The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) announced on Wednesday that they are lowering the time to qualify for the Boston Marathon by 5 minutes for both genders of all age classifications.
The change is in response to the 2011 Boston Marathon filling up in just over 8 hours.
There will also be no 0:59 second leeway on the times. (Example: A 3:05:59 will no longer qualify you. You have to actually be under 3:05.)
The New Boston Marathon Qualifying Times
| AGE GROUP | MEN | WOMEN |
| 18-34 | 3hrs 05min | 3hrs 35min |
| 35-39 | 3hrs 10min | 3hrs 40min |
| 40-44 | 3hrs 15min | 3hrs 45min |
| 45-49 | 3hrs 25min | 3hrs 55min |
| 50-54 | 3hrs 30min | 4hrs 00min |
| 55-59 | 3hrs 40min | 4hrs 10min |
| 60-64 | 3hrs 55min | 4hrs 25min |
| 65-69 | 4hrs 10min | 4hrs 40min |
| 70-74 | 4hrs 25min | 4hrs 55min |
| 75-79 | 4hrs 40min | 5hrs 10min |
| 80 and over | 4hrs 55min | 5hrs 25min |
The updated qualifying times will go into effect for the 2013 marathon.
Fair or unfair?
I now, only, have to run a 3:05 to qualify. Happy up!
