The Boston Cutoff Trend: Why Buffers Keep Growing
A decade ago a minute or two under the standard was often enough. Now it usually is not. The cutoff has trended upward, with sharp swings.
The trajectory
In the mid-2010s cutoffs sat around 1 to 2 minutes. By 2019 it was 4:52. After the pandemic years, 2024 hit 5:29 and 2025 reached 6:51. The 2026 cutoff fell to 4:34, but only because the standards themselves were tightened by 5 minutes for under-60 runners, which removed slower applicants.
The drivers
More marathon finishers, faster average times, fast downhill qualifying courses, and cool-weather record years all push the cutoff up. The BAA's periodic standard tightenings reset the buffer but do not remove the underlying pressure. The 2027 downhill adjustment is the latest attempt to manage it.
See the full history and where your buffer fits in the predictor.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Boston cutoff keep rising?
More fast finishers and fast courses feed a larger qualified pool. The BAA tightens standards periodically, which resets but does not end the pressure.
Why did the 2026 cutoff drop?
Because the standards were tightened 5 minutes for under-60 runners, which cut the applicant pool, not because demand fell.