33,267 qualifier applications received for 2026 Boston Marathon

 33,267 qualifier applications received for 2026 Boston Marathon

 

BOSTON – Following a successful registration week for the 130^th 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 130^th 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 130^th 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 131^st 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.