if you have to there’s the Beantown Marsthon in Hingham Ma. It’s held on the last weekend of qualifying for the following year. It’s definitely something to look into.
QOD: I started running marathons in 2015 and didn' qualify until 2019 do to injury. The race that got me to qualify first was the Richmond Marathon, but also the Myrtle Beach Marathon is a great one for qualifying as well because it is super flat and well organized. I didn't get to run Boston until 2022 due to Covid. It was an exciting experience to run the race I had been working for for so long.
I BQed last November at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. It was flat and fast. The hotels are walking distance from the start and finish lines. I highly recommend this race.
Just BQd for 2024 at my second marathon in November. But now I’m fighting plantar fasciitis. I think there is time to heal and then build back the legs!
Fargo Marathon coming up shortly. I qualified for this year’s Boston marathon at Fargo. Train south, race north! It’s North and cool weather and very flat!
Funny story. I did not realize I qualified for Boston until 8 hours after my marathon in Ventura. My A goal was to run sub 3. I ended up getting 3:01. A PR, but not sub 3. I was still very proud of my time. However, I did not know how the age rules work for Boston. Essentially, they make you feel old a year early lol. I was 34 at the time of the marathon, so I was laser focused on sub 3. My friend told me hours after the race that it is the age you are on race day the following year. So I moved up an age group. My response, after emotions post race had settled was, "Oh cool, I BQ'd".
I did run a qualifying time for Boston about 10 years ago. The Marathon was the Maritime Marathon in Nova Scotia. A very hilly course however so not the best choice if your goals were elite. Also went to watch once. One of our club members was running. He ran very fast around 2:35 I think.
My first BQ was at the 2020 LA Marathon which was tough and hilly. After that, I hit sub 3 at CIM in 2021 which I recommend due to ideal temperatures, groups to tuck in with and a flat finish. I think CIM will continue to be my go-to BQ course.
Seth, if your looking for a flat fast corse, I would recommend Berlin. I have been in Berlin for a few months and I have never seen a city as flat as it is. You can open up and let er rip for your 2:19
I am also running the Eugene Marathon April 30th 😀. Qd: I was able to BQ this past December with a 2:47, I am hoping to run it next year! I definitely have caught the “Boston bug”
Tried to BQ in London today. Missed by 1 min, but PRed so no complaints there. My pacing was basically spot on, but all the weaving back and forth around other runners added another half KM to the race. So todays lesson is don’t pace for 42.2 km but rather for 42.7 - sometimes it’s the little things… next time!
QOD: Hi Seth, I first qualified for Boston in 2016 at the Town of Celebration Marathon running 3:00:31 at age 40. I've run Boston every year starting in 2017 and requalified on the Boston course each time. Most recent this past Monday was 2:59:15. Fastest was in 2018 at Boston with 2:57:41. Yes. That one. I was motivated to get to my dry clothes and out of that weather! Haha!
One of the best marathons to get the BQ and for you potentially get that sub 2:19 would be the Mesa Marathon (Phx, AZ) and it’s in the beginning of February. The latest winner there was in the elite section of Boston this year. He ended up running 2:12 on that course. It’s extremely quick course!
Chicago and NYC’s time qualifying standards are actually faster, but Boston is unique in that there is no lottery for which the slower runners can get in.
Seth would like the American Discovery race which runs from Palmer Lake to downtown CS. Happens around Labor Day, net downhill, crushed gravel most of the way, nice scenery and I think BQ certified.
Please do it Seth! I’d love to meet you after having to miss Rotterdam last year with covid. I’ve got the Boston Bug too!! Loved Manchester and I’ve definitely got the BQ time there (3.33 and I needed sub-3.50) so will submit the result and hope for the best! I want the six-star finisher status, I have 5 to go 😅😅❤
QOD: Running Boston is the top of my bucket list and I have made three marathon training block attempts since I started running again 4 years ago. Between injuries and COVID setbacks, it has been a journey to say the least. I will be starting my fourth marathon training block later this summer for a late fall marathon, where I hope to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon. The goal is sub 3👍🏻
For Boston 2024, you should check the date of your "late fall marathon." The cutoff date for Boston 2023 was 9/16/22. Marathons falling after that cutoff date are eligible for Boston 2024.
Good luck, Eric! Rooting for you! I'm super impressed with people who keep coming back and fighting for their goals the way you do. Keep up the good work! Growing up in southern New Hampshire, just about 2 hours from Boston, I'm pretty sure running the Boston Marathon was on my bucket list before "bucket list" was even a term. At this point I might change that goal to "going to watch the Boston Marathon in person." More fun, less training time, and a goal that feels challenging but attainable! 😂😊
QD: ran a HILLY first one in October 2018 in RI and missed the new standard by 20 secs (they had just changed it), missed it again that next spring by 1 min (passed out; pandemic hit and hit it at both shamrock and then again at Marine Corps (what a touching race) in 22 - you can bump up your start time if you run faster after the window (B.A.A. allows this for a certain amount of time)
I never focused that much on BQ but felt like I had to because all my running friends had the bug. I tried to times, first at Grandmas (where I suffered from dehydration in the hot humid air) and my local marathon Governors Cup in Helena, MT; and fell short of BQ on both by only a couple minutes. Governor’s Cup has been listed by Runners World a few years now as one of the top ten races to get a BQ cause it is a net downhill course; but anyone that is from here knows it can be challenging due to the hills throughout the course and that it is over 4000ft elevation, which for us is not high elevation but for someone coming from sea level it is.
Faster your time on a qualifying course, better chances of qualifying for Boston in your age group. Recommend picking a faster qualifying course. Marquette, Michigan or the Light at the End of the Tunnel marathon east of Seattle, for instance.
I came up short at the Baystate Marathon in Lowell Ma but it was on me as opposed to the course being to hard, that’s probably the best bet for hitting a BQ in the North East.
I BQ’d at CIM last December and picked up my first 6 star in London last week. I have the 6 star bug big time. NYC in November, hoping Boston and Chicago in 2024, leaving Berlin and Tokyo in 2025, God willing.
QOD:This was a bit tricky for me to understand at first, but it might be worth knowing....here's what I didn't know when I ran an October 2019 qualifying race at the age of 59 (May birth month). I qualified for BM in that race with a cushion of 2min and 47sec. B/c my qualifying race was after September, my Boston Marathon wouldn't be until 2021. As I would be 60 yrs old in April 2021, my qualifying time had to reflect 60-64 AG, not 55-59 AG!! so I got an extra 10 minutes, and 2 opportunities to qualify. 2021 BM was a reduced field and higher cushion, so I skipped it and waited for 2022 application and got it due to the cushion being waved (haha will never know if my 2:47 would have been enough) Luck of the draw perhaps, but soooo happy to make it on my first try. Recap: eligible for 2 BM years, when running a post Sept marathon...and qualifying with an extra 10min b/c of May birth month.
I BQ'd in an Irish marathon in Cork in 2012, first time breaking 3 so was delighted. I did the 2013 Boston marathon which was almost 90° and I don't remember much after the Newton hills 😂. My whole body cramped badly at the finish line (heat stroke) and I ended up on a drip in the medical tent for an hour. It was like a war zone in there but I was well looked after and recovered well.
San Antonio, Texas was my qualifier. I just ran Boston last week. I do not recommend San Antonio to attempt to qual if you are thinking it will be a close call
Seth, the Santa Rosa Marathon in California is a Boston Qualifier. It occurs at the end of August. Right in time to qualify. I’ll be running my first Marathon this year after getting injured during my training last year. I will also run CIM. Hope to see you there!
You can probably qualify anywhere. I BQd in May @Napa Valley Marathon. Many people do. It's a bit hilly, but not too bad, and overall downhill. And it was well organized. But it was a rainy day. I will likely improve my time soon, there are a couple of close to home (Boise) very flat marathons (certified) I can run before Boston, basically they track along my long run course.
First, Sydney Marathon is on the short list for an add to the Abbott Majors list too. These are the marathons I have BQ'd at: MCM, RnR New Orleans, RnR Savannah, Boston Marathon, Revel Big Bear, Jack and Jill, and Erie Marathon (probably the most flat and fastest course of all of them, for me). One thing to keep in mind for those who are not elite runners is that even if you BQ, there is no guarantee you'll get in since there is a limit on the number of people. So, if too many people apply, they have to have a cutoff time. The last 2 years there had been 0 cutoff (all people got in who applied with Bq's). However, before that, for at least 10 years, there was a cutoff anywhere from 1:14 minutes to 7:47 minutes. That is why most seasoned marathoners trying to qualify try, at least, to run 5 minutes or faster than their BQ time since most cutoffs have been under 5 minutes. I am sure you will do what you set your mind to Seth.
The 7:47 is an anomaly from the reduced field from Covid and they already lowered thr standards from 2019. So the worst cutoff it has been since 1992 if you count the standards changes is 1:39, which happened once. Indoubt there will be a cutoff this year and if so, it will be no more than that.
@@FooFloyDon the 0's are anomalies too, so if you throw those out as well, it changes the calc. In any event, as mentioned, since I have been doing this a long time, I always try to build in at least a 5 minute cushion, as do most of my friends. But yes, that 7 plus minute cut was painful and a bit jarring.
@@mad8298 the 0’s are not anomalies. The 0’s from 2022-2023 are in fact 5:00 minutes cutoff from any other years before if you look at relative times since the cutoff have changed.
Fastest course and flattest course I know of is the Erie marathon in Pennsylvania. 2 laps of pancake flat on a beautiful state park. No frills, just a great spot to qualify elite Seth.
QOD: Qualified and accepted for Boston 2020. Unfortunately, I was unable to go due to the pandemic. I will attempt another BQ at Grandma's this year. My training has been going well and I think I have a good chance of running sub 3!
For those looking for a good (flat) BQ course in the Midwest US, I recommend Carmel, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio! I just ran my first Boston Marathon last Monday (at age 58) and the 13 years of running and 8 marathons it took me to BQ were well worth it! Running Boston is an incredible experience! Good luck to all on your BQ quest! 🏃🏻❤️
This would be too late for 2024 but Monumental is Indianapolis in Late October (usually in early November but it’s a week early this year) is a great BQ course
Seth, you should be able to improve your seat position by subsequent races after the cut off. Not sure if that works for elite and sub elite. But for non-elite you can qualify and then after the qualifying window closes improve your seat time perhaps into the sublet category
I was just a runner at age 40….figured before I die I should do a marathon, might as well do Boston since it was really the only one I knew of. Did a local marathon to qualify in and did it. Flew my wife out for it and she hired the hotel hose car to drive her along the course and see me race. It was brutal.
My only hope for Boston is to get faster as I age 😂 a BQ is totally possible, though. Just not this year, too short a window and only running one before Sept.(so far)
I am running my first marathon on my birthday the Portland Marathon. I technically never ran a marathon race done a few 50ks and three 100ks and one 50 miler.
Seth, if you look at the qualifying times for Boston and NYC next to each other, NYC is much more difficult to get into based on qualifying times. I know so many runners who qualified and ran Boston that can't get into NYC marathon. Everyone thinks Boston is the toughest major to race, but NYC marathon is.
It's coming up very fast but if you don't wanna travel the Colfax marathon is here in Denver on May 21st! I'm sure you could roll out of bed and get a BQ easily haha.
I am trying to get BQ'd really hard. 3 mins away. Tried CIM last year but failed. I'm going to try tunnel marathon this summer. I guess that's my last chance :(
@seth - The experience of running this race was so worth the work put in. I would find an course before the window closes and run an easy (for you) qualifier. This course is like no other and running it without the pressure of starting with the elites would be well worth it. It’s a tough course but well suited to your running style. Oh, and the crowds are A-MAZING!
Actually running Boston is not exactly easy, the key 🔑 I recall is after heartbreak hill, prepare to run on an empty tank and Mass ave under pass is loads of fun after that ;)
Hey Seth. I believe the other marathon that is in consideration for an abbot world major is Sydney in Australia. Does anybody know if you still get credit for a marathon before it becomes a world major? For instance if you run Cape Town before it becomes a world major would you still have that check box marked to complete your world majors list?
Hi Seth. Why do you need to get below 2:19 in order to qualify for Boston? That’s only for elite or sub elite as you said. Can’t you just get in based on the age and sex criteria, like us commonly folk lol?
In order to qualify for Boston 2024, one must run a BQ prior to about 9/16/23 (using last year's cutoff date). CIM occurs in December, so it would work for Boston 2025.
How many half marathons can or you should be aiming for in a calendar year? Last year I felt that I trained all year to race one marathon in December. Not fun, I welcome any comments, answers, thanks!
Be careful with the qualifying times. They are guides. Often you will have to run quicker than the qualifying time for your age group to get a spot because so many people register a valid time.
Come to Brazil. Do Porto Alegre marathon in Rio Grande do Sul south Brazil. Fast race, and you can win 🏆 and get money. I think is 4000 dólares for the winner. With 2:20 you can win the race.
I BQ’d on my first marathon in 2016 at the age of 47 with a 3:07. I picked up running as part of my health transformation that year. Seth, at this year’s Boston, I was struggling down the stretch with cramps in both hamstrings. At one point, after being frozen in the middle of the street, I startled hobbling when I looked up and saw your big smile and heard the roar of the crowds. That was a cool moment. Thank you!
Amazing Tim, I remember catching a glance from you!! Oh my goodness, so glad I saw this comment.
Awesome! 🏃♂️
Hi Tim.. I'm considering qualifying.. I'm 48.. live in Eugene, Oregon and would plan on running the Eugene marathon this or next year. It looks like a sub 3:20 is a qualifier for my age range. If I beat that am I guaranteed registration at Boston? or is there more to it? Thanks and congratulations!
@@tri0xin in years past, meeting the qualifying time didn’t automatically guarantee a spot. Some people got rejected if people with faster times filled all the available spots. The past couple of years, everyone who qualified and registered got accepted. I don’t know what’ll happen the next few years.
@@freedomwon2004 Thank you very much!
Aww. The Boston Bug! Welcome to us similarly afflicted runners! I have BQ’d on 7 courses. Most recent was the Myrtle Beach Marathon, March 2022 for entry into 2023 Boston. My favorite BQ course was the Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon. Fast downhill race with a 1-2% grade on packed gravel in the beautiful Cascades. You could easily beat that 2:19 Elite time there.
After registering, I believe that you can submit another qualifying time up until a couple of months before the race to improve your start corral. So you could run anything under 3:05 to get in and then send it at CIM to try to improve your place!
That’s true. They don’t assign bib number until a couple months before and you get and e-mail from the B.A.A. that you can submit another time if you ran a faster one. Seth will have no problem to BQ, he can likely run a 3hrs marathon as a recovery run!!
ah, good to know Elliot, that makes sense!
Yes, you can use a faster time to improve your wave/corral placement after you have already been accepted in the race. You could jog any marathon and qualify. Just FYI - Boston 2025 will be Easter weekend. Not sure if you’d be willing to travel over the holiday.
2011 my BQ was 3:25. Ran 3:28 at CIM.
2012 massive rain storm I ran 3:29.
Didn't run another until CIM '22. New BQ is 3:35. I ran 3:12. Not planning to go to Boston but as the last kid picked for every team in HS, it's nice to know I could.
I ran my first two Bostons for MGH's charity team in 2017 and 2018 which was a great experience. After those I decided to try a few other marathons and see if I could improve my time and ended up qualifying for the 2022 Boston at the Loco marathon in NH. I went from a 4:59 marathon in 2017 to a 3:33 in 2021! After 2022's Boston I had my baby and am currently working on building up my speed again but when I'm ready I might try the Loco marathon in NH again and try for a sub 3:30
As a rec runner following this channel for over 4 years now. My dream is a BQ. At age 50-54 and still 35 mins to go it’s in my dream. Never giving up. Thank you and one word “mesmerizing”. Thank you for the sound tracks and footage. Hoping one day to measure those asphalt.
I got my BQ at Edinburgh (Scotland). Needed a 3:10 for my age group and ran a 3:07, followed by a 3:04 in Berlin. Ran my first Boston a week ago in 2023!!! Absolutely amazing event. Ran another BQ at Boston, but don’t think budget will stretch to running it again in2024 😂
Seth- food for thought, keep CIM (in December, after the qualifying window closes) as your “A” goal race this year. In the meantime, sign up for a flat & fast course in the next several months and run a 2:50ish, which is a moderate effort long run for you, to get your 2024 BQ before the qualifying window closes. Then use your time at CIM to improve your seeding position since there’s an “improve your qualifying time” window in January for accepted registrants.
Ran qualifiers at Grandma’s in 2018 and Houston in 2019, both can be very fast courses. Both ended in Boston heartbreak as my Grandma’s time wasn’t far enough below my qualifying standard and my Houston qualifier got me into Boston 2020, which was cancelled. Fortunately, I’ve run Boston twice before in my younger days but I really want to get back there at least one more time, it is really that special of a race!
Having transitioned from marathons last year to ultra’s after my first trip to Boston last April, I was happily on a new running journey with long distance adventures. Then I watch this video and it makes me hungry for Boston again. Aghhh!!!
My daughter and I BQed at the Virginia Creeper trail marathon. In March of 22. I was able to run at age 54 as a 55 year old. That age gap gave me an additional 10 min. And I needed it. So my advice to folks like me who are close on pace. Maybe look at running year before a time change. Like a 34 year old running to BQ as a 35 year old. It’s all based on how old you will actually be on race day in Boston
I first qualified in 2018, at the Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway, with a 3 min 8 second cushion. It wasn’t enough to get me in that year 😢 They then adjusted all the times by 5 minutes and it took me until 2021 to qualify again, at Dorney Lake in Eton, UK - this time with a 9 min 30 second cushion. I have now run 2 Bostons - best marathon in the world! And I have qualified for 2024 (BQ at Boston). Can’t wait to go back. The Boston crowds are just incredible.
Glad to hear that you are getting excited about running and racing again. I think sometimes we need a ‘pull back’ period to get that joy and excitement again. I’m particularly interested in how you’ll train or race differently now, a bit older, than previously. At age 48 I’m still learning how to push and recover properly to be able to run well in the long term. I ran Boston in 2007; I’m partial, but nothing beats NY.
QD: In Alberta 🇨🇦, I ran the Edmonton marathon last August that got me in Boston this year. It’s a fast and fairly flat course so pretty good for BQ. It was a 4 years process for me to be able to be fast enough to qualify in my age group (35-39). My first marathon in 2019 was 3:41 and got down to 3:03 in 2022. This is a long process…patience and consistency is the key. Don’t try to rush it cause you’ll have more risk of getting injured. Onward and Upward!
QOD: I qualified for Boston at CIM, my first and only marathon . I have not run Boston yet, and may not for a few years. Ever since I found out that the 2029 Boston Marathon falls on my birthday, I have made it a life goal to healthy and in peak condition at that point in my life. All of the racing and marathoning I do between now and then will be working towards that goal - All of my running buddies are aware of my goal, and hope to be there with me! It is a long ways away, but I can’t wait!!
I like the long term vision here!
I would’ve appreciated more a video explaining how to overcome the challenge of qualifying to Boston for non experienced and some experienced runners and trusting the process by being patient, but constant, persistent with smart training, fueling and rest. For some of us could take years Seth. All best.
Haven't qualified yet for Boston. Trying to. Ran Toledo full marathon last year. Course was great and fast, with near perfect weather. Will be racing in the Pittsburgh Marathon (supposed to be hillier) this May and Detroit Marathon this fall
Great vlog Seth, when you were talking about the sub-elite qualifying time of 2:19 I saw a glint in your eye & I think we all saw your excitement. Go get it Seth, DGR has your back!
QOD: I finally got to run in the 2022 Boston Marathon and am qualified, but not sure if I will get in for 2024. I qualified for the 2021 Boston Marathon (3:22), but did not get in due to the time cut. It took 18 years of being so close or missing the cut-off time to finally get in. Ironically, the time I needed when I was 30 is the same that I now need when I am 53…for the 2025 Boston, I move to the next age bracket, my guess is they will reduce it by 5 minutes and 3:25 will continue to stay with me.
QD: It took 5 years to get a BQ time, then Boston told me I didn't have enough "bump" meaning their were so many who Qualified that I didn't get in. The next year I had a 5 minute bump and got in. Then COVID hit. I ran in 2021 in Boston and had another BQ time to get me back in 2022. I've run New York, Tokyo, and Berlin. Boston is still the best. Light at the End of the Tunnel was my qualifying marathon all 3 times.
If you want a flat, fast course, and point to point along beautiful Lake Superior, consider Grandmas Marathon in Duluth Minnesota. You won't be disappointed. Small town feel with great spectator support and top notch management. It's in early June, but that far north, it's usually cool.
Seth I ran the Skagit flats marathon in Washington state. A pancake flat boston qualifier right before boston qualifying closes at the beginning of September. Would give you a ton of time to get fit before qualifying. Plus I will be running the half and it would be great to see you there!
I’m up to 22 marathons completed at this point (3 Bostons)and nothing quite compares to the Boston experience. NYC’s course is more grand, but the Boston Marathon is just the essence of the marathon itself. You can feel the history from the drive to Hopkinton on the bus right down to the finish line. The volunteers are exceptional and the spectators are phenomenal. I actually love how there are a few lulls in the crowds though as you go between the towns, that keeps the charm of the race intact. All I have to say to Seth or any other runner, if you have the opportunity to race Boston, don’t pass it up!! I’ll be back in 2024 for my 4th!
Hoping to qualify this fall! Ran under 1:23:30 in a half for the first time this spring, so it’s on me to put in the summer mileage to get there!
Hey Kyle! 1:23 HM is very fast so you should be good for the BQ at around 3hrs for the full. All the best!
I've run the Colorado Marathon up in Ft. Collins many times to qualify for Boston. It is a net downhill course, first 20 miles just a gradual descent down the Poudre Canyon.
Last pre-COVID Boston marathon (cancelled 2020 race) had 1:39 required buffer under qualifying standard, with field size of 31,500. They have not gone back to that field size since, keeping it at 30,000. Doing back of the envelope math using that 1:39 @ 30k field size gets you to about 2:20 required buffer.
BQ d through the
Old Portland Marathon course and Eugene marathon. I really like the Eugene marathon course.
I BQ’ed with the Indianapolis Marathon in November of 2021. Had a perfect day: cold, not too windy, and it’s a pretty flat course. Chicago is even more flat, and a month earlier (so it gives you a bit more time if you have a bad day), but can be a bit warm to try and knock out fast miles.
Hey Seth, I met you out in New York City with Team Michelob Ultra back in 2021. I wish I could’ve caught up with you in Boston this year. I’m fortunate to be able to run the BQ standard pretty easily, but for a lot of my friends trying to qualify the best bet is to find a faster course with lots of people. Something like grandmas or CIM are good races. One thing a lot of people aren’t prepared for while chasing a BQ is running hard by yourself so chasing a BQ without other runners or crowd support is hard.
Well if you have to there’s the Beantown Marsthon in Hingham Ma. It’s held on the last weekend of qualifying for the following year. It’s definitely something to look into.
QOD: I started running marathons in 2015 and didn' qualify until 2019 do to injury. The race that got me to qualify first was the Richmond Marathon, but also the Myrtle Beach Marathon is a great one for qualifying as well because it is super flat and well organized. I didn't get to run Boston until 2022 due to Covid. It was an exciting experience to run the race I had been working for for so long.
Seth also Sydney, Australia in the running to be the 7th major!
I BQed last November at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. It was flat and fast. The hotels are walking distance from the start and finish lines. I highly recommend this race.
Boston is like no other!
Just BQd for 2024 at my second marathon in November. But now I’m fighting plantar fasciitis. I think there is time to heal and then build back the legs!
Fargo Marathon coming up shortly. I qualified for this year’s Boston marathon at Fargo. Train south, race north! It’s North and cool weather and very flat!
Funny story. I did not realize I qualified for Boston until 8 hours after my marathon in Ventura. My A goal was to run sub 3. I ended up getting 3:01. A PR, but not sub 3. I was still very proud of my time. However, I did not know how the age rules work for Boston. Essentially, they make you feel old a year early lol. I was 34 at the time of the marathon, so I was laser focused on sub 3. My friend told me hours after the race that it is the age you are on race day the following year. So I moved up an age group. My response, after emotions post race had settled was, "Oh cool, I BQ'd".
I did run a qualifying time for Boston about 10 years ago. The Marathon was the Maritime Marathon in Nova Scotia. A very hilly course however so not the best choice if your goals were elite. Also went to watch once. One of our club members was running. He ran very fast around 2:35 I think.
My first BQ was at the 2020 LA Marathon which was tough and hilly. After that, I hit sub 3 at CIM in 2021 which I recommend due to ideal temperatures, groups to tuck in with and a flat finish. I think CIM will continue to be my go-to BQ course.
Seth, if your looking for a flat fast corse, I would recommend Berlin. I have been in Berlin for a few months and I have never seen a city as flat as it is. You can open up and let er rip for your 2:19
I am also running the Eugene Marathon April 30th 😀. Qd: I was able to BQ this past December with a 2:47, I am hoping to run it next year! I definitely have caught the “Boston bug”
Tried to BQ in London today. Missed by 1 min, but PRed so no complaints there. My pacing was basically spot on, but all the weaving back and forth around other runners added another half KM to the race. So todays lesson is don’t pace for 42.2 km but rather for 42.7 - sometimes it’s the little things… next time!
Congrats on the PR : )
QOD: Hi Seth, I first qualified for Boston in 2016 at the Town of Celebration Marathon running 3:00:31 at age 40. I've run Boston every year starting in 2017 and requalified on the Boston course each time. Most recent this past Monday was 2:59:15. Fastest was in 2018 at Boston with 2:57:41. Yes. That one. I was motivated to get to my dry clothes and out of that weather! Haha!
One of the best marathons to get the BQ and for you potentially get that sub 2:19 would be the Mesa Marathon (Phx, AZ) and it’s in the beginning of February. The latest winner there was in the elite section of Boston this year. He ended up running 2:12 on that course. It’s extremely quick course!
Good morning, DGR! BQ'd at Boston this last Monday! See you next year, Seth?
Seth grandma's marathon in June should be a great opportunity
Chicago and NYC’s time qualifying standards are actually faster, but Boston is unique in that there is no lottery for which the slower runners can get in.
Chicago's are slower than Boston, but NYs are certainly faster.
@@Runin619 I guess it varies depending on age group, but for my age group, Chicago and Boston are the same 3:20. So you’re right 👍🏼
Boston was amazing! Even just cheering it was awesome. Highly recommend!
Seth would like the American Discovery race which runs from Palmer Lake to downtown CS. Happens around Labor Day, net downhill, crushed gravel most of the way, nice scenery and I think BQ certified.
Please do it Seth! I’d love to meet you after having to miss Rotterdam last year with covid. I’ve got the Boston Bug too!! Loved Manchester and I’ve definitely got the BQ time there (3.33 and I needed sub-3.50) so will submit the result and hope for the best! I want the six-star finisher status, I have 5 to go 😅😅❤
The Tucson marathon in December is very fast, it's net downhill and it's a BQ eligible race. I'll probably try it this December because I love Tucson.
dont forget to mention, you need to beat your age group time by 5-10 min bc of of the amount of folks who submit. its a competion within a competion.
QOD: Running Boston is the top of my bucket list and I have made three marathon training block attempts since I started running again 4 years ago. Between injuries and COVID setbacks, it has been a journey to say the least. I will be starting my fourth marathon training block later this summer for a late fall marathon, where I hope to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon. The goal is sub 3👍🏻
For Boston 2024, you should check the date of your "late fall marathon." The cutoff date for Boston 2023 was 9/16/22. Marathons falling after that cutoff date are eligible for Boston 2024.
@@mikeleonard8684 thank you…. I will definitely check this out and possibly adjust training/race date accordingly
Good luck, Eric! Rooting for you! I'm super impressed with people who keep coming back and fighting for their goals the way you do. Keep up the good work!
Growing up in southern New Hampshire, just about 2 hours from Boston, I'm pretty sure running the Boston Marathon was on my bucket list before "bucket list" was even a term. At this point I might change that goal to "going to watch the Boston Marathon in person." More fun, less training time, and a goal that feels challenging but attainable! 😂😊
QD: ran a HILLY first one in October 2018 in RI and missed the new standard by 20 secs (they had just changed it), missed it again that next spring by 1 min (passed out; pandemic hit and hit it at both shamrock and then again at Marine Corps (what a touching race) in 22 - you can bump up your start time if you run faster after the window (B.A.A. allows this for a certain amount of time)
I never focused that much on BQ but felt like I had to because all my running friends had the bug. I tried to times, first at Grandmas (where I suffered from dehydration in the hot humid air) and my local marathon Governors Cup in Helena, MT; and fell short of BQ on both by only a couple minutes. Governor’s Cup has been listed by Runners World a few years now as one of the top ten races to get a BQ cause it is a net downhill course; but anyone that is from here knows it can be challenging due to the hills throughout the course and that it is over 4000ft elevation, which for us is not high elevation but for someone coming from sea level it is.
Faster your time on a qualifying course, better chances of qualifying for Boston in your age group. Recommend picking a faster qualifying course. Marquette, Michigan or the Light at the End of the Tunnel marathon east of Seattle, for instance.
I came up short at the Baystate Marathon in Lowell Ma but it was on me as opposed to the course being to hard, that’s probably the best bet for hitting a BQ in the North East.
I BQ’d at CIM last December and picked up my first 6 star in London last week. I have the 6 star bug big time. NYC in November, hoping Boston and Chicago in 2024, leaving Berlin and Tokyo in 2025, God willing.
QOD:This was a bit tricky for me to understand at first, but it might be worth knowing....here's what I didn't know when I ran an October 2019 qualifying race at the age of 59 (May birth month). I qualified for BM in that race with a cushion of 2min and 47sec. B/c my qualifying race was after September, my Boston Marathon wouldn't be until 2021. As I would be 60 yrs old in April 2021, my qualifying time had to reflect 60-64 AG, not 55-59 AG!! so I got an extra 10 minutes, and 2 opportunities to qualify. 2021 BM was a reduced field and higher cushion, so I skipped it and waited for 2022 application and got it due to the cushion being waved (haha will never know if my 2:47 would have been enough) Luck of the draw perhaps, but soooo happy to make it on my first try. Recap: eligible for 2 BM years, when running a post Sept marathon...and qualifying with an extra 10min b/c of May birth month.
St George Ut is a good BQ. I drove the whole Boston course with my daughter. I’m 63 so I’d have to do a qualifying time of 3:50 or less.
I BQ'd in an Irish marathon in Cork in 2012, first time breaking 3 so was delighted. I did the 2013 Boston marathon which was almost 90° and I don't remember much after the Newton hills 😂. My whole body cramped badly at the finish line (heat stroke) and I ended up on a drip in the medical tent for an hour. It was like a war zone in there but I was well looked after and recovered well.
Like Kipchoge says, no human is limited and neither are you Seth! You got it!
San Antonio, Texas was my qualifier. I just ran Boston last week. I do not recommend San Antonio to attempt to qual if you are thinking it will be a close call
Good topic. Just ran Carmel in 259. Im 35 so I think that should be good enough. not sure the rest of the process, but gonna try to be there in 2024.
Seth, the Santa Rosa Marathon in California is a Boston Qualifier. It occurs at the end of August. Right in time to qualify. I’ll be running my first Marathon this year after getting injured during my training last year. I will also run CIM. Hope to see you there!
I’ll be running Santa Rosa as well this year! Hoping to get that sub 3 and punch my ticket to Boston. Good luck to ya!
You can probably qualify anywhere. I BQd in May @Napa Valley Marathon. Many people do. It's a bit hilly, but not too bad, and overall downhill. And it was well organized. But it was a rainy day.
I will likely improve my time soon, there are a couple of close to home (Boise) very flat marathons (certified) I can run before Boston, basically they track along my long run course.
First, Sydney Marathon is on the short list for an add to the Abbott Majors list too. These are the marathons I have BQ'd at: MCM, RnR New Orleans, RnR Savannah, Boston Marathon, Revel Big Bear, Jack and Jill, and Erie Marathon (probably the most flat and fastest course of all of them, for me). One thing to keep in mind for those who are not elite runners is that even if you BQ, there is no guarantee you'll get in since there is a limit on the number of people. So, if too many people apply, they have to have a cutoff time. The last 2 years there had been 0 cutoff (all people got in who applied with Bq's). However, before that, for at least 10 years, there was a cutoff anywhere from 1:14 minutes to 7:47 minutes. That is why most seasoned marathoners trying to qualify try, at least, to run 5 minutes or faster than their BQ time since most cutoffs have been under 5 minutes. I am sure you will do what you set your mind to Seth.
The 7:47 is an anomaly from the reduced field from Covid and they already lowered thr standards from 2019. So the worst cutoff it has been since 1992 if you count the standards changes is 1:39, which happened once. Indoubt there will be a cutoff this year and if so, it will be no more than that.
@@FooFloyDon the 0's are anomalies too, so if you throw those out as well, it changes the calc. In any event, as mentioned, since I have been doing this a long time, I always try to build in at least a 5 minute cushion, as do most of my friends. But yes, that 7 plus minute cut was painful and a bit jarring.
@@mad8298 the 0’s are not anomalies. The 0’s from 2022-2023 are in fact 5:00 minutes cutoff from any other years before if you look at relative times since the cutoff have changed.
Fastest course and flattest course I know of is the Erie marathon in Pennsylvania. 2 laps of pancake flat on a beautiful state park. No frills, just a great spot to qualify elite Seth.
QOD: Qualified and accepted for Boston 2020. Unfortunately, I was unable to go due to the pandemic. I will attempt another BQ at Grandma's this year. My training has been going well and I think I have a good chance of running sub 3!
Congrats on your original BQ! And good luck with this year's training! Keep up the good work : )
For those looking for a good (flat) BQ course in the Midwest US, I recommend Carmel, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio! I just ran my first Boston Marathon last Monday (at age 58) and the 13 years of running and 8 marathons it took me to BQ were well worth it! Running Boston is an incredible experience! Good luck to all on your BQ quest! 🏃🏻❤️
This would be too late for 2024 but Monumental is Indianapolis in Late October (usually in early November but it’s a week early this year) is a great BQ course
Seth, you should be able to improve your seat position by subsequent races after the cut off. Not sure if that works for elite and sub elite. But for non-elite you can qualify and then after the qualifying window closes improve your seat time perhaps into the sublet category
I’ve heard Sydney Australia was in the mix for an added Abbott World major marathon
I BQ’d at the St. George Marathon (12 BQ attempt). Absolutely worth the effort!
WOW! I'm incredibly impressed that you tried 11 times and KEPT TRYING! Congratulations on the BQ!!!!
I was just a runner at age 40….figured before I die I should do a marathon, might as well do Boston since it was really the only one I knew of. Did a local marathon to qualify in and did it. Flew my wife out for it and she hired the hotel hose car to drive her along the course and see me race. It was brutal.
My only hope for Boston is to get faster as I age 😂 a BQ is totally possible, though. Just not this year, too short a window and only running one before Sept.(so far)
I am running my first marathon on my birthday the Portland Marathon. I technically never ran a marathon race done a few 50ks and three 100ks and one 50 miler.
You mentioned you did the Glass City half marathon. I'm doing the Glass City Half Marathon tomorrow
Seth, if you look at the qualifying times for Boston and NYC next to each other, NYC is much more difficult to get into based on qualifying times. I know so many runners who qualified and ran Boston that can't get into NYC marathon. Everyone thinks Boston is the toughest major to race, but NYC marathon is.
QOD: I ran my 2024 BQ at CIM I’m Sacramento, but did it the “right” for this year by qualifying in Boston in 2022. 😊
It's coming up very fast but if you don't wanna travel the Colfax marathon is here in Denver on May 21st! I'm sure you could roll out of bed and get a BQ easily haha.
The Sydney Marathon is making a big push this year to become a world major too. Watch this space.
The other races have qualifying times too. What makes Boston different from the other majors is that there is no lottery.
I am trying to get BQ'd really hard. 3 mins away. Tried CIM last year but failed. I'm going to try tunnel marathon this summer. I guess that's my last chance :(
@seth - The experience of running this race was so worth the work put in. I would find an course before the window closes and run an easy (for you) qualifier. This course is like no other and running it without the pressure of starting with the elites would be well worth it. It’s a tough course but well suited to your running style. Oh, and the crowds are A-MAZING!
Actually running Boston is not exactly easy, the key 🔑 I recall is after heartbreak hill, prepare to run on an empty tank and Mass ave under pass is loads of fun after that ;)
You got to go for the BQ Seth 👍 If you got the bug just watching it, imagine how good it will feel when you run it 🤩
Hey Seth. I believe the other marathon that is in consideration for an abbot world major is Sydney in Australia. Does anybody know if you still get credit for a marathon before it becomes a world major? For instance if you run Cape Town before it becomes a world major would you still have that check box marked to complete your world majors list?
Seth, I got around a 2:58 - 2:59 in my Napa Valley Marathon. Knowing that the past 2 years, ALL times have been accepted. Will I be good for 2024?
Hi Seth. Why do you need to get below 2:19 in order to qualify for Boston? That’s only for elite or sub elite as you said. Can’t you just get in based on the age and sex criteria, like us commonly folk lol?
Chicago was AMAZING!
Good Morning DGR!
Confused. Aren' t you running CIM which is a BQ race?
In order to qualify for Boston 2024, one must run a BQ prior to about 9/16/23 (using last year's cutoff date). CIM occurs in December, so it would work for Boston 2025.
@@mikeleonard8684 Ah, thanks!
Thank you Seth
How many half marathons can or you should be aiming for in a calendar year? Last year I felt that I trained all year to race one marathon in December. Not fun, I welcome any comments, answers, thanks!
Be careful with the qualifying times. They are guides. Often you will have to run quicker than the qualifying time for your age group to get a spot because so many people register a valid time.
1st dgr strong 👍🏃♀️💪
This is so great Seth for helping us out for this. Thank you
Come to Brazil. Do Porto Alegre marathon in Rio Grande do Sul south Brazil. Fast race, and you can win 🏆 and get money. I think is 4000 dólares for the winner. With 2:20 you can win the race.
Boston sounds fun.
I ran Steamtown, which is in Pennsylvania. It's a great BQ course as most of my friends who ran for that purpose got their BQ.