Boston vs London: Two Ways to Earn a Major
Boston and London are both World Marathon Majors, but the path in could hardly be more different.
Boston: speed is the ticket
Boston is almost entirely merit-based for the general field: hit the standard, beat the cutoff, you are in. There is no mass lottery for qualifiers.
London: ballot first, speed second
London's general entry runs on one of the largest public ballots in the sport, where most applicants are unsuccessful. It also offers a Good for Age route with its own time standards and a championship route for very fast runners. So a fast time helps in London, but luck dominates for most entrants.
The takeaway
If you can run a fast certified marathon, Boston gives you the most control over your fate. See whether your time clears Boston's likely cutoff in the predictor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get into London with a Boston qualifying time?
Not directly. London uses its own Good for Age and championship standards, plus a public ballot. A fast time helps but is assessed separately.
Which is more luck-based, Boston or London?
London, for most runners, because its general entry is a large ballot. Boston is merit-based for qualifiers.