FAQ

While the B.A.A. discourages the use of iPods and headphones, we do not impose a ban on wearing such devices in the B.A.A. Half Marathon except for the elite men and women and all those eligible for prize money.

The overall 2012 Boston Marathon field is approximately 2 and 1/2 minutes faster than in any previous year. Therefore,  all wave breaks have been adjusted for this year. We cannot change anyone's seed or wave assignment.

Here are the comparisons from last year to this year: 

2011 Break between Wave 1 and 2 – 3:22:41      
2011 Break between Wave 2 and 3 – 3:45:57  

2012 Break between Wave 1 and 2 – 3:19:10
2012 Break between Wave 2 and 3 – 3:43:48

 

Your qualifying time is based on your age on the day of the Boston Marathon, thus your qualifying time will be 3hrs 25 min – and you can be 44 when you run your qualifying race.

For more information on qualifying times, click here

We cannot make hotel recommendations. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau has an extensive list of hotels in the Greater Boston area. Additionally, Marathon Tours and Travel is an official partner of the Boston Marathon, and they have rooms on hold at many hotels in the City of Boston.

Please send proof of your name change (ie: copy of marriage certificate) to the Registration Office via email (registration@baa.org) or fax (508-435-6590) and we will update it for you.

If it’s a case of a divorce, we ask for a copy of the name change portion of the divorce decree.  We can also take a copy of old and new driver’s license.

If your Number Pick Up Card does not reach you before race weekend, please be sure to bring a photo ID with you to Number Pick-Up at the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo located at the Hynes Convention Center. Go to the "Replacement Number Pick-Up Cards" booth near number pick-up, show your valid photo id, and a volunteer will print a new card for you. You will use that new card to pick up your number.

Official Boston Marathon Merchandise will be on sale at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, several Boston sporting goods stores, in Copley Square Park and at the Family Meeting Area after the race. For more information, go to www.baa.org. Before or after race weekend, merchandise may be ordered online or via mail-order directly from our licensees. Some of them may also have limited amounts of previous years’ merchandise available. To see a list of official Boston Marathon licensees and their products go to our Shop page.

While the B.A.A. discourages the use of iPods and headphones, we do not impose a ban on wearing such devices in the Boston Marathon except for the elite men and women and all those eligible for prize money.

Many runners choose not to wear headphones, and instead listen to the crowd cheer them to Boylston Street.

As your qualifying time is verified, we may find that your name was misspelled, your zip code was wrong, or other minor mistakes with your application. As long as your qualifying time can be verified, these mistakes should not jeopardize your entry into the Boston Marathon. You will be contacted by the B.A.A. eventually to correct this information.

Bring a photo I.D. and / or proof of payment (cancelled check or credit card statement) to the registration area, and we will issue a new number. We will cancel your previous number, and void the timing device so that no one can misrepresent you.