Don't Forget - Registration for 2014 Boston Marathon Begins Next Monday, Sept 9th

Just a quick reminder for Boston Marathon fans - the registration process will open next Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. PST. This is the first day of the "rolling registration" that allows faster qualifiers to register first, as used for the 2012 and 2013 editions. So if you beat your Boston Qualifying time (BQ) by 20 minutes or more, you're up!!!!

You aren't the first group, however, as there was a special registration for the 5,624 runners who were stopped on the course and unable to finish due to the tragic bombings. Over 4,500 runners elected to return, which is awesome! The race cap was raised to 36,000 runners for 2014 (nearing the peak the BAA had for the centennial race in 1996), so there should be plenty of space for everyone

Not that it's going to be easy to get in, mind you. The standards are tougher (see table below), and I have met many-a-runner inspired to renew their BQ goals to be a part of the "healing year" for this great American race. If my very small sample size is any indication, I suspect there will be 20-30% more runners ready to apply.  So if it's important to you, be sure to register as soon as you can.

(If search queries are any indication, there is lots of demand for 2014)

I'm looking forward to the 2014 Boston Marathon with great anticipation. My original goal was to streak ten Boston's (I still can't recall where this goal came from....beer was certainly involved), and this will be #10. But more importantly, I hope my participation will further honor the community of Boston and celebrate their extraordinary strength and resolve. I know they've got my back, so I'm coming back!

More detailed information about qualifying/registering for Boston can be found at www.baa.org.

SD

2014 BOSTON MARATHON QUALIFYING STANDARDS (effective September 22, 2012)
All standards below are based on official submitted net time.

AGE GROUP	MEN	WOMEN
18-34	3hrs 05min 00sec	3hrs 35min 00sec
35-39	3hrs 10min 00sec	3hrs 40min 00sec
40-44	3hrs 15min 00sec	3hrs 45min 00sec
45-49	3hrs 25min 00sec	3hrs 55min 00sec
50-54	3hrs 30min 00sec	4hrs 00min 00sec
55-59	3hrs 40min 00sec	4hrs 10min 00sec
60-64	3hrs 55min 00sec	4hrs 25min 00sec
65-69	4hrs 10min 00sec	4hrs 40min 00sec
70-74	4hrs 25min 00sec	4hrs 55min 00sec
75-79	4hrs 40min 00sec	5hrs 10min 00sec
80 and over	4hrs 55min 00sec	5hrs 25min 00sec

An additional 59 seconds will NOT be accepted for each age group time standard. That is, there is no cushion or flexibility with the minimum qualifying time for purposes of qualification eligibility.