What Is a BQ? Boston Qualifier Meaning, Explained
A BQ is a Boston Qualifier: a marathon finish time that meets the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) qualifying standard for your age group and gender, run on a certified course inside the qualifying window. Runners say they "got their BQ" when they break that time.
The standards range from 2:55:00 for open men (18 to 34) to over 5 hours for the oldest age groups. They get more generous with age and are 30 minutes slower for women and non-binary athletes than for men in the same age band.
A BQ is a ticket to apply, not a ticket to run
The key misunderstanding: a BQ does not guarantee a start in Boston. It earns you the right to submit a registration application. When more qualifiers apply than the field allows, the BAA accepts the fastest applicants in each age and gender group, and a cutoff trims the rest. So the practical target is not the standard itself but the standard minus a buffer.
Use the BQ Cutoff Predictor to see your buffer under the standard and whether it is likely to be enough.
Frequently asked questions
What does BQ stand for?
BQ stands for Boston Qualifier or Boston Qualifying time: a marathon time that meets the BAA standard for your age and gender.
Is a BQ the same as getting into Boston?
No. A BQ lets you apply. A separate cutoff decides who is accepted when the race is oversubscribed.