New additional Boston Qualifier Selection opportunity; Registration dates announced
BOSTON (For Release 11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, July 22) — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced registration updates pertaining to the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, to be run on April 19, 2027, including a new random selection opportunity for Boston qualifiers.
Qualifier registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will occur over five days, September 14 through 18, 2026. Similar to recent years, anyone who has achieved a Boston Marathon qualifying time for their respective age and gender can apply during this window within the B.A.A.’s online platform Athletes’ Village. Registration is not on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 18.
NEW FOR 2027: Additional Random Selection Component for Boston Qualifiers
Following the close of registration week on September 18, the B.A.A. will review all submissions, verify qualifying times, and rank athletes based on how much they surpassed their qualifying standard. The fastest qualifiers by age group will be accepted and will determine the “cut-off” time. The number of athletes accepted will be consistent with recent years.
New for 2027, the B.A.A. will incorporate a Boston Qualifier Selection, an additional random selection component specifically for applicants whose qualifying time was not faster than the cut-off. Approximately 1,000 qualifiers will be randomly selected for entry, rewarding athletes who’ve achieved a Boston qualifier.
“The Boston Marathon annually welcomes the highest performing athletes, and we are internationally known for our qualifying standards,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “With the increasingly fast times in our sport, our random Boston Qualifier Selection gives all those who have met the standard for their age group a chance to run Boston.”
Athletes whose qualifying times were not faster than the cut-off for their age group and gender will automatically be eligible for the Boston Qualifier Selection. The chance of being selected is dependent on how many Boston Marathon qualifier applications are received during September’s registration period. Due to field size limitations, it is anticipated that not all applicants will be accepted.
All 2027 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America qualifier applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by early October, 2026.
ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION ITEMS
- 2027 Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards can be found here, and additional registration information is available here. For the first time, September’s upcoming registration will incorporate time index adjustments for any qualifying times submitted that were run at courses with a greater than 1,500 feet (457.2 meters) net elevation drop.
- The 2028 Boston Marathon Qualifying Window will open on Saturday, September 19, 2026 – one day after Registration Week for the 2027 event closes. The qualifying window will remain open through 2028 Boston Marathon Registration Week in September, 2027.
- 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.
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.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Lotsbom, Director of Race Communications & Media
Clotsbom@baa.org
Celia Oswitch, Manager of Communications
Coswitch@baa.org