33,656 qualifier applications received for 2027 Boston Marathon
BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced a total of 33,656 qualifier entry applications were received during registration week for the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. Between September 14-18, athletes from 129 countries and all 50 U.S. states applied to participate in the April 19, 2027 event.
“All around the world, athletes have circled Patriots’ Day and the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America on their running calendars, hoping to participate in the world’s oldest annual marathon,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “We’re excited to welcome future Boston Marathoners into the race soon.”
Due to field size limitations, not all qualifiers will be accepted into the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. Over the coming weeks, the Boston Athletic Association will verify all qualifier submissions, and subsequently athletes will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance via e-mail by early October. The 33,656 qualifier entry applications received is an increase compared to the 33,267 qualifier applicants for the April 2026 event.
The B.A.A. will not predict the “cut-off” time needed to gain acceptance into the 131st Boston Marathon and asks for athletes’ cooperation and patience during this verification process. New for 2027, a Boston Qualifier Selection will give athletes who don’t meet the “cut-off” time needed a chance to participate.
Athletes are asked not to contact the B.A.A. to check on the status of their entry unless requested to do so by a member of our Athlete Services team. When available, information will be posted to www.baa.org and across the Boston Marathon’s social media channels.
Since 1970, the Boston Marathon has featured qualifying standards as a means of entry. A historical breakdown of qualifying times can be found here.
The qualifying window for the 132nd Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, to be held April 17, 2028, opened on September 19, 2026, and will run through the end of registration week in September 2027. Exact registration dates and entry procedures for the 2028 Boston Marathon will be announced following the 2027 Boston Marathon. 2028 Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards can be found here, and are the same as those used for 2027 Boston Marathon registration. Downhill time indexes for courses with net-elevation drop of 1,500 feet (457.2 meters) or more are subject to change ahead of the 2028 registration period.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will official notices of acceptances and non-acceptances be emailed?
Notices of acceptance or non-acceptance will be issued by early October.
When will credit cards be charged? My credit card has been charged/it appears entry fees have been withdrawn from my bank. What does this mean?
Credit cards will be charged only if accepted into the event. Upon submission of an athlete’s application, their credit card has been authorized for payment. If an application is accepted, only then will the credit card be charged the non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable entry fee. Athletes may notice a preauthorization draft on a credit card statement. The actual charge will not appear on the credit card until their entry has been verified and accepted. Only athletes who are accepted into the Boston Marathon will be charged the entry fee.
Will 131st Boston Marathon registration re-open to qualifiers?
Registration for the 131st Boston Marathon was open from September 14-18 for all qualified athletes and will not re-open.
When does registration for the 132nd Boston Marathon open?
The 132nd Boston Marathon qualifying window began on September 19, 2026. Registration dates will be announced following the conclusion of the 131st race.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will be held on Monday, April 19, 2027.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Cape Town, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.