⚠ BQ standard vs. acceptance cut-offHitting your standard registers you. Getting in requires beating it by 5–7 minutes. Train for BQ-5 minimum — if your standard is 3:00, target 2:55 or faster.
2026 qualifying standards
| Age | Men | Pace | Women | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:55:00 | 6:41/mi | 3:25:00 | 7:50/mi |
| 35-39 | 3:00:00 | 6:52/mi | 3:30:00 | 8:00/mi |
| 40-44 | 3:05:00 | 7:03/mi | 3:35:00 | 8:11/mi |
| 45-49 | 3:15:00 | 7:26/mi | 3:45:00 | 8:34/mi |
| 50-54 | 3:20:00 | 7:38/mi | 3:50:00 | 8:46/mi |
| 55-59 | 3:30:00 | 8:00/mi | 4:00:00 | 9:09/mi |
| 60-64 | 3:50:00 | 8:46/mi | 4:20:00 | 9:54/mi |
| 65-69 | 4:05:00 | 9:20/mi | 4:35:00 | 10:29/mi |
| 70-74 | 4:20:00 | 9:54/mi | 4:50:00 | 11:03/mi |
| 75-79 | 4:35:00 | 10:29/mi | 5:05:00 | 11:37/mi |
| 80+ | 4:50:00 | 11:03/mi | 5:20:00 | 12:12/mi |
How to calculate your required pace
- Find your age group above (use your age on Boston race day, not on qualifying day).
- Note the standard for your gender — that's your minimum.
- Subtract 5–7 minutes for the acceptance cut-off buffer.
- Divide by 26.2 to get your per-mile race pace, then train at or under that pace.
Worked example — 40-year-old man
- BQ standard: 3:05:00 (7:03/mi)
- Safe target (BQ-5): 3:00:00 (6:52/mi)
- Recommended marathon-pace workout: 6:50/mi or faster
Age group changes
Your qualifying time is based on age on Boston race day, not the day you ran your qualifier. Turning 40 in March 2026? You can use the 40–44 standard for a fall 2025 qualifier.
Recent acceptance cut-offs
- 2025: BQ −6:51
- 2024: BQ −5:29
- 2023: BQ −5:29
- 2022: BQ −0:00 (no cut-off, post-COVID)
Ready to chase your BQ?
12× Boston qualifier coach. VDOT-based training. 78% BQ success rate with coached athletes.