Boston Marathon (USA) as a Slower Runner

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Apr 2023
10:55pm, 18 Apr 2023
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Hanneke
When I wanted to run Boston, many years ago, you could only do so by running a qualifying time. I did, but ended up never actually running Boston... I regret that now, so if you get the chance, do it!
Apr 2023
11:01pm, 18 Apr 2023
102,375 posts
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Hanneke
Here we go:
baa.org
Apr 2023
10:30am, 19 Apr 2023
26,567 posts
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TROSaracen
5000 bucks, jeeze. That's a tough ask.

I wonder where they seed charity runners. As I recall, Boston was very much a 'runner's' race. No ballot, everyone (other than the charity places) has to qualify. You don;t get the proliferation of gorillas/Mr Blobby's/bananas etc that you get at other majors.

You get a number, and a start pen/wave according to your qualifying time (at least when I did it) - ie race number 7398 means you were the 7398th qualifier by time and the pen you you are in (nos 7000-8000) would be all those with Q times just before/after yours.

First task is to finish ahead of our run number, ie 7397th or quicker :-)
Apr 2023
10:40am, 19 Apr 2023
46,375 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I was a slow finisher at 4 hours in Boston in 2019 (same year as Steve and Charlesvdw). I had a bad day. No, I had a great day, I just had a bad run! At 4 hours there were still crowds and people at the finish, but I was a long way down the results! :-) G
Apr 2023
10:42am, 19 Apr 2023
46,376 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
fetcheveryone.com/races/boston-marathon-2488338

There were only 2 out of 15 other Fetchie finishers behind me. :-) G
Apr 2023
10:52am, 19 Apr 2023
1,096 posts
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BK brighter days ahead
Having struggled for years to improve from a 6 hour to 5 hour finish my OH never . After 14 years she did, with several 3:45 ish runs last year. So, never give up hope. Where there is a Will there is a way.

That said, neither of us are really enamoured with the idea of spending so much going to Boston for just a few days, she is more than satisfied knowing that her ‘BQ’ reflects the dedication and improvements made.
Apr 2023
10:55am, 19 Apr 2023
46,377 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I just tried searching year I did it and my 4:08 appears to be 18,276th out of maybe 26,000 plus finishers, with plenty at 6 hours, so while it's a quick distribution, it appears plenty finishing in 5 and 6 hours? :-) G
Apr 2023
10:55am, 19 Apr 2023
1,097 posts
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BK brighter days ahead
‘My OH never… thought she would achieve a London GFA never mind a Boston qualifier time.’
Apr 2023
12:20pm, 19 Apr 2023
102,413 posts
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Hanneke
It is a tough course Happy!
I had run a 3.42 to qualify but I reckon I'd have taken at least half an hour longer for Boston...
Apr 2023
3:15pm, 19 Apr 2023
2,884 posts
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Steve NordRunner
I dunno, I got my marathon pb there on my third visit (2013, 2014, 2015). It's a net downhill, but where the hills are is the thing - you have to have a strategy worked out.

About This Thread

Maintained by Metro_Nome
Hello fetch hive mind. I’ve been giving some thought to what I might like to do to celebrate my 40th birthday (incoming in 2025). I considered a 40 mile ultra but think that’s beyond reach

Seeing all the posts and now watching the coverage from Boston, I’m wondering if my 40th marathon at Boston could be the one.

I’ll never be able to qualify, but would be willing to fundraise and chuck a fair amount of cash at it… does anybody have any experience of doing it this way, and any t...

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