The Boston Marathon has long been the goal for runners. The tradition of the oldest U.S. marathon and the challenge to qualify leads thousands of marathoners each year on a quest for that coveted unicorn-decorated finisher’s medal.
In recent years, it has become more difficult to earn a spot on Main St. in Hopkinton for the start. For the 2013 marathon, the B.A.A. reduced the qualifing standards by five minutes for all age groups and the increased demand lately has led to some runners who have met their qualifying times to be turned away due to registration being full.*
With being accepted into the race not guaranteed, even if the qualifying times are met, it is important to choose a qualifying race that gives you the best chance to run your best. We have compiled a list of races that have demonstrated over the past few years (2014-2017) to be great Boston Marathon qualifying races.
| Race | Average BQ% (2014-Aug. 2017) |
Average Number of BQs per Year |
| Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon (IL) | 50.3% | 102 |
| Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon (MI) | 45.8% | 51 |
| LOCO Marathon | 32.4% | 52 |
| Erie Marathon at Presque Isle | 31.6% | 407 |
| Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon | 29.8% | 170 |
| Mountains 2 Beach Marathon | 28.9% | 520 |
| Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon | 27.1% | 136 |
| Baystate Marathon | 25.3% | 360 |
| California International Marathon | 22.2% | 1,300 |
| REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon | 24.2% | 332 |
| Peak to Creek Marathon | 24.2% | 69 |
| Tunnel Lite Marathon | 32.4% | 117 |
| **REVEL Mt. Charleston Marathon | 39.1% | 377 |
| **Tunnel Vision Marathon | 37.5% | 107 |
* From 2014-2017, an average of 3,110 qualifiers who registered for the Boston Marathon were not accepted
** Only 2 years of history