Fast Running Blog

I have heard that in lieu of the 7 hour sell out for 2011 Boston Marathon, the BAA is thinking about raising standards for qualifying. Does anyone know more about this and/or what are thoughts. I know that back in the 80s men 18-34 had to run a 2:50 or faster to qualify. I had no idea how I would run a 3:10 (7:19 pace), let alone a 2:50 which I believe is like a 6:45 or 6:50 average. Do I just say the heck with it and forget Boston? I really don't think a heavy 220lb runner like myself is ever going to get fit enough to average 6:50 for a 1/2 let alone a full!

The BAA is planning on releasing any changes to the registration in early 2011 (Jan./Feb.) and have been looking at a number of things:  increasing the price, increasing the size, making the quals faster (mostly looking at women's times but that has its own issues), tiered registration periods (faster runners earlier, then opening up for slower runners), etc.  They are trying to maintain their unique status but wanting to allow for qualifying runners to get in...quite a challenge.

I would be surprised if they dropped it to 2:50.  I don't think the real issue is with the fastest qualifying time (3:10).  I like the idea of the tiered registration periods.

If they did the tiered registration period, since I am in the 18-34 division I would have to have a 3:10 - that would mean I would be able to register first? I could just see it if I finally got in shape and were able to qualify but got locked out of registration!

The qualifying standards are very unlikely to change for 2012 since the qualification window opened on 9/25/2010 and this year's fall marathoners are already banking on being in. However, I would bet my running shoes that they will change the registration process to make it seem more "fair".
I think the 2011 field will be pretty unique since only the most eager and excited qualifiers managed to get registered before it was full.

Benn- from what I understand (which isn't much), "tiered" would mean they would first open registration to very fast runners (i.e. maybe those who beat their age BQ by 30+ min, then open it to 15 min, then all BQ, then charity runners.  That is what I have heard about tiering... bot don't quote me on it.

Rumor is reduction in womans times.  I am at an age break, but plan to try to make it in the "younger" time to ensure qualifying.  Grew up there(Boston) and want to run there at least once.  My 55 year old friend ran 3:34 last week to easily qualify.  I will try to do the same in May.  If I don't get in.....oh well I can feel good that I can run over 13 and maybe up to 20 at under 8:00 pace at 55 years old and 182 pounds.  Most of my peers cannot.

Update. The suspense is over. Rolling registration starting in 2012 allowing faster runners to register first and lowering qualifying times by 5 mins across board beginning in 2013: http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/blog/2011/02/baa_announces_new_procedures_f.html

All the more reason to get it done this year and try to run the best marathon possible w/o "settling" for the slowest possible qualifying time.

Sounds like they came up with a great proposal.  Much better than the old system given the quick sell-out.