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How to qualify for the Boston Marathon

| 22 May 2013 | 02:07
    Photos courtesy Laura DeLea Justin Scheid (BQ), Jeremy Scheid, Billy Washer(BQ), Laura DeLea(BQ) and Bill Bosmann(BQ - has run 18 Boston Marathons). Jeremy Scheid along with Team Eastern teammate, Lauren Huffman will be doing their first Marathons in the next two months in hopes to time qualify and join the rest. They all plan to run Boston next year in the spirit of all Runners and Americans in honor of the survivors, hero's and those who were killed in this years' Marathon. (BQ= Boston Time Qualified)
    Photos courtesy Laura DeLea Justin Scheid (BQ), Jeremy Scheid, Billy Washer(BQ), Laura DeLea(BQ) and Bill Bosmann(BQ - has run 18 Boston Marathons). Jeremy Scheid along with Team Eastern teammate, Lauren Huffman will be doing their first Marathons in the next two months in hopes to time qualify and join the rest. They all plan to run Boston next year in the spirit of all Runners and Americans in honor of the survivors, hero's and those who were killed in this years' Marathon. (BQ= Boston Time Qualified)
    Laura DeLea, captain of Team Eastern in Sparta, running in the NYC Marathon.
    Laura DeLea, captain of Team Eastern in Sparta, running in the NYC Marathon.

SPARTA — After the bombing tragedy at the Boston Marathon, runners and non-runners alike gathered to show their support for the victims. Now many are lacing up their shoes and hitting the streets in hopes of continuing to show their support at next year's race.

But qualifying for the Boston Marathon is no small feat. It is why the marathon is held with such prestige amongst runners.

"I don’t particular want to go out and run a lot of marathons," said Laura DeLea avid runner and Captain of the running league Team Eastern in Sparta, sponsored by Eastern Propane. "The two true marathons are New York City and Boston because they are not just races to sign up for, but you have to qualify and work hard to get there."

Since 1987, the Boston Marathon has been held on Patriot's Day and attracts 500,000 spectators and an average of about 20,000 registered participants each year, according the Boston Athletic Association.

Of the 26,839 runners who participated this year, only 75.3 percent finished, the rest were stopped after the two bombs exploded near the finish line. Offering a second chance, the B.A.A. announced last week it will give the 5,633 entrants who passed the halfway point but were unable to finish a guaranteed entry into next year's marathon.

"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," stated Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director in the release. "With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes and we expect that most will renew their marathon training commitment."

With this year's runners being offered a guarenteed entry to next year's race, this would limit the availability even further as the B.A.A. has noted no decision has been made on the maximum field size for the 2014 Boston Marathon.

Qualifying for Boston
Runners and non runners alike must always start with a training program to get in shape to run 26.2 miles. There are several program out there to choose from, Runner's World (www.runnersworld.com/training) or Hal Higdon (http://halhigdon.com) both offer different levels of programs to tailor to your physical level.

Next, runners must compete in a qualifying race (see side bar) and finish within a certain time designated by their age group (see side bar) before September.

There are separate requirements for those running for charity or with disabilities. Check baaa.org for more information.

Even if a runner qualifies there is no guarenteed entry as there is a cap on the number of participants allowed. Last year, the race was capped at 27,000. For 2013, registration opened first to those runners who had beaten their qualifying times by 20 minutes or more, then to those who had beaten their times by 10 minutes or more, then 5 minutes, then registration opened to everyone who had run a qualifying time, according to Runner's World.

Additionally with the increased interest this year, it will be much tougher to get in.

DeLea has already qualified for Boston this year along with five other runners in her club. She is hoping they will all be able to race together next year.

"The six of us want to run together next year," DeLea said. "We just want to run for Boston and run for the spirit of runners and Americans. And not let the horrible people like this get in our way of what we love to do. We will run in respect and honor of everyone hurt, the heroes and everyone who helped that day."