Why Your Boston Qualifier Must Be on a Certified Course
The BAA only accepts qualifying times from marathons run on a course certified for distance accuracy (for example USATF certified in the United States, or the equivalent national body elsewhere). A time on an uncertified course will not be accepted, even if it beats the standard.
What certification means
Certification confirms the course is at least the full marathon distance, measured by an approved method. It protects the integrity of qualifying times so that a BQ from one race means the same as a BQ from another.
How to check
Most established marathons advertise their certification number. If a race does not state that it is certified, assume it is not and do not plan to qualify there. Treadmill times, GPS-only virtual races, and untimed events do not count.
Have a certified time already? See whether the buffer clears the likely cutoff with the predictor.
Frequently asked questions
Does a GPS watch time count for Boston?
No. Only an official chip time from a certified, sanctioned marathon counts. GPS-only or virtual times are not accepted.
How do I know if my race is certified?
Check the race website for a certification number, or the national governing body's certified course list before you enter.