Boston Age Groups: Your Age on Race Day, Not Today
Boston qualifying standards are set by age group, and the age that counts is your age on the date of the race you are entering, not your age on the day you ran your qualifier. This small rule has a real effect on who can qualify.
Why it matters
If you turn 35, 40, 45 and so on before race day, you are assessed against the older, more generous standard, even if you ran your qualifier while still in the younger band. A runner who is 39 at their qualifier but 40 on race day uses the 40 to 44 standard.
How to use it
If your birthday lands between your qualifier and race day and crosses an age-group line, you may qualify against the easier standard. Always enter your age on race day, not today, when you check your buffer. The predictor uses age on race day for exactly this reason.
Frequently asked questions
Which age do I use to qualify for Boston?
Your age on the date of the Boston Marathon you are entering, not your age when you ran the qualifier.
Can a birthday change my qualifying standard?
Yes. If you cross into an older age group by race day, you are assessed against that group's more generous standard.