33,267 qualifier applications received for 2026 Boston Marathon
BOSTON – Following a successful registration week for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced updates pertaining to the Patriots’ Day race.
A total of 33,267 qualifier entry applications were received during registration week (September 8-12), with athletes from 116 countries and all 50 U.S. states applying to participate in the April 20, 2026, event.
“Year after year, the running community looks forward to April’s Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America with anticipation and excitement,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “Athletes from around the globe applied to be part of the Patriots’ Day tradition, and we look forward to welcoming many to the roads leading to Boylston Street next April.”
Due to field size limitations, not all qualifiers will be accepted into the 130th 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. For the 2025 Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. accepted 24,069 qualified applicants, while 12,324 applicants were unable to be accepted.
The B.A.A. will not predict the "cut-off" time needed to gain acceptance into the 130th Boston Marathon and asks for athletes’ cooperation and patience during this verification process. 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 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, to be held April 19, 2027, opened on September 13, 2025, and will run through the end of registration week in September 2026. Exact registration dates and entry procedures for the 2027 Boston Marathon will be announced following the 2026 Boston Marathon.
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 economic impact of the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America produced $509 million in state and local economic activity. The 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
Frequently Asked Questions for Athletes
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 130th Boston Marathon registration re-open to qualifiers?
Registration for the 130th Boston Marathon was open from September 8-12 for all qualified athletes and will not re-open.
When does registration for the 131st Boston Marathon open?
The 131st Boston Marathon qualifying window began on September 13, 2025. Registration dates will be announced following the conclusion of the 130th race.